"Seven years ago I visited Wealdstone and saw that some enlargements had taken place at the College, now I hear that it has again been enlarged almost out recognition. How wonderful! Who would have thought in September 1926, that some day there would be over 500 pupils at the College? It is evident that it is God's work, and so it prospered and will continue to prosper.
I remember still vividly that day when the first boys arrived. They were at first somewhat shy and not a little apprehensive, hut they soon got over that initial feeling. They became quite accustomed to the new surroundings and seemingly began to like the place very much. Mr. Rose, the late Father Cuthbert and myself were the teachers. The little chapel in the Rectory had been converted into a classroom and this provided ample room for the 'brave thirteen' foundation pupils of the school.
My task was to teach German and Ancient History. It was not always easy for me to keep discipline. From time to time, Father Gabriel, the founder of the school inspected the class and at these times those darling little rascals behaved like mice, so much so that Father used to say that I had a very easy task on my hands with such angelic pupils!! Well, it was fun and I managed somehow. Not long after the beginning it was decided to have 'uniforms' for the boys and green and white were the colours chosen - everyone liked them. About the same time a Father Parsons (ed. note: Canon Parsons former Headmaster of Finchley) also started a secondary school and almost immediately we looked upon this school as a friendly rival. As the Finchley boys elected to have black uniforms they were nicknamed by us as 'the grave-diggers'!
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In 1927 Father Gabriel started a new building so that we could accommodate more boys - it was all uphill work but thank God, it was crowned with success. In 1928 I was transferred to our house at Abbots Langley, but continued to keep in close touch with events at Wealdstone. In 1938 I was sent to our North American Province and continued to teach German, and Ancient History but with the addition of Greek and French. Now that I am a little older and the students are at Waukesha, I devote my time more to parish work. Please give my regards to the alumni who still remember me, Fr. Charles Pradarutti S.D.S. | School History Index | | 1966 Magazine Index | HOME | |
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