Nanette Hanson Memorial Appeal

As everyone within our community knows, the tragic events which unfolded in our school on 1 November 1967 resulted in the death of Mrs Hanson who was just newly married and a young teacher at the time.  Mrs Hanson risked her life out of care and concern for her pupils, and ultimately lost her life as she ensured their safety.  Her example has been an inspiration to us all within St John’s High School and Dundee for generations.  Thankfully events like this are an extremely rare occurrence in this country, and perhaps this gives us an even greater reason to never forget this example of love, sacrifice and selflessness.

In the days following this tragedy, Brother Bede (the Head Teacher then) wrote to parents to request their support for a fitting memorial for Mrs Hanson.  The parents of St John’s were, as always, generous, and a beautiful oak carving of St John was dedicated in her honour.  However, a fire in the 1970s destroyed this memorial, and for reasons lost in history, the memorial was never replaced.  With the upcoming 60th anniversary, we would like to put this right. 

We are commissioning a local artist to work with some of our young people to design a stained glass window for our chapel, which will be dedicated to the memory of Nanette.  The cost of this will be approximately £3000 and this will provide a truly fitting memorial for a teacher who embodied our Marist values of ‘Family Spirit’ and ‘In the Way of Mary’. 

How you can help

Parents can contribute via ParentPay

Donations from the wider community are very welcome. Please use the details below or hand in a cheque to the school office.  Name: St John’s High School, Sort Code: 80-73-31, Account: 00620628.  Please use the reference ‘Memorial’. 

Thank you.

Seán P Hagney

Head Teacher