St Joseph’s School celebrates 100 years of history

A local catholic primary school is celebrating a massive milestone and an exciting new addition to their campus.

St Joseph’s School celebrates 100 years of history
St Joseph's School principal Ros Oates welcomes reception students Saheni and Archer, who have started in the school's 100th year. Photo: St Joseph's School.

This sponsored story is brought to you by St Josephs School, Murray Bridge.

One hundred years ago, the Sisters of Saint Joseph arrived in Murray Bridge to begin the foundations of St Joseph’s Catholic School. 

Now more than 470 students are enrolled at the Catholic primary school on Mannum Road, from reception to year nine.

On February 7, the school will hold a centenary celebration, with guided school tours, a Catholic parish mass, a gala dinner and an open day.

Principal Ros Oates has been with the school for more than three years but her history with St Joseph’s dates back 30 years, as a teacher.

“ We have a small number of staff that are still here in the school and school community or past students who now are educators on our site,” she said. 

“This is what makes us unique, with the obvious desire and love that people have for our community.

“I feel really proud to be the person that is continuing on those traditions, values and foundations.”

The grounds may have been dramatically improved over the past century, but St Joseph's School's values remain the same. Photo: Horizon Construction Services.

The school is currently in the second stage of its 2022 master plan, the first stage of which led to the recent construction of its recent Tenison Woods middle school building.

A new gymnasium now underway will provide students with upgraded performing arts and hard technology facilities, and accommodate up to 600 people.

“We will certainly see the foundations and construction of the gym by the end of the year, with hopefully the opening into our 101st year,” Ms Oates said.

“The gymnasium will be a beautiful addition and a really big indoor space for students.

“We are growing and we’re outgrowing some of the smaller areas; our next plans are to expand our buildings and resources.”

Convent school has become leading educational institution

It was in January 1925 that a house on Mannum Road was turned into a convent school which catered to both primary and secondary students, marking the beginning of St Joseph’s rich 100-year history. 

In 1934 the school expanded into two stone classrooms which now serve as the administration building.

Eventually, in 1963, secondary classes were discontinued and a new convent was built to accommodate growing enrolments.

In the late 20th century, the school started to significantly expand with the addition of the Edwards Building, performing arts centre, an overpass to the church oval, car parks and a two-story classroom block.

St Joseph’s has increased transport options to make the school more accessible to families from the Mannum, Callington and Mount Barker/Hills areas.

“I’ve lived in lots of country areas and you often only get one or two choices,” Ms Oates said.

“I think it’s unique to this area that families can really explore different educational institutions and offerings and suit that to their child.”

The 100th year was about all being in this together, she said.

“Our young people deserve the time and effort in this district.”


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