In 1903 St Joseph’s College Melbourne opened its doors. Forty students and three Christian Brothers began a journey. This journey would span over a century. St Joseph’s was a Roman Catholic secondary college. It was part of the Association of Edmund Rice schools. These schools followed the tradition of the Christian Brothers.
The college thrived for many years. It educated boys from various backgrounds. Many went on to achieve great things in their chosen professions. These included the fields of finance business medicine law politics and the religious community. Initially located in North Melbourne St Joseph’s later added a junior campus in Pascoe Vale. The North Melbourne campus was ideally located. It was close to Melbourne’s universities museums libraries and athletic venues. The Pascoe Vale campus was also well situated with easy access to transport and sporting grounds.
Sport was an integral part of St Joseph’s. The first football team formed around 1906. The college participated in many sports. It often competed against other schools. Athletics handball and tennis were popular. St Joseph’s was a founding member of the Combined Catholic Schools Association. The college even won the Athletics Championship in 1914. Their famous banners and cheer squad were well-known. Students belonged to one of four houses. These houses were named after four headmasters: Hogan McSweeney Geoghegan and Kelly.
In 2000 the two campuses formally amalgamated. They became one college under a new banner. A new logo was designed. This logo incorporated elements representing the school’s history and philosophy. It featured a Gryphon a mythical creature. The Gryphon was a symbol of knowledge wisdom and spiritual values. The logo also included a Bethlehem star and the Southern Cross. This represented the college community the Christian Brothers and the state of Victoria. The motto Luceat Lux Vestra Let Your Light Shine is still held dear.
Sadly in 2008 a decision was made. Edmund Rice Education Australia and the Christian Brothers decided to close the college. Falling enrollments outdated facilities and student management issues contributed to this decision. The Pascoe Vale campus closed in 2009. The North Melbourne campus followed a year later. This marked the end of an era for St Joseph’s College. But its legacy lives on in the memories of its students and the contributions of its alumni to society. The site is now used for another purpose however the rich history of St Joseph’s remains a cherished part of Melbourne’s past.