“Strive for better things.” That is the motto of St Joseph’s College. What does it mean to a school with such a long and rich history. Founded in 1881 by the Marist Brothers, St Joseph’s College is known as Joeys. It has been at the forefront of secondary education in Australia for over 140 years.
St Joseph’s College started in a temporary wooden building. It began with just 55 students. The school quickly grew. Observers noticed its impact within six years. James Francis Hogan praised St Joseph’s College in 1887. He said it reflected the highest credit on the Catholic population.
Let’s delve deeper into the history of St Joseph’s College. Emilian Pontet, the headmaster, sought land for a new school. Hunters Hill was chosen due to its proximity to the Marist Fathers’ Monastery. The College has expanded its grounds and buildings since its opening. The southern wing was built between 1882 and 1884. The central and northern wings followed between 1889 and 1894. The Chapel was built between 1938 and 1940.
The land in the south-eastern corner was acquired in 1882. A benefactor named O’Shaugnessy helped. It was known as Joubert’s Reserve. The original small stone cottage still stands there today. St Joseph’s College playing fields are known as “the Park”. They were bought in 1893 from Charles Gilbert Heydon. Heydon offered the Brothers a discount on the 16 acres. O’Shaugnessy also assisted with this purchase.
St Joseph’s College is now located on a 16-hectare campus. It overlooks the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers. The location is in Hunters Hill. It is just 6 kilometres from Sydney’s central business district.
St Joseph’s College has a strong boarding tradition. It is the largest all-boys boarding school in Australia. Over 550 students board at the school. This makes it one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. Joeys offers full and weekly boarding options. There are dormitories for Years 10, 11, and 12. The main building contains dorms for younger students. It also houses refectories, the Health Centre, and the College Chapel. The Year 12 Boarding Area was refurbished in 2009.
The College provides many academic facilities. There is a large science building with labs and classrooms. St Joseph’s College has a library and resource centre. A visual arts centre and a music centre also exist. There is a hall and five computer labs. In 2013, St. Joseph’s opened a new Technology and Arts Precinct.
St Joseph’s College has significant sporting facilities. There are approximately 10 playing fields. They are used for cricket, rugby, and football. “The Park” is a 10-hectare facility with the main playing fields. It also has eight tennis courts. On the main campus, there are basketball courts and playing fields. There is a swimming pool, two gymnasiums, and a cardio room. The boatshed for the school’s rowing club is on Tarban Creek.
In 1986, St Joseph’s College opened “Colo”. It is an outdoor education centre. It provides education in outdoor activities. This culminates in extended expeditions in Year 9.
St Joseph’s College offers a balanced education. It incorporates learning, spiritual, and physical experiences. The school is known for its academic, cultural, and sporting achievements. It also has links to the local and international community. The College motto “In Meliora Contende” encapsulates this ethos. It provides a principle all boys can live by. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a song of unity. Joeys students sing it at sporting events.
The Marist Brothers’ values inform everything the College does. These values are presence, simplicity, and love of work. They also include family spirit and the way of Mary. The Catholic faith is central to the College’s vision. St Joseph’s College strives to provide a quality education. It draws faith, culture, and life into harmony. The aim is to develop young men of character and integrity. These men will approach the world with courage and humility.
St Joseph’s College continues to be a leading school. It shapes boys into confident and caring young men. They will make a positive contribution to society.