Around the world, 800 Marist schools testify to St Marcellin Champagnat’s vision. St Joseph’s Marist College is one of five Marist schools in South Africa. Champagnat established the Marist Brothers in 1817. They are a Roman Catholic order. Five Marist values are championed by Marcellin Champagnat. These values underpin how St Joseph’s teaches, learns, and lives.
St Joseph’s Marist College prides itself on its rich history. Its journey to the present has defined its character. The story of St Joseph’s Marist College began in 1867. The Marist Brothers arrived in Cape Town on April 16. They traveled by ship from Marseilles to Simon’s Town. Bishop Thomas Grimley met them. The brothers traveled from Simon’s Town to Cape Town by ox-wagon. This journey took two weeks. They settled in Hope Street. South Africa was the fourth country in the world where the Marist Brothers extended their teaching skills. It was the first country outside Europe.
Looking for spacious grounds, the Belmont property was bought by the Brothers from J.B. Ebden. In February 1918, Belmont opened as St Joseph’s College of the Marist Brothers. There were just over 100 pupils. Harold J. Doran was the first registered pupil. Brother Paul-Eusterius was the first principal.
In 1933, the senior standards at Hatfield Street were discontinued. St Joseph’s Academy was incorporated into St Joseph’s College. The college reaped the rewards of the amalgamation. There was a significant growth in numbers.
Increased numbers meant additional classrooms were required. The College Chapel was built and unveiled in 1936. The wing for the High School was started. The chapel and new wing were built in Romanesque style. The old Chapel became the Std 4 classroom.
In 1978, St Joseph’s Marist College became an Open School. Catholic Church authorities asked pardon for compliance with discriminatory practices. They declared their institutions open to everyone regardless of legislation.
In 1982, the Venture of Faith campaign was launched. This was to prevent the closing of St Joseph’s. The campaign achieved its objective. The College remained open.
In 1983, Ron Taylor became the first lay headmaster of the College. He sought to get the College back on firm financial ground. The transfer of Marist Junior School, St Aloysius, was facilitated. Thus, the Junior School section became a state-aided church school. It was also in Ron Taylor’s era that Montessori was introduced. Also the first Computer Literacy program.
St Joseph’s Marist College is a multicultural, co-ed school. It extends from preschool to Matric. The College offers Montessori classes from pre-primary to Grade 6. The College’s buildings and grounds mirror its harmonious character. The family atmosphere exudes from the moment you step through its gates. St Joseph’s provides an education that is academic, spiritual, and morally formative. Each child is given the opportunity to be the very best they can be.
Creative and critical thinking underpins all learning activities at St Joseph’s Marist College. Pupils are encouraged to develop beyond the curriculum. From the classroom to the sports field, learning can be real, relevant, and fun.