History:
St Joseph’s School, West Brunswick, is a Catholic primary school situated in the inner suburbs of Melbourne.
St Joseph’s was created as a parish in February 1913 when a Church/school was built. In 1918 a Church was built and the school grew steadily to a population of 350 pupils. The Sisters of St Joseph were at this time caring for the students.
In 1929 work on the current buildings began and St Joseph’s grew rapidly into a vibrant working-class community. At this time, Brunswick was largely an Irish Catholic community, with many people contributing to the development of the parish and school.
In the 1950s St Joseph’s church was rebuilt as the population continued to grow. Over 400 students attended the school as Brunswick welcomed migrants from Italy, Greece and the Middle East. Each of these groups has had an influence on St Joseph’s School, contributing to the atmosphere of acceptance, which still permeates the school
Description:
St Joseph’s is a modern primary school offering a comprehensive education to approximately 265 students from the parish, drawn from the western region of Brunswick and northern area of Parkville.
St Joseph’s consists of a double-storey red-brick building with two wings. Running north/south is the wing housing the library, the hall and the teaching areas, and to the east lies the recently developed wing housing the administration area and staff amenities. Being an inner-city school we occupy a small site (56 hectares). A refurbishment program is planned for 2007/08.
Features:
Parents are encouraged to become involved in the school through a variety of activities. Parent helpers are used in the classroom and library programs. Many parents support the school through the Parents & Friends, fundraising, tuckshop, maintenance/grounds committee and Out of School Hours Program. A School Advisory Board meets eight times a year ,including portfolio meetings.
St Joseph’s has committed and highly professional staff who work hard to provide a high standard of education for all students. Two graduates are currently employed at St Joseph’s. There are nine classroom teachers, supported by specialist teachers and teacher/integration aides in the areas of LOTE (Italian), Library, Literacy, Reading Recovery, Music and Physical Education.
School Officers ensure that the school administration runs effectively and efficiently and provides a friendly and informed initial point of contact with the school.
As a school we aim to be a significant part of the parish and the local community and our efforts are directed toward the full development of students and others within a Catholic environment. Every opportunity is taken to make use of facilities and services offered to the school.