Construction of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Rosebery is officially underway following a sod-turning ceremony on Sunday. 

Heavy rain failed to dampen spirits, as ground was broken and the school site at Rosebery Avenue was blessed by Sydney City South Parish Priest, Father Paul Smithers. 

Tony Farley, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), Jacqueline Frost, SCS’ Chief of Staff, and Bernard Ryan, Foundation Principal of St Joseph’s Rosebery, were all on hand to commemorate the occasion. 

Also in attendance were some of the future students and families of St Joseph’s Rosebery, who will form part of the school community when it opens its doors in 2023. 

Some of the foundation students and families of St Joseph’s Rosebery.

ONE STEP CLOSER

Bernard Ryan, Foundation Principal of St Joseph’s Rosebery, said the ceremony represented an important milestone in the school’s journey. 

“To be able to officially break ground and move one step closer to seeing the school come to fruition is certainly very exciting,” Mr Ryan said. 

“An incredible amount of hard work and planning has gone into reaching this stage and we’re now looking forward to building a school that reflects our vision for the community” – Bernard Ryan

“It was also fantastic to have some of our foundation students and families attend the ceremony, and we can’t wait to work together to help shape a school we can all be proud of,” Mr Ryan added. 

Principal Bernard Ryan with beginning students (L to R) Noah, Talon, Miles and Christian.

PART OF THE FAMILY

Jessica Kent was among the future St Joseph’s parents to attend the ceremony on Sunday. She was joined by her daughter Frankie, who will start her schooling journey in Kindergarten at St Joseph’s in 2023.

“We thought it was a special moment to attend the service and so Frankie could see where she is going to school next year,” Mrs Kent said. 

“We are looking forward to meeting families in our area and seeing Frankie form friendships at her new school” – Jessica Kent

Mrs Kent said  she was impressed by St Joseph’s vision for the future. 

“We always go by the ‘vibe’ we get in making life decisions and went with that in choosing Frankie’s school,” Mrs Kent said.

“Since meeting Bernard and Anne [St Joseph’s Administration Officer], we have a great feeling that the vision and passion they have for the school and community they are building will be one that we are excited to be a part of.”