St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Rosebery celebrated a significant milestone in its short history on Friday with a blessing and opening ceremony officiated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP.
The day brought together community leaders, educators and families to celebrate a new chapter in Catholic education, and was attended by a number of dignitaries including Ron Hoenig, Minister for Local Government and Member for Heffron; Councillor Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney; and Danielle Cronin, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS).
Foundation Principal Bernard Ryan said it was a proud day for the entire St Joseph’s community.
“St Joseph’s has come to life through the shared vision of so many: our parish, families, staff, and the wider SCS network. It’s been a privilege to see that vision come to fruition,” he said.
Archbishop Fisher and Parish Priest Fr Paul Smithers presided over a liturgy in the school’s new multipurpose hall before dignitaries unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion. It was a symbolic moment that honoured the contributions of the many people who have helped shape St Joseph’s journey so far.
Mr Ryan said it’s been a year of new beginnings for the school, with St Joseph’s students participating in the SCS Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country Championships, as well as the Eisteddfod, for the very first time.
“We’ve already seen our students thrive in so many ways. The energy and sense of belonging here is something really special,” he said.
After first opening its doors in January 2023, and becoming fully operational in April 2024, St Joseph’s has already grown into a faith-filled, forward-thinking learning environment.
With a focus on community and innovation and care, the school is quickly earning a reputation for excellence and inclusion, providing students with the foundations to thrive academically, socially and spiritually.
“We’ve laid strong foundations and now we have the exciting opportunity to grow and deepen our impact, and ensure St Joseph’s is a place where students are known, supported and inspired,” Mr Ryan said.
Excellence in architecture and design
The ceremony was not only a celebration of faith and learning but also an opportunity to recognise the architectural excellence of the school itself.
Last week, St Joseph’s was recognised at the NSW Architecture Awards with architecture firm Neeson Murcutt Neille receiving the William E. Kemp Award for Educational Architecture.
This comes after the school’s builder, Reitsma Constructions, were honored at the Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Construction Awards last year.
St Joseph’s boasts an innovative and contemporary design, with a range of flexible spaces that empowers educators to personalise the learning experience for students.
Students are able to benefit from specialised presentation areas, maker spaces, collaboration hubs and quiet zones, encouraging their creativity and equipping them with the skills they need for success both in school and beyond.
With sustainable materials featuring throughout the school’s open and leafy grounds, St Joseph’s is a place that fosters environmental awareness, nurtures faith and helps strong relationships flourish.
