Murray Bridge centenary celebrated in style
Schools
St Joseph’s School Murray Bridge paid tribute to its founders as the community celebrated its 100th anniversary with a glittering gala dinner on February 8.
The school opened as St Joseph’s Convent School on Railway Terrace in 1925, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church in Murray Bridge.
The official opening on Sunday January 25 was officiated by Father O’Connell, the parish priest, and Father Gatzemeyer, in the presence of the first permanent teachers – Josephite Sisters Marion, Carolus, Francis Raphael, Mary Claude (the Provincial) and Teresa.
Although the town had long dreamed of a Catholic school, financial debt from both the church and presbytery delayed its establishment.
Fr O’Connell requested the support of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1925, resulting in the school opening with an enrolment of 114 students. Initially, Captain William Randell’s house on Mannum Road was purchased for the school and convent, and the term ‘convent school’ likely referred to the use of rooms in the Sisters’ convent.
By 1934, two stone school rooms were built and the original classroom block, which later became the administration building, was expanded to accommodate growing numbers. A new convent and additional facilities were required by 1964 to meet the increasing enrolment, prompting the construction of a two-storey convent on Florence Street.
Other milestones included the appointment of the school’s first male teacher in 1974 and the hiring of the first lay teacher by 1975, creating a balanced staff of 50-50 lay and religious teachers. The Sisters of St Joseph led the school until 1998 when Mark Fitzpatrick became the first lay principal.
The school continued to grow and in 2023 the school expanded to include middle secondary years seven, eight and nine.
Principal Ros Oates said the centenary was not only a milestone but also “a legacy of Catholic faith, courage and hope that has guided our school community since its foundation”.
Speaking at the gala dinner, she said the celebrations were an opportunity to “extend our kindness and gratitude for the past while looking forward to a future filled with promise”.
“Through the tireless efforts of parishioners and friends, St Joseph’s School was founded with a vision inspired by St Mary MacKillop and the Josephite Sisters,” she said.
“Guided by their belief in education as a possibility rather than a limitation, the school set out to provide high-quality Catholic education to the children of Murray Bridge and its surrounding areas.
“The dedication of the Sisters who ministered over the years remains deeply cherished, and their mission continues to inspire us today.
“Generations of parish priests, Sisters of St Joseph, Religious, principals, staff, families and parishioners have built on the foundations laid before them, united by a shared dedication to welcoming all and providing exceptional learning opportunities that have impacted the lives of thousands.
“Their efforts and dedication have shaped our proud history and created a thriving community that continues from the inaugural year to embody our school motto: ‘In All things Kindness’.”
The gala dinner featured the reading of letters from school families that were placed in the time capsule in the early 90s and the oldest student, Jeff Martin, who attended the school in the 1940s, addressed the gathering.
Murray Bridge parish priest, Father Philip Marshall, presented certificates of appreciation to staff. Elizabeth Kwan was acknowledged as the longest-serving staff member at St Joseph’s having taught English, Maths and coordinated sacramental programs over 36 years.
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