St Josephs Catholic High School
Act Justly
Our Vision
In the way of Jesus, St Joseph's Catholic High School aspires to respect and celebrate the dignity of all.
Inspired by the life of St Joseph, the school promotes a culture of faith, justice and service. Working in partnership with parish, staff, students, parents and the wider community, St Joseph's aims to foster the development of spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional growth so that each member, using their God-given talents, reaches their potential.
In the way of Jesus, St Joseph’s Catholic High School aspires to respect and celebrate the dignity of all.
Our History
St Joseph’s Catholic High School commenced in 1982. The founding Principal, Br Mat Murphy, led a small team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff to teach the initial intake of 140 students in year 7. Br Murphy led the school for its first three years. He was replaced by Mr Barry Buchanan who oversaw the rapid growth of the school with the first HSC class graduating in 1987. Mr Buchanan quickly established the school’s reputation in the academic, sporting and co-curricular areas.
Over the past 35 years, the local community has witnessed the school continuing to flourish under the leadership of successive Principals. In 2017 the school continues to build on its strong foundations, respecting the aims and values of the founding staff, as well as ensuring that current students receive a 21st Century education as they prepare themselves to take up their place in our modern society.
Our Community
Our school has a proud tradition as a caring and close community and one where individual growth is achieved through interpersonal communication, understanding and commitment to values linked to personal experience.
As a faith community there is an emphasis on the total development of students. The spiritual, social, academic and physical dimensions are underpinned by parish input, a rich liturgical tradition, community events such as St Joseph's Day, social justice inspired whole school events and a co-curricular program which encourages full student engagement in their school.
Our Curriculum
St Joseph's offers a wide ranging curriculum in each of the Key Learning Areas of Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Human Society and Its Environment, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Technological and Applied Studies, Creative Art, Languages, Vocational Education and Training subjects.
Students in years 7 & 8 will study mandatory subjects in stage 4 which include Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Australian History, Australian Geography, PDHPE, Language, Technology, Music and Visual Arts.
When students progress to years 9 & 10, they continue with their mandatory studies in stage 5 as well as having the opportunity to study elective subjects. All students in years 7 to 10 are involved in a regular sports program which will include a selection of leisure and skill activities.
In light of the goals for a Catholic School emphasising personal and spiritual growth, senior students are encouraged to choose a combination of subjects that are relevant to their own needs and linked closely to their specific interests and talents. Ultimately the package of courses chosen should enable each student to realise their potential in spiritual, social, academic and physical dimensions over the course of their senior years.
Our Sports
St Joseph's has a fine sporting tradition where students have the opportunity to participate in fortnightly recreational sporting activities as well as opportunities to follow representative pathways for a wide range of individual and team sports.
Our sporting structures are set up to allow maximum participation, catering for a whole range of abilities. Activities are focused on providing both enjoyment and fitness while assisting to develop self-confidence and increase self-esteem. We aim to develop a healthy attitude towards the importance of lifelong physical activity.
Our sports curriculum is supported by excellent sporting facilities including a fully equipped gymnasium.
Co-Curricular Activities
To support the Curriculum, St Joseph's students are offered the opportunity to participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities. Each year a cast of 50+ students showcase their talents at the school musical and our school choir and band are regularly showcased at special events.
We also offer public speaking, debating and inter-school sporting carnivals to name just a few.
Research expos, study skills and motivational programs that enable students to sustain independent learning skills.
BYODD Program
The St Joseph’s Digital Devices Program aims to develop skills that will prepare our students for their role in an increasingly digital world. By providing opportunities such as Coding Competitions, Joey’s Makerspace, 3D modelling and printing, students are encouraged to develop skills in computational thinking, high order problem solving, creativity and design – relevant, real world, hands-on skills for learning. The Digital Devices Program will also enable staff to deliver lessons in more innovative and engaging ways to support and enhance student learning.
Address: 16 Macquarie St, Albion Park
NSW 2527
Phone: (02) 4230 8500
Email: info@sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au