Responding Together

This year marks the 70^th Anniversary of St Joseph’s Primary School, O’Connor, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). On Saturday 15 August, we welcomed all current students, parents, and staff, as well as past alumni back into the school to celebrate a remarkable 70^th Anniversary Open Day.

As Principal of the school for the past nine years, it was my honour to recognise and share the incredible story of the Sisters of Saint Joseph that founded our school and instilled the mission of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

On the day, we were thrilled to have six Sisters of Saint Joseph join the celebrations, including two past Principals, Sr Colleen Howe (Sr Teresita) and Sr Janet Glass. We also welcomed past Principal, Mr Kerry Mabbot, and introduced the incoming Principal for the start of 2027, Mr Luke Donnelly.

Displayed across the school, were historical records and artefacts that captured our history, including newspaper articles from 1955, when the foundation stone was laid by the then Apostolic Delegate, the Most Rev. Archbishop Carboni. On 21 January the following year, in 1956, Sr Marcellus, the first Principal of St Joseph’s, Sr Alexius, Sr Bernadette, Sr Aquinas and Sr Jude arrived by train from Goulburn, to take up the task of establishing our school.

The photos and artefacts also reflected the tireless efforts of the parents at the time, right through to today, who have helped to make St Joseph’s a wonderful community. The original school chapel, which is now a classroom, was the place of worship for St Joseph’s Parish, before the school hall was completed in 1971, and St Joseph’s Church in 1973. For years, the students and teachers had to move furniture and prepare for masses, both in the chapel and then in the school hall.

With such a long history, it was wonderful to acknowledge some of the original families who still today, have a presence in the school and in our community. It was also particularly pleasing to welcome a good number of the first cohort of students from 1956, back into the school for our Open Day.

Over the past 70 years, there have been countless lay teachers and staff who have come into St Joseph’s, many staying a while, and some dedicating a seemingly lifetime of service to the students and families of our school. To all the teachers and staff, who have worked at St Joseph’s, on behalf of myself and the countless students and families over the years, I want to thank you as we celebrate your part in our rich and continuing history as a school.

A highlight on the day, was hearing from past Principal, Sr Teresita. She reflected on her time at St Joseph’s and on the strong connection she has maintained with the school over the years. Most notable through, was her presentation of a beautiful image of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop to the school, to recognise and mark the occasion of 70 years of St Joseph’s Primary School, O’Connor.

It has been a privilege to be Principal at St Joseph’s and to have had the opportunity to celebrate this year, 70 incredible years as a school in the Josephite tradition.

In the words of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop:

Cameron Tarrant
Principal