St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand launched their 150 year celebrations on Monday 27 February, with a whole school liturgy and momentous photo with Bishop Timothy Harris.

Founded in 1873 by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand, was the first Catholic school within the Diocese of Townsville.

The liturgy on the 27 February commemorated the day that the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart arrived in Townsville to serve as teachers. The Sisters utilised St Joseph’s Church, which had opened the previous year, and began classes in March.

Being Townsville’s oldest Catholic school is a great honour for the St Joseph’s school community with many generations of families having attended the school, many of whom still have families attending today.

Two such families are those belonging to the Lyons’ brothers, John and Mick, who attended St Joseph’s from 1951 and 1953 respectively and have been part of the school community for over 70 years. 

John Lyons said he has so many wonderful memories of St Joseph’s and that he and his brother were so lucky to be part of a caring community and being taught by kind and loving nuns.

John sent his four daughters and Mick sent his daughter to St Joseph’s during the 1980s and now each have grandchildren experiencing the same caring community as they carry on the family legacy.

In addition to 150 years of St Joseph’s Catholic School, the Mary Help of Christians Parish is also sharing in the milestone after turning 150 last year.

The school and parish communities have events planned from 19 to 21 May and encourage past-students or members of the Parish to join in the planned celebrations through sharing their stories or registering their interest in attending the events.

https://www.sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au/150-years/share-your-memories/