When the Sisters of Mercy arrived from Bendigo in the 1920s to establish the school, 65 students were enrolled to attend from grades 1 to 8, in 13 classrooms, with 13 teachers. The school was registered on March 28, 1922 and St Joseph’s Parish established, with Father Ellis appointed as the first Parish Priest.
One hundred years on, the school has evolved amid strong demand from the local community, and the school buildings and facilities have developed dramatically. Currently the school comprises 17 classrooms, a modern auditorium with professional sound equipment, lighting and retractable seating, a music room and substantial library and administration block for the 317 students and 38 teachers, including learning support officers.
Principal Sarah Iddles is something of a trailblazer at the school, a fourth generation of the Graham family to attend the school, the first former student appointed to the role of principal and the fifth lay principal. Mrs Iddles was acting principal in 2021 and this year appointed permanently to the head role.
Many members of staff attended St Joseph’s during their primary years.
“We provide an enriched Catholic education in a warm and welcoming environment here at St Joseph’s, where we care for each other,” Mrs Iddles said.
“We are constantly looking for ways to engage with the community and involve parents. Any planned activity is sent via Messenger Group, which is wonderful for putting the word out there!
“We are thrilled that after more than two years of COVID restrictions, that our major fundraiser and a huge drawcard, our annual fete, will return on March 18, 2023, bigger and better than ever! So we are, of course, very excited!”
I spoke with a small group of engaging Year 6 students last week and the pride they had for their school was quite something, and when asked what they liked most about school, among the responses were: “The friendships we make, the respectful environment, the large playing areas, the fair rules of the school, open classrooms and the buddy system of looking after the new students,” they said.
The school’s senior students were proud to show me their own block, which encompasses a kitchen where they can heat or cook lunch, together with casual comfortable seating, tables and chairs and an informal set-up of desks, providing a special relaxed area for the 45 grade sixers.
Being senior students, they play an important role within the school, setting an example for the younger students, while taking an active role in offering input into school camps and their final year graduation excursion. They also fundraise by selling items in the school canteen and take part in Anzac Day ceremonies and spend time with residents at Cobram Regional Care.
The Sisters of Mercy introduced characteristics of hard work, community and family values, which remain strong features of the school and its community today.
Several of the Sisters of Mercy who previously taught at the school will attend the celebration, including Sister Pam and Sister Marie, who will have an opportunity to reminisce of their years spent at the school, as the formalities continue after mass on Saturday, October 15.
The day of celebration will begin with tours of the school or, if preferred, guests can wander at their leisure about the school and grounds between 2pm and 3pm. Mass will be held at 5pm conducted by Father Corcoran, followed by a gathering in the hall with guest speakers and some sumptuous food!
BLUE RIBBON LUNCH
Everyone is warmly welcomed to the Cobram Uniting Church Ladies Guild luncheon on Tuesday, September 6 at noon at Irvin House. Admission is only $20.
As we are about to enter spring, with longer days, brighter weather and blossom on the trees bringing positivity and a smile to our faces, a luncheon date seems just perfect!
Topping it all off, knowing that proceeds from the luncheon will be made to the North East Blue Ribbon Foundation, which engages with local organisations to fund hospital projects at local major hospitals in the region, it’s definitely a feel good occasion! The focus of the foundation is primarily to fund memorial projects dedicated to police from the local area who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
September is recognised as Blue Ribbon Month and guest speaker at the luncheon will be Senior Constable Amy McColl.
The Eyre-Tynan Emergency Department at Goulburn Valley Health has been a project dedicated to the memory of two young constables, Damian Eyre and Steven Tynan, who were brutally slain while on duty in Walsh St, South Yarra in 1988. Constable Eyre grew up in Shepparton and like his father and brother joined Victoria Police.
The revamped emergency department has been provided with a new ambulance bay, three new emergency treatment areas, a short stay unit and general improvements to the existing facility. The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation has contributed $250,000 towards the purchase of new equipment and the North East branch continues its work in the community to provide further for local public hospitals.
Come along to this special luncheon, next Tuesday, which offers not only good company but a lunch of delicious soup, followed by hot finger-food savouries and sweets, tea, coffee and slice.
To assist the ladies with catering please contact guild president Margaret Watson on 0409 401 189.
COME AND TRY LITTLE ATHS
Barooga Little Athletics Club will conduct two ‘Come and Try’ nights at Barooga Recreation Reserve on Monday, September 5 and 12.
Interested youngsters are invited to come along and give Little Aths a try! If you haven’t been before, its great fun! Come along with your friends and try out the different events. You’re bound to love it!
Open to boys and girls aged 5 to 15, the season runs from September 12 to December 20. Fees are $110 per child and NSW Active Kids vouchers can be used.
For further information please contact president Marcia Nolan on 0427 800 516.
