St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand

1873 – PRESENT

St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand, in Townsville was the first school to be founded by the Sisters of St Joseph in North Queensland. Sisters Gertrude Wright and Magdalen Foley arrived in Townsville to serve as teachers on 27 February 1873, and classes began in the Church in March.

In 1875, Mother Mary of the Cross visited the school for the first time and taught classes during her visit. In June the following year, tenders were called for the construction of two dedicated school buildings at the St Joseph’s site. These buildings, an infant and primary school, are thought to have been completed later that year.

Mother Mary of the Cross returned to Townsville for the second time 1878 due to ongoing hardships and disagreements between the Sisters of St Joseph and the then parish priest. It was at this time that Mother Mary of the Cross decided to withdraw the Sisters of St Joseph from Townsville, closing the school. With the Josephites withdrawing from Townsville, the Sisters of Mercy replaced them in running the school with Mother Mary Benigna Desmond arriving early in 1879. Having been placed in charge of re-establishing St Joseph’s Primary School, Mother Mary had a reputation for passion and industriousness, and the school re-opened shortly after her arrival.

In January 1892, severe flooding devastated the church and school grounds with the foundations of the church being washed away in the deluge. Irreparable damage meant the original church had to be demolished and mass was held in St Joseph’s Primary School until what is now known as the Sacred Heart Cathedral opened in 1902.

Over the past 50 years the school has continued to grow and the school grounds have transformed to now accommodate over 360 students from Prep to Year 6.