Celebrating 100 years at St Joseph's Primary School, Orbost

14 March, 2023 

It will be a trip down memory lane for current and former staff, students and families as St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Orbost prepares to celebrate its 100-year anniversary.

Staff and students have been busy collecting memorabilia to put on display for the Centenary Open Day event to be held on the school grounds in Raymond Street, Orbost from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, 25th March 2023.

Principal, Ms Kirsten Daly said it was a wonderful opportunity for people to celebrate the rich history of St Joseph’s Primary School which opened in 1923 with a class of 55 students run by the Josephite Sisters. The original purpose-built wooden school building (which still stands today) consisted of two classrooms, cloak room and veranda and was open to Catholics and non-Catholics.

Ms Daly said the School was calling for any memorabilia such as old photographs, or artefacts to add to a display on the Centenary Open Day on Saturday March 26.

“We have a great program lined up from 11am- 4pm with live music, food stall and activities. The original old school bell will be on display, along with an old ink well desk, artefacts and photographs that show just how much school life has changed throughout the years.  It will be a chance for people to re-connect and reminisce.”

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Orbost was officially opened in 1923 by the then Catholic Bishop of Sale, Bishop Patrick Phelan to service the growing timber town of Orbost.

To commemorate the 100-year anniversary, Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet and Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten will unveil a centenary plaque during an official presentation at midday on the Open Day,

A Centenary Mass will also be held on Sunday March 26 at 12noon at St Colman’s Church with Bishop Greg Bennet followed by a barbecue lunch.

People can submit scanned old photographs by emailing principal@stjorbost.catholic.edu.au or dropping items in to the school reception between 8.30am and 4.30pm or phone (03) 5154 1289.

For more information on St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Orbost go to: www.stjorbost.catholic.edu.au