St Joseph’s Primary School Warragul celebrates two major building projects

Photo caption: Back from left: School Advisory Board members - Ms Caitlin Juster and Mr Paul Jensen, Ms Tamara Fernando - Senior Relationship Manager, Catholic Development Fund (CDF), Mr John Swan - DOSCEL Board Director, Fr Brendan Hogan - Parish Priest Warragul, Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Ms Cathy Jenkins - DOSCEL Board Director, Fr Antony Santhiyagu - Assistant Priest, Mrs Roslyn Joyner - Principal St Joseph’s Primary School, Warragul. Front row from left: Student leaders with plaques - Lenny Barake, Amity-Rose Hickey and Jacynda Romano.

JULY 2024

Staff and students at St Joseph’s Primary School community in Warragul celebrated the blessing and official opening of two major building projects which have been transformative for the school.

Parish Priest, Fr Brendan Hogan officially Blessed and opened the new facilities. He was joined by Ms Cathy Jenkins and Mr John Swan - Board Directors of Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mrs Roslyn Joyner - Principal, along with staff, students, invited guests, and friends of the school and parish community.

Principal Mrs Roslyn Joyner said the building projects had created new light-filled, flexible learning spaces, as well as new outdoor areas.

“Project One involved turning the former library into a modern Foundation Learning area that is bright and welcoming and incorporates a visually striking raised area for quiet activities.”

“Project Two resulted in new Years 1 and 2 Learning Spaces, a new multi-purpose area and glassed in teacher workspace. Floor to ceiling glass is a feature, while new outdoor areas provide a further opportunity for learning. This building, and the new Foundaton Learning area, incorporate hearing augmentation, air servers and TVs. The new facilities also reflect our Catholic identity and provide a faith-filled environment for students to flourish.”

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten commended the efforts of the project team, school, and parish community.

“St Joseph’s is committed to providing quality education and fostering strong ties within their learning community. The new facilities have provided additional resources and spaces for students to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially, now and into the future.”

Project One to create the new Foundation Learning area was completed in 2022 at a total cost $637,690 and was self-funded by a Catholic Development Fund (CDF) loan.

Project Two to refurbish the Years 1 and 2 Learning area and create additional learning and teaching spaces was completed in December 2023 at a total cost of $1,145 million. The project was supported by a $500,000 funding grant from the Australian Government Capital Grants Program, and a $645,000 loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF).

A congratulatory message from Hon. Jason Clare MP, Federal Minister for Education, was read to the community.

Mr Velten thanked the Australian Government, and the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) for their support of the project.

About St Joseph’s Primary School

St Joseph’s School has a proud history in Warragul and surrounding communities. Situated beside Marist Sion College, the school is ideally placed for families with students attending both Primary and Secondary schools.

St Joseph’s has a strong foundation and culture where generations of families have been returning to give their own children a well-rounded, contemporary education.

As a Catholic school, faith and spirituality is nurtured and enriched. The school is inclusive and welcomes students and families of all faiths and traditions.

Media Inquiries:

DOSCEL Media and Communications team 0417 534 232

Photo: Student Yvan Buensalido holds a Bowl of Holy water to assist Fr Brendan Hogan to officially Bless the two new learning spaces with Principal Mrs Roslyn Joyner at St Joseph’s Primary School, Warragul.