Community & Business
7 May, 2022
Century-old school opens new facilities
AN Atherton primary school has officially unveiled a range of new facilities as it prepares to celebrate its 100th year of service.
AN Atherton primary school has officially unveiled a range of new facilities as it prepares to celebrate its 100th year of service. Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald, Bishop of Cairns James Foley and Cairns Catholic Education executive director Bill Dixon were among attendees at St Joseph’s School in Atherton on Thursday as more than $635,000 worth of upgrades were officially opened ahead of the school’s centenary celebrations in 2023.
The school’s library has been extended to include a uniform store and general administration area, and an existing undercroft has been enclosed to create two new general learning areas, which include furniture and IT equipment such as electronic whiteboards and devices.
The Federal Government provided $575,395 toward the project and the school invested $62,000 into the upgrades, which were completed at the end of 2020. The project follows a variety of other building initiatives at the Atherton school in recent years, including a significant $1.7 million project completed in 2018 where four general learning areas, a new canteen and entry were built.
Principal Rita Petersen said the latest facilities would benefit both current and future students at St Joseph’s School.
“Many of our school parents and even grandparents attended St Joseph’s themselves and they often comment on how incredible the school looks and how it has adapted and expanded to cater to the growing Tablelands community,” she said.
“The recent upgrades mean students have access to spacious new classroom facilities and staff have more space for meetings. Parents have also been enjoying shopping at the new uniform store.”
“We are a tight-knit, community school and we pride ourselves on providing our students with a nurturing and personalised education. However, we are also focused on ensuring that our facilities and classrooms are of a high standard to enhance the modern, 21st century curriculum we teach here.” Cairns Catholic Education Services executive director Bill Dixon said St Joseph’s School had long been an integral part of the Tablelands community. He expected the centenary celebrations next year would reflect its rich history.
“St Joseph’s School has been a fundamental part of many Tablelanders’ lives since it was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1923,” Mr Dixon said. “The school has undergone a number of upgrades over the years, but it has always retained its distinctive and classic red brick façade that is so recognisable and loved by Atherton locals.
“St Joseph’s School holds a special place in the hearts of many in Far North Queensland and I am looking forward to celebrating its centenary next year.”
