Mission Statement

St. Joseph’s is a Catholic school, based on Gospel Values and in the Mercy tradition under the trusteeship of CEIST. It is characterised by the following:

• Reverence and Respect
• Tolerance and Inclusion
• Care and Compassion
• Justice
• Responsibility
• Hospitality

Our mission is to:

• Develop and promote the personal, academic and spiritual potential of each student in a caring and disciplined environment.
• Foster a sense of self-esteem, honesty and respect among all members of the school community.
• Assist students in developing appropriate life skills and social awareness.
• Offer direction and leadership in the educational field in the local community.

School History

• On March 19th, 1929 the Feast of St. Joseph Sea-View House, Spanish Point was purchased by the Sisters of Mercy.
• Captain Ellis who owned considerable property in the area was anxious to dispose of Sea –View House before he left for Dublin.
• Though the Deed of Purchase was signed on March 19th, the nuns did not take up residence until July 1st that year.
• Stables and Coach –House were transformed into a School building with 3 classrooms.
• A Secondary School was opened on September 4th, 1929. Forty pupils enrolled and this was the nucleus of St. Joseph’s School, Spanish Point.
• The Programme of the Department of Education was followed.
• A few years later the school was inadequate – so St. Joseph’s Hall was opened near the convent, and it served as classrooms and chapel.

Important Dates

• 1931 Boarding School opened
• 1942 Reconstruction of Woodbine Cottage for Science and Domestic Science
• 1958 New School built on present site
• 1969 First male teachers on staff
• 1971 Extension to School
• 1978 Closure of Boarding School
• 1979 Golden Jubilee of Mercy Order in Spanish Point
• 1985 Metalwork & Woodwork added to Curriculum
• 1986 Numbers enrolled exceed 400
• 1988 Introduction of the Board of Management
• 1991 Opening of Technical block
• 1993 3 classroom extension with social area
• 1996 6 classroom extension with dressing rooms
• 1999 70th Anniversary
• 2002 Introduction of BTEI
• 2002 First Third Level Course in Spanish Point
• 2004 Opening of Áras Chaitriona – Conference Centre