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
