New hub for St Joseph’s School in Waroona

The bell was not the only thing ringing with great enthusiasm at St Joseph’s Primary School in Waroona on Friday.

Staff, students, and parents all gathered with anticipation for the opening of a new early learning hub and play area.

The enhancement included three innovative and spacious classrooms for the early learning education centre and a nature-inspired playground.

Special guests joined the St Joseph’s community for a ceremony to christen the new additions.

Catholic Diocese of Bunbury Bishop Gerald Holohan was among the throng, blessing each classroom before hanging a cross to symbolise the school’s faith.

St Joseph’s was founded by The Order of Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1943.

New principal Michael O’Dwyer said the 77-year-old school provided a quality and affordable education to children of all faiths.

Mr O’Dwyer said he was delighted to be its principal and was particularly fond of Waroona because the community had made him feel at home.

Canning MHR Andrew Hastie unveiled the school plaque and said his Government contributed $437,000 to the project.

“Schools are more than buildings, they are institutions which have people and a community that makes them special,” he said.

“We celebrate the role the community of Waroona has played in the life of the school, including the efforts of the teachers, parents, grandparents, carers and friends of the school.

“The purpose of the funding is to make school’s like this even better, so that future generations of Australians can grow up to have brave hearts, bold minds and become future leaders of this country.”

The ceremony concluded with the St Joseph’s school choir singing for the guests. The children had been practising hard in the lead-up to the big day.