St Joe’s declares Kildare open for business

By Emily Donohoe

Oct 15, 2024

Kildare Ministries co-chairs Kathy McEvoy and Rosemary Copeland unveil the official plaques recognising the new campus. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

St Joseph’s College, Echuca celebrated the official opening of its new Kildare Campus on Wednesday, October 9.

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The occasion was marked by a whole-school assembly attended by representatives from Kildare Ministries, Diocese of Sandhurst, Catholic Education Sandhurst, architects ClarkeHopkinsClarke, builders Fairbrother, Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, Campaspe Shire Council and the wider school community.

Sandhurst vicar general Father Joe Taylor led the assembly, along with college captains Kajini Karunanayake and Sam Chapman.

Father Joe Taylor leads the assembly. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Kildare Ministries co-chairs Kathy McEvoy and Rosemary Copeland also spoke at the event, reflecting on the significance of the new campus and revealing the campus plaques.

St Joseph’s College principal Anne Marie Cairns said the celebration of the campus, which included a smoking ceremony, blessing, speeches, tours and afternoon tea, was a proud moment in the school’s history.

“Our expansion to a multi-campus school is a pivotal chapter for St Joseph’s College, and our wider community,” she said.

“Today’s event has been a wonderful opportunity to honour our school’s enduring legacy and commitment to excellence and growth, while embracing the possibilities of the future.

“The official opening of our new campus symbolises our dedication to providing a comprehensive and forward-thinking Catholic education for students that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world.”

Student, staff and community leaders participated in a smoking ceremony. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Ms Cairns believes the Kildare campus, located on Mt Terrick Rd, unites the school’s past and future through its design.

“While this may be a new campus, the design and purpose of this facility are deeply rooted in the history and values of our 138-year-old Dickson St campus,” she said.

“Through thoughtful architectural details and intentional symbolic elements, we honour our historic past and pave the way for our ongoing future.”

“Throughout the campus, the arches, roof peaks and other design elements have been reinterpreted from our historic buildings, reinforcing the continuity of our story as a Catholic school of the future.

“At the heart of Kildare Campus lies the Central Plaza, a space designed to be both a physical and symbolic centre of our community. This plaza is more than just a gathering place; it is a living reminder of our commitment to stewardship and care for our environment.”

Principal Anne Marie Cairns reflected on the significance of the new campus and its design. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Another feature Ms Cairns highlighted were the acorn trees, cultivated from the original tree at the Brigidine Campus on Dickson St.

“These trees symbolise growth and the nurturing of our identity as a multi-campus learning community,” she said.

“They remind us that while we are expanding and evolving, our roots remain deeply embedded in our shared history.”

Ms Cairns also drew on the school’s commitment to reconciliation and its Indigenous heritage.

Fr Taylor blessed three crosses for the new campus, with a large Brigid’s Cross and two smaller crosses with Yorta Yorta-inspired symbols.

Students from Year 7 began at the Kildare campus in July 2023, with the next group of Year 7s joining this year, while the third group will make for a full junior school campus in 2025.