Proudly Part Of The Community Of Sydney Catholic Schools

Why choose us?

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Riverwood has earned its reputation not only for the excellent academic results that students achieve but for its strong focus on wellbeing which enables the development of the whole child.

Our passionate and hardworking teachers know every student individually, ensuring that we  challenge and support children at every stage of their learning. Guiding Catholic values and a very strong relationship with highly engaged parents has seen us develop a wonderfully diverse, respectful and happy environment in which children can become their best selves.

Principal’s Message

Principal with 2 studentsWelcome to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Riverwood, where we inspire hearts and open minds. You are invited to be part of a faith-filled, supportive and collaborative community where every child is encouraged to achieve their full potential. As an authentic Catholic school we strive to be the face of Christ to all those we meet. Following the model of St Mary Of The Cross MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph who began our school in 1954, we aim to “never see a need without doing something about it.”

We achieve excellent academic results, educating 21st century learners in vibrant and innovative learning spaces fully equipped with contemporary technology. St Joseph’s also offers programs in music, art, sport and drama which are delivered by highly trained specialist staff. Our school boasts beautiful grounds and gardens and ample space to play and stay fit and active in our multi-functional playground. We offer before and after school care onsite as well as vacation care.

Let St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Riverwood be the start of your child’s education journey. We are a feeder school to four high achieving Catholic secondary schools; St Ursula’s Catholic College Kingsgrove, St Mary’s Cathedral Catholic College Sydney, Marist Catholic College Penshurst and Marist Catholic College Kogarah.

We look forward to meeting you and your child.

Mr Steve Darcy
Principal

History
The suburb of Riverwood (then known as Herne Bay) developed rapidly after World War II as a haven for refugees from Europe. Because there were many Catholics amongst these, the Parish of St Joseph, Herne Bay, was established in 1949, with Fr Patrick Kerwick as the first parish priest. There were no parish buildings, and the first church was Hut 120, one of the army huts located near Washington and Roosevelt Avenues. These huts would also accommodate St Joseph’s School in its early years.

The Sisters of St Joseph, who already had some nearby schools including one at Punchbowl, agreed to staff the parish school. This began in 1949 in the former army huts. The original enrolment is unknown, but the Catholic Directory for 1950 records 68 girls and 62 boys.

The school community has created an educational environment of excellence and dedication. The present school community remembers the vision, courage and labour of all those who founded this school and struggled to bring high quality Catholic education to its pupils.

Recent work on site has seen enhancements to the local St Joseph’s Church and capacity on school care. The school provides aesthetically appealing and flexible learning spaces. We provide a safe, secure and welcoming physical environment that is well maintained.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Riverwood is a professional and contemporary learning community that makes effective use of innovative technologies to connect the school with the wider learning community. The school, with its excellent facilities, is highly regarded by the local community.

Mission
Together, at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Riverwood, we Inspire Hearts and Open Minds:

  • We aspire to follow in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop; to ‘Never see a need without doing something about it.’
  • We are committed to developing an authentic Catholic school which shares in the evangelising mission of the Church, placing Jesus at the centre of all learning.
  • We value each person as an individual, embracing diversity and building positive relationships in partnership with our parents and parish.

Vision

  • We are committed to developing successful learners who are self-reliant and confident individuals; giving them hope and optimism for the future.
  • We provide opportunities for each individual to reach their full potential by fostering their development as active, creative and collaborative learners.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Riverwood has strong connections with the communities of both St Joseph’s Riverwood and Our Lady of Fatima Peakhurst.

St Joseph’s Catholic Church Riverwood
A: 26 Thurlow Street Riverwood NSW 2210
P: (02) 9534 1537
W: www.stjosephriverwood.org.au
Parish Priest: Rev John Doherty

Mass Times

Day Time
Sunday 7.30am, 9.30am and 6.00pm 
Monday 9.00am
Tuesday 9.00am, 7.30pm
Wednesday 9.00am
Thursday 9.00am
Friday 9.00am and 1st Friday 12noon
Saturday 9.00am

Our Lady of Fatima Church
A: 825 Forest Road Peakhurst NSW 2210
P: (02) 9533 2594
E: olfpeakhurst@atu.com.au
W: www.ourladyoffatima.com.au
Parish Priest: Fr Chris Ryan MGL

Mass Times

Day Time
Sunday 9.15am, 6.00pm
Wednesday 9.30am
Friday 9.30am
Proudly Part of the Community of Sydney Catholic Schools

Our school is part of a system of 147 low-fee Catholic schools in the Sydney Archdiocese.

Sydney Catholic Schools are thriving Catholic communities that ignite a love of Christ through excellent teaching and learning to empower students to reach their full potential.