Principal’s Message

Welcome to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Riverwood.

At St Joseph’s, we take great pride in being a family and community-centred school, where compassion, positivity and collaboration are at the heart of all we do. Inspired by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph, we live by their mission to “never see a need without doing something about it.”

We cherish the strong partnership between parish, school and home, believing it nurtures faith, personal growth, and a deep sense of community.

Our values-driven Catholic education empowers students to grow into compassionate, confident and faith-filled individuals, ready to make a meaningful impact.

Committed to excellence in learning, we set high academic expectations and provide an engaging curriculum that supports and challenges every student. Our holistic approach ensures success not just academically but also spiritually, socially, and emotionally.

Our vision, ‘Inspiring Hearts and Opening Minds,’ calls us all to embrace learning, faith, and service in a dynamic and nurturing environment. I warmly invite you to visit St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School to experience firsthand the vibrant and supportive community that makes our school such a special place.

Mrs Diane Cowan
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: 0490 754 963
W: www.stjosephriverwood.org.au
Parish Priest: Rev John Doherty

Mass Times

Day Time
Sunday 7.30 am, 9.30 am 
Monday
Tuesday 6.30 am
Wednesday 6.30 am
Thursday 6.30 am
Friday 6.30 am
Saturday Reconciliation 5.00 – 5.45 pm

Vigil Mass 6.00pm

Our Lady of Fatima Church
A: 825 Forest Road Peakhurst NSW 2210
P: 0490 754 963
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.