St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Biloela was founded in 1939 by the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic teaching order of nuns founded by Catherine McAuley. The Sisters of Mercy maintained a leadership role at the school until 1980 when the first lay principal was appointed. The unique community of faith engendered by the Mercy Sisters continues today in a evergrowing atmosphere of faith, prayer and worship. The success of the school is attributed to the close, complementary relationship enjoyed amongst the staff, the students, the parents and the parish community.
The school has an active policy of inclusivity and children with identified needs are accepted into the school after it has been established that the school is able to cater for their needs. Parents are encouraged to be involved in school life at all levels, including assisting in classrooms, School Board and Parents and Friends Association.
The school enrolment is about 180 students. There is one Prep group and seven primary classes. The teaching staff is comprised of 11 class teachers; Principal; Assistant Principal RE; Assistant Principal Curriculum, both of whom also have a teaching responsibility; two Learning Support Teachers, Physical Education Teacher, Technology Teacher, The Arts Teacher, and other Teachers taking release. Other staff members include a host of ancillary staff.
At St Joseph’s we recognise that the only experience of church for many families is the experiences they have as a consequence of their involvement with the school. Therefore, we attempt to provide relevant and contemporary experiences as well as traditional parish-based experiences. The children attend Mass once a fortnight and other times throughout the school year.
Thank you for your interest in St Joseph’s. As a Catholic School we attempt to foster an environment of Christian love and understanding, a place where children and adults can grow in the knowledge of God’s love for them, and in love and concern for others. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist you further.
Nikki Rutten
Principal
