About Us

School Mission: Enabling our students to experience the fullness of life

School Vision: In partnership with parents and carers, produce loving, forgiving, generous and happy young adults who espouse Christian values and make a positive impact on society.

Values and Belief Statements:

  • Christ is at the centre of all that we do and present in each of us
  • Each student must be given the opportunity to achieve to their highest potential
  • All members of the SJC community will be treated with love, dignity and respect
  • As an evangelical arm of the Catholic Church, all members will be provided opportunities to encounter the light of Christ

St Joseph’s College is a Catholic 7-12 high school operated by St Joseph’s Parish, Tweed Heads, assisted by the Lismore Diocese Catholic Schools Office.

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St Joseph's College then and now

History

In the 1980s the parishioners of Tweed Heads actively sought to create a Catholic, co-educational secondary college. Through their generous efforts and hard work the College of St Joseph’s (SJC) was opened on February 3rd 1993 with 115 students and currently has an enrolment of over 800. The College at Banora Point operates in conjunction with the Catholic Schools Office of the Lismore Diocese. Great appreciation is felt for the wisdom and insight of the founding parishioners.

Wells of Inspiration

SJC works closely with its parents and the community to fulfill the important role of educating the youth of the Tweed Heads region. Our motto, ‘Peace through Justice’ is modified from Pope Pius XII’s motto ‘Opus Justitiae Pax’ – The work of justice is peace. This original motto was taken up in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II. The motto transcends the circumstances of those times to inspire each of us through significant effort in our personal lives, to establish community at local and international levels. The dove of peace reinforces this message.

The crest of SJC represents both traditional and contemporary sources of inspiration for our College. The central motif is the Cross, dividing and uniting the quadrants. The vertical bar reminds us of our relationship with God and the horizontal of our relationship with each other. The Southern Cross symbolises our Australian identity. We are situated in the beautiful Tweed River Valley – the rim of the Green Caldera.

This dramatic landscape surrounds our four hectares which sweep down to the wetlands of Tweed Heads. The environment is a strong presence in our lives and is represented by the three guiding dolphins. They are a powerful reminder of the Tweed Valley’s coastal heritage and are a symbol of a healthy, joyful and harmonious environment. Supporting our faith and respect for the environment, are the traditional symbols of knowledge and learning: the book and the lamp.

prayer

Frequently asked Questions

What does it mean that Catholic schools are “proudly Catholic”?

Catholic schools are communities built on the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the Church to share the Good News. Being “proudly Catholic” means our schools embrace a rich tradition of prayer, reflection, values, and service. This identity shapes the culture of our schools, how we teach, how we care for students, and how we work together as a community. We honour the legacy of those who came before us and continue to share the message of faith, hope, and love in all we do.

Are Catholic schools only for Catholic families?

No. Catholic schools warmly welcome all families who value a faith-based education. Whether you are Catholic, belong to another faith tradition, or have no religious background, you and your child are welcome in our school communities. All students are included in the full life of the school, including Religious Education and prayer experiences, and all families are respected, valued, and invited to take part in community life at a level that feels right for them.

What are Catholic schools expecting from families?

When families enrol in a Catholic school, they enter into a partnership that supports their child’s faith and life journey. Families support their child’s participation in school liturgies, retreats, and other moments of spiritual growth. For families of baptised children, this includes continuing their child’s sacramental journey. Above all, parents aspire to the values and worldview that shape Catholic education, one that forms the heart, mind, and spirit.

What if our family belongs to a different faith, or our child is not baptised?

That’s absolutely okay. We see enrolment as a privilege and a moment of welcome. Our schools honour each family’s story and beliefs. We do not seek to convert or impose our faith; instead, we offer a gentle invitation to explore the Catholic tradition through learning, reflection, and shared experiences. Students and families of all backgrounds are respected and included in the spiritual life of the school, in ways that are meaningful and appropriate to them.

What is the ultimate goal of Catholic education for our child?

Catholic education aims to nurture the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Our hope is that every student, through their time in our schools, will encounter Jesus, experience a sense of belonging, and come to know the fullness of life He offers. We strive to help each child grow into a person of goodness, truth, compassion, and purpose, equipped not only for success in the world, but also to make a meaningful difference within it.