The Official Opening of our new school facilities took place on the 2nd of October, 2015. It was a momentous occasion in the157 year history of the school. Formally a Christian Brothers School we are now a member school of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, ERST. Mr Gerry Bennett, CEO of ERST, performed the Official Opening and the building has been named after one of our most esteemed past pupils, Dr. T.K. Whitaker. The existing school building and grounds have undergone major refurbishment over the past 18 months together with the construction of the single storey and two storey extension. The school continued to operate during the 18 months construction stage and credit is due to both the entire staff of St. Joseph’s and the main building contractor JJ Rhatigan for ensuring that the construction work had a minimum impact of the education of our students.
The refurbishment work included the demolition of the school offices, corrections room, demonstration room, the stage / classroom 6 and the dressing rooms in the PE hall. This allowed for the construction of modern and spacious offices, a larger student canteen, additional art room, PE hall and staff room.
The new building accommodates four practical workshops, two computer rooms, three science labs, library, additional classrooms and pastoral care offices. The additional sporting facilities now include a mini gym, new dressing rooms, basketball courts and an all-weather pitch.
Current enrolment is 680 students in the 2015 – 2016 year and the increased accommodation increases capacity to 900 students. The new accommodation now allows us to now offer Construction Studies and Technology at Leaving Certificate level.
Have a look for yourself! Download the official opening brochure.