ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Our school is a volunatary secondary school and was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929. It is now under the trusteeship of CEIST. Originally a girls boarding and day school, it became co-educational in 1977. Building developments have taken place over the years and most recently include an ASD unit called Radharc na Mara. The school aims to assist the moral, social and academic developments of the student in a Catholic context and is a leader in the field of education for the local community.
A Brief History
On March 19th 1929 – the feast of St Joseph – Sea View House, Spanish Point was purchased by the Sisters of Mercy. Captain Ellis who owned considerable property in the area was anxious to dispose of Sea View House before he left for Dublin. Though the deed of purchase was signed on March 19th the nuns did not take up residence until July 1st that year. Stables and coach house were transformed into a school building with three classrooms.
A secondary school was opened in September 4th 1929. Forty pupils enrolled and this was the nucleus of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point. The programme of the Dept of Education followed.
A few years later the school was inadequate so St Joseph’s hall was opened near the Convent and it served as classrooms and Chapel.
1929 School Opened
1931 Boarding school opened
1942 Reconstruction of Woodbine Cottage for Science and Domestic Science
1958 New school built on present site
1969 First male teachers on staff
1971 Extension to school
1978 Closure of Boarding School
1979 Golden Jubilee of Mercy Order in Spanish Point
1985 Metalwork and Woodwork added to curriculum
1988 Introduction of the Board of Management
1991 Opening of Technical Block
1993 3-classroom extension with social area
1996 6-classroom extension with dressing rooms
1997 Introduction of PLC
1999 70th Anniversary
2002 Introduction of BTEI
2002 First Third Level Course in Spanish Point
2004 Opening of Áras Chaitriona – Conference Centre
2010 Reconstruction of Atrium, classrooms, Science Labs and Home Economics room
