St Joseph’s College Echuca to Celebrate 140 Years in 2026

St Joseph’s College Echuca will mark an extraordinary milestone in 2026 – 140 years of Catholic education in the region.

Founded in 1886 by the Brigidine Sisters, the College has long been a beacon of hope, faith and learning in the Echuca Moama district, nurturing generations of students in the Brigidine tradition of strength and kindliness. 

Since foundation, St Joseph’s College has grown from a small community of 8 pupils and 4 nuns to a thriving, contemporary school with 1200 students and 200 staff across two campuses.

Under the stewardship of Kildare Education Ministries, the school embraces a holistic approach to education, attending to spiritual, academic, emotional and social development. Its core values of wonder, courage, justice, hope, compassion and hospitality inform daily life and decision-making. 

As the College prepares for its milestone year, Principal Anne Marie Cairns said the anniversary would be an important chance to reflect on a remarkable journey.

“This historic occasion provides a meaningful opportunity to honour the legacy of the Brigidine Sisters in Australia, celebrate our vibrant community, and reflect on the enduring impact of our College over an incredible 140 years,” Ms Cairns said.

“As well as a celebration of the past, our anniversary will be a time of renewal and outreach for the future.”

The school’s official birthday will fall on Sunday 22 March 2026, with a weekend of celebrations planned for Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March.

Key highlights of the anniversary weekend will include:

• A vibrant student celebration at Brigidine Campus

• Guided heritage tours of the College and township, tracing historical links

• A light luncheon and formal opening of the restored Brigidine Courtyard, followed by a campus tour

• A formal Anniversary Dinner at Brigidine Campus

• A special Mass at St Mary’s Parish

“These events will unite Brigidine Sisters, Kildare Ministries, alumni, staff, students, families and the wider community to honour the past and celebrate the future,” Ms Cairns said.

A signature initiative of the 140th anniversary is a Tuition Fees Giveaway, a bold fundraising scheme with a generous spirit offering one lucky student the chance to receive a full year of free tuition for 2026. 

The giveaway is open to everyone – parents, grandparents, staff members, alumni and community members can purchase a ticket for a student in their family or for a student of their choosing.

Online ticket sales close on Wednesday 3 December with the winner announced on Thursday 4 December, in a live draw at the College’s end-of-year Awards Night. 

Ms Cairns said the initiative served as both a symbolic gesture of ‘giving back’ and a practical support for a family, reinforcing the College’s values of generosity, kindliness and community. 

“Our 140th anniversary will be more than a commemoration,” she said. “It is a recommitment to mission, education and community.

“We invite all community members to join in — as sponsors, participants, supporters or witnesses — to celebrate legacy and to look to the future with hope and excitement.”

For full event details, ticketing information for the Tuition Fees Giveaway, and sponsorship packages, please visit the College’s anniversary webpage:www.sje.vic.edu.au/celebrating-140-years