Vision, Values, Purpose

SCHOOL CREST AND MOTTO

The St Joseph’s Regional College crest consists of black, white, blue and yellow. The black is symbolic of the ‘Black Josephites,' the sisters of St Joseph of Lochinvar who established Catholic education in Port Macquarie in 1913. Also acknowledging the Josephite heritage is the gold cross with M and J. It is the Federation Cross of the Sisters of St Joseph’s of Lochinvar. The M is for Mary, and the J is for Joseph, with the cross representing Jesus Christ. The blue connects with the blue of the Pacific Ocean as well as a colour traditionally associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. The triangular, parallel lines at the top depict the Norfolk Pine, which dominates the Hastings coastline.

The College motto is Veritas Librabit, which translates to 'the truth will set you free' (John 8:32). Also, in John’s Gospel, Jesus says, 'I am the way, the truth and the life' (John 14: 6). As a Catholic community we understand the truth to be Jesus Christ. The search for truth and freedom is a challenge we must all embrace if we are to become better persons and more truly human. At our core is the challenge to lead students to know the person of Jesus Christ.

'The Truth Will Set You Free'

MISSION

Enabling our students to experience the fullness of life (John 10:10).

At St Joseph’s Regional College, we provide a quality faith-filled education enabling students to be inspired to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

VISION

Our vision is to be a Christ-centred community where all students have an equal opportunity to learn. We provide an educational environment that challenges and supports each individual to achieve their personal best and acknowledges individual needs. We inspire students to learn about themselves, their relationships with others and the world around them so they are filled with hope and passion.

PURPOSE

Our St Joseph’s Regional College community works in partnership to embody a Catholic environment that aims to:

Create a joy-filled environment enriched by Gospel values and Catholic traditions.
Generate a sense of community and compassion where we all experience belonging.
Energise students with quality learning and teaching experiences.
Inspire, support and empower others to fulfil their potential.
Personify gratitude and act for social justice by building awareness and empowering students to take action.
Engage families to be active participants in the culture and community of school life.
Celebrate the diversity of ability, background and culture.

VALUES

At St Joseph’s Regional College, we actively promote the values of:

The dignity and uniqueness of each person.
A love of learning.
Generosity, gratitude and service.
Building respectful relationships, valuing and embracing all.

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.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge that our school resides on the Lands of the Birpai Nation.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who have walked and cared for this land for thousands of years and their descendants who maintain these spiritual connections and traditions.

We pay our respect to Elders past, present and future leaders.

We reflect on the millions of footprints that travelled the Dreaming pathways and continue to walk this land today. The Land we are on now, the land we live, work, breathe, eat and sleep: always was and always will be Aboriginal Land.

We walk alongside the custodians of this beautiful country, Australia, as we seek Voice, Treaty and Truth.