Our Parish

Western Port Parish

St Joseph’s Primary School is deeply anchored in the Western Port Parish, a unique and diverse faith community that stretches along the scenic coastline of the Mornington Peninsula. Guided by Parish Priest Fr Shymon Thekkekalathungal Eshappan, the parish weaves together a vibrant tapestry of semi-rural and coastal communities. Bound by a shared commitment to Catholic values, the parish serves as a spiritual anchor for local families, fostering a welcoming environment where faith is actively celebrated, communicated, and lived out in daily life.

At the heart of the parish’s educational mission is a close-knit trio of sister primary schools: St Mary’s in Hastings, St Brendan’s in Somerville, and St Joseph’s here in Crib Point. Originally growing from the foundations laid by the Sisters of St Joseph, these three schools share a rich history and a collaborative spirit. Together, they form a supportive educational network across the region, sharing resources, aligning wellbeing frameworks, and gathering for joint sacramental milestones, ensuring that every child experiences a comprehensive and connected Catholic education.

For St Joseph’s, Crib Point, this parish connection uniquely shapes our school identity. While we work hand-in-hand with our sister schools in Hastings and Somerville, we also draw beautifully from our local coastal landscape and our proud history of supporting Defence Force families from nearby HMAS Cerberus. Being a part of the Western Port Parish means our students belong to something much larger than their immediate classrooms—they are part of a thriving, multi-generational community that inspires them to step out into the world with optimism, resilience, and a spirit of service.