The school started in 1950 at Mulivai by the Marist Brothers, led by Brother Jerome Devlin. After three years of local fundraising to build the two-storey classroom block, sited behind the present Australian High Commission, the new Secondary School was ready to start, costing nearly £10,000. 

As Honorable George M Lober, former Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association President recalled, “In those days there was only one Bank in town, no Development Bank and no overseas aid force. The Marist Brothers then trusted in God and the growing cadre of Old Boys from the Mulivai Marist Primary School, established permanently in Samoa in 1888. By this time old boys were in all walks of life – leaders in Pre-Government, business people, Civil servants, planters, village matai, a few professional people, tradesmen, faifeau, priests and even Tafaigata inmates. This combined force with their Sipili Fa’amalisi made the new St. Joseph’s High School a reality.”

Ten years later, class numbers had outgrown the space shared with Marist Primary School.

In 1960, St. Joseph’s College began at Lotopa with a loan from BNZ of £20,000 for the land. Students and staff clearing and removing the old plantation was part of their early daily curriculum. This activity produced a strong bonding and family spirit which lasts amongst Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association and students today. The staff was Br. Casmir (Principal), Brothers Claver and Owen and Deacon Vaueli Palamo of Vaimoso. The Lotopa site, now Robert Louis Stevenson Primary School, usually had a roll of just over 300. The range of subjects was limited, but covered to essential base for further tertiary studies embraced successfully by many of the students. Religious Education, Maths, English, Science, Accounting, Commercial Practice, Samoan, Geography and History covered the requirements for New Zealand School Certificate and University Entrance, plus the local Accountancy exams. Pass rates were good, with many being top in the country.

On 28 March 1989, St. Joseph’s College was relocated to the 20-acre Alafua site. Funding had come through the then European Economic Community (EEC), now the European Union (EU). The Samoan Ambassador in Brussels at the time, Fe’esago Siaosi Fepuleai, was a major figure in obtaining this funding. Part of the funding also came from the sale of 6 acres at Alafua to the Salesians of Don Bosco for their new Technical School. The Canadian Government’s Aid for Development helped with costs for the first major phase. The Chapel at the front of the College was a donation from Catholic agencies from Germany, as was the Administration Block. The Hall came from the local Marist Brothers Old Boys Association with over WS$400,000 provided, with funding also from overseas, especially American Samoa, New Zealand, Australia and the USA. Laulu Henry Westerlund did most of the site earthworks for buildings and fields – all at generous rates. Other facilities such as three extra classrooms and a computer lab, plus tennis courts were funded by the class of 1972, in the 1990s. The whole development of St. Joseph’s College has always been a collaborative effort by Old Boys and Marist Brothers.

1950s/60’s mainly Marist Brothers and one or two Volunteers. 1967 saw the USA Peace Corps in the country – after John Jenkins in 1968 and Jim Beggs we had three or four per year giving loyal and capable service through two decades – Science, Maths and Accounting being their main areas, plus coaching sports and other activities. Other New Zealand and Australian Organizations provided volunteers in the 70s–90s. The 90’s saw an increasing localization with qualified ex-students. This century has seen fewer Brothers and volunteers with most teachers being local USP/NUS graduates, including long-serving teacher, Susitina Maletino, moving into the Principal’s role until 2021.

In the 21st Century, the subject choice for locally held examinations has become very diverse with Arts, Science, Commerce, Maths and TVET (vocational) demanding a larger number of staff and some diminishment in academic endeavours. Societal changes have often contributed to a more self-centred orientation in some students which does not lead to emphasis on high academic achievement, expected behavioural standards and the value of sound character building. Fortunately, this trend does not relate to the majority of our students.

Rugby, athletics, tennis, soccer, volleyball and netball when St. Joseph’s College had Form 6/Year 13 female students, being the main activities. Training has always been after school hours. Considerable success has happened with staff and Old Boys involved in coaching. Many students have gone on to represent their country in their chosen sports.

By coincidence, 28 March 2025 is again a significant date for St. Joseph’s College. On Friday 28, this week, we welcomed the new Principal, Ms. Anne Marie Tauiliili – Lia to Alafua. Locally born but mainly reared and educated in New Zealand, she will lead a staff of 25 and a roll of 400.

We move ahead with confidence and trust, well supported by parents, alumni, Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association, our Church and educational leaders, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year in July 17 – 20th.