October 5, 2010 > St. Joseph School celebrates 50 years St. Joseph School celebrates 50 years By Alyson Whitaker Photos By courtesy of St. Joseph School When they first opened their doors on October 12, 1960, St. Joseph School had just 100 students. There were 50 first graders, 50 second graders, and the number of boys and girls was evenly split down the middle. There have been many changes over the last 50 years. An additional grade was added to the school each year until 8 grades were offered, and the school held its first graduation ceremony in 1967. Now, the school has 276 students in grades 1-8, along with an off-campus kindergarten. St. Joseph School will celebrate its 50th birthday on Sunday, October 10. Bishop Cordileone will preside over the 12:30 p.m. Mass, which will include a performance by the "50th Anniversary Choir." The school will be open for anyone who wants to visit following the Mass. Many past graduates, teachers, and principals are planning to attend. St. Joseph's principal, Jan Cooper, has been leading the school since 1969. She started out teaching 4th, 6th, and 8th grades before becoming the principal. Staff member Lauri Kaefer says, "Most of our staff members stick around for a very long time!" Located next to historic Mission San Jose in Fremont, St. Joseph School was started under the direction of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. It is part of the St. Joseph Parish, the oldest parish in Alameda County. The school is a private, non-profit Catholic school, and is administered by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. St. Joseph School 50th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, October 10 12:30 p.m. Mass Luncheon - Followed by school open house Adults $10; Children $7 (RSVP required) 43222 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 656-6525