St Joseph’s goes for gold(en hammer)

By Emily Donohoe

Mar 27, 2025

Freddie East (Year 2), Charlotte Wolfe (Year 4), Evie Simms (Year 6) and Henry Kelly (Prep) were among the students vying for their house to take out the golden hammer. Photos: Jordan Townrow.

St Joseph’s Primary School, Rochester celebrated Golden Hammer Day, getting into the spirit on Friday, March 21.

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Donning their house colours, along with a touch of orange for Harmony Week and funky socks for World Down Syndrome Day, students joined in a range of activities, including a scavenger hunt, art and craft, and games with Kelly Sports.

Austin house leaders Macey MacFarlane, Chloe Langdon, Logan Carmichael, Nathan Bramley and Hazel McDougal after winning the golden hammer. Photo: Supplied

Each house collected points based on the school’s graduate values, aiming for learners to be confident, collaborative, inclusive, compassionate and courageous.

Created by former principal Peter Teggelove, the golden hammer honours the school’s namesake, St Joseph, the patron saint of workers.

The feast day of St Joseph is celebrated on March 19, with the school paying tribute to Joseph’s background as a carpenter.

Austin house line up for a day of fun. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Mr Teggelove even took the Golden Hammer Day plan to his new school, St Joseph’s in Quarry Hill.

While students from each house — Austin, Kildare, Delany and Brigid — gave the tasks their best shot, Austin came out victorious, receiving the prestigious golden hammer.