The change will see St Joseph's become independent of St Mary's and St Peter's High School, Maitland, which together form All Saints College.
This follows last July's announcement that the school campus be redeveloped to allow for the reintroduction of senior education to meet both strong enrolment demand and demographic growth.
The recommendation for this expansion came out of the Provision of Secondary Education study, commissioned by Bishop Bill Wright, to ensure the diocese be able to meet the future needs of students in Catholic secondary schools.
"The expansion of St Joseph's to incorporate Years 11 and 12 will enhance the local provision of Catholic education, Kindergarten to Year 12, with ease to the full spectrum of Catholic education guaranteed for this region," says Assistant Director – Secondary School Projects, Catholic Schools Office, Gerard Mowbray.
"As part of this change, St Joseph's College will also expand their intake from 750 up to 1,200 students, which highlights the demand that we are growing to accommodate."
"As a Diocese, we are committed to continuing to provide first class education and learning opportunities to the students of the Hunter region," says Vicar General, Brian Mascord.
"We are proud to offer a solid foundation for students in our schools with faith at the centre - allowing our students to grow their knowledge and faith simultaneously."
In 2014, a project implementation committee comprising parents, the school executive team, teaching and support staff and system leaders was established to implement the change process, which has included extensive consultation with the local community.
"The committee has taken great consideration around the visual identity of the school and links to St Joseph's strong Josephite heritage when creating the schools' new name and crest," says Mr Mowbray.
The new school crest is comprised of three quadrants that maintain the existing symbols and the new 'Est 1883' to reinforce the history of the school.
St Joseph's College will be taking enrolments for the 2018 Year 11 class next year.
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