About St. Joseph's School of Nursing (SJSN)
SJSN opened in 1900 and proudly served St. Joseph's Hospital and the community for more than 80 years before closing in July 1981.
SJSN was widely respected for the quality of its education and made a lasting contribution to the Southern Vancouver Island community and to the nursing profession across Canada.
Since the school's closure, the SJSN Alumnae has continued its legacy by supporting graduates and future nursing students through connection, community, and education.
The Alumnae's two primary initiatives are:
- The Annual Alumnae Luncheon
- The St. Joseph's School of Nursing Alumnae Bursary
Annual Alumnae Luncheon
All SJSN graduates are warmly invited to attend the annual luncheon, typically held at the end of April each year at a hotel in Victoria, BC.
2026 Luncheon Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
- Reception: 11:00 am (cash bar)
- Lunch: 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm
- Cost: $59.00
If the cost is a barrier, please do not stay away. Contact us at sjsnalum@gmail.com or call 250-479-8023 to discuss options.
Payment Details
Make cheque payable to "St. Joseph's Alumnae" by April 17, 2026
- Include your maiden name (if applicable) and graduation year on the cheque
- Note any dietary allergies or needs
Gerie Turner
5793 Old West Saanich Rd
Victoria, BC, V9E 2H2
Additional Information
- Parking: Paid underground parking is available. Entrance via Quebec Street at the back of the hotel.
- Accommodations: Use discount code APR26STJOSEPH when booking (subject to availability).
What to Bring
- Wear your graduation pin
- Country Grocer receipts (see Ways to Donate)
Share Your Photos
We love celebrating memories! Digital photos—old and new—are collected and shown in a slideshow at the luncheon.
To submit photos:
- Email: sjsnalum@gmail.com
- Include the date, names of people in the photo, or the nursing class involved
- Send images at the highest resolution possible (typically 3–4 photos per email)
If you have a large collection, please email us to discuss transfer options.
Please help spread the word to fellow SJSN alumnae — the more the merrier!
St. Joseph's School of Nursing Alumnae Bursary
The St. Joseph's School of Nursing Alumnae Bursary was established to honour and thank the Sisters of St. Ann for their long history of caring for the sick and supporting nursing education.
The bursary helps support nursing students in British Columbia and is administered through the Registered Nurses Foundation of British Columbia (RNFBC).
Learn About the Application Process
Ways to Donate
Donations are always welcome and help continue the school's legacy of supporting nursing education and alumnae connections.
Bursary Fund
Contributions to the St. Joseph's School of Nursing Alumnae Bursary directly support nursing students in BC. Donations receive a charitable tax receipt.
You can donate online or by phone through the RNFBC. You can also donate by mail by downloading and completing the donation form.
Please specify the St. Joseph's School of Nursing Alumnae Bursary when making your donation.
General Expenses
Donations are also accepted to help support the annual alumnae luncheon and other activities, helping keep costs accessible for all.
To contribute, please contact: sjsnalum@gmail.com
Country Grocer Receipts
Please save your Country Grocer receipts. The Alumnae Association submits them in bulk and receives a small percentage back to help offset general expenses.
To submit receipts:
- Bring them to the next luncheon, or
- Mail them to:
Gerie Turner
5793 Old West Saanich Rd
Victoria, BC, V9E 2H2
Archives & Historical Collections
Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum's Human Histories Department holds a collection of SJSN uniforms, artifacts, and memorabilia documenting student life and the school's history.
For information or to arrange a visit:
RBCMhistory@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
The BC Archives Collection (Paintings, Drawings and Prints Department) also holds photographs of the nursing school and student life.
For access inquiries:
access@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Mount St. Mary Hospital
Mount St. Mary Hospital, located on Fairfield Road at the original SJSN site, maintains a small display of hospital and nursing school memorabilia.
You can drop by, or arrange a visit:
- Email: vo-clerk@mountstmary.ca
- Phone: 250-480-3100
Directions to the display: Go through the cafeteria, towards the left and after the patio doors. Enter the hallway on the left to find the display.
Keep in Touch
Distribution List
The Alumnae sends out occasional email updates.
To be added, please email sjsnalum@gmail.com and include:
- Your name
- Email address
- Maiden name (if applicable)
- Graduation year
Remembering Graduates
The Alumnae sends condolence cards to the families of graduates who have recently passed away.
If you know of a passing, please forward:
- Obituary (if available)
- Graduate's name
- Family's mailing address
Email: sjsnalum@gmail.com
Questions?
For more information about the Alumnae or its activities, please contact: