On 16 January 1951, Father Joseph Wang, CDD was given a task from the bishop of Malang to develop a Catholic school for Chinese students whom, at the time, were learning at a Chinese school. Father Joseph Wang, or more affectionately called Father Wang was a priest from the Congregation of the Lord's Disciples. The first step that he took was to buy a run-down building in an area of 5,000m² in 35 Dr. Soetomo Street, Malang. On 15 July 1951, the school unofficially opened with the name Roman Catholic Indonesian Chinese Secondary School. Two days later, the school began its first lessons with only 4 students. The opening of the school was officially done by Monsignor AEJ. Albers, O. Carm. on 19 March 1952, and this is the date used as the school's anniversary. On 4 January 1954, Father Wang opened one class for senior student with an enrollment of 27 students. On 1 December 1959, the school's name was changed to Saint Joseph College. On 1 September 1974, another campus was opened in the Blimbing area specially for the senior students. The school was named Saint Joseph Senior High School. At the time there were only 9 classes, and since then the number of classes has increased to 29-30 classes for senior students.
Campus
is divided into 2 campuses, the Soetomo campus and Blimbing campus. The Soetomo campus enrolls students from kindergarten to junior high level. The Blimbing campus enrolls students from elementary to senior high level. The Soetomo campus is dubbed Saint Joseph College 1, whereas the Blimbing campus is dubbed Saint Joseph College 2.
Saint Joseph College 1
The following are the principals of Saint Joseph College 1 Junior High School:
Mr. Kwik Cong Kie
Ms. Willy
Mr. Sergius Nelius
Mr. Lindung Ratwiawan
The current principal is Mrs. Monica
Saint Joseph College 2
The following are the principals of Saint Joseph College 2 Senior High School:
Father Joseph Wang, CDD
Mr. G. Soewandi
Father Hilarius Sutiono, CDD
Mr. Peter Bento Sihombing
Mrs. Magdalena
Facilities
In 1958, the Blimbing campus opened a residential college for boys, and in 1979 for girls. The capacity for the residential colleges at present is to house 280 students. The Blimbing campus is equipped with the following facilities:
Chapel
Science, language, and computer laboratories
Green house/aviatorium
Great hall
Library
The great hall is a 3-storey multi-purpose building:
Ground level is used for students' activity
Mid level is for band and choir practice, multimedia practice, and conference holding
Uppermost level is for badminton and table tennis practices, which can also be used for mass meeting with students since its capacity is 600 people
The school also opened a spiritual retreat house in Sawiran, Nongkojajar. The complex is located in a quiet and remote hilly area. It can house up to 150 people. The school also owns a clinic, organic horticulture farm, co-op, and publishing company.