Our School
Our Vision
Our School
To local iwi, hapu and our school, Ōpunakē means, “Place of where the springs have been always.” This is reflected in our school logo where the fours springs of water represent 4 of our 5 gospel values (excellence, humility, respect and integrity). We sit within the boundary of Taranaki iwi and ngati tamarongo, ngati haumia and ngati kahumate hapu. Our local marae, Orimupiko is located on the banks of the Waiaua River on the outskirts of Opunake. The wharenui is named Ōhinetuhirau; it opened in 1958. The marae connects ancestrally to the waka Aotea and the maunga Taranaki. The kawa is paeke and this is reflected in our emerging mihi whakatau process and any powhiri. We are also connected with Oeo marae and Pā which is located in Otakeho on the outskirts of Pihama. We first visited Oeo in Term 4 of 2023 and plan to go back regularly as our staff, children and whanau built an instant connection with this Pā and marae.
We are first and foremost a Mission School. In 1901, our school was founded by the “Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions”. Our first teachers were Sister Mary of Nazareth, Sister Mary St Marcella and Sister Mary St John of the Cross. In recognition of these founding teachers we have named our school houses after them. The current main part of the school was opened on February 13th 1923.m
We are to be like Christ in the World, to share our faith, like a spring that flows eternally. Our role as teachers and learners is to inquire into the world around us; to make meaning of it in relation to our knowledge, our own experiences, the experiences of others, as a result of play, exploration, observations, investigations and research. We will explore a variety of skills and values as we participate on our learning journey.
Enrolment Process:
- An informal Interview with the Principal
- Explanation of our Catholic Character and Charism
- Expectations of the school – Our School UNITY Values
- Tour around the school
- Preference certificate to complete
- Enrolment form to complete
Uniform:
It is school policy that children of St Joseph’s wear the uniform determined by the Board.
Parents are expected and have the responsibility to outfit and maintain the uniform as described. The Principal and Staff have delegated to them, the rights to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the policy is effective.
Girls: Tartan culottes (all year round), Navy Polo shirt, Navy blue polar fleece jersey.
Winter – Navy Polo shirt , black tights, white ankle sock or plain black socks, black shoes. Long black pants (optional) – Terms 2 & 3 only. These must not have any visible brand names.
Summer – Black/brown sandals Boys: Navy shorts, Navy Polo shirt, Navy blue polar fleece jersey.
Winter – Black socks with green stripe, black shoes. Long black plain pants (optional) – Terms 2 & 3 only. These must not have any visible brand names.
Summer – Black/brown sandals.
SPORTS UNIFORMS:
Black track pants/shorts, green polo shirt (purchased through the school office), School Jacket – Green
SCHOOL SUN HATS – Our School Sun Smart Policy requires children to wear school sun hats at playtimes and lunch times in Terms One and Four. Our new Green stylish Bucket Hats can be purchased from “Karams Clothes on the Coast”. .
SCHOOL BEANIES – can be worn to & from school in Terms 2 & 3 and purchased from school for $10.00.
Bell Times
School Begins 9:00 am
Morning Interval 10:35 – 11:05 am
Lunch 12:45 – 1:25
School concludes 3:00
Buses
Bus transport to St Joseph’s is free. A number of buses bring children to our school from outlying districts. Buses currently service the following routes:
Wiremu, Waiteika, Ihaia, Kina, Opua, Oeo, Patiki, Watino, Arawhata, Namu,
Feaver, Young, Eltham & Main South Roads.
Should you live in an area not already serviced, arrangements can be made. Please contact the Principal for further information.