Kia ora Koutou,
St Joseph’s School is an integrated school offering education with a Special Catholic Character to children from Year 0 to Year 8. The school is located in the rural township of Wairoa. St Joseph’s School is a decile 2 school with a current roll of 90 students.
Our school was founded by the sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1911. Their leader was Sister Mary Mackillop now Saint Mary of the Cross. The sisters followed the mission of Jesus through Saint Joseph who is our patron saint. Both the sisters and Saint Joseph were models of stewardship, faithfulness, Gospel values, teaching and sustainability. Our school resides within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North.
St Joseph’s School consists of three branches – the school community, St Peter’s Parish and the whanau of Tawhiti a Maru Marae. These three branches of the school are interwoven with regard to school liturgy, support/tautoko and fundraising. Parents are involved in many ways assisting with grounds, maintenance/improvements, fundraising, coaching and managing sports teams and assisting on school camps and trips. Parents/caregivers show a real interest in the learning, progress and achievement of their children.
Student achievement, support for quality teaching and learning processes and sound management of school structures and resources is significant and critical. The Board of Trustees and Principal are committed to building upon leadership to support further development of effective teaching practice in order to make a significant contribution to student success and achievement.
Phones Away All Day - If your child needs a cell phone, they must hand it into the office at the beginning of the day and collect it before going home for the day.
We Light the Path – Learning to Love and Loving to Learn
Your Word is a Lamp for my Feet, a Light on my Path Psalms 119:105
SCHOOL MOTTO : We Learn with Faith for Tomorrow
TERM DATES 2026
Term 1
Monday 2 February 2026
Thursday 2 April 2026
Term 2
Monday 20th April 2026
Friday 3rd July 2026
Term 3
Monday 20th July 2026
Friday 25th September 2025
Term 4
Monday 12th October 2025
Friday 15th December 2025
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2026
Waitangi Day
Thursday 06th February 2026
Good Friday
Friday 03 April 2026
Easter Monday
Monday 06 April 2026
Kings Birthday
Monday 1st June 2026
Matariki Day
Friday 10th July 2026
Hawkes Bay Anniversary Day
Friday 22nd October 2026
Labour Day
Monday 26th October 2026
BELL TIMES
8.50am School starts
8.50am – 10.30am In class
10.30am – 10.50am Morning break
10.50am – 12.15pm In class
12.15pm – 1.15pm Lunch break
1.15pm – 2.50pm In class
2.50pm School finishes