So what is Charism? Charism is the original story and spirit of our school.

For us at St Joseph’s Catholic School, this is the story of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (the Mission Sisters) and how they founded our school.

St Joes was founded by this order in 1930. Whakatipu Hub was the original building which was located in the middle of the school field. Oak trees were planted at the school over 90 years ago. In fact, children used to tie their horses to the trees to give shade, and then rode them home again.

The Sisters lived in the Convent which was up on the hill, and taught at the school until 1988. Sister Bernadette was the last Sister to be the Principal of St Joes. The Convent closed in 2017. Our School Prayer Garden is dedicated to the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions to thank and bless them for their amazing work and continued dedication to our school community.

Euphrasie Barbier founded The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions or Les Religieuses de Notre Dame des Missions (RNDM). The charism is contemplation, community and mission. Today, RNDM sisters continue to live out Euphrasie’s vision, working with women and youth on the margins of society throughout the world.

Our school core values reflect the charism of the Mission Sisters and the charism of our school.