Our Identity
Our Vision
Empowered Learners, Living Mission
Mana Tū Ngā Ākonga Hei Oranga
At St Joseph’s School, our vision is for all ākonga to be empowered learners, actively living mission in their daily lives, and becoming the best versions of themselves possible.
Empowered Learners
Being empowered means making positive choices, taking action to progress, and having confidence in one’s ability to make decisions. Empowered people understand their strengths and weaknesses and are motivated to learn and achieve.
Bishop Pompallier – As the first Catholic bishop in Aotearoa, he empowered others by bringing the Gospel to New Zealand, ensuring the faith took root and grew. He valued education and helped establish schools to equip young people with the tools to shape their future.
St Peter Chanel – He showed unwavering faith and courage in sharing the Good News despite great hardships, teaching us perseverance and commitment in learning and life.
Suzanne Aubert – She empowered others through her dedication to serving the poor, sick, and vulnerable, founding the Sisters of Compassion to provide education, healthcare, and social support.
Euphrasie Barbier – She believed deeply in education and the empowerment of young women, establishing the Mission Sisters (RNDM) to bring learning and faith to communities worldwide.
Living Mission
‘Living Mission’ means being the living proof of God’s love in the world—actively bringing his message of hope and service into our words and actions. It is a call to serve others, stand up for what is right, and be a light in our community.
Bishop Pompallier spread the Catholic faith and worked to build a foundation for the Church in Aotearoa.
St Peter Chanel sacrificed his life for the mission of sharing the Gospel.
Suzanne Aubert lived her mission by caring for the sick, the poor, and the marginalised.
Euphrasie Barbier dedicated her life to educating and uplifting those in need.
Our Motto
Guided by Faith, Connected in Purpose
Mā te Whakapono e Tohu
Our school motto reflects our deep faith and shared mission as a learning community. It reminds us that faith guides our journey, and together, we strive to live with purpose. Our four kaitiaki embodied these values through their lives and work.
Guided by Faith
Faith is the foundation of our actions, inspiring us to live with integrity, kindness, and service. Our kaitiaki trusted in God’s plan and dedicated their lives to helping others.
St Peter Chanel – A missionary who brought Christianity to the Pacific, he remained steadfast in his beliefs, even in the face of great challenges. His unwavering faith and ultimate sacrifice reflect integrity, reminding us to always stand for what is right and true.
Bishop Pompallier – As the first Catholic Bishop of New Zealand, he built relationships with Māori, showing deep respect for their language and traditions. His faith-driven work teaches us to value others and embrace diversity.
Connected in Purpose
We are united in our mission to learn, serve, and grow together. Our purpose is to uphold our values, support one another, and make a difference in the world.
Euphrasie Barbier – Founder of the Mission Sisters, she dedicated her life to education and spreading the Gospel. Her lifelong commitment to her mission shows endeavour, inspiring us to work hard, persevere, and trust in God’s plan.
Suzanne Aubert – A pioneer of social justice, she devoted her life to helping the poor and sick in Aotearoa, embodying compassion. Her selfless service reminds us to care for those in need and foster a spirit of kindness.
Living Our Motto at St Joseph’s
At St Joseph’s, we follow in the footsteps of our kaitiaki by living with faith, integrity, respect, compassion, and endeavour.
We learn, serve, and grow as a united community guided by faith and connected in purpose.
Our Core Values
Serve as the foundation of our school community and guide us in everything we do.
“These four Core Values have been carefully and thoughtfully chosen to reflect the unique qualities embodied by each of our four remarkable House Kaitiaki.
At St Joseph’s Catholic School in Morrinsville, we proudly honour the legacy of our ‘fabulous four’ by embracing the values they lived by and passed down to us.
Each Kaitiaki demonstrated a deep commitment to one of these core values, and through their example, they continue to guide and inspire us. Their stories anchor our School Whaanau (House System) and remind us daily of the virtues we strive to uphold.
Through these core values, students at St Joseph’s have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our school and the wider community. By embracing these values, they help create a culture where kindness, understanding, hard work, and integrity are lived each day.
Each value empowers our learners to take ownership of their journey and recognise their ability to influence positive change. Whether through small acts of care and honesty or through leadership and standing up for what is right, every student strengthens our community.
By living with:
- Compassion
- Respect
- Endeavour
- Integrity
We uphold the mission/motto of St Joseph’s Catholic School:
“Guided by Faith, Connected in Purpose.”
“Mā te Whakapono e tohu”
Our School Kaitiaki
The Story of Four Catholic Kaitiaki in New Zealand.
A long time ago, before New Zealand had churches in every town, brave and faithful people travelled across the world to share the message of God’s love.
Among them were four incredible individuals who are the kaitiaki of our school.
- Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier
- Saint Peter Chanel
- Suzanne Aubert
- Euphrasie Barbier
Their journeys and sacrifices helped shape the Catholic faith in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
At St Joseph’s School Morrinsville, these pioneers are our kaitiaki and act as guardians for our four Whaanau (House) groups.
Our Kaitiaki
