Year 7-8 Information
Kia ora koutou
At St Joseph’s, our vision is for every learner to leave our school EMPOWERED – self-confident, strong in character, humble, and ready to thrive in secondary school and beyond.
We aim to nurture independent learners who can make thoughtful decisions, challenge themselves beyond their limits, and truly understand what it means to Live Mission.
St Joseph’s is a special place where our Catholic Character is at the heart of all we do.
The values of Integrity, Respect, Endeavour, and Compassion underpin our entire curriculum.
In the senior area of the school, students are offered abundant opportunities to grow these values through a wide range of leadership experiences.
Within all of this, every learner is supported to grow in their hīkoi wairua – their unique faith journey – wherever that may lead.
We look forward to having your child a part of our school as they embrace their years as emerging adolescents within a strong family environment where people matter most!
Ngā mihi,
Mrs Devane
Principal/Tumuaki
Leadership
At St Joseph’s, developing strong, compassionate leaders is a key focus. We nurture leadership that is grounded in service, integrity, and the ability to listen and respond to the voices of others.
All of our Year 7 and 8 students are recognised as the senior leaders at St Joseph’s. They are given a wide range of opportunities to grow their leadership skills, take on responsibilities, and act as positive role models for younger students.
In addition to this, leadership roles are offered across four key areas: Spiritual, Cultural, Sports, and Whānau (House) Leadership. Students are encouraged to lead with courage, humility, and purpose.
Honours Programme
Our Year 7 and 8 students take part in an Honours Programme, designed to recognise well-rounded achievement and leadership across four key areas: Service, Cultural, Sporting, and Academic.
This points-based system encourages students to challenge themselves and strive for excellence. Students earn 10 points to receive a Merit Badge and 20 points to earn an Excellence Badge in each area. Those who achieve all the Badges across their two senior years are celebrated on the prestigious Honours Roll.
Service – Reflecting our school’s Special Character through acts of service and leadership.
Cultural – Including opportunities such as Kapa Haka and other cultural activities.
Sporting – Involvement in school-based sports and wider CIS and WFP events.
Academic – Recognising both in-school learning and academic challenges offered through CIS and WFP events.
Student Council
Our Student Council is made up of senior leaders and class representatives from Years 7 and 8. They meet fortnightly to share ideas, represent student voice, and lead new initiatives that support school life and culture.
The Council plays an active role in organising events, promoting wellbeing, and supporting our Catholic mission. A current focus is creating opportunities for students to live out their faith through service beyond the school—helping others and making a positive impact in the wider community.
K2A – Kid 2 Adult
K2A is a programme designed specifically for our Year 7 and 8 students, supporting them through the important transition from childhood to adolescence. Rooted in our commitment to holistic education and guided by our Catholic values, the programme helps students develop the knowledge, confidence, and character needed for their journey into young adulthood.
Throughout the year, students explore a wide range of age-appropriate topics such as brain development, puberty and hormones, online safety, personal hygiene, body awareness, respectful relationships, etiquette, and the realities of drugs and alcohol. These sessions are designed to be informative, respectful, and empowering.
Opportunities
At St Joseph’s, we believe in providing a wide range of opportunities that support the growth of the whole child—spiritually, academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Our Year 7 and 8 students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, discover new interests, and develop their talents through a variety of new experiences both inside and outside the classroom. These opportunities help build confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging as students prepare for the next stage of their learning journey.
- Leadership Council
- Honours Programme
- Catholic Inter school events – academic and sporting
- Waikato Full Primary Events – academic and sporting
- School Camp 2026 – Wellington
- Winter Olympics – Sports Camp Totara Springs
- Kapa Haka Leadership and festivals
- Sunflower school Project involvement
- Representing at Catholic Diocese events
- Representing at community events e.g. ANZAC Day
- Tech at Intermediate – Cooking, Wood, Robotics, Art, Languages
- Playground Angels
- Production (every second year)
- Science Fair
- Book Battle
- Waipa Fun Run
- AIMS Games – individual and team sport opportunities
- Year 8 Retreat
- Year 8 Leavers Dinner
This list continues to grow and is also guided around our students’ needs and interests.
Important Information and FAQ
High School Intentions
We would also like to share with you a message from both St Johns and Sacred Heart—this year they have both been inundated with enrolments, for example St Johns takes 220 Year 9 students and received over 400 enrolments. They have asked that our school share with you that priority is given to students who are baptised and coming from feeder schools (Catholic primary schools – like us).
If you are intending on sending your child to Sacred Heart or St Johns in the future please think carefully about your decision for Year 7 and 8.
FAQ
How are the Year 7 & 8 classes structured?
Class structure will depend on enrolment numbers, student needs, and available spaces. We aim to place students where they will be best supported in their learning and personal growth, with opportunities to collaborate, lead, and explore a wide curriculum.
What does a typical day or timetable look like?
A typical day includes core curriculum learning blocks—literacy, numeracy, and integrated learning—alongside regular opportunities for physical activity, the arts, technology, Religious Education, and inquiry learning. There are also dedicated times for leadership development, wellbeing, and special projects.
How is support provided for students who need extra help or extension?
We are lucky to have skilled learning assistants who support students across a range of needs. Teachers use data and classroom observation to identify those needing extra help or extension. Programmes such as Maths Whizz, Writer’s Toolbox, Banqer (financial literacy), and Stepsweb are used to personalise and enhance learning for every child to ensure there is the appropriate level of challenge and support.
Are Year 7 & 8 students given extra responsibilities?
Yes! Senior students take on many roles that build leadership and independence. These include organising and delivering lunch orders, taking sausage sizzle orders, leading school events, running lunchtime activities, supporting younger students, and participating in Student Council. These opportunities help build confidence, initiative, and a strong sense of service.
What will the classroom allocation be?
Classroom spaces are allocated based on the number of students and what will best support teaching and learning. All learning spaces are designed to be engaging, flexible, and suited to the needs of intermediate learners.
Who will the Year 7 & 8 teachers be in 2026?
Staffing for 2026 will be confirmed closer to the time. We take great care in selecting passionate and experienced teachers who are well-equipped to support students both academically and in their wellbeing. You can be assured your child will be in a nurturing, high-quality learning environment.