The School and it's Community

 

St Mary’s Catholic School is a state integrated contributing primary school for boys and girls offering a Catholic education through a range of classes from year 0 to year 6.  The school was opened at the present site in 1924.  St Mary's Catholic School has a maximum roll of 400.

The school’s Special Character is promoted through regular instruction in religious and moral education and is integrated into all aspects of the school’s programmes, environment and culture.  Regular participation in church worship and liturgies is aimed at a level appropriate to the children.

 

A large playing field, adventure playground, an Astroturf for the playing tennis, hockey, and netball are included in the school grounds.  A large cobble stoned area is used for various activities

 

Ten new classrooms, reading recovery room, resource rooms, hall and a remodelled block including three classrooms, library, computer suite and administration offices  are encompassed in the school complex.

 

The Board is responsible to the Ministry of Education, and the Proprietor under the requirements of the Private Schools Conditional Integration Act 1975, the Integration Agreement for the School, and other acts of parliament.

 

Families from right across the socio-economic spectrum and from a wide cross section of cultures are attracted to the school.

 

English is the primary written and spoken language of most of the students.  The Maori language and culture is promoted in the classrooms along with the Pacific Island culture.  St Mary’s is a multi-cultural community which promotes and acknowledges all of it’s cultures. 

 

All students are exposed to Te Reo and Tikanga Maori on a regular basis.

Kapa Haka is promoted throughout the school culminating in a performance at the annual Primary School’s Maori Festival as well as times when the school has powhiri.

 

St Mary’s Catholic School has access to and uses a range of excellent outdoor educational facilities for visits and camping.

 

All staff are committed to the school’s Special Character.  The teaching staff represents a mixture of youth and experience who have a broad range of strengths, skills and interests, which enhances the school’s basic curriculum.  The full–time teachers are supported by a librarian, special needs co-ordinator, literacy teacher, part time teacher aides, and an H.P.P/P.P.P co-ordinator.  The school office is run by a full time Office Administrator and a part time Office Assistant.

 

Close links are established with educational advisory services such as GSE and RTLB.

 

An effective Pastoral Behaviour Management Plan based on reparation and accountability rather than retribution.  In 2004 a Pastoral Care worker has been appointed to work with the wider school community.

 

All learning areas are integrated through the Religious Education programme, which is an integral part of the school’s Special Character. The school has adopted a co-operative approach to integrated planning.

A strong Parent Support Group (formerly PTA) meets monthly.  Their role is to help build a close school community and to raise funds for specific requirements within the school.

 

Parent help in the classroom and with extra curricula activities is encouraged and valued.

 

St Mary’s Catholic School Board of Trustees is an EEO employer.