ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
TAKAPUNA

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents

This week the Board received a copy of the “Catholic Special Character External Review”. The review was carried out, over three days, last term by the Bishop’s Catholic Education Services review team. The reviewers met with the students, staff, parents, Board members, Monsignor David Tonks and read the responses to the parent and staff surveys. They observed morning prayer and the delivery of Religious Education in all of the Home Groups. This report is for Bishop Steve, Bishop of Auckland.

The Review looks at the following dimensions;

Te tūtaki ki a Te Karaiti – Encounter with Christ
Mã te Mātauranga ka tipu – Growth in Knowledge
Te whakaatu Karaitiana – Christian Witness
Te kaitiakitanga me te whakapakari i te tuakiri – Safeguarding and Strengthening Catholic Special Character

For each dimension there is a: Finding, Evidence in this Kura, Effect for Tamariki, Opportunities for Growth.

These are some highlights from the review:

Te tūtaki ki a Te Karaiti – Encounter with Christ

Finding

Opportunities for encountering Christ is most definitely a strength evidenced through the warm, authentic relationships experienced across the kura.

Effect for Tamariki

Tamariki are given the opportunity to experience a deepening personal relationship with Jesus, as they see faith authentically modelled by leaders and staff, enabling them to confidently live Gospel values, care for others, and recognise faith as a meaningful and active part of their daily lives.

Mã te Mātauranga ka tipu – Growth in Knowledge

Finding

The Kura is very effective in supporting its community to grow in knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ, his teachings, and the Catholic Church. Strategic, relational leadership, ensures a well-aligned, faith-centred curriculum.

Effect for Tamariki

Tamariki experience a curriculum that connects faith, culture, and identity, strengthening both their knowledge of the Catholic tradition and their sense of belonging in Aotearoa.

Te whakaatu Karaitiana – Christian Witness

Finding

Christian Witness is a significant strength across the kura. Staff, tamariki, and community members describe a culture where Gospel values are lived out authentically in daily interactions, schoolwide practices, and community engagement.

Effect for Tamariki

Tamariki experience a strong sense of belonging and care, enabling them to live out their faith through compassionate relationships, active service, and meaningful connection with their community

Te kaitiakitanga me te whakapakari i te tuakiri – Safeguarding and Strengthening Catholic Special Character

Finding

Stewardship is highly effective, with governance demonstrating strong commitment to safeguarding Catholic identity and steadfastly enacting the Vision and Gospel Values of the Kura.

Effect for Tamariki

As a result of a Board totally committed to ensuring excellence for all, Tamariki experience a thoughtfully resourced education that is centred on Gospel values.

Our thanks to all those who participated in this review. We are delighted with the outcome. It affirms all we do here at St Joseph’s Catholic School Takapuna providing our tamariki the opportunity to encounter Christ through their day, experience a strong sense of belonging and care and a rich curriculum based on the schools’ motto and Mercy values.

The full report is available on the school website.

Ka manaakitia e te Atua

Alister Bridgman

Principal

The Principal’s Message will cover the following topics:

Open Preference of Enrolment Session August 11th
OCIA Programme – For Unbaptised Children Aged 8-15
De Paul House Fundraiser
Parish News
Community Notices

OPEN PREFERENCE OF ENROLMENT SIGNING SESSION AUGUST 11TH

The next open signing session for Preference of Enrolment forms is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11th from 10am-11am. This will be held in the Parish Office at St Joseph’s Takapuna Parish.