General Information
The Grey Street Entrance
St. Joseph's is a full primary with a maximum roll of 234. There are nine classrooms, resource rooms, a library, computer suite, modern administration block, large concrete and paved playing and recreational areas with sun shades and a good sized swimming pool. There is a hall which is attached to the school. The grounds are attractively laid out and include gardens, a large grassed playing area and an up to date adventure playground.
Pupils attend St. Joseph's from all areas of the town; some pupils travel by bus from the Otara, Waioweka, Tablelands, Torere and Omarumutu areas.
St. Joseph's is situated at the northern end of Opotiki and is handy to the township, shopping centre and other amenities. The Otara river is within easy walking distance as is the wharf and camping ground, while the closest beach is approximately one kilometre away.
The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions established St. Joseph's in 1890, teaching pupils for many years in a room at the convent. The main building of the present school was built around 1920, with a new junior classroom added in 1960. Since then seven more classrooms have been put on site and extensive alterations and new buildings added to the complex.
For many years St. Joseph's was also a boarding school for girls who otherwise would not have been able to attend a Catholic school.
The Sisters of the Mission continued to staff St. Joseph's until the end of 1990 and still have an active interest in the school through Sister Celine Deane who is resident at the Convent next door and who continues, along with two Christian Brothers and Father Nick Hoogeveen, our Parish Priest, to give much support. The Presbytery and Our Lady Help of Christians Church are located on Kelly Street, right beside the school and Convent.
School Hours
08:55 am First bell, assembly
09:00 am School begins
10:40 am Morning tea begins
11:00 am Morning tea ends
12:30 pm Lunch
01:10 pm Afternoon classes resume
02:00 pm Afternoon Break
02:10 pm Classes resume
02:55 pm School finishes.
Uniforms
Summer
Girls: Plaid tunic, black roman sandals, red sun hat.
Boys: Black shorts, grey polo shirt, black roman sandals, red sun hat.
Winter
Girls: Plaid tunic, black stockings, black shoes, red sweatshirt.
Boys: Grey polo shirt, black shorts, black socks, black shoes, red sweat shirt.
Enrolments
Children are legally entitled to start school on their fifth birthday. It is important that the names of possible new entrants are known well before the child's birthday.
Bus Transport
Pupils attending St. Joseph's from surrounding areas are entitled to travel on the school bus.
Lunches
Lunches may be ordered through the school on Mondays only. Please attempt to give your child the correct change for their order.
Pupils attend St. Joseph's from all areas of the town; some pupils travel by bus from the Otara, Waioweka, Tablelands, Torere and Omarumutu areas.
St. Joseph's is situated at the northern end of Opotiki and is handy to the township, shopping centre and other amenities. The Otara river is within easy walking distance as is the wharf and camping ground, while the closest beach is approximately one kilometre away.
The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions established St. Joseph's in 1890, teaching pupils for many years in a room at the convent. The main building of the present school was built around 1920, with a new junior classroom added in 1960. Since then seven more classrooms have been put on site and extensive alterations and new buildings added to the complex.
For many years St. Joseph's was also a boarding school for girls who otherwise would not have been able to attend a Catholic school.
The Sisters of the Mission continued to staff St. Joseph's until the end of 1990 and still have an active interest in the school through Sister Celine Deane who is resident at the Convent next door and who continues, along with two Christian Brothers and Father Nick Hoogeveen, our Parish Priest, to give much support. The Presbytery and Our Lady Help of Christians Church are located on Kelly Street, right beside the school and Convent.
School Hours
08:55 am First bell, assembly
09:00 am School begins
10:40 am Morning tea begins
11:00 am Morning tea ends
12:30 pm Lunch
01:10 pm Afternoon classes resume
02:00 pm Afternoon Break
02:10 pm Classes resume
02:55 pm School finishes.
Uniforms
Summer
Girls: Plaid tunic, black roman sandals, red sun hat.
Boys: Black shorts, grey polo shirt, black roman sandals, red sun hat.
Winter
Girls: Plaid tunic, black stockings, black shoes, red sweatshirt.
Boys: Grey polo shirt, black shorts, black socks, black shoes, red sweat shirt.
Enrolments
Children are legally entitled to start school on their fifth birthday. It is important that the names of possible new entrants are known well before the child's birthday.
Bus Transport
Pupils attending St. Joseph's from surrounding areas are entitled to travel on the school bus.
Lunches
Lunches may be ordered through the school on Mondays only. Please attempt to give your child the correct change for their order.
