Our Special Character
The Special Character of a Catholic School is defined in the Integration Agreement as follows:- “The school is a Roman Catholic School in which the whole school community, through the general school programme and in its religious instructions and observances, exercises the right to live and teach the values of Jesus Christ.”
These values are as expressed in the Scriptures and in the practices, worship and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, as determined from time to time by the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese. By fostering these ideals, a Christian Living Community will be developed.
The students at St. Mary’s School are nurtured and provided with quality teaching-learning experiences based on the core values of our school - Communion, Contemplation, Zeal and Mission. These core values are the foundation of students’ spiritual, social, emotional, cultural and academic experiences.
RNDM Cross
(image credit: rndm.org)Our goal is to provide our learners with the best Christ-centred educational experiences possible in order for them to be able to grow and appreciate their Catholic faith.
The Religious Education Programme for Catholic Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand is implemented by our Staff. Our school community and whanau are encouraged to partner with the school in the development of the faith experiences of our learners. The staff at our school are encouraged to grow professionally by taking part in the various training and development programmes offered by the Cathoic Schools Office (It is an expectation of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops that all teaching staff complete a minimum of 12 hours Religious Education Professional Development per year).
Keeping in mind our Mission focus, our School reaches out to our Parish and the wider community by supporting initiatives like the Food Bank, social enrichment programmes of Caritas and the Cans for Christmas drive. We also plan and actively participate in Parish / School Masses, Liturgies for significant days in the Church calendar and the celebration of the key feasts of Pentecost and the Visitation.
The emotional well being of the students at our school is key to every member of our staff who take personal responsibility in their pastoral care.
Euphrasie Barbier
(image credit: rndm.org)“We can lighten difficult burdens by our thoughtfulness, a kind smile and a little service.”
Euphrasie Barbier
(founder of Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions )
2021 Catholic Character Review
Click the preview to view our 2021 Special Character Review.