St Joseph’s Catholic School in Paeroa celebrated its 125th birthday in November, with celebratory activities spanning several days in Term 4.
The school was founded by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (the Josephite Sisters) in the year 1900.
The festivities kicked off with a trip to the “Olden Days” on November 26, where the children marched around the courts, completed cursive handwriting lessons, and enjoyed some old-fashioned games.
“The children came dressed for the year 1900 and the teachers donned the brown habits that the Sisters wore ‘back in the day’,” principal Emaline Cull said.
“Meanwhile our school library was transformed to a museum, showcasing children’s learning about our foundation story, the Sisters and the Josephite charism, or way of expressing their faith, which is still alive at our school today.”
A Jubilee Mass was held on November 29th, which was attended by the school, members of the community, and past students and teachers.
Following the Mass, the school’s new Jubilee Garden and pouwhenua were blessed by Fr Tovio, Matua Eru, Sister Paula, and Sister Roseleen.
“The garden and pouwhenua have been two years in the planning, with the final designs being a culmination of designs created by senior students of our school,” Emalene said.
The plaque in the Jubilee Garden is mounted on a piece of rimu from the original convent, which was opened in 1902 to house the Sisters who taught at the school.
The convent now stands in Ngaruawahia.
The Jubilee celebrations were rounded off with a concert on November 30, filled with singing, dancing, kapa haka and a sprinkling of Christmas cheer.
“All in all, we celebrated our school’s birthday in style. It was a very special few days in a very special place,” she said.
