CATHOLIC CHARACTER

Catholic education is above all a question of communicating with Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others.'  - St Pope John Paul II, 1979

'First and foremost every Catholic educational institution is a place to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth' - Pope Benedict XVI, 2008 'Catholic education gives soul to world’.  - Pope Francis, 2018

Our Special Catholic Character defines the quality of our relationships. It reminds us that when there is a struggle,  we need to return to the sacredness that is in all of us and acknowledge that, although we can all make mistakes, it is important to take responsibility, to forgive the other and ourselves and then to move on.  It is the 'putting right the counts.' Our school 'WAKA' values supports this journey.

School Prayer

E te Matua i te rangi

he inoi tēnei kia koe

Kia manaakitia matou

me o mātou whānau i ngā wā katoa

Ko koe hoki to mātou ariki

Āmene

Our Father in heaven this is our prayer to you

Give your blessings to us

to our families and to 

everyone

For your are our 

heavenly father

Amen

Whakaakoranga Whakapono Religious Education 

Every student is equally valued because they have been made in the image and likeness of God.  Religious Education is at the heart of our curriculum at St Joseph's Waitara, guiding students in their spiritual growth and understanding of the Catholic faith. 

Our teaching is aligned with Tō Tātou Whakapono | Our Faith, the new Catholic Religious Education curriculum, which provides a comprehensive framework for nurturing faith formation and supporting ākonga in deepening their relationship with God. 

The Tō Tātou Whakapono curriculum encompasses key strands such as Te Atua (God), Te Rongopai (Gospel), and Te Tangata (Humanity), which are interwoven through all areas of learning. It encourages ākonga to reflect on their identity and purpose as beloved children of God, developing a rich understanding of Catholic beliefs, traditions, and practices. This new approach helps us integrate our faith values seamlessly into daily learning, encouraging students to view their world through a Catholic lens. 

Through Whanaungatanga (Relationships), we foster a strong sense of community, encouraging students to build meaningful connections with God, their peers, and the wider parish community. Aroha (Respect) is central to our teaching, as we instil in students a deep reverence for the teachings of Jesus Christ, the traditions of the Church, and the sacredness of all life. Kaitiakitanga (Responsibility) is emphasised as students learn about their role as stewards of God’s creation, responsible for caring for the Earth and all its inhabitants. Aumangea (Resilience) is nurtured as students explore their faith, developing the strength and courage to live out Gospel values in their daily lives. 

Our Religious Education programme aims to develop students who are not only knowledgeable about their faith but are also inspired to live it out in service to others. 

St Joseph's Waitara Parish, located adjacent to St Joseph's Waitara School, serves as a spiritual and community hub for local residents. The parish offers a welcoming environment for worship, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. With a rich history in faith and service, St Joseph's Waitara Parish provides numerous opportunities for parishioners to engage in religious education, community outreach, and social events. The close proximity to the school allows for a seamless integration of faith-based activities, enhancing the spiritual development of both students and the wider community. 

Charism- St Joseph’s School Waitara

What is Charism- what does it mean?

Charisms are genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit for the holiness of the entire Body of Christ and the perfection of charity. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #800). As baptised members of the Church, the Holy Spirit can work through each one of us for the good of all of us so that as one body Christ lives in us and works through us as we journey to the Father. In other words, our school charism is the gift of Gospel values that we try to live by at all times, so that we and others can journey towards eternal life with God our Father.

Every member of our community needs to know and understand our charism and what our values look like in action. The charism underpins all we do at school, it is woven into daily life and talked about with the children regularly.

At the beginning of each year the children and teachers unpack it and identify what it might look like, sound like and feel like. Each year level goes a little deeper so as to gain a better understanding. We hope it becomes a part of our students’ lives and that they take it with them when they leave our school.

St Joseph - our school name

St Joseph is a figure from the Bible, known as the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Joseph was a carpenter by trade and lived in Nazareth. He is revered for his righteousness, humility, and devotion to God. St. Joseph is often depicted as a kind and caring figure, providing love and protection to Mary and Jesus. He is recognized as the patron saint of workers, fathers, and families in the Catholic tradition.  We celebrate his feast day on 19th March.

Sisters of Our Lady of the Mission.

Our School charism has been developed through our association with the Mission Sisters who were the first to teach in our school. The Mission sisters' values also work with and underpin our individual school values.

Euphraise Barbier was a nun that came to New Zealand from France to start up Catholic schools.  She believed it was her calling with the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions to provide education. It was the Sisters that travelled to Waitara to teach at St Joseph’s School in 1912.

Where do the Mission Sisters values sit with our school values?

The vision, values and spirit of Catholicism is at the forefront of St Joseph’s Waitara.  Euphrasie was a woman with a heart for the world and wanted to build a caring community where we make a difference in the world in the way we behave and act.  Bringing peace to local situations - for what is happening in the world with random acts and being peaceful. “Let us be united on earth, so that we can enjoy our union in heaven.”  Euphrasie had Zeal and this is one of our values.  ‘Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.’   To live and breath Whanaungatanga, Aroha, Kaitiakitanga Aumangea.  

Communion - Community - being one, being love, our earth shows our diversity, fragility, beauty, being connected to what is happening, what unites us, what is common?  Catholic faith, values, charism

Mission - in activity, Be Jesus in the world, help people in need, share our faith by the way we live

Contemplation - prayer, silence, stillness, attentiveness - taking care of the gifts (stewardship) encounter God by taking care of the land, Laudato Si, enviroschools (environmental activities)

Whanaungatanga - Communion

Aroha - Mission

Kaitiakitanga - Contemplation

Aumangea - Zeal

Everything is woven together.  The WAKA is made of planks and if one is missing it has a leak.  

At St Joseph’s Waitara we follow in the footsteps of Jesus just like Euphrasie Barbier so that we can be the best version of who God made us to be.

WHANAUNGATANGA

Catholic social teaching - common good

The Good of Each and All 

Commitment to the common good means respecting the rights and responsibilities of all people. Our actions have an impact on wider society. It is up to every one of us – governments, communities and individuals – to promote the common good. When we make decisions, we should choose to consider the good of all. No one should miss out on the opportunity to grow and fulfil their potential. Each and every person deserves to have what they need to survive and flourish.

‘So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.’ Romans 12:5 • ‘All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.’ Acts 2:43-47 • ‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.’ Philippians 2:3-4 • ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?’ Luke 15:4

AROHA

Catholic Social teaching - human dignity

Made in God’s Image 

The Catholic social teaching principle of human dignity is about understanding that each of us is made in God’s image. Every person has an innate human dignity no one can take away.  Human dignity is given freely to all human beings; whether saint or sinner, imprisoned or freed, powerful or marginalised. Christ died for all, so all can have fullness of life and therefore every human life is considered sacred. Our common humanity requires that we respect and uphold the dignity of each and every human being. All our other rights and responsibilities flow from this dignity. This principle is deemed as the central aspect of our Church’s social teaching.  The idea that each life has value is shared with International Human Rights which are also universal, inviolable and inalienable.

‘God said, ‘Let us make human-kind in our image, according to our likeness.’’ Genesis 1:26 • ‘The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.’’  Jeremiah 1:4 • ‘It was you who formed my inward parts, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, wonderful are your works.’ Psalm 139:13-14 

KAITIAKITANGA

Catholic Social teaching - Stewardship

Being Responsible Guardians 

Exercising stewardship is caring for the gifts that God has given to us, including the environment, our own personal talents and other resources. We are kaitiaki – guardians of the earth. The integrity of the ecosystems which make up the earth is vital for our survival and for the well-being of future generations. Everything in creation is given for all people. Understanding our interdependence with all living creatures, we should use God’s gifts responsibly to meet the needs of everyone, now and in the future.

‘God saw everything he had made, and indeed, it was very good.’ Genesis 1:31 • ‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.’ Genesis 2:15 • ‘Ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.’ Job 12:7-10

AUMANGEA

Catholic social teaching - Participation

Everyone Has a Part to Play 

Promoting participation means recognising we each have something unique and important to contribute to society. As human beings we live in community with others, growing together. We are called to be active members of our local, national and global communities to improve the well-being of all people. We have a responsibility to be inclusive in our churches, our workplaces, our neighbourhood and our decision-making processes. As communities we can work creatively to provide opportunities for all people to participate. 

• ‘And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’ Hebrews 10:24-25 • ‘Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.’ 1 John 3:18 • ‘So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.’ Romans 12:5 

 (PRIMARY) ENROLMENT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS SEEKING ENROLMENT AT ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL WAITARA

Enrolment information is also available for this school in hard copy from our school office.

1. Catholic State Integrated schools select preference students on the following grounds. 

1. The agent for determining preference is the St Joseph’s Parish Priest.

2. The criteria to be used by Proprietors, and their authorised agents, when determining whether or not the parents of a child have established such a particular or general religious connection with the Catholic Special Character are: 

5.1 The child has been baptised or is being prepared for baptism in the Catholic Church.

5.2 The child’s parents/guardians have already allowed one or more of its siblings to be baptised in the Catholic faith. 

5.3 At least one parent/guardian is a Catholic, and although their child has not yet been baptised, the child’s participation in the life of the school could lead to the parents having the child baptised. 

5.4 With the agreement of the child’s parent/legal guardian, a significant familial adult such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle who is actively involved in the child’s upbringing undertakes to support the child’s formation in the faith and practices of the Catholic Church. 

5.5 One or both of a child’s non-Catholic parents/guardians is preparing to become a Catholic.

2. State integrated schools have open places for non-preference students.

   1. This school has a maximum of 11 places. 

   2. There are currently 0 places available.

   3. Non-Preference places criteria:

      1. The applicants accept that they will be required to pay Attendance Dues as set by the Proprietor of the Diocese of Palmerston North and these are not voluntary.

      2. The applicants accept that they will be coming to a school of Catholic Special Character and that their place in the school is conditional on their participation in the programme.

   4. Non- Preference Criteria that apply to this school.

      1. The siblings of non-preference students already in the school. 

      2. The children of staff who seek to enrol their children.

      3. Non-preference students coming from another integrated school with the same special character.

      4. Children who live within one kilometre of the school and who want to participate in the special character programme of the school. 

   5. Non-preference students who cannot enrol immediately may choose to be placed on a waiting list. Students on this list are wait listed by date and number and will be contacted if places become available. 

   6. At the end of the calendar year the list is reviewed and people will be contacted to apply to be reinstated on the wait list for the following year.