EXTRA CURRICULAR

St Joseph's Waitara offers a sports programme designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of all students. Our programme emphasizes the importance of physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth. With a wide range of sports available, from traditional team sports like rugby and netball to individual pursuits such as athletics and swimming.  Every student has the opportunity to discover and develop their athletic talents. We draw in the experience of coaches from places like Kelly Sports, Sport Taranaki or locals.  

If we are unable to field teams in sports we combine with other schools to make sure our students have the opportunity to play their desired sport.  

St Joseph's Waitara proudly offers a kapa haka programme, fostering a deep appreciation for Māori culture and traditions among our students. Our kapahaka group provides an environment where students can learn and perform traditional Māori songs, dances, and haka. This programme not only enhances cultural awareness and pride but also strengthens community ties and promotes teamwork. At St Joseph's Waitara, we are committed to nurturing the cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand, and our kapahaka programme is a cornerstone of this mission.   Our Kapahaka tutor is Whaea Raewyn Ashby.

Every School Needs a Library - Welcome to our library

‘You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back, relax, all you need is a book.’ Dr Seuss

Our school library is a central hub supporting every child and staff member in the entire school. Our school promotes reading by having an effective library to support each child’s learning journey at our school. Also our library supports curriculum needs and teacher resources. 

All classes go to the library each week. Some classes go to our town library in Waitara to make use of this wonderful facility.

School Camps and class trips offer opportunities to extend learning and social skills. The Key Competencies: Thinking, Managing self, Relating to others, Participating and Contributing and Using language, symbols and texts are highlighted as children work together in a different environment and face new challenges. We are always proud of the way our students conduct themselves when representing the school as learners in the community.

We offer many experiences outside the class to enhance learning, such as sailing, surfing, shooting, archery and educational trips to Puke Ariki, the Art Gallery, Rocky shore visits and many more.

At St Joseph's Waitara, we believe in the power of music to enrich our students' lives and enhance their educational experience. Our music programme is integrated into the learning curriculum, providing students with opportunities to explore their musical talents and develop a deep appreciation for the arts. We leverage the rich cultural and musical heritage of our community, inviting local musicians, composers, and educators to share their expertise and passion with our students. Through this collaborative approach, our students benefit from a diverse and dynamic music education that not only hones their skills but also fosters a strong sense of community and cultural pride. 

At St Joseph's Waitara, we are proud to be an Enviroschool, where our commitment to environmental sustainability aligns with our Catholic faith and school values. As stewards of God's creation, we embrace Kaitiakitanga (Responsibility) by nurturing our environment and fostering a deep connection with the land, sea, and all living beings. Our Catholic lens guides us to care for our common home, reflecting the principles of Aroha (Respect) and Whanaungatanga (Relationships). Through our Enviroschool initiatives, we cultivate Aumangea (Resilience) in our students, empowering them to take meaningful action for a sustainable future, rooted in faith and guided by our values. 

St Joseph's School Waitara is proud to take our students to the annual Year 7&8 intermediate Sports camp at Totara Springs in Matamata every year.

The students have the opportunity to participate in core sports such as netball, soccer, basketball etc as well as have the opportunities to take part in new sports such as wallball, softball, frisbee golf.

This is an event that the year 7&8 students have always spoken about as a highlight to attend.