
Welcome to
ST JOSEPH’S
NEW PLYMOUTH
Tihei Mauri Ora, Whaikororia ki Te Atua i runga rawa. Maungārongo ki runga ki te whenua. Whakaaro pai ki nga tāngata katoa. Tēnā rā koutou ki ngā hau e wha. Nau mai haere mai ki te whānau o Hato Hohepa.
Behold the breath of life. Glory to God on high. Peace on earth. Goodwill to all people.
Greetings to everybody. Welcome to the St Joseph’s School, New Plymouth Website.
St Joseph’s is a Contributing State Integrated (Catholic) Primary School catering for children from new entrants to year six. We are a very well resourced school that provides a broad and rich curriculum built around Christian living, creativity and knowledge and skills essential for the future. These skills are embedded in the school’s Eight Competencies (8 C’s) and through our Gospel Values of Tika, Pono & Aroha. An emphasis is given to achievement in the core learning areas of literacy and numeracy as well as developing and fostering an appreciation of the arts, digital and scientific skills, and social, outdoor and leisure skills.
St Joseph’s School continues to benefit from strong community support. Children and staff feel a strong sense of belonging and we enjoy an ongoing association with past and present students and families.
We encourage you to explore our website and we look forward to hearing from you and meeting you in the future.
Fiona Hopkirk: Acting Principal
We are currently recruiting for a new Principal/Tumuaki. For more information, or if you wish to apply for the position, please email vacancy@stjosephsnp.school.nz for our application documentation.
Applications close13th July 2022.

Latest Notifications
SCHOOL MASS
Wed Jun 29 03:46pmIt would be lovely to see as many families as possible at our School Mass this Sunday, 3rd July, 9.00am at St Joseph’s Church.
Coastal Interschool Sports Exchange – at home
Tue Jun 28 04:30pm
Interschool Exchange Letter for Oakura away
Tue Jun 28 04:22pmWe are still low on transport for this sports exchange and would really appreciate transport to this event.
Please email the school if you are able to offer transport.
Thank you
Year 5/6 Sports – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tue Jun 28 04:11pmINTERSCHOOL SPORTS EXCHANGES
This week we have 2 sports exchanges. Letters have been sent home with the children involved, however due to so many absent your child may not have received a letter. Please read the document which lists the children who are playing in the exchanges.
if you know your child will not be back at school for their game, please can you email Hayley O’Neill at hayley@stjosephsnp.school.nz. This will allow another child to take their place if need be.
Letters for the 2 exchanges have also been put on the school app so parents can read the information regarding that exchange.
Thank you!
The last day for ordering Bought Lunch is tomorrow, 28th June. Please make sure your forms are handed in before the end of the day.
Mon Jun 27 01:22pmTomorrow, Friday 24th June, is a public holiday for Matariki. School is closed. Enjoy the long weekend together as a family.
Thu Jun 23 01:14pmFOSJ ANNUAL MEETING TONIGHT
Mon Jun 20 02:20pmPlease use the attached link to attend the Friends of St Joseph’s Annual Meeting tonight at 7.30pm via Zoom.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87385661341?pwd%3DbnpWaG1DZk1vYytWWWVCbitWUTBaUT09&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1655682643353413&usg=AOvVaw1ZGt7iNb1pRHsEjWGlFPxe
Morning Trinity parents .. due to Mrs Ropitini’s absence, Trinity’ class will not be leading tomorrow’s assembly. This will be rescheduled.
Thu Jun 16 10:11amFOSJ Bought Lunch Form
Wed Jun 15 03:48pmLook out for the FOSJ Bought Lunch Forms in your child’s school bag today. Spares are available from the School Office.
FOSJ ANNUAL MEETING
Wed Jun 15 12:55pmPlease use the attached link to attend the Friends of St Joseph’s Annual Meeting on Monday 20th June at 7.30pm via Zoom.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87385661341?pwd%3DbnpWaG1DZk1vYytWWWVCbitWUTBaUT09&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1655682643353413&usg=AOvVaw1ZGt7iNb1pRHsEjWGlFPxe
Yr 5/5 Rippa Tournament Information
Tue Jun 14 06:55pm
Yr 5/6 Rippa Rugby – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tue Jun 14 10:08amPlease can all parents fill out the attached player registration form for their child before Thursday. if your child already plays rugby for a club, you do not need to fil out this form again
Thank you.
https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/173551
Yr 5/6 Rippa Rugby Tournament has been postponed until next Thursday – 16th June.
Mon Jun 06 05:33pmREMINDER – an invite went out to parents from Cullinane and Redwood. Class Mass at 9am Tuesday 7th June to be held in Cullinane class.
Mon Jun 06 05:21pmYr 5/6 Rippa Rugby Tournament – Thursday 9th June
Fri Jun 03 04:13pmAll Yr 5/6 children have been sent home with this notice.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER SUPPORT WORKER WANTED
Thu Jun 02 08:08pmWe are keen to employ a bilingual support worker to join the staff at St Joseph’s School. The person needs to be a competent speaker of both Malayalam and English. They will work with and support our English Language Learners both at school and with our families in our wider school community.
The position is for 20 hours per week, during term time and currently is for one year. We will provide training.
If this sounds like a job you would be interested in or would like more information; please contact: fiona@stjosephsnp.school.nz or by ringing the school on 06 758 0364.
School Newsletter 2022 No.6
Thu Jun 02 04:22pm
FIRST RECONCILATION GROUP: The first session took place today. Please look in school bags for a home learning sheet on what they learnt.
Thu Jun 02 03:33pmSCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB ORDERS
Wed Jun 01 04:24pmYour child will be bringing home Book Club Issue No.4 today.
Please order online using the LOOP App or visit scholastic.co.nz/LOOP. Online orders for St Joseph’s close 10th June.
https://mybookclub.scholastic.co.nz/Parent/Login.aspx
We are not taking cash payments or orders at school.
Interschool Sport against Frankley School is going ahead today as there is currently a break in the weather.
Wed Jun 01 12:04pmFOSJ Meeting
Mon May 30 04:10pmA reminder that there is a Friends of St Joseph’s meeting tonight at 7.30pm in the staffroom. We look forward to seeing you there.
SHGC Open Afternoon
Mon May 30 10:41amA reminder that SHGC have an Open Afternoon today for current Year 6 girls, starting at 2:00pm with an assembly. Please note, parents/caregivers must sign their children out at the School Office when they collect them for this event.
Year 6 students who attended Young Leaders today in Palmerston North are currently in Inglewood on their way home.
Wed May 25 06:41pmInterschool Rugby Yr 5/6 Please bring a change of clothes and a mouthguard for lunchtime training tomorrow.
Wed May 25 06:07pmST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL SPORTING CODE OF CONDUCT
Tue May 24 06:14pmAs winter sports are now up and running, it is timely to remind all participants of our school’s expected sporting behaviours.
STRUCTURED LITERACY PRESENTATION
Tue May 24 04:21pmPlease use the link below (and the passcode +utC0mfL) to view Claire Knight’s presentation for parents/caregivers on Structured Literacy.
This presentation is similar to the one that was given at the Parent Information Evening held at school last week and will give your more insight into the Structured Literacy Programme being run at St Joseph’s School.
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/wbbqX92ehW9PxbjKAcTF3Y60924H9NdSpsXW_4svajb40BZMShPrId9XnF3jkf-P.Zx7MSHbQxaMdd_em
FOSJ MEETING
Tue May 24 09:22amPlease come along to the Friends of St Joseph’s meeting on Monday 30th May at 7.30pm in the staffroom. We would love to see as many parents as possible join us.
STRUCTURED LITERACY PARENT EVENING
Mon May 16 04:27pmYou may have seen several news articles recently regarding literacy in New Zealand schools. Our school, along with a number of NZ schools, has committed to the Structured Literacy approach.
We are holding a parent information evening this Wednesday, 18th May, at 7.00pm in the Scout Hall for those parents/caregivers who would like to know more about the science of learning to read and how you can support your children at home.
To register please use this link:
https://forms.gle/v6jY5JTTZ6yNhJny7
School Newsletter 2022 No.5
Thu May 12 03:55pmPlease see below our first school newsletter of Term 2.
Structured Literacy Parent Evening
Thu May 12 11:09amPlease see the notice below for details regarding our Structured Literacy Parent Information Evening. This is an opportunity for parents/caregivers to learn about the Structured Literacy Programme at St Joseph’s and how you can help your children at home.
Principal Appointment Update
Tue May 10 04:21pmPlease see the notice with an update on the appointment of a Principal for our school.
RAT TESTS
Tue May 10 03:28pmWe have a limited number of RAT Tests available to give out to our school community free of charge. If you would like to receive some, please use the link below:
https://forms.gle/7TZEnFeffKKk79mC7
Yr 0-2 Miniball Draw 2022
Thu May 05 04:20pm
Yr 3/4 Miniball Draw 2022
Thu May 05 04:13pm
Yr 5/6 Basketball Draw 2022
Thu May 05 04:07pm
RE Newsletter Term 2, 2022
Wed May 04 04:21pmPlease see below the RE Newsletter which has been distributed to students today.
Junior & Middle School Scooter Skills
Tue May 03 04:27pmPlease see below for information on the Junior & Middle School Scooter Skills sessions next week.
Miniball/Basketball Coaches – Reminder
Fri Apr 29 01:14pmThere is a coaching clinic for all Miniball/Basketball coaches on Wednesday 4th May at 4pm at TSB Stadium.
Mouthguards for your teams will be given out at this session.
Please wear you masks into the stadium.
Thank you!
TERM 2 AT ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL: COVID-19 LEVEL ORANGE
Fri Apr 29 11:08amAs you will be aware, we have now moved to Covid-19 level Orange. This means at school we are asking the community to observe the following:
* Adults if entering the buildings, please wear a mask.
* Adults if entering the buildings, please sign in at the office.
* Adults please do not congregate and try to maintain 1-2 metre distancing.
* Students Year 4-6 are encouraged to wear a mask when inside.
* Students are not to be on-site until 8:15am.
* Afternoon pick-ups from 2.45pm please.
Students Years 4-6 will be asked to wear a mask when we meet as a school in the hall for assembly, because of the close proximity to one another during this time.
If there is a high number of Covid cases happening at school, we may ask that masks be worn in the classrooms by all students again, for a time.
We will continue to keep all other health measures in place at school.. maintaining good hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, physical distancing where practical and if students are sick.. please stay home.
Assemblies/School Prayer/Certificates for Term 2 will be held as a whole school together, on Friday mornings at 9.00am in the Scout Hall. Parents/caregivers are welcome but we ask that masks are worn.
YEAR 6 NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS DAY
Tue Apr 26 01:42pmWe have spaces available for Year 6 students to attend NYLD in Palmerston North on 25th May. This is a day trip to Palmerston North by bus at a cost of $90.00 per student. Please email Michael Healion at michael@stjosephsnp.school.nz if your child is interested in attending.
OSCAR HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
Thu Apr 14 09:07amHave you completed your OSCAR Holiday Programme bookings?
If you are intending on using this service during the holidays, it would be much appreciated if you make your bookings sooner rather than later. The OSCAR team are currently organising resources and staffing, etc, and accurate booking numbers make their job a lot easier. Thank you.
Lunchtime Rugby Session
Wed Apr 13 04:18pmTomorrow (Thursday) lunchtime is the last rugby session with Ben Siffleet. This will be for both Yr 3/4 and 5/6 ages. Please remember a change of clothes for those children involved.
Thank you!
School Newsletter 2022 No.4
Wed Apr 13 04:01pmPlease see today’s school newsletter.
HOCKEY INFORMATION
Wed Apr 13 12:46pmThe team lists and tops have been given out. For those that are playing:
There is a new platform called PlayHQ that Taranaki Hockey is going to be using. It will be great and has many uses, however we need you to register your child. We will deal with the costs at school but please follow the link and register so I can assign the teams within PlayHQ when you do this. If you could do it by the end of the holidays that would be great… it doesn’t take too long!
Here is the link:
https://www.playhq.com/hockey-new-zealand/register/73820e
Basketball/Miniball Online Registrations -for all players and coaches
Tue Apr 12 01:25pmMember Registrations.
Basketball New Zealand requires everyone involved in basketball in 2022 to be registered to an association or a club. A database with details of members will enable the sport to approach key funding agencies and tell them about who we are and how many are involved in the game. This should help ease the way forward for future funding in the sport.
NPBA therefore asks everyone involved in the game – player, coach, manager, referee, volunteer – to please complete the BBNZ registration form in the following link. All players will be required to complete the form to be eligible to play in the NPBA Junior Leagues so we ask that you complete this form as soon as possible.
Please refer to the entry form for details regarding the registration.
If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to contact John Carley (0277566726) or Pam Moss (0273371415)
The link to registration is here:
Thank you
NPBA Committee
Yr 5/5 Interschool Sports -Term 2
Fri Apr 08 01:20pmPlease contact Hayley O’Neill if you are interested in coaching/managing the Yr 5/6 Football, Netball or Rugby team this year. Games will be during Term 2 during school hours.
Please email – hayley@stjosephsnp.schhol.nz
Thank you!
ROADWORKS THURSDAY 7th APRIL
Wed Apr 06 05:20pmWe have been advised that work will be undertaken tomorrow, Thursday 7th April, near the intersection of Moulton Street and Calvert Road.
Moulton Street will be reduced to one way traffic although parking will still be available on Moulton Street.
We ask that our families take care during this time and are mindful of workers in this area.
SCHOOL FINISHING EARLY – LEARNING CONFERENCES THURSDAY
Wed Apr 06 11:43amA reminder that school is finishing early at 12.40pm tomorrow, Thursday 7th April, for Learning Conferences to be held during the afternoon.
If you are requiring OSCAR care, please make contact with the either the OSCAR team or the School Office as soon as possible to make manual bookings.
YR 3-6 Netball Registration Details
Mon Apr 04 04:38pmAll Yr 3-6 Netball players must register with Netball Taranaki by Monday 11th April. Please use the link below.
Coaches/managers of teams also need to register.
https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/191196
Netball team lists have been sent home today. They are also on the app for those who are unable to attend school at the moment.
Basketball and Miniball team letters have been sent home today. Letters are also on the app for those who are unable to attend school.
Mon Apr 04 04:28pmYoung Leaders Trip 2022
Mon Apr 04 03:22pmLast call for registration forms for the Year 6 Young Leaders Day in Palmerston North.