St Mary's Catholic School - St Mary's Catholic School Johnston Street

Excerpt From:

ST MARY’S SCHOOL FOXTON CHARTER     2021

Promoting Excellence through Learning and Catholic Discipleship

St Mary’s School is a small Roman Catholic Primary School, offering faith formation and education to students from years 0-8.  This Integrated School of Special Character was established as a private Catholic School in 1911, and staffed by the Brigidine Sisters who were connected with St Brigid and her cross from Ireland.  These Sisters brought with them the Brigidine charism built on love, service to the needy, and courage within their cultural and diverse community for Christ. A new school was built in 1967, as the first lay teachers began.  On 17th May 1981, St Mary’s School was integrated into the State system, whilst retaining its’ Special Character. 

St Mary’s School is situated in Foxton, within the district of Horowhenua.  Historically, the Foxton district was known as Te Awahou and was inhabited by a Maori subtribe under the leadership of Tukumaru Ihakara.  The Iwi is Raukawa and is affiliated with Poutu Pa.

The initial European settlement was at Piaka (approximately 20 miles up the Manawatu River), but with the 1856 earthquake, the settlers moved to Te Awahou.  The depression of the 1880s saw the main trunk railway bypass Foxton for Longburn and Palmerston North.  Foxton’s future was curtailed, relying solely on the availability of flax and associated flax mill. Its’ role as a major port slowly waned. 

In past years, closures of many main sources of employment (Feltex Carpet Factory) within the town, have added to financial hardship, difficulties and restraints for members of both the Foxton and St Mary’s communities. The new Maori/Dutch museum centre, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom has brought new life as a cultural centre.  The ‘attendance dues’ cost of attending a NZ Catholic School is a necessity, but can be hard for our families with Catholic connections. We appreciate the Catholic Diocese working closely to support families as needed and no children will ever be turned away if financial assistance is required.

St Mary’s School is passionate about developing the formation of the heart, mind & spiritual soul (Te Whare Tapa Wha) of each of its students.  The essential ‘heart’ of the school is based on Social Justice Values, Cultural Inclusivity and Discipleship; through living and learning the Gospel Values of Jesus Christ such as love, aroha, service, ratonga, community, whanau and courage, kaha.  Through these values (based upon Scripture, theology, charism, faith and belief), students develop genuine strength of character and self-esteem, allowing them to enhance and enrich their spiritual, social and academic success. This is in a modern school environment setting.

St Mary’s School community continues to value Catholic education excellence, spirituality and transformational change. Individual achievement across the curriculum is promoted and valued for accelerated progress, with stringent tracking and is based on the strengths and passions of our students.  The Board of Trustees actively supports and resource learning and teaching, whilst providing a safe and inclusive environment to ensure success is attained. 

“Kaingakautia nga mea katoa!”  “Treasure in your heart all things!”