Special Character

We are a Catholic school and at the heart of St Catherine’s College are the following values that the Sisters of Mercy, who founded the school, have given us:

Manaakitanga - Hospitality
Aroha - Compassion
Āwhinatanga - Service
Tika - Justice
Te Tapu o Te Tangata - Respect

Our school motto is Mercy and Wisdom.

All students take part in Religious Education and the religious life of the College through prayer, meditation, retreats, Mass and community service. The Staff also share prayers and reflections every morning.

We have many students of other faiths attending our school and our students are taught to have respect and tolerance for others’ beliefs. In addition, each year students participate in a Retreat in which they are encouraged to explore their relationship with themselves, others and with God.

The school is also offering support for any students who wish to grow their faith. The journey class accompanies students through the sacramental programme. Students have the opportunity to receive a sacrament (baptism, communion, confirmation) once a year with a mass led by Archbishop Paul.

The school attends at least one mass every term at St Patrick’s church and starts every term with a liturgy.

As part of our faith in action, we believe in strong community service to support our students' awareness of the needs of others and social justice. St Catherine’s has established connections with a variety of charities that we serve during the year such as the can drives providing for the Compassion Soup Kitchen, Vinnies and the Social Supermarket, and the toiletry drive that supports the Women’s Refuge.

Mission Day is a day the students spend time serving others. St Catherine’s College girls are taking part in community service both locally and in the region. Students’ missions vary from baking cookies at school to singing and dancing in rest homes.

From time to time, our senior students participate in street collections where money is raised for various charities.

The students have also raised funds for the Cancer Society (Relay for Life), Mary Potter Hospice, The Women night’s shelter and Volunteer service Caritas.