Our History

“You have to know the past to understand the present” 

Carl Sagan

Father Patrick Costello, parish priest of Pukekohe had a vision to establish an ‘educational establishment for the community’, and on the 10th October 1884, a foundation stone was laid for a new convent and school behind the Catholic Church. 

On the 18 May 1885 Euphrasie Barbier accompanied by four Sisters stepped off the train at Pukekohe station, embarking on a journey that led them to opening  St Mary’s School with a roll of 24 pupils. 

Over the years the Sisters faced many trials and tribulations, ranging from extreme poverty to decreasing or increasing roll numbers. The original building underwent several additions during this time, but by 1922 Father James A Molloy announced that a new school was to be built on a parcel of church land in Seddon Street.

A foundation stone was laid and blessed on the 10 December 1922 by the Right Reverend James M Liston.

On 9 September 1923, St Joseph’s School, a two roomed building was blessed by Bishop H W Cleary and opened with a roll of 43 pupils. Standards 5,6 & 7 remaining at the convent school.

Established 100 years ago from humble beginnings, today St Joseph’s School stands testament to the then parish priest, our pioneering families and The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, who shaped our Catholic Education.