St. Joseph's is a full primary with a maximum roll of 234. There are five classrooms, a modern learning environment which houses the senior students, resource rooms, a library, administration block, large concrete and surfaced playing and recreational areas with sun shades and a good sized swimming pool. There is a hall which is attached to the school. The grounds are attractively laid out and include gardens, a large grassed playing area and a new playground to go with the newly built modern learning environment (Whare Manaaki) which houses the senior students.

Pupils attend St. Joseph's from all areas of the town; some pupils travel by bus from the Otara, Waioweka, Tablelands, Torere and Omarumutu areas.

St. Joseph's is situated at the northern end of Ōpōtiki and is handy to the township, shopping centre and other amenities. The Otara river is within easy walking distance as is the wharf and camping ground, while the closest beach is approximately one kilometre away. The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions established St. Joseph's in 1890, teaching pupils for many years in a room at the convent. The main building of the present school was built around 1920, with a new junior classroom added in 1960. Since then extensive alterations and new buildings were added to the complex, the latest in June 2016 to replace the Senior classrooms.

The Sisters of the Mission continued to staff St. Joseph's until the end of 1990 and had an active interest in the school through Sister Celine Deane who was resident at the Convent next door until 2024. Our Parish Priest continues to give much support; the Presbytery and Our Lady Help of Christians Church are located on Kelly Street, right beside the school and Convent.

Enrolments

Children are legally entitled to start school on their fifth birthday. It is important that the names of possible new entrants are known well before the child's birthday.

Please read 'Enrolling your child at a Catholic School' by clicking here. 

Bus Transport

Pupils attending St. Joseph's from surrounding areas are entitled to travel on the school bus.

School Hours

08:50 am First bell, assembly

09:00 am School begins

11:00 am Morning tea begins

11:30 am Morning tea ends

01:00 pm Lunch

01:45 pm Afternoon classes resume

02:50 pm School finishes