Tēnā koutou katoa,
A warm welcome to St Theresa’s School, Invercargill which is an integrated Catholic Primary School catering for children from New Entrants to Year 6.
St Theresa’s is a place where children have positive learning experiences, a place where we can celebrate learning and success.
We have a curriculum that encourages innovation, and excellence through quality teaching and learning.
Our Catholic education encompasses the gospel values of Truth (Pono), Respect (Tapu), Perseverance (Hiringa), Courage (Maia) & Love (Aroha)
We foster the special character of our school through the charism of Saint Therese of Lisieux and our founders the Dominican order.
Our school culture encourages our children to develop and share their many gifts and talents.
We are fortunate to be supported by the St Theresa’s Parish Community as well as a very active Parent Group and Board of Trustees.
We look forward to you finding out more about what St Theresa’s can offer your whanau and together we can create the best possible learning environment for your children.
I know that by choosing this school, you are making a clear choice for what a Catholic education can do for your child now and in the future.
Our staff looks forward to welcoming your whanau to our community.
Julian Ineson
Principal
Mission Statement
Like St Theresa we do the small things well to make a big difference.
Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu.
(Although small, it is of great value)
Vision
To provide a learning community, in a Catholic environment, where children can achieve their full potential and learn to be true to God, to others and to themselves.
Gospel Values
• Truth (Pono) to be accountable and act ethically
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
• Respect (Tapu) for our faith, self, others, and environment
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you” Matthew 7:12
• Perseverance (Hiringa) to aim high, to be innovative and inquire, participation for the common good.
“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” Thessalonians 3:13
• Courage (Maia) to give things a go
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
• Love (Aroha) for our faith, self, our achievement, for others and the environment
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . .And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
"Students have a strong sense of belonging and regularly contribute to school-wide decisions. Older students enjoy many opportunities to develop leadership skills and are willing to serve their school and community. Tuakana teina relationships are highly evident." (ERO 2019)
“The Gospel values, linked to the Dominican Charism, are the basis of who they are as a community. They are woven seamlessly in the day to day life at the school. Their mission statement, “Doing the Little Things Well”, linked to the life of St Therese of Lisieux, permeates across all that they do to try and make a difference in both their own lives and those of others.” (Special Character Review 2019)
“Creating a sense of whanau (belonging) has been a deliberate initiative to ensure that all children and whanau who come to this school feel welcome, included and cared for.” (Special Character Review 2019)
