Guided by Faith, Carried by Community: Our Wayfaring Journey
There is a whakataukī that reminds us, “Ka mua, ka muri” — we walk into the future with our eyes fixed on the past. This sentiment resonates deeply with the journey St Mary’s School has been on over recent years. Like the great Pacific navigators who traversed vast oceans guided by stars, currents and generations of accumulated wisdom, our school has been on its own voyage of discovery. Not a journey across water, but a journey of identity, purpose and direction. It has been a journey that has invited us to ask important questions about who we are as a community, what we stand for, and what we hope our children will carry with them long after they leave our school gates.
When the first Catholic schools were established throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, they were founded on a vision that faith and learning should walk hand in hand. They sought to create places where children could come to know both the world around them and their place within God’s story. That same vision continues to guide St Mary’s today. However, every generation is called to rediscover and renew that purpose within the context of its own time. As our school community grew and evolved, we recognised that we too were entering a new season in our history. Our roll was increasing, new families were joining our whānau, and our community was becoming increasingly diverse, enriched by the cultures, languages and experiences of Māori, Pasifika and many other groups who now call St Mary’s home. At the same time, the world our children were growing up in was changing rapidly, presenting both exciting opportunities and new challenges.
Rather than rushing to find answers, we chose to begin by listening. We invited our students, whānau, staff, parish and wider community to share their hopes and aspirations for the future of our school. Through surveys, conversations, hui, talanoa and informal discussions, we gathered stories, insights and dreams. Parents spoke about wanting their children to feel a deep sense of belonging and confidence in who they are. Students spoke about kindness, friendship, feeling safe and being challenged to achieve their best. Staff reflected on the importance of preparing young people not only for academic success, but also for lives of faith, service and purpose. As these voices came together, they formed something greater than individual perspectives. They became the navigational winds that began to shape our direction.
Through this process, three values emerged that reflected both the aspirations of our community and the foundations of our faith: Whakaute, Manawanui and Whakamana. These values were not selected because they sounded appealing or because they reflected current educational trends. Rather, they emerged naturally from the conversations we were having and the qualities our community believed were most important for our children to develop.
Whakaute speaks to the respect we show for God, for ourselves, for others and for the world around us. It reminds us that every person is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth. Manawanui reflects perseverance, resilience and courage. It acknowledges that growth often comes through challenge and that success is measured not only by outcomes but also by the character we develop along the way. Whakamana calls us to recognise and nurture the gifts within ourselves and others. It encourages us to act with confidence, responsibility and a commitment to serving our communities. Together, these values have become the compass that guides our decisions, relationships and learning.
As our values became clearer, so too did our understanding of the journey ahead. We began to see our school through the lens of wayfaring, a metaphor that has become central to our understanding of leadership, learning and community. In the Pacific tradition, navigation is about far more than reaching a destination. It requires attentiveness, adaptability, wisdom and trust. Navigators draw upon many sources of knowledge. They observe the stars, read the ocean swells, understand the winds and remain deeply connected to the environment around them. They honour the wisdom passed down through generations while responding to the realities of the present moment.
In much the same way, St Mary’s seeks to navigate the future while remaining grounded in what matters most. We are anchored in the teachings of Christ and the traditions of our Catholic faith. We are guided by the aspirations of our community and strengthened by the diverse cultures, languages and experiences that enrich our school. We are informed by evidence and reflection, while remaining open to new opportunities and possibilities. This understanding has shaped the strategic priorities that now guide our work.
Our first priority, Anchored in Catholic Identity, reflects our commitment to ensuring that faith remains woven through every aspect of school life. We believe that Catholic education is not simply something we teach; it is something we seek to live. Our second priority, Thriving Through Culture and Connection, acknowledges that every child flourishes when they feel seen, valued and connected. It reflects our commitment to honouring identity, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that every learner experiences a genuine sense of belonging. Our third priority, Future-Ready Learning Pathways, recognises the responsibility we have to prepare students for a future that is constantly evolving. While the world may change, we believe qualities such as faith, resilience, curiosity, empathy and critical thinking will always remain essential.
As we continue this journey, we do so with immense gratitude for those who have helped bring us to this point. We stand on foundations laid by generations of students, families, staff, clergy and parishioners who have invested their time, faith and energy into creating the school we know today. Their contributions continue to shape our path forward and remind us that every journey is built upon the efforts of those who have gone before.
At the same time, we recognise that our story is still being written. Every child who enters our school brings new possibilities. Every family contributes to the richness of our community. Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Like the navigators who looked beyond the horizon with hope and confidence, we too look towards the future with a sense of purpose and possibility.
The horizon before us continues to unfold. While we cannot always see exactly what lies ahead, we move forward with confidence, guided by faith, strengthened by community and grounded in the values that define who we are. Together, we continue our voyage, trusting that God walks alongside us, and believing that the greatest discoveries often await just beyond the horizon.
Ma te Atua e manaaki
Bridget Comer
TumuakiTe Kura o Hato MereWaiharakeke
If you would like to contribute a story of someone who inspires you, email us here.
Archives: