” What is now known as St Joseph’s Takapuna was christened  St Mary’s Industrial School in 1846 by Bishop Pompallier.He started the building before leaving for Europe in search of priests and nuns for New Zealand. He returned with the Sisters of Mercy in 1850. Meanwhile the school opened in Takapuna in 1849. The purpose of this school was the education of boys both Maori and Pakeha. The school had limited success for various reasons and it was closed down.

In 1893 the old building was handed over to the Mercy Sisters to provide a home for orphan and destitute boys. In January 1893, Sister Mary Alphonsus and Sister Mary Mildred, with six boys, rowed across the harbour and took possession of the building. This was the beginning of St Joseph’s School.”  (The Mercy Sisters and St Joseph’s Takapuna 1893-1993)      http://www.digitalnz.org/records/22761810   (for further information)

Next February, our school will be 120 years old. We are very grateful to the Mercy Sisters whose work in our school lasted from 1893 till 1989. We still continue the Mercy Charism (gift or grace) today. This is evidenced in our Logo which includes the Mercy Cross, our school values of Tika Justice,  Pono Truth,  Aroha Compassion, Tapu Respect for our Environment and Manaakitanga Hospitality,  our motto Courtesy, Care, Co-operation, Courage and our continued outreach to those in need.