# Event Details

- **Event Name**: St Joseph's School Ōpunakē 125th Jubilee Celebrations
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 22 Oct, 2026 at 10:00 am – Fri, 23 Oct, 2026 at 11:45 pm (+13:00)
- **Event Description**: 125 Years Strong – One Faith, One Family

For 125 years, St Joseph's School Ōpunakē has been a place where faith has flourished, lifelong friendships have been formed, and generations of students have been inspired to learn, serve, and grow. Since opening our doors in 1901, our school has been at the heart of the Ōpunakē community, guided by the charism of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions and sustained by the unwavering support of our families, parish, and wider community.

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we warmly invite former students, staff, families, parishioners, and friends of St Joseph's to come home and celebrate 125 years of memories, faith, and community. Whether your connection spans decades or just a few years, this Jubilee is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, revisit cherished memories, and celebrate the legacy that continues to shape our school today.

Together, let us honour our past, celebrate our present, and look forward with hope to the future as One Faith, One Family.

Thursday 22 October – A Celebration of Faith and Heritage
10:00am – Special 125th Jubilee Mass

Our celebrations begin with a special Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by Father Tom Lawn. Together we will give thanks for the many students, families, staff, Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, clergy, and parishioners who have shaped St Joseph's School over the past 125 years. This will be a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our shared journey and celebrate the faith that continues to unite our community.

11:15am – Jubilee Cake Cutting, Morning Tea & Kapa Haka Performances

Following Mass, everyone is invited to gather as we officially commemorate our 125th anniversary with the ceremonial cutting of our Jubilee cake. Enjoy a relaxed morning tea while reconnecting with familiar faces and sharing stories from years gone by. Our students will also proudly perform Kapa Haka, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa and the values of manaakitanga, unity, and belonging that are central to our school.

12:00pm – Guided School Tour

Take a walk down memory lane with a guided tour of the school, led by Principal Mr Brook Murfitt. Explore how St Joseph's has evolved over the decades, visit familiar spaces, discover new learning environments, and hear about the exciting vision for the future while celebrating the traditions that remain at the heart of our school.

1:00pm – Conclusion of Day One

Our first day concludes following the school tour, giving everyone the opportunity to continue reconnecting and reminiscing before returning for another day of celebration.

Friday 23 October – Celebrating Community
9:30am onwards – Jubilee Agricultural Day Carnival

Join us for one of St Joseph's School's most treasured traditions—our annual Agricultural Day Carnival. Experience the excitement as students proudly showcase their animals, exhibits, talents, and rural skills. Enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere filled with family activities, displays, and the opportunity to celebrate a tradition that has been part of our school's story for generations.

6:30pm – 125th Jubilee Celebration Dinner

Our Jubilee celebrations conclude with a special evening of food, fellowship, and entertainment at the Ōpunakē Events Centre. Reunite with classmates, teachers, and friends, reminisce over treasured memories, and celebrate 125 years of Catholic education in Ōpunakē. This promises to be a memorable evening honouring our past while celebrating the enduring spirit of the St Joseph's community.

We look forward to welcoming you home as we celebrate 125 Years Strong – One Faith, One Family.




Our Jubilee Dinner will be a memorable occasion, bringing together past and present students, staff, families, parishioners and friends who have all played a part in the story of St Joseph’s. For 125 years, our school has been at the heart of the community, nurturing generations of young people and creating connections that have stood the test of time. This evening is an opportunity to honour that legacy while celebrating the bright future that lies ahead.

From the moment the doors open, guests will be invited to reconnect with old friends, share treasured memories and reflect on the many milestones that have shaped our school. Historical photographs, memorabilia displays and stories from across the decades will provide a unique glimpse into the rich history of St Joseph’s and the people who have made it such a special place.

The evening will feature a delicious shared dinner, speeches acknowledging our past and present, a fundraising auction supporting future generations of St Joseph’s students and live entertainment to keep the celebrations going well into the night. Whether your connection to the school spans decades or just a few years, you will be among friends as we celebrate the enduring spirit of our St Joseph’s whānau.

A cash bar will be available throughout the evening (drinks not included in the ticket price).

Evening Programme
6:30pm: Doors Open
7:15pm: Welcome and Jubilee Speeches
7:30pm: Shared Dinner
8:15pm: Fundraising Auction
9:00pm: Live Band and Entertainment
12:00am: Bar Closes, Evening Concludes and Courtesy Van Commences

This promises to be one of the highlights of our 125th Jubilee celebrations, a night filled with laughter, stories, music and memories. We look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate the remarkable history, strong traditions and enduring community spirit that makes St Joseph’s School, Ōpunakē such a special place.

Buy your tickets below for the Dinner event through the trybooking system! Don't miss out!
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/stratford/st-josephs-school-Ōpunakē-125th-jubilee-celebrations/200030682293213
- **Event Categories**: Music, Entertainment
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Stratford
- **state**: TK
- **country**: New Zealand
- **location**: Whitcombe Road, Opunake, New Zealand 4616
- **lat**: -39.44962
- **long**: 173.85815
- **full address**: Whitcombe Road, Opunake, New Zealand 4616, 57 Whitcombe Rd, Opunake 4616, New Zealand, Stratford

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: St Joseph's School Ōpunakē 125th Jubilee Celebrations
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/96f4f3ad28006821ebbe3eed5583381f35cc92ce321ff7e5469358172788e956-rimg-w1200-h630-dc080848-gmir?v=1789031172

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is St Joseph's School Ōpunakē 125th Jubilee Celebrations being held?
  - **A:** St Joseph's School Ōpunakē 125th Jubilee Celebrations takes place on Thu, 22 Oct, 2026 at 10:00 am to Fri, 23 Oct, 2026 at 11:45 pm at Whitcombe Road, Opunake, New Zealand 4616, 57 Whitcombe Rd, Opunake 4616, New Zealand, Stratford.
- **Q**: Who is organizing St Joseph's School Ōpunakē 125th Jubilee Celebrations?
  - **A:** St Joseph's School Ōpunakē 125th Jubilee Celebrations is organized by St Joseph s Ōpunakē.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** St Joseph's School Ōpunakē 125th Jubilee Celebrations is ideal for festival lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a vibrant, immersive community experience. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Stratford, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If St Joseph's School Ōpunakē 125th Jubilee Celebrations sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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