OUR NAME

The College is named after the mission schooner Sancta Maria on which Bishop Jean Baptist Pompallier sailed around New Zealand. The name Sancta Maria is a Latin title for Mary the mother of God. It means Holy Mary. 　

Bishop Pompallier, who is a specially honoured pioneer of the New Zealand Catholic Church, arrived in the Hokianga from France in 1838 with a group of Marist Priests and Brothers. With this group, he sailed around New Zealand converting settlers to Catholicism in the early 1840s.

Fathers Garin and Viard who accompanied Bishop Pompallier established Churches in Howick and Panmure. Bishop Pompallier devised his own flag for the vessel - a bunting version of the Miraculous Modal, It consisted of a blue cross surmounting a large M and surrounded by twelve stars. The background was white. These twelve stars have been incorporated into the school logo along with the Sancta Maria and the school's motto 'FAITH IS OUR COMPASS'.

The College’s name commemorates the historic arrival and work of Bishop Pompallier. There is a comparison between the vessel Sancta Maria being used to spread the Word and our College being a vessel for furthering the Religious Education of young people in the area.

Students are articulate, confident and motivated to achieve. They enjoy positive, respectful relationships with their teachers and other students. They are proud of their school and respond positively to teachers' high expectations. They regard teachers as approachable, friendly and able to provide appropriately challenging and relevant work experiences.

Education Review Office

Already the Board and staff have achieved a great deal in establishing a culture that is focused on learning and supporting

Education Review Office