History & Special Catholic Character
HISTORY
Pompallier Catholic College is named after Bishop Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier who led the first group of Catholic Missionaries from Lyons to New Zealand.
Arriving in the Hokianga with a number of Marist Priests and Brothers in 1838, he quickly set about learning the Maori language and meeting the needs of Catholics already present in New Zealand. This early group of missionaries went on to establish churches and health and education services throughout New Zealand.
In 2002 Bishop Pompallier's remains were disinterred from his homeland of France and, after a hikoi, which included a visit of his casket to Pompallier Catholic College, was re-interred at Motuiti on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour on 20 April 2002.
The College was founded in 1971 after fund-raising among Northland Parishes. It started as a private Boys' Boarding School owned and administered by the Society of Mary.
Responding to local needs and changing circumstances, the College became co-educational in 1977, closed the boarding facility in 1981 and in the same year became a State-integrated Secondary school owned by the Diocese of Auckland and administered by a Board of Trustees.
An attached Intermediate was opened in 1995 and Form 1 - 7 status was achieved in 1997. We are now known as a Year 7 - 13 State integrated co-educational Secondary School.
SPECIAL CHARACTER
The College seeks to develop the moral, religious, and academic potential of students by firmly centering their lives on God and the Gospel values of Love, Compassion, Justice and Peace.
This is achieved by providing students with the highest standards of teaching and example. Expectations are clear, firm and fair. Students are actively encouraged to become fully involved in the life of the College, aim for excellence in all that they do, care for one another and live their faith.
We strive to create a family atmosphere of caring and personal concern for the individual. The College seeks to be an extension of the family, to foster what parents value in their own relationships and ideals.
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