Cardinal McKeefry Catholic Primary School

Cardinal McKeefry Catholic Primary and Intermediate School, Wellington
Address
66 Ablemarle, Wilton, Wellington
Coordinates	41°16′31.43″S 174°45′23.55″E
Information
Type	Catholic Integrated Primary & Intermediate School for girls and boys from Year 1 - Year 8
Motto	safe, happy, caring, creative & equitable
Established	1970
Ministry of Education Institution no.	2819
Principal	Colleen Restieaux
School roll	110
Socio-economic decile	10
Website	cardinalmckeefry.school.nz

Cardinal McKeefry is a Catholic primary school and intermediate school for girls and boys catering from Year 1 to Year 8 (5 to 13 years old). The school traces its origins to the Marist Brothers' first school opened in New Zealand in 1876. The current school was opened in 1970 by Cardinal McKeefry and named after him.

Location

Cardinal McKeefry is located in Wellington New Zealand, in the city's western suburbs. It is a 9 minute drive from the Wellington CBD, and close to the suburbs of Karori, Kelburn, Northland, Wilton, Wadestown and Ngaio. Students from further afield also attend.

History

The school is the successor of the first New Zealand Marist Brothers’ School which commenced in Boulcott St in 1876. That school was relocated to Hawkestone Street in 1911 and as Marist Thorndon offered education for boys from Year 4 – Year 8 (i.e. generally boys agedy 9 to 12). The school shifted in stages to its present site when the Hawkestone St site was taken under the Public Works Act for the Wellington Urban Motorway. The present school was opened in 1970 by Cardinal McKeefry and was named after him. In 1983 the school became an State Integrated full primary co-educational school.

School activities

Students take part in a range of activities within the school, Wellington City and further afield. These include singing & choral festivals, arts and technology classes, cultural activities and regional sporting events. Regular educational trips and visits take place to venues such as the Museum of New Zealand 'Te Papa' in downtown Wellington, and the nearby Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.

School size, character and facilities

Roll size for the school was 110 students in 2012.

The school charter includes 'catholic character' which involves curriculum covering spirituality, concepts of inclusiveness and respect for diversity.

An after school care service operates. Grass playing fields and hard surface outdoor spaces are present on-site. Children walk or catch a bus to and from school, and a drop off area is within the school grounds for those arriving by car.