School History
The school is under the patronage of Saint Francis de Sales – “The measure of love is to love without measure”
The first Saint Francis de Sales School was opened by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Avon Street in Island Bay in 1905. Since that time there have been changes, including the naming of the school and its location.
In 1926 the school moved to a new site and the name changed to Saint Madeline Sophie in honour of the founder of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
During the 1960’s the school grew so large that it became necessary to negotiate with the sisters at the Home of Compassion to make use of St Pius 10th School building. From this time, the juniors were located at St Pius 10th, with all older students currently enrolled in St Pius 10th relocated to Saint Madeline Sophie's School.
Saint Madeline Sophie continued to be run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart until 1979 when the first lay principal was appointed.
Integration with state system took place in 1983. The existing buildings were considered inadequate and plans were drawn up for a new school that would accommodate all students on one site.
The new school, with eight classes, was built on the present Mersey Street site. As it was now next to the parish church it was decided to rename the school Saint Francis de Sales School, and in January 1985 the new school was officially opened.
In recent years the school has continued to grow. Additional classrooms have been built and the administration area has been upgraded.
The school that opened over one hundred years ago with a roll of nine students. The school roll is now capped at 320 with places for sixteen non-preference students.
More recently, the name Te Kura o Hāto Werahiko te Hēra - St Francis de Sales School was gifted to the school by Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard, and all signage and logos were updated to reflect this.
As an integrated school Saint Francis de Sales has its own Catholic Special Character, which must be understood and valued by all who join its community.
The First St Francis de Sales School in Island Bay: