Titahi Bay Catholic school to close at end of 2026

Parents were told of the news in a newsletter this month, after Education Minister Erica Stanford confirmed the Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington’s request to cancel the school’s integration into the state system. The cancellation was proposed in May.

The school’s principal, Dr John Young, and school board presiding member Alan Fleming told parents the news brought a sense of loss, but they remained “committed” to their students and hoped they would stay for the final year. The school was opened in1954 by the Brigidine Sisters with a roll of 46.

St Bernard’s School in Brooklyn and Cardinal McKeefry School in Wilton are closing at the end of this school year, after the Archdiocese cancelled their state-integration agreements, blaming finances and a stagnating population.

In a statement provided to media, Kelly Ross, vicar for education for the Archdiocese of Wellington, said Catholic schools are responsive to the current and emerging realities of their communities.

“In recent months, the Ministry of Education has consulted with the St Pius X community and schools in neighbouring suburbs. The Education Minister has advised Archbishop Paul Martin, as proprietor of the school, and the school principal that the outcome of the consultation is that the school’s Integration Agreement will be cancelled,” Ms Ross said.

“The Archdiocese knows this has been a difficult time for the school community. Not everyone will support the decision. We are pleased that St Pius students and their families will continue to be able to access a Catholic education in nearby schools,” she said.

Porirua city councillor Geoff Hayward, a former presiding member of the school board, said the biggest issue was the future of the school building that was on land owned by the Our Lady of Hope Parish in Tawa.

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Catholic primary school in Tītahi Bay to close (By Justin Wong/The Post – subscription required)