Saint Joseph’s Secondary School former head girl Loata Loki says the school’s Platinum Jubilee celebration is a powerful reminder of the lifelong bonds and values shared by generations of students.
Loki, who served as head girl in 2021, was among former students who returned to Saint Joseph’s Secondary School for the celebrations themed “From Waimanu to the World.”
She says preparations for the celebration began in 2025, with former students working together to ensure the event reflected the unity and sisterhood that have long been part of the school’s legacy.
Loki says the effort that the girls have put in, the unity and the teamwork, to be able to get things done and for it to show today is something that she finds deeply precious.
She says seeing former students come together to honour the school’s legacy and celebrate the lifelong bonds formed at Saint Joseph’s was something she would cherish.
Loki also reflected on meeting former students from the 1960s and 1970s, saying it was inspiring to realise that generations of students had been shaped by the same values.
She says hearing their stories and being able to celebrate alongside them was one of her biggest takeaways from the Platinum Jubilee.
Loki is encouraging students preparing to leave primary school to consider Saint Joseph’s as they choose their secondary school.
Meanwhile, Jubilee celebrations continue throughout the week, with a ball on Friday, a market day or Saturday and Mass on Sunday.