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“Dominus Illuminatio Mea” – The Lord is my light (Psalm 27)

To educate each girl in a safe, supportive, Christian environment, to be a confident, lifelong learner.

Nau Mai Haere Mai – Welcome

St John's Girls' School is an interdenominational Christian school and is steeped with wonderful traditions, strong values, and a warm family spirit. We are located in a park-like setting in the centre of Waihopai - Invercargill.

Our values are the important qualities we strive to live by and demonstrate in the way we go about our work, and in the relationships we have with others in our school.

St John’s was established in 1917 by the St John’s Anglican Church. After the depression, when the Church could no longer support the school, a new school board was formed and St John’s Girls’ School became independent. In 1990, St John’s became an integrated school, retaining its Christian base.

Over the years, the school has grown and developed into a high-performing school well-known for its confident, articulate students who have a strong work ethic and who are well-rounded individuals. The small size means that every girl is known by everyone and is cared for. Pastoral care is important, and our small class sizes are important to the well-being and education of our girls.

We are proud of St John’s Girls’ School and welcome the opportunity to share it with you. We invite you to visit us and see the school in action.

Holly Bradshaw
Tumuaki | Principal

What's happening at St John's Girls' School?

Upcoming Events in August

Mon 24

Staff Only Day

24 Aug 2026

Tue 25

Polyfest Performance

25 Aug 2026

Thu 27

William Pike - Hospice Volunteering

27 Aug 2026

Fri 28

William Pike - Hospice Volunteering

28 Aug 2026

Mon 31

Monday afternoon Sport

31 Aug 2026

Latest Notices

Reminder - Staff Only Day - Monday 24 August

21 Aug 2026

Polyfest Arrangements - Tuesday 25 August

19 Aug 2026

POLYFEST - TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2026

Our Kapa Haka roopū are in their final rehearsals for the Polyfest performance next Tuesday, 25 August. The girls are excited to share their mahi with our school community at 2:10pm at Stadium Southland.

All of our kura will travel together by bus to the stadium at 1:30pm and will return to school at 2:45pm. All students will return to school on the bus. There will be no pick-ups from Stadium Southland.

Arrangements for Tuesday 25 August

For students who normally take the school bus

Please arrange for your daughter to be picked up from school after the performance. This ensures there is adequate time for the girls to change out of their uniforms at school before heading home.

Hair

Hair should be pulled back neatly off the face. Options can include one or two braids, a ponytail, or a bun; whatever feels comfortable for your daughter. Girls are also welcome to wear personal taongā, including korowai. Your daughter can bring her hairbrush to school to fix her hair before the performance if needed.

Livestream Link: https://www.miharo.co.nz/murihiku-polyfest-livestream-2026

We are looking forward to seeing you all there to support our kura at Polyfest. Thank you for your continued support.

Kā mihi nui

Holly Bradshaw, Eve McSoriley, Sara Woods and Anita Bradley

Sizzle and Chill - Friday 21 August

18 Aug 2026

Arts Extravaganza

11 Aug 2026

Kia Ora Whānau.

Starting tomorrow in the senior school are our "Arts Extravaganza" auditions.

Girls who would like to audition in any of the following categories; dance, singing, instrumental and speech are encouraged to see Mrs McIlwrick to make a time.

We will hold our junior auditions next week.

If your child is successful in their audition, I will be in touch soon!

The Arts Extravaganza will be held in week 10, Thursday 24th of September.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Kate McIlwrick

Junior Syndicate Commonwealth Games Day - Wednesday

10 Aug 2026

Kia ora Parents and Whānau,

This is a friendly reminder about our upcoming Commonwealth Games Day this Wednesday, 12 August. The students have been busy learning about their assigned countries, and we are looking forward to a fantastic, action-packed day.

Here are a few important details to help prepare for the day:

Dress-Up & Shoes: The girls should come to school dressed up in the colours of the country they have been learning about. Please ensure their outfits are suitable for being active, and that they wear sports shoes.
Unsure of your country? If your daughter is unsure which country or colours she should be wearing, please contact her classroom teacher as soon as possible.
Lunch Time & Heat-Ups: The girls will be having an early lunch before we head out. Because of this tight schedule, please no heat-ups on Wednesday.
Travel & Schedule: Students will be travelling to Stadium Southland by bus and will return to school by 3:00 PM in time for regular end-of-day pick-up/buses.

Parents and Whānau are more than welcome to come along to watch.

Thank you so much for your support in making these days so exciting for our girls.

Ngā mihi,

Anita Bradley, Anya Raines, Sarah Jagoutz

St John’s Girls’ School