Ms. Maile Kipapa
Head of St. Joseph School
Greetings from St. Joseph School Administration
ʻAʻole pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi — All knowledge is not taught in the same school.
As we begin a new school year, we are guided by the wisdom of this cherished ʻōlelo noʻeau. It reminds us that God provides opportunities to learn in many places and through many people. While our classrooms remain the foundation of academic excellence, we recognize that some of life's greatest lessons are discovered beyond our campus—in our community, in God's creation, and in service to others.
This year, our focus is on opening community pathways for our students by building meaningful partnerships throughout Hilo. We are blessed to live in a community rich with faithful leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, cultural practitioners, first responders, healthcare professionals, scientists, artists, and environmental stewards who generously share their gifts. Through these collaborations, our students will encounter new perspectives, develop practical skills, and discover how their own God-given talents can make a meaningful difference in the world.
As a Catholic school, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and has been entrusted with unique gifts to serve others. We also believe that all of creation reflects the beauty and goodness of our Creator. Surrounded by the extraordinary natural resources of Hawaiʻi Island, our students have countless opportunities to grow as faithful stewards of God's creation, embracing their responsibility to care for our environment and one another.
Inspired by the Gospel and guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to cultivate not only knowledgeable students but compassionate disciples who lead with faith, integrity, humility, and aloha. By looking beyond the physical classroom, our students will come to understand that learning is a lifelong journey—one that calls them to listen, to serve, to collaborate, and to respond generously to God's invitation.
We are excited for a year of innovation, discovery, and new pathways. Together with our families, parish, alumni, and the greater Hilo community, we will create experiences that deepen learning, strengthen faith, and prepare our students to become the leaders our Church and our world need.
May God bless our school community throughout the coming year, and may we continue to grow in wisdom, faith, and love as we journey together in Christ.
Me ke aloha,
Kumu Maile Kipapa
Head of School