OUR CATHOLIC ETHOS

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OUR CATHOLIC ETHOS

• Aims of this session
• To raise awareness of the Core Vision for
  Catholic Education and the importance of Catholic
  schools in promoting this vision.
• To conduct a self-evaluation exercise in order to
  highlight the strengths of OUR SCHOOL as a
  Catholic school.
• To identify two priority areas for further
  development of the Catholic ethos of OUR SCHOOL

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OUR CATHOLIC ETHOS

• What does the term Catholic Education mean?
• What is a Catholic school?
• What makes our school a Catholic school?

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY!

• CCMS Document - Life to the Full 1995
• Building Peace Shaping The Future 2001
• Proclaiming the Mission-The Distinctive
  Philosophy and Values of Catholic Education 2001

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THE CORE VISION OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION (1)

• Catholic Education
• takes place in communities inspired by the Spirit
  of Christ. Christs commandment to love God and
  neighbour inspires a caring ethos which is
  expressed in relationships within and beyond
  Catholic schools.
• is person centred. It promotes the dignity, self
  esteem and full development of each person who is
  made in Gods image and uniquely loved by God.

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THE CORE VISION OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION (2)

• Catholic Education
• is inclusive. It is respectful of, and engages
  with people of all beliefs it encourages the
  religious development of all in their own faith.
• is rooted in the Gospel values of Respect for
  Life, Love, Solidarity, Truth and Justice it
  aims to harmonise faith and culture, build a
  better society and pursue the Common Good.

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How do Catholic Schools Contribute to Catholic
Education?

• Together, Catholic Schools provide high quality,
  rounded education for all young people, so that
  they develop their uniqueness and potential.

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In Catholic Schools, the person and message of
Christ find expression in (1)

• Communities of Faith, Service, Prayer and
  Worship
• The development of each persons full potential
  in a climate of joy, freedom, respect, challenge,
  co-operation and celebration
• The promotion of a spirit of charity, social
  justice, global awareness and concern for others
  leading to practical outreach and partnerships

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In Catholic Schools, the person and message of
Christ find expression in (2)

• A culture of tolerance where people of diverse
  identities are recognised, welcomed, respected
  and cherished
• Listening, mutual understanding, trust,
  reconciliation, healing and peace
• The preparation of pupils to lead fulfilling and
  purposeful lives which will contribute to the
  common good.

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OUR SCHOOL - a Catholic School in action

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What aspects of life in OUR SCHOOL reflect?

• That we are a Community of Faith, Service, Prayer
  and Worship
• The development of each persons full potential
  in a climate of joy, freedom, respect, challenge,
  co-operation and celebration

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What aspects of our life in OUR SCHOOL reflect?

• A culture of tolerance where people of diverse
  identities are recognised, welcomed, respected
  and cherished
• Listening, mutual understanding, trust,
  reconciliation, healing and peace
• The preparation of pupils to lead fulfilling and
  purposeful lives which will contribute to the
  common good.

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What aspects of our life in OUR SCHOOL reflect?

• The promotion of a spirit of charity, social
  justice, global awareness and concern for others
  leading to practical outreach and partnerships
• The preparation of pupils to lead fulfilling and
  purposeful lives which will contribute to the
  Common Good.

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A Community of Faith, Service, Prayer and
Worship, e.g.

• Assemblies and Retreats
• Morning Mass and Morning Prayer
• Our counselling and listening service
• Liturgical Celebrations eg. AshWednesday
• Penitential services
• Caring for the bereaved through attendance at
  Funerals, Wakes

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Development of each persons full potential in a
climate of joy, freedom e.g.

• Staff are interested in pupils.
• Special Educational Needs and I.E.Ps.
• Mutual respect between pupils and staff.
• Pupils and staff are constantly challenged to
  develop personally, socially, academically in
  their daily interaction
• Opportunities for Staff Development

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A Culture of tolerance.e.g.

• Diverse identities exist in our school
• Pupils can express their personal opinion
• Citizenship and Education for Mutual
  Understanding

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Promotion of a Spirit of Charity, Social Justice
e.g.

• Lasco, Trocaire, Childline
• PRSD
• Citizenship projects
• Geography Themes
• Amnesty International Group
• Child Protection Policy and Practice

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The Way Forward

• Catholic Education transcends the Catholic
  School, it is a partnership between home, school
  and parish
• Catholic Education views all children as unique
  and equal in dignity and rights,.social
  inclusion is high on the agenda
• The distinctive nature of Catholic schools is
  expressed in the way our faith affects what we
  do, how we do it and the way we do it.

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This Year we plan to

• Provide further opportunities for self-evaluation
  in the light of the Vision statement
• Identify two priority areas for action and
  further development
• Celebrate our Catholic ethos wherever possible

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OUR SCHOOL is a Catholic School

• Catholic Education pervades everything we do, it
  is not an add-on
• We have been promoting Catholic Education in OUR
  SCHOOL for many years, we can build on the past
  and shape the future
• THANK YOU

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Questions for further discussion

• What more can we do to promote the Catholic ethos
  in our school?
• What challenges do we, as a Catholic school, face
  in expressing and promoting the Catholic ethos
  today?