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?

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.

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.

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, cooperation 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

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, cooperation 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 selfevaluation 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?

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