Catholic Identity and Mission

Recently I attended some professional learning with the Marist Brothers at the Hermitage in Mittagong, NSW. It can be really difficult to leave school during the term, but the experience has had a profound impact on me. 

When we speak of the ‘charism’ of the school, we are really talking about the philosophy, the theology, the expectation and the expression of all of these. Our charism informs why we do things the way that we do, and what you should experience when you are in our school. While we are blessed to have a dual charism, in both the Marist and the Sion traditions, it is important to also recognize the individuality of each charism. 

The Marist spirituality is based upon five pillars: Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Love of Work and being Inspired by Mary. During my time away there was a lot of discussion about Family Spirit in particular. Coming together, caring for each other, setting up structures that support our students, taking care of our teachers to ensure that they are nurtured in a way that supports them as a person as well as their role as a teacher, and the social and emotional benefits for our community which create safe and engaging spaces to learn and work. For those who have come from other charisms or are new to Catholic Education, it is a really different way of viewing our role in education. 

The role you play in your homes in nurturing Family Spirit plays out in the way that your children interact with their peers and the respect that they demonstrate to their teachers. In order to support us in our role in living this mission, we ask that you take time to talk to your children about their interactions with their teachers and with the CRTs who come into our College. We ask that you discuss with your children the importance of respectful language, the kind of language which is acceptable in the home, in the workplace and in the school environment.  The expectations we uphold serve as excellent grounding for our students as they work to move into the workplace and into their own family life in the future.  

In the same way that we use language and have conversations which preserve the dignity of our family; we work to use language to preserve the dignity of all the members of our school-family community. 

The recent celebration of the Mass of Gratitude for our Year 12 students and the school community was a beautiful representation of Family Spirit. The students participated in the Mass and subsequent celebrations in a way that honoured themselves, our College and their families. What an incredible group of young people that are moving into the world and who will no doubt bring a richness to their communities. 

We pray that all our graduating students are rewarded with the VCE and VM results that will afford them to move into their chosen field. And for all our Year 9-11 students working towards the examination period, we hope that they engage the pillar of Love of Work to recognize that their efforts will be reflected in their achievements. 

Mrs Jacinta Johnston

Deputy Principal: Catholic Identity and Mission