Catholic Identity
Creator God, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, as we walk together on your path of love, hope and faith.
Thank you for the gifts of our school,
our environment, our families and friends.
May our school be a place of learning, care, welcome and celebration.
Mary our Mother, pray for us.
St Mary of the Cross, pray for us.
Amen
Recently, I had the privilege of attending a Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL) Religious Education Leadership Day, where we explored the findings of our recent Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) survey. This survey, completed by participating families, staff and Year 6 students, provided valuable insights into how our Catholic identity is understood, experienced and celebrated within the St Mary's community.
It was particularly heartening to see such positive reflections from both our staff and students about what makes being part of a Catholic school so meaningful.
Our teachers expressed a deep appreciation for working in a Catholic school, where they have the opportunity to share the values, teachings and wisdom of the Gospel with their students. They recognise that our Catholic identity is not simply something we teach, but something we live through our daily interactions, relationships and the way we care for one another. The example of Jesus is reflected in the compassion, respect, forgiveness and kindness that guide our approach to teaching and supporting every child.
Equally inspiring were the responses from our Year 6 students. Their reflections highlighted a strong sense that there is something truly special about belonging to St Mary's Primary School, Rushworth. Our students value the opportunities to pray together, share our school prayer, and actively develop and lead liturgies. They recognise that being part of a Catholic school brings a deeper sense of purpose, belonging and responsibility to others.
Perhaps the most beautiful message to emerge from these reflections is that our students recognise the importance of being part of something greater than themselves. They understand that faith is not only about what we believe, but also about how we live, how we treat others and how we contribute to the world around us.
These findings are a wonderful affirmation of the work we do together as a Catholic school community. They remind us that our Catholic identity is most powerful when it is visible in our words, our actions and the relationships we build each day.
As we continue to grow and strengthen our Catholic identity, we remain committed to ensuring St Mary's is a place where every child feels valued, loved and connected, and where the teachings of Jesus are brought to life through the everyday experiences of our school community.
God Bless
Angela Fiske-Kealy
