Principal's Address

Dear Parents and Carers,

I trust you are well as we enjoy this beautiful, end of Winter weather.

In preparation for a panel visiting the College for two days in November to conduct an MSC Ethos Review, our Assistant Principal – Faith, Formation and Mission, Mr Sandy Abbey, has led a process of inquiry and data gathering to reflect on, I suppose, how we provide a Catholic education in the MSC Way.

At Chevalier College, our mission as a Catholic school is deeply intertwined with the rich tradition of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), a congregation founded in the 19th century by Jules Chevalier in France. Jules Chevalier envisioned a Catholic Church that would embody the core values of the heart of Jesus — kindness, compassion, inclusivity and hospitality. His mission was for all Catholics to strive to "be on earth the heart of God." This profound call to live out these values is the foundation of everything we do at Chevalier College.

Catholic education is about more than just academic attainment of knowledge in order to study for a test; it is about forming the whole person. We aim to nurture our students not only in their intellectual pursuits but also in their spiritual and moral formation. The charism of the MSC, which is the unique spiritual gift and mission given by God to Jules Chevalier, guides us in this endeavour. Charism is a way of living, a way of being in the world that reflects the heart of Jesus. It is about embodying the love, compassion and inclusivity that Jesus showed in his life and teachings which is known as living with a ‘Spirituality of the Heart’.

James Maher MSC beautifully describes this Spirituality of the Heart as 

"a way of living – a way of being in the world… a journey to be travelled (with others),… an energy that sustains and moves us, a dance in which we are participating… a way of being in the world, in relationship to self, others and God; a way of coming to rest within ourselves, at our deepest centre."

This spirituality is at the core of the MSC ethos that underpins everything we do at Chevalier College. It is not just a set of beliefs or values, but a way of life that invites us to be in loving relationship with ourselves, others, and God. This means our students and staff, and by way of partnership, our parents, are part of a spiritual family, invited to reflect on the MSC ethos and vision to live their lives. This ethos, or ‘spirit’ as it is sometimes known, is expressed in our daily interactions, our approach to teaching and learning, and our commitment to fostering a community that is welcoming, inclusive and compassionate. At Chevalier, families of all religious traditions as well as those who do not identify with one, are encouraged to live out these core values in their own lives and bring this vision to the world.

The MSC ethos resonates with the deepest human values of love, compassion and community. Whether in our ordinary interactions with others or in the big decisions we make in life, we are all invited to live with the heart of Jesus, to be on earth the heart of God. 

At Chevalier College, we are committed to providing an education that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in the spiritual and moral values of the MSC. We believe that by nurturing these values, we are helping to form young people who are not only well-prepared for the challenges of life, but are also ready to contribute positively to the world, guided by the love and compassion of the heart of Jesus.

On another matter, as communicated in previous correspondence, the review into future facing learning has been conducted and concluded by Dr Phil Cummins from Circle Education. The review focuses primarily on the roll out of Flipped Mondays and the development of student self-regulation. It has been framed as an ‘Insights Report’ which was forwarded to the College Board on Monday 19 August.

Both the College Board and the College Leadership Team believe it is in everyone's best interests if the Insights Report is shared openly and transparently by Dr Cummins as follows:

• At the staff meeting from 3.45 - 4.45pm on Monday 9 September;
• At a parent presentation in the John Fahey Centre from 7.00 – 8.00pm on Monday 9 September; and,
• With students at an Assembly on Tuesday 10 September. 

Each event will be in two parts:

1. Dr Cummins will present the findings and recommendations of the Insights Report; and,
2. A response from the College.

All parents and carers are encouraged to attend on Monday 9 September. Bookings are essential via this link. It is anticipated that the report and its accompanying 8 appendices will be provided to the Chevalier College community a few days after the presentations have taken place.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us, and for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Greg Miller

Principal