Catholic Identity Who are we?

EiCE Domain 1 - Catholic Life and Religious Education 1.5 RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE SCHOOL (Elements- Nurturing The Story; Sowing The Seeds Of Opportunity; Growing In The Experience of the Everyday)

NURTURING THE STORY The school consistently proclaims the story and the person of Jesus through *evangelisation. By comprehensively embedding its charism in all aspects of school life, the school consistently lives out its Catholic identity and the beliefs and values of the school community. The school actively honours the inherent dignity of the human person, and this forms the foundation for all interactions. The school is highly effective in practising *Christian hospitality, and valuing the uniqueness of each individual and their story.

SOWING THE SEEDS OF OPPORTUNITY The school is highly effective in providing opportunity for a well-developed school- wide *sense of the sacred through the optimal use of the aesthetic, social, emotional and physical environment. The school proactively and creatively nurtures and encourages “full, active and conscious” participation in, and commitment to, the Catholic life of the school. It achieves this through prayer, meditation and involvement in the Eucharist and sacramental life. The school offers a wide range of meaningful liturgical experiences that celebrate events in Catholic liturgical calendar and the community. The school systematically prioritises the teaching of religious education by providing a well-developed, well-planned and well-resourced religious education program which encourages ongoing engagement of staff in Professional Development opportunities and reflection. The school is highly effective in providing holistic, relevant formation opportunities for staff, students and parents in celebrating and promoting the richness of Catholic culture, charism, and the nurturing of faith.

GROWING IN THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EVERYDAY The school consistently works for justice in its commitment to the *Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, in discerning and developing policies, procedures and practices. These principles permeate all aspects of school life. The school actively fosters a positive climate through the genuine nurturing of life-giving, harmonious relationships between all members of the community. The school community consciously plans for and integrates the celebration of the sacred in everyday life. Recognising and responding to God in the created world, in relationships with others, and in events and experiences is reflected in thoughtful ritual action. The school acknowledges that the Catholic school is integral to the Church’s Mission and is proactive in making connections and working collaboratively with Parish, when possible and where applicable. *Principles of Catholic Social Teaching include: Human Dignity; Common Good; Rights and Responsibilities; Option for the Poor; Participation in Society; Dignity of Work and Rights of the Worker; Stewardship; Solidarity; Role of Government; and Promotion of Peace.

CHARISM

CHARISM - expresses the assumptions, beliefs and values that the Catholic community shares. A school communicates its distinctive identity through its ethos and charism which find expression in its religious values, culture, rituals and practices.

How do we communicate a Catholic Christian ethos and charism to community members who may have little connection with Church traditions? A Catholic Christian school draws upon this rich heritage of spiritual gifts to formulate its own unique way of being and giving service to all.

CENTRAL = THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST!!! Founders, patron saints or significant people in the school’s history are the key to the Charism - the lens through which we look to make sense of our call to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Charism = A SPIRITUAL ENERGY THAT PERMEATES A PARTICULAR SCHOOL BASED ON SIGNIFICANT PEOPLE, VALUES AND STORIES.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARISM Charisms provide STRUCTURE, BEING and ACTION They give people and organisations: A STORY TO ENTER A LANGUAGE TO SPEAK A GROUP TO WHICH TO BELONG A WAY TO PRAY A WORK TO UNDERTAKE A FACE OF GOD TO SEE

PLACEMAT STRATEGY Catholic Identity What are we doing well? What aren’t we doing so well? What are the possibilities?What support is needed?