Called to be Teacher: a retreat for Catholic educators

Called to be Teacher was the theme of a retreat for Catholic educators from 28 to 30 November at Montfort Centre.

15 Catholic and Christian teachers and leaders from kindergartens, schools and polytechnics spent the weekend reflecting on their vocation and work as educators.

The dynamics of the semi-silent retreat included prayer and reflection, contemplation and meditation and sharing. Retreatants were also invited to reflect using their creativity and imagination in kinesthetic and aesthetic exercises.

The retreat began with an appreciation of names and how each is the unique and gifted person God calls to be teacher. Retreatants then reflected on their respective calls to be a teacher and the journeys they have taken since responding. Using the life of St John Baptist de la Salle, patron saint of teachers, as a model, retreatants were also challenged to reflect on the inter-relationship of faith and teaching in their lives. An aspect of being teacher is recognizing one’s own vulnerabilities and expectations; reflecting on these helped them understand the importance of honesty and openness to mature as teachers. The retreat ended with an invitation to "imagine" God "re-moulding" them through the weekend to be his handicraft, the Christian teacher.

Retreatants found the weekend of prayer, reflection and fellowship enriching, insightful and fulfilling. Some of their comments are:

“Learning from one another’s sharing, listening to God’s prompting and knowing that my journey as a teacher is purposeful.” – Stephanie Mak


“The retreat helped me to see how God is recharging me with his grace.” – Natalie Loo


The retreat was valuable for “the time and space for quiet contem plation and reflection and getting the courage to ‘break’ the mould of oneself. It was a humbling experience.” It “helped us have a sense of the common mission and calling” and “provided a space to support each other.” – Germaine Kwan

“Being a Catholic teacher is a call from God. It is good to take time off to be with our Master, to listen to Him. God will give us strength to continue to persevere in our vocation to teach.” – Elizabeth Teo

“A source for thirst-quenching, soul-searching for burnt out teachers, especially at the end of the year.” – Lillian Law

This retreat was co-organized by ACCS and Catholic Teachers’ Movement (CTM). For more pictures of the weekend, please click the photo to your left.

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This retreat is part of the Spiritual Wellness for Catholic Educators’ programme. The next event is a Day of Prayer and Recollection on the theme, Called to Teach and Care. It will focus on teaching as a ministry of forming the child. It will be held at Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre from Friday, 6 March (7pm) to Saturday, 7 March (6pm). For more information, please call Shirley at 6858-7080.

Principles of Religious Education - a workshop

21 teachers and catechists from the Catholic schools and parishes attended a 3-session workshop on Principles of Religious Education. This was conducted by Mr. Arthur Goh, Associate Director of Singapore Pastoral Institution. It ended on Friday, 28 November.

In the first session, participants were introduced to the Nature, Purpose and History of Christian Religious Education. Arthur also presented and facilitated discussions on education as experience, the ends of education, religious education and sensitivity to historical context.

The 2nd session focused on Dialogue and the Pluralist context and the 3rd session on Curriculum and Classroom: Shared Praxis.

Comments from participants include:

• It is a good course, one of the most engaging lessons I've had in recent memory.

• Enjoyed the course...it challenges my mindset.

• There is a lot of food for thought....

• I really learned a lot and it was really quite exciting.

Sex Education: Are we on the Right Track?

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are on the rise among teenagers. This has led to recent calls in the newspapers for sexuality education to include the teaching of condoms and contraceptive use. Is this sound advocacy? What do these calls mean for Catholic parents and educators? The Catholic Medical Guild (CMG) responds to these calls and explains the Catholic perspective on this issue. CMG's article can help Catholic parents and educators better educate our young. Please click the picture below to read full article.

* Picture courtesy of mfa

Formation Programme for Educators 2008 (FPE)

On Friday, 7 November, Msgr Eugene Vaz presided at a Thanksgiving Mass for the teachers who have completed Year 1 of the ACCS initiated two-year Formation Programme for Educators (FPE).

In his homily, Msgr Vaz challenged everyone to respond to God’s call to discipleship. He also provided insights on the role of Catholic educators in shaping the lives of young students. He commended the teachers for their generosity in taking the time to learn more about our Catholic faith amidst their busy schedules.

At the end of the Mass, William from St Gabriel's Secondary shared with everyone the positive impact this formation programme has had on his life. It has enriched his personal life and enliven his spiritual growth in daily life. He also suggested that the programme be available for every teacher in the Catholic schools. He ended by saying that he looks forward to the second year of the programme.

The teachers on the FPE have completed studies in the following modules for 2008: Anthropology of the Christian Vocation (Psycho-spirituality), Prayer, Principles of Religious Formation, God (a philosophy seminar on the question of God), Contextual Theology and Moral Theology.

In 2009, the following topics will be offered to these teachers:

1. Philosophy of Being Human
2. Anthropology of the Christian Vocation II
3. Prayer II
4. Social Teachings
5. Theology of Dialogue
6. Moral Theology II
7. Salvation History

The FPE resumes in January 2009. For now, the teacher-participants are on a well deserved break!

A note:

The Formation programme for Educators (FPE) is a 2 year programme for school leaders and teachers, who are open to learning and growing in their vocation as educators in Catholic schools. The FPE is especially useful those who are active leaders in the areas of religious education, character development and values education, and are committed to serving their school.

* Picture courtesy of CHIJ OLN

Communio: a report on the 3rd gathering

50 educators from our primary and secondary schools gathered at our 3^rd Communio session to learn about the social teaching of the Catholic school. Also present were some NIE students.

This session entitled The Catholic Church’s Social Teachings: a foundation for Catholic Schools? was facilitated by Fr David Garcia, Sr Maria Lau and Mr Henry Tzen from Caritas Singapore Community Council.

Fr David began by sharing with us the history of the social teaching of the Church. He then introduced the various principles of Catholic social teaching. He illustrated these with everyday examples. Participants appreciated this as it helped them to see how the various principles are very much part of the way we live and work.

After his presentation, Sr Maria invited participants to reflect on their schools to see how and to what extent these principles are part of the school community. Some participants shared about various programmes that involved student and staff participation. They felt this highlighted the principle of participation. Others pointed how the philosophy of Catholic schools – focused as it is on the child – was evidenced in the efforts schools make to reach out to the lost, least and forgotten among their students. And this, they recognize demonstrated the principle of human dignity. Others spoke about respecting the different levels of administration and work in school, where with respect and support each was enabled to carry out his responsibilities. Here the principle of subsidiarity was at work, they acknowledged. The sharing enriched the participants. It also provided them with new ideas for the classroom and school.

Some responses from participants at the end of the afternoon included:

• “We are now more aware of how to communicate to our students the Church’s Social teachings. We can better integrate them into our school programmes.”


• “The session is relevant to our schools – they offer good Catholic ways to live, teach and learn as a school.”


• “Much of what we do as a school community is in line with the various principles of the Catholic social teachings. Good to know!”


• “The session was informative and educational.”


• “Useful. Helped us to establish and nurture ethos of the Catholic school.”

_______________________________________________

With this session, Communio comes to an end for 2008.

Next year, 4 talks are scheduled, one per term, as part of the 2009 Communio series. Watch out for the calendar of these talks that will be posted online shortly.




photos: courtesy of CSCC

Communio: 3rd gathering for 2008

All Catholic educators and educators in Catholic schools are warmly invited to this month's COMMUNIO.

The theme for this month's session is "The Catholic Church’s Social Teachings: a foundation for Catholic Schools?"

This will be held on Friday, 31 October 2008 @CHIJ Kellock.

It will be facilitated by Fr David Garcia, OP, Sr Maria Lau, IJ and members from Caritas Singapore Community Council (CSCC).

The aim of the workshop is to help educators understand the Catholic Church’s Social Teachings and their relevance to the Catholic education enterprise of forming students to be men and women for others.

It also invites educators to look into ways to incorporate these teachings into the school and classroom.

The Programme will begin at 2.00 and end at 5.30pm. It will include presentations, sharing and time for reflection and prayer.

Those interested to participate should contact Shirley at 6858-7080 or accs@catholic.org.sg.

This gathering is jointly hosted by CHIJ Kellock & Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS).

artwork by speakingoffaith

Spiritual Wellness for Catholic Educators (November Retreat)

You are warmly invited to Called to Teach, a Spiritual Wellness for Catholic educators programme. This programme is organized by ACCS & Catholic Teachers' Movement. The first event in this year-long programme is a retreat this November. Details are below.

A Time to Rest in the Lord in 2008 (Retreat)
In this retreat, educators will be helped to recall, appreciate and celebrate their teaching vocation and ministry, God’s gift to them and their students.

Theme: Called to Be Teacher
From: Friday, 28 Nov (check-in at 7pm)
To: Sunday, 30 Nov 2008 (12pm)
Place: Montfort Center

Cost: $125 per person
Remarks: Meals included, Limited places.
Places still available!


To register or for more information, call Shirley at 6858-7080 or email accs@catholic.org.sg

____________________________________________________

Coming Next Year: Days to Rest and Revive in 2009
These days with the Lord offer Catholic educators rest and renewal. Each day focuses on an aspect of Christian teaching: teaching as caring for the child; teaching as serving the community; and teaching as renewing the world.

Religious from the Canossian, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Gabrielite, Infant Jesus, Lasalle, Marist and Good Shepherd congregations will facilitate these days.

Theme: Called to teach and care
From: Friday, 6 March (check-in at 7pm)
To: Saturday, 7 March (6pm)
Place: Canossian LifeSprings
Cost: $55 per person (aircon) or $35 per person (non-aircon).
Remarks: Meals included. Limited places.
Please register by 13 February 2009.

Theme: Called to teach and build
From: Friday, 5 June (check-in at 7pm)
To: Saturday, 6 June (6pm)
Place: Canossian LifeSprings
Cost: $55 per person (aircon) or $35 per person (non-aircon).
Remarks: Meals included. Limited places.
Please register by 15 May 2009.

Theme: Called to teach and renew
From: Friday, 28 August (check-in at 7pm)
To: Saturday, 29 August (5pm)
Place: Center for Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling, Kingsmead Hall
Cost: $55 per person (aircon) or $35 per person (non-aircon).
Remarks: Meals included. Limited places.
Please register by 7 August 2009.

To register or for information, call Shirley at tel 6858 7080 or email accs@catholic.org.sg

Childrens' Day 2008 - CHIJ Kellock

Yesterday 1st October was Children's Day. CHIJ Kellock, together with The Business Times and The Little Arts Academy, played host to 1000 economically distanced children in Singapore. In the spirit of enabling chilren to reach out to other children, the 3 partners came together to plan, stage and celebrate a very unique, special and memorable Children's Day event at The Singapore Flyer for there Children.

This special event was also in aid of The Straits Times Pocket Money Fund and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund. To find out more about the event, please click the picture below.

Workshop: Principles of Religious Education

ACCS has invited Mr. Arthur Goh, Associate Director with the Singapore Pastoral Institute to conduct a series of formation sessions on the Principles of Religious Education in November 2008.

Course Description: Principles of Religious Education explores issues foundational to religious education in the school. The course situates religious education in a historical, social and cultural context. It describes the nature and purpose of religious education and engages the educator in a process of analyzing philosophical, theological and educational assumptions that lead to distinct perspectives.

Participants will explore conceptual frameworks for religious education within which foundational questions are asked. They will be engaged in conversation about the nature, purpose, process, and consequence of educating religiously.

The course provides an opportunity for religious educators to reflect on their role as formators in a diverse community, and acquire deeper appreciation of the importance of religious education in the total formation of every person.

This course is offered to:

• DipRE 2006/07 Graduates
• Teachers teaching the RE/CMECS Programme in Catholic Secondary Schools
• Catechists teaching in parishes

Details of the course:

• 3 Friday sessions: 14 Nov 08 (2 to 5pm), 21 Nov 08 (2 to 5pm), and 28 Nov 08 (1 to 5pm)
• at No 2, Highland Road, Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre, S549102
• a contribution of $75 PER PERSON is appreciated

Closing date for registration is on Fri 31 Oct 2008

For enquiries, please contact Raymond at 68587087 or email raymondlee@catholic.org.sg

CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel - Official Opening of New School Building

CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel celebrated their official opening ceremony on Friday, 5 August 2008 with the theme “OLGC Heart Beat, Be the Light , Be the Hope, Be the Joy”.
In conjunction with the opening ceremony, the school's National Education gallery was opened by Mr S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry prior to the main event. The Guest of Honour, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister if State, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport, was given a warm welcome by the Grade 1 Ballerinas.

The day began when the school prefects conducted a "tour of the school" for the guests. The blessing service ceremony was celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Nicholas Chia. They also made arrangements to obtain Papal blessing from Pope Benedict XVI (from Rome) for the school. There were speeches from the school Principal, Mrs Catherine Seah, Sr Celine and Mrs Lim Hwee Hua. Guests were treated to a musical, “The Bee Attitudes”, which was tailored to suit the theme of the Opening Celebrations. It ended with a mass dance by the P3 pupils, "The Celebration of Lights”.

The school management team were delighted and warmed by the support given by the IJ sisters, the board of management, fellow IJ Principals and Vice Principals, cluster Principals and Vice Principals, friends and parents, who turned up to share in the celebrations and joy. With the new building, the school looks forward to providing more and better quality programmes for the pupils.

reported submitted by CHIJ, Our Lady of Good Counsel

You are invited to...

There will be a seminar-dialogue session on "Why Teach in a Catholic School?" on Friday, 10 October at 12.30pm at the National Institute of Education, LT6. This is open to all NIE students and those interested to teach in a Catholic school. For more information on the session, kindly click the poster.

Catholic News: Catholic educators celebrate Teachers' Day

SINGAPORE – The ministry of teaching is prophetic. It professes good news, challenges one to a new life and invites all to mission, said Archbishop Nicholas Chia to 254 Catholic teachers and principals during a Teachersʼ Day celebration held on Saturday Aug 30 at St. Josephʼs Institution (SJI) International..............

To read the full text (Catholic News: September 14 issue), click on the picture, cheers!

Teachers' Day Mass: photos

Photos taken during our recent Teachers' Day Celebrations are now uploaded by our photographer, Henry Seah. You can view them by clicking on the photo on the left. Enjoy!

Happy Teachers' Day

Today, we celebrate Teachers' Day. Happy Teachers' Day to one and all!

At our Archdiocesan Teachers' Day celebrations last Saturday, Archbishop Nicholas Chia ended his homily with "The Beatitudes for Teachers." We would like to share this as a reminder of God's gift of teaching and the call teachers respond to:

Blessed are you who are called to teach
for you walk in the footsteps of the Master.

Blessed are you who sow peace and harmony in the staffroom,
yours is the joy of the Lord.

Blessed are you who plant seeds of hope in youthful hearts,
you will inherit the dawn.

Blessed are you who are sensitive to the cries of youth today,
for they yearn for the coming of my Kingdom.

Blessed are you when you share your faith with others,
your name is written in heaven.

Blessed are you who anguish now when your students are difficult,
for one day they will thank you for your loving concern.

Blessed are you when efficiency is moderated by compassion and empathy,
for the deeper secret of education is yours.

Blessed are you who lead young people in paths of justice and peace,
for you will shine like stars for all eternity.

Archdiocesan Teachers' Day Celebrations

Each Teachers' Day, students show their appreciation for their teachers. This Teachers' Day, the Archdiocese of Singapore would like join them in celebrating this happy day and to give thanks to God for the gift of teachers in our Catholic schools and kindergartens.

You are warmly invited to the celebrations on Saturday, 30 August at SJI International School, 490 Thomson Road. The celebrations will begin at 2.30pm with Mass that Archbishop Nicholas Chia will celebrate for teachers. Afternoon tea will follow.

Kindly inform Catholic Teachers' Movement c/o Ms Shirley Louis of ACCS if you wish to attend. Shirley's contact details can be found to your right.

SACP shares and cares

On 22 May 2008, students from St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School responded to the call of the Canossian Community to donate food to the mission in Myanmar.

The day before, Vice-Principal, Mrs Julia Chia spoke to the school about the urgency for food donations, types of food which students can donate and where their donations will be sent to. Parents and students started pouring in with bags of canned food, instant noodles, milk powder, condensed milk and biscuits. The packed boxes had personalised notes of encouragement and love, to the people of Myanmar. One of the classes wrote, "Your smile will brighten our day!" Indeed, they have learnt that it is “better to give than to receive.”

This donation drive has been a very fulfilling and good experience for the staff and pupils. It was a good opportunity for them to reach out to the global community and think about others before self.

To learn more about how SACP organised this activity, please contact Mrs Corinna Foo, HOD Community Relations at Tel: 64492597 or 64492239

photos from st anthony's canossian primary school

Communio: a report on the second gathering

Approximately 50 participants made of school leaders, HODs and SMC Chairpersons attended the second gathering of Communio last Friday afternoon. Montfort Secondary was our gracious host.

Michael de Silva, our guest speaker, facilitated the afternoon’s reflection and discussion on “Leader-educators in Catholic Schools & Catholic leader-educators: living the values and culture.”

Working with the participants, he identified four areas of concern that school leaders of Catholic schools face:

• the situation of increasing secularism in our schools
• the need to rethink the policy of affiliation between primary and secondary schools
• the question of “what do our schools exists for?"
• the involvement and quality of Catholics as teachers and leaders in our schools

In raising these concerns, Michael challenged participants to think beyond management. School leaders, he pointed out, are leaders when they are willing to grapple with tensions and problems faced and to find creative ways to respond to them. Leaders lead, not manage. He also singled out the need for Catholic school leaders to be clear about the rationale for Catholic schools. A school leader who clearly understands this will be able to lead the school better.

Throughout the afternoon, there was a healthy exchange of views, as there was a sense of a community sharing and seeking ways to better lead our schools.

Communio: second gathering

The second gathering of Communio will take place on Friday, 27 June. It will begin at 2.30pm at Montfort Secondary School.

The topic for the afternoon is "Leader-educators in Catholic Schools and Catholic leader-educators: Living the Values and Cultures."

Our guest speaker is Mr Michael de Silva. Drawing on his years as an educator, school leader and someone who is presently working in the fields of educational leadership, Michael will share with us his thoughts on the topic. He will be speaking in his personal capacity.

Besides Michael's presentation, the afternoon will include small group sharing and a learning journey to the Church of Nativity, where we will end the afternoon with Mass. Our hosts are Montfort Secondary School.

You are most welcome to attend. Kindly contact Ms Shirley Louis if you wish to participate. She may be contacted at the telephone number listed on this page.

Communio: where school leaders and educators in Singapore Catholic education gather to share and learn, to grow as persons and educators, to build comunity together. We meet once a school term.

photo: jump, like this by byron realey

Developing School Culture (4): Display of Symbols

Symbols have been used by the Christian Church since the earliest ages for many reasons. In general, Christian symbols remind believers and non-believers of God’s presence and God’s divine activity in human space and time, as well as in the lives of holy men and women.

Indeed, Christian symbols in Catholic schools help all to be aware of God’s continuing and loving presence in the myriad experiences of learning, teaching and growing as a community.

In this day of increasing secularization, the Christian symbols our schools display and celebrate have the important role of teaching the faith to Catholics, as well as of telling the story of God’s goodness in the lives of all peoples.

Some of our schools share the symbols they display and celebrate below.

from Assumption Vocational Institute

Every room has a crucifix on a wall. There are statues around the Institute: the statue of St Louis Marie de Montfort and 2 statues of Our Lady of the Assumption are placed within the Institute compound.

To learn more about how AVI displays the statues and crucifix, please contact Mr. Paul Choong, Tel: 67659074.

from CHIJ Katong Convent (Secondary)

The school displays statues and images of Our Lady, the Infant Jesus and Blessed Nicolas Barre around the school premises.

To learn more about how CHIJ Katong Convent displayed the statues and images, please contact Ms Lam Ai-Leen, Tel: 64486433.


from CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace
There is a crucifix in every classroom and special room. A large crucifix is also displayed at the Hall, the main school entrance and the Prayer Room.

A statue Our Lady is at the grotto, pond and at the Amphitheatre. A statue of the Guardian Angel is at the school gate (entrance).

To learn more about how CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace displayed the images, please contact Mrs Clare Lewis, Tel: 67691529.


from Maris Stella High
During Lent, purple cloth is draped over the cross to remind the school of the season of Lent. With Easter, it is draped with a golden shimmering cloth to remind all that Jesus has risen.

To learn more about how Maris Stella High School displayed the images during Lent, please contact: Mr Paul Kwok Weng Yee, kwok_weng_yee@moe.edu.sg.

from Monfort Junior
Crucifixes are displayed in every classroom. The images of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary are displayed at the entrance to Montfort Junior. The statue of Our Founder, St Louis Marie de Montfort, is also displayed at the main entrance to the school.

To learn more about how Montfort Junior displayed the images, please contact Mr James Chng, Tel: 65101593.

from St Gabriel’s Secondary
The school displays the story of the life of St Louis de Montfort on its noticeboards and has a statue of St Louis in the school premises.

Paintings of the Annunciation and Jesus inviting children to himself are displayed at the school front lobby. The Hail Mary Prayer is also on display there.

The Lord’s Prayer is displayed on the front wall of assembly courtyard.

There are crucifixes in every room.

To learn more about how St Gabriel’s Secondary displayed the images, please contact Mr Francis Foong, Tel 64813573.



from St Joseph’s Institution International
There is a crucifix in every teaching space in the school including the offices and public places like the canteen and Hall.

The Angelus bells are rung every noon and at 6.00pm. They are also rung for 5 minutes before morning prayer and Friday Mass. The bells remind all of the Lord's invitation to prayer.

To learn more about how St Joseph’s Inst International displayed and conducted the ritual, please contact The Brother President, broughton@sji.moe.edu.sg.

from St Joseph’s Institution Junior
Hanging in each classroom is a crucifix and the Founder’s portrait. A mural depicting Founder’s life and another one on Noah’s Ark is displayed in the school.

To learn more about how St Joseph’s Institution Junior displayed, please contact Mr David Ching, ching_kin_hin@moe.gov.sg.

Developing School Culture (3): Heroes

Heroes inspire us. They allow us to dream dreams of who and what we want to become in the future.

In our schools, the stories we tell of our school heroes - the founders, teachers and students who have made a difference - are often seeds from which our young begin their own growth into the fullness of the persons they eventually become.

Some of our schools now share the stories of heroes they celebrate.


from Assumption Vocational Institute:

Our successful alumni are our heroes. From being school drop outs to graduates with a university education, these are our real heroes. The Brothers too are our heroes, in their exemplary dedication to help the poor and underprivileged and also in educating them.

To learn more about how AVI celebrates these stories, please contact Mr. Paul Choong, Tel: 67659074.

from CHIJ Katong Convent (Secondary):

The school celebrates the life and works of Blessed Nicolas Barre, founder of the IJ Sisters.

To learn more about how CHIJ Katong Convent conducts these, please contact Ms Lam Ai-Leen, Tel: 64486433.

from CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace:

The school adopted a patron – Our Lady Queen of Peace – and changed its name in June 2007 to reflect the adoption. The school shares the qualities and virtues of Our Lady Queen of Peace with the pupils and staff in the hope they will emulate her.

To learn more about how CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace celebrates the life of Our Lady, please contact Mrs Clare Lewis, Tel: 67691529.

from Maris Stella High:

The school celebrates the Marist Teacher of the Year and Marist Student of the Year.

To learn more about how Maris Stella High School celebrates these heroes, please contact: Mr Paul Kwok Weng Yee, kwok_weng_yee@moe.edu.sg

from Marymount Convent:

Every teacher and student is a hero because it is expected that they will live their lives based on the LIGHT values of the school. In this way, each is a hero for another.

To learn more about how Marymount Convent conducts these, please contact Ms Angela Tan, Angela_TAN@moe.gov.sg

from Monfort Junior:

The lives of Jesus and St Louis Marie de Monfort are shared with the students.

To learn more about how Montfort Junior celebrates the lives of Jesus and St Louis, please contact Mr James Chng, Tel: 65101593

from SJI Institution International:

As part of the Religious Education Programme, students are asked to write about the heroes in their lives. They are also introduced to the lives of St John Baptist de la Salle and other inspiring men and women.

To learn more about how St Joseph’s International conducts these, please contact The Brother President, broughton@sji.moe.edu.sg



from SJI Institution Junior:

The school celebrates the physical presence of Br Edmund and Br Michael in the school. Many old boys who are currently studying in SJI or St Patrick’s visit are an inspiration to the younger boys. Stories in the school’s annuals of old boys who have answered God’s calling to become priests and brothers are also shared.

To learn more about how St Joseph’s Institution Junior conducts these, please contact Mr David Ching, ching_kin_hin@moe.gov.sg

Learning about Catholic schools and Catholic Education (3)

The final document in our series on "Learning about Catholic schools and Catholic Education" is "The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School." It was published in 1998.

The document begins by recognizing that not all students in Catholic schools are members of the Catholic Church or Christians. Our Catholic schools in Singapore have a similar profile. While it advocates that the religious freedom and the personal conscience of individual students and their families must be respected, it reminds us that a Catholic school cannot relinquish its own freedom to proclaim the Gospel and to offer a formation based on the values to be found in a Christian education.

You may read the document by clicking the photograph above.

photo: cjc rugby players in action /courtesy of Catholic JuniorsCollege

Learning about Catholic schools and Catholic Education (2)

This week we read the second article in our series on "Learning about Catholic schools and Catholic Education."

"The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium" begins by recognizing the postmodern condition we inhabit. Within such a milieu, the Catholic school has the important mission of helping each student grow in knowledge and values that will enable them to live lives of service in society. The Catholic school then reminds the Church and the world of the Good News that Jesus preaches, that is, of the God who loves and who calls each one to a life of loving others.

To read the article, please click the photograph above.

photo: courtesy of st joseph's institution - junior

Developing School Culture (2): Story Telling

Stories play an important role in building school culture.

The stories our schools narrate of how they came to be and of the people who walked through them can reach out and touch listeners in ways that leave a lasting impression. They can enlighten the school community, as they can also nurture and preserve a school's culture and tradition. Stories help students and staff to bond together and to appreciate the community they are.

And long after our students graduate, it will be in the stories they tell of their schools that they will remember and celebrate. Indeed, it will be stories that will remind them of meaningful lessons learnt.

What stories does your school narrate? Here are some from these contributing schools.


from CHIJ Katong Convent (Secondary):

IJ Learning Journey

All staff and Sec 1 students learn about the IJ Story. They also learn about the IJ Sisters' commitment to the poor and less fortunate by hosting children from IJ Homes and Children Centres at various events. The staff commit themselves to these homes and centers as part of their Staff CIP.

Inspiring KC Alumnae share stories
Alumnae who have made a difference in society are invited to address the student body as guests of honour at Speech and Prize-Giving Day and during Book and Music Week.

O'Level Success Stories
Ex-girls who have succeeded in their ‘O’ Level against all odds are invited to share their stories to motivate each graduating cohort.

To learn more about how CHIJ Katong Convent conducts these, please contact Ms Lam Ai-Leen, Tel: 64486433


from CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity:

The Stories in Daily Life
The Principal or Vice Principal shares stories from newspaper reports and current affairs at assembly and level talks to pupils. These stories focus on values.

To learn more about how CHIJ OLN conducts these, please contact: chijoln@moe.edu.sg


from CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace:

The Easter Story
Each year, an Easter Play is performed to tell the story of Easter to all pupils and staff.

To learn more about how CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace conducts these, please contact Mrs Clare Lewis, Tel: 67691529

from SJI Institution International:

Stories of the Founder
All students are introduced to the life story of the Founder, St John Baptist de la Salle, during their orientation programme. The lives of the founders of the world’s great religions are also part of the RME programme.

To learn more about how St Joseph’s International conducts these, please contact The Brother President, broughton@sji.moe.edu.sg

Part Two will follow.

photo: notturno by gualtiero

Learning about Catholic schools and Catholic Education (1)

Beginning this week, and for the next three weeks, we invite you to read the Church’s thoughts on Catholic schools and Catholic Education.

Our first article, “The Catholic School,” examines the identity and mission of Christian education in a pluralistic society. It also reflects on the continuing educational value of the Catholic school today. In doing so, it presents fundamental reasons for Catholic schools to continue existing.

Kindly click the photo to read the article.

photo: courtesy of st anthony's canossian primary school

More on School Culture (1): Rituals

Below are sharings from the following schools on developing school culture.

From CHIJ Katong Convent (Secondary):

Prayers
Morning Reflections and Prayer: These include a sharing of inspirational stories based on the identified School Value for the month. These are led by the Principal and Vice-principals, HODs and teachers, students and parents.

Mass
Mass is celebrated on special occasions such as the Beginning of the Year celebrations, Founder’s Day, Teachers’ Day, Thanksgiving and Farewell.

During Lent
Lenten observances, a penitential service and the Stations of the Cross are conducted for Catholic Girls

Retreats

There is a spiritual cum motivational retreat for student in Sec 4E/5N.

To learn more about how CHIJ Katong Convent conducts these, please contact Ms Lam Ai-Leen, Tel: 64486433


from Montfort Junior:

Prayers
Prayers are said every morning at assembly and before the end of the day (5 minutes before dismissal time). This is led by a prefect.

The Vocation prayer is recited every Monday morning at assembly.

During the month of May and October, a decade of the rosary is also recited and stories pertaining to the rosary are also shared with the pupils.

To learn more about how Montfort Junior conducts these, please contact Mr James Chng, Tel: 65101593


from St Joseph’s Institution Junior:

Prayers
Prayers are said in the morning, before recess and in the evening.

Mass
All obligatory masses are observed by the school. Priests who are ex-Michaelians are invited to celebrate the Masses. There is a also a monthly evening mass for staff and parents.

To learn more about how St Joseph’s Institution Junior conducts these, please contact Mr David Ching, ching_kin_hin@moe.gov.sg

photo: morning light by maggie's world