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

Greetings!

From all of us at ACCS to all of you in our schools, a blessed Ascension Day and a restful May Day too!

artwork: ascension (after rembrandt) by wayne forte, 1992