3rd Communio - Common vision and mission

The 3rd Communio of 2010 was held today, the 30th of July at CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel. The objective was to discuss the possibility of a common vision and mission for our Catholic Schools.
The occasion was graced by Archbishop Nicholas Chia who, in his address said that "As a family of Catholic schools within the education system in Singapore we have a common context and share in the Mission of Christ and the Church. It is very important that we see what is common in our mission and purpose and highlight that especially when we gather as a group of schools." His Grace went on to mention that the search today is for what binds us together and gives a stronger common purpose.
Christine Kheng led the day's activities which consisted of two group discussions focussing on a particular school's charisms and "What makes a Catholic School Catholic?" and summing it up with a plenary.
ACCS executive director, Wendy Louis wrapped up the day's proceedings with a synthesis.
ACCS would like to thank the principal Mrs Catherine Seah for the usage of the school's facilities as well as refreshments for tea break.

As You Sow Workshop

Ms Wendy Louis conducted a  workshop for Civics and Moral Education / Religious Education Teachers & Coordinators on the 12th of July at CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' School.
The session underpinned the schools’ efforts to develop students to become men and women for others. It reinforced the whole idea of service and the call to be a neighbour to those in need. The topic offered more meaningful insights into the teacher’s role in forming ‘missionary’ students capable of making choices in life.

FPE Graduation Ceremony

The graduation ceremony for the FPE, Formation Programme for Educators was held on the 9th of July at CAEC in Highland Road. A Mass preceded the ceremony and was celebrated by Msgr Eugene Vaz and Fr David Garcia. The following teachers received their certificates:

1. Thomas Aldrin John, Catholic High, 
2. Agatha Poh Hui Lei, St Theresa's Convent
3. William Ng, St Gabriel's Secondary
4. Ian Sim Tsi Tang, Holy Innocents' High
5. Cynthia Lee Hui Hui, Catholic High
6. Preston Tay Tzu Lin, Hai Sing Catholic School
7. Amenda Fernando-Haizal, St Theresa's Convent
8. Wendy Wong, CHIJ Toa Payoh 

A tea reception followed the ceremony.
The FPE programme was spread over a two year period and consisted of the following subjects:

1. Anthropology of the Christian Vocation
2. Prayer
3. Principles of Religious Formation
4. Philosophy
5. Contextual Theology
6. Moral Theology 
7. Social Teachings
8. Theology of Dialogue
9. Salvation History

Picture shows Louis Oo with some of the recipients.

Updates

At the end of June we published an article in the Catholic News "What's the point of a Catholic Education?". This was in response to the registration exercise for pupils going to kindergartens and primary one in 2011. We felt parents of these children needed to reminded of the value add of the Catholic schools.
The full article can be viewed here
Our next activity is a talk by Wendy Louis on the 12th of July, "As You Sow" for teachers. This session underpins the school's efforts to develop students to become men and women for others. It reinforces the whole idea of SERVICE and the call to be a NEIGHBOUR to those in need.