The constitution of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) contains a Statement of Mission, which provides the expectations of the sole member of MACS, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne (Member), for Catholic schooling and the identity and work of a Catholic school. The Statement of Mission positions MACS firmly in the reality of the Eucharistic character of the Catholic school, affirming that its enterprise is one that builds community and provides opportunity for personal transformation.
With parents and parishes, Catholic schooling seeks to fulfil this mission by providing an environment in which students are enabled to:
encounter God in Christ and deepen their relationship with him
pursue wisdom and truth encouraged by a supportive academic culture
grow in the practice of virtue, responsible freedom and serving the common good.
A Catholic school:
is actively embedded in the life of the faith communities of the local Church, which in turn is tangibly manifested in the life of each school
is an essential place for the evangelising of children and young people
exists to assist students, and their families, to integrate faith, reason, life and culture
is conspicuously Christian in outlook, explicitly Catholic in faith and practice, and intentionally missionary in orientation
cultivates spiritual, social and emotional growth in a safe and protective environment
provides a learning environment in which the whole educational community is formed to embrace life in all its fullness (Jn 10.10)
offers a human formation that has the intellectual, practical and moral excellence of learners at its heart
forms consciences, fosters peace and develops respectful dialogue, at the service of intellectual charity
encourages the discovery of Catholic cultural heritage, especially in art, music, literature and architecture.
St Theres’s Essendon is a school which operates with the consent of the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne and is owned, operated and governed by MACS.
St Therese’s Essendon is a Catholic primary co-ed school which has been established to provide quality education in the Catholic doctrine for families in the Essendon area.
At St Therese’s Essendon, our school philosophy is to embed shared pedagogy, through a collaborative learning culture, that is strategic, responsive and learner centred. The school’s philosophy is published on our school website as well as in our key policies such as our enrolment policy.
To embed a whole school pedagogical approach
To ensure Learning and Teaching and Wellbeing practices are flexible and responsive to students’ needs
To use data systematically for learning growth and progress
The MACS Board will ensure schools have implemented a contextualised school philosophy using this template through the annual report to the school community and regular school review processes (at least once every four years).
More information on MACS is available at www.macs.vic.edu.au
CARE, SAFETY AND WELFARE
Anaphylaxis Policy – School Policy*
Bullying Prevention Policy – School Policy
Duty of Care Policy and Guidelines*
First Aid Policy – School Policy*
Medical Management Policy – School policy*
Pastoral Care of Students Policy*
Student Behaviour Policy – School Policy*
School Community Safety Order Internal Review Process and
Supervision Policy – School Policy
CHILD SAFETY AND WELLBEING
Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy – School Policy *
Child Safety and Wellbeing Recordkeeping Policy*
Engaging Families in Child Safety Policy*
PROTECT: Identifying and Responding to Child Abuse –Reporting Obligations Policy*
Working with Children Check Policy*
COMPLAINTS AND COMPLEX ISSUES
Complaints Handling Policy – School Policy*
CURRICULUM
Assessment and Reporting Policy
EMPLOYMENT
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
ENROLMENT OF STUDENTS
Code of Conduct – Parents / Guardians / Carers*
Concessional Fees Policy – Primary Schools – School Policy
Enrolment Policy – School Policy *
Enrolment Procedures for MACS schools*
Privacy Policy – School Policy*
Student Acceleration and Retention Policy – School Policy
GOVERNANCE
Democratic Principles Statement*
School Advisory Councils – Code of Conduct
School Advisory Councils Manual
School Advisory Councils – Terms of Reference Working Together in Mission
OTHER
Annual Report to the School Community*
Parent Handbook
SUSPENSION, NEGOTIATED TRANSFER AND EXPULSION OF STUDENTS
Expulsion of Students Policy – School Policy *
Negotiated Transfer of Students Policy – School Policy *
Suspension of Students Policy – School Policy *
Additional MACS policies and documents can be found at https://www.macs.vic.edu.au/About-Us/Policies.aspx