Introduction
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.
Philosophy Enactment
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.
Objectives
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
Reporting
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
Policies
Please head to our SafeSmart Website to view school policies