Acknowledgements The Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Broken Bay gratefully acknowledges the Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle for permission to use and adapt material from the Values Education Forums - A Resource Guide August 2006 July 2008. March 2008 Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Broken Bay Caroline Chisholm Centre Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road Pennant Hills 2120 (PO Box 967 Pennant Hills 1715) tel: 02 9847 0000 fax: 9847 0001 website: http://www.cso.brokenbay.catholic.edu.au email: mail@dbb.catholic.edu.au Licensed under NEALS
INTRODUCTION The explicit teaching of values has always been one of the distinguishing features of Catholic Schools. Inspired by the life of Jesus, our schools have always incorporated Gospel Values into the daily fabric of their life. Our history reflects a strong commitment to ensure that the education we provide is immersed in a values framework that builds on Christ s call to love one another. Our schools today continue this important dimension of education. Recent initiatives by the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government have reinforced the importance of values in education. Because of our mission and our commitment to building a just society, we are able to engage with both Governments agendas to bring to the attention of our students and communities the important role values play in our lives. In Term 4 2007, The Catholic Worldview and the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay prints were distributed to each Diocesan primary and secondary systemic school. Education Officers from the Catholic Schools Office have prepared the Our Values Our Mission CD-ROM to support Values Education Forums in all school communities, using The Catholic Worldview and the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay prints as a stimulus for a values education conversation. I commend to you the Our Values Our Mission CD-ROM to support Values Forums in all school communities by June 2008. The CD-ROM provides a framework for a Values Forum, focuses on the values promoted by the Australian and NSW Governments and reflects the importance of Gospel Values. It also addresses the issues outlined in the Pastoral letter of the Bishops of NSW and the ACT Catholic Schools at a Crossroads (2007). I would like to acknowledge the support of the CSO Educational and Mission Services staff, Dr Mark Askew, John McGrath, Joanne Hack and Christine Rheinberger, who coordinated the planning and development of this professional learning resource. They have made a valuable contribution to the planning of activities that will promote the place of values in our education agenda. I trust that these forums will provide an opportunity to reflect on the role of Catholic schools, the importance of our mission as part of the Church and the broader society and the contribution which the education we provide makes to the well being of society. Br Tony Whelan cfc Director of Schools
BACKGROUND Values Education was a key priority area for the previous Australian government and the implementation of a Values Education Program for Australian Schools was supported notionally and assisted financially. Consequently, over the period, 2005 2008, all Australian schools are required to participate in Values Education program initiatives. The NSW Government is also promoting a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging the key values of respect and responsibility within communities. The NSW Board of Studies is currently working on a range of resources to support the development and implementation of values education programs in schools. In order to assist schools in formulating and conducting such a forum, the Catholic Schools Office has compiled the accompanying resource. This CD- ROM complements and adds to the Commonwealth resources already received in schools i.e. The National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools Values for Australian Schooling, Professional Learning Resources Primary, Secondary kits Values Education Poster set DVD Values Education Forums: Engaging your school community. The focus of the school based Values forum is around the: The Catholic Worldview and the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay prints Catholic Schools at a Crossroads Pastoral Letter of the Bishops of NSW and the ACT (2007) The school s Mission, Vision and Values statements. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 3
RESOURCE KIT CONTENTS This Resource Kit contains a CD-ROM with the following: 1. A PowerPoint presentation based around two sessions of approximately 1 ½ hours duration. Each school is encouraged to adapt and modify the sessions according to the needs of their school community and prior professional learning in values education. The PowerPoint includes: Session 1: The Catholic Worldview Session 2: The Catholic School Our Values, Our Mission Catholic Schools at a Crossroads Pastoral Letter of the Bishops of NSW and the ACT (2007) PowerPoint Resources 2. Relevant Internet sites 3. Print resources 4. Appendices Appendix 1: Lovat, Terry. 2005. What is Values Education all About? Paper presented at the 2005 National Values Education Forum, National Museum of Australia, 2 May. Appendix 2: Pascoe, Susan. 2005. Values Education: Setting the Context. Paper presented at the 2005 National Values Education Forum, National Museum of Australia, 2 May. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 5
OVERVIEW OF POWERPOINT PRESENTATION Slide Number/Title Suggested Activities Resources Slide 1: Values in Broken Bay Schools Slide 2: Session 1: The Catholic Worldview Slide 3: Purpose of Values Forum Slide 4: Values Forum in Context 3.1. In pairs discuss the following questions: a. When you hear the term Values Education what does it mean to you? b. Why have the Federal and State governments encouraged all schools to include Values Education as an explicit part of their curriculum? 3.2. List seven activities the school undertakes to promote values in the school. a. Select three activities that have had the most impact on students. b. Give a justification for your choice. Slide 5: National Framework Slide 6: Values Are... Slide 7: Catholic Schools at a Crossroads Slide 8: The Catholic Worldview Slide 9: The Catholic Worldview Slide 10: Our Catholic Values and Beliefs 8.1. In pairs discuss: What does the word Catholic mean to you? 9.1 School leaders review how their school community has already engaged with Values Education. 9.2 In pairs discuss the connections between the Catholic Worldview Statement and Values Education? 10.1 In small groups discuss the two questions given to you by the facilitator that align with the Catholic Worldview Statement from the following. Each question number: a. Where does your role as a teacher, principal, member of executive, fit into the Big Picture? b. How does your ministry within the Catholic school inspire a passion to work with others and help them achieve their potential? c. How can your classroom teaching and school leadership expose your students to inspiring people who have had an impact on the world? d. How does your classroom teaching/leadership give meaning to life? e. What do you celebrate as key events in your classroom and school? f. What is the place of ritual in your classroom and school? g. What are the challenges that change the lives of your students, help them mature and develop their perspectives? h. Is the dignity of each person teacher and student respected in the way programming is developed, classes are allocated, and teaching is delivered? i. How is the Gospel command to love one another as I have loved you evidenced in your classroom and school? j. How can learning in your classroom and school contribute to the creation of a world in which the dignity of each person is respected and all human rights protected? Slide 9: The Catholic Worldview Resource Sheet: The Catholic Worldview How are these values lived out in your school? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 7
Slide Number/Title Suggested Activities Resources Slide 12: Reflection Slide 13: Session 2: Catholic Schools, Our Values, Our Mission 12.1 Reflect on this statement. 12.2 Outline the next session or how the values education discussion will be taken forward in your school. 12.3 Individually reflect on the following statements and share within your group, what you feel comfortable with: a. The Catholic Worldview is b. We live out the Catholic Worldview when we Slide 14: Our Values Slide 15: Diocesan Mission Statement Slide 16: School Mission Statement Slide 17: Our Mission Slide 18: The Purpose of the Diocesan School System Slide 19: A Whole School Approach to Values Education Slide 20: Catholic Schools at a Crossroads 15.1 Review with the staff how the school has incorporated the Diocesan Mission Statement in professional learning in previous years. 16.1 Review your school Mission Statement. Discuss with a partner the similarities and differences between the school and Diocesan Mission Statement. 17.1 In pairs explore the notion of discipleship: a. What does it mean to you? b. How does the notion of discipleship impact on your role as teachers in a Catholic school? c. If we are expected to offer students experiences of Catholic discipleship, how can we a teachers and support staff in a Catholic school model discipleship to our students? 18.1 In small groups view the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay image, and discuss the questions on Slide 18: The Purpose of the Diocesan School System. Elect a person to report back to the whole group. 19.1 In small groups discuss and evaluate the strength of your whole school approach to Values Education at your school: a. What are your priorities? b. What are your strengths? c. What are some areas for improvement? 20.1 In small groups explore the following questions: a. What are some of the outstanding achievements of Catholic Schools over the last ten years? b. What are the challenges and the possibilities of the changing demographics of Catholic schools? c. In what ways might Catholic schools better meet the enrolment needs of poorer families? School s Mission Statement Resource Sheet: Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay print Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 8
Slide Number/Title Suggested Activities Resources Slide 21: Identity of the Catholic School Slide 22: Catholic Faith, Life and Culture Slide 23: Critical Indicators of Progress Slide 24: The Adventure of Catholic Schooling 21.1 In groups discuss the following questions: a. How do the essential elements on Slide 21: Identity of the Catholic School align with the Diocesan School System Enrolment Policy? What are the challenges in a more diverse school population? b. How can Catholic schools reach out to families with little experience of Catholic discipleship and create an experience of new evangelisation? c. How can Catholic schools work more effectively with the parish in the years prior to and beyond school enrolment? 22.1 Distribute Resource Sheet: Catholic Faith, Life and Culture to each staff member and rank each statement according to how well you believe your school is achieving this goal. Complete the ranking and compare your response with another partner. Make some recommendations to the leadership team on how you could enhance each of the areas. In small groups discuss the following questions: a. How do we support students in preparing for life after school and the change of social, moral and spiritual questions that will be posed to them? b. In Resource Sheet: Catholic Faith Life and Culture what do you perceive to be the priority goals? 23.1 Individually rank the items on Resource Sheet: Critical Indicators of Progress. Compare your rankings with a partner. What was similar and different? Why? 23.2 Hand-in your rankings to the Workshop Facilitator to develop a school profile. 24.1 Individually reflect and then share with a partner your response to the following question: a. How can we make Catholic Schooling more adventurous for yourself and your students at our school? Resources Sheet: The Identity of the Catholic School Resource Sheet: Catholic Faith, Life and Culture Resource Sheet: Critical Indicators of Progress Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 9
Slide 1: Values in Broken Bay Schools Session 1 The Catholic Worldview Session 2 The Catholic School Our Values, Our Mission Background Notes for the Facilitator: Each school is encouraged to conduct a Values Forum(s). The length, structure and content of the Values Forum(s) is a school based decision dependant on prior professional learning and discussion about: the Catholic Worldview; the purpose of the Catholic school; and values education. Two workshop sessions have been developed for schools to adapt and modify. Some schools may wish to adapt these two sessions and expand them into more workshops to allow for more opportunity for process and discussion. Where appropriate Background Notes for the Facilitator have been provided for each slide as additional information. There are also Suggested Activities that facilitators may wish to use or not use dependant on the needs of the group, time available and the purpose of the session. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 10
Slide 2: Session 1: The Catholic Worldview Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 11
Slide 3: Purpose of Values Forum Designed to: explore the values that underpin the Catholic Worldview; explore the role of Catholic schooling in the 21 st century; promote the explicit articulation of Catholic values; familiarise teachers with the content of the National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools (2005); engage teachers in reflection, discussion and planning for effective values education in a Catholic school. Background Notes for the Facilitator: Schools may wish to overview previous work done in Values Education at the school. Suggested Activities: 3.1 In pairs discuss the following questions: a. When you hear the term Values Education what does it mean to you? b. Why have the Federal and State governments encouraged all schools to include Values Education as an explicit part of their curriculum? 3.2 List seven activities the school undertakes to promote values in the school. a. Select three activities that have had the most impact on students. b. Give a justification for your choice. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 12
Slide 4: Values Forum in Context The explicit teaching of values has always been one of the distinguishing features of Catholic Schools. Inspired by the life of Jesus, our schools have always incorporated the values in the Gospel into the daily fabric of their life. Our history reflects a strong commitment to ensure that the education we provide is immersed in a values framework that builds on Christ s call to love one another. More recently in a Pastoral Letter Catholic Schools at a Crossroads, the Bishops of NSW and the ACT invited Catholic Educational leaders, staff and parents to join them in recommitting to Catholic schooling for the 21 st century. The National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools, endorsed by all State and Territory Ministers, has become the blueprint for a consistent approach to the implementation of values education in Australian schools. Because of our mission and our commitment to building a just society, we are able to engage with both Governments agendas to bring to the attention of our students and communities the important role values play in our lives. Values Education website: http://www.valueseducation.edu.au. Background Notes for the Facilitator: Values are at the heart of a school s core business. Values provide the framework for our lives. Our values shape our thoughts, feelings and actions, and the development of values is a complex, ongoing process. The formative stages occur largely through the dominant influence of our early lives, the home and family, but parents expect schools to support them in the broader task of preparing young people for life in a democratic society, the world of work and a range of social relationships. What is values education? Values education is complex. There are so many questions: What values underpin the curriculum? What effective pedagogies can be used to teach values? Does values education mean the same as values in education? Are we talking about teaching particular values or simply teaching about values? If they are particular values, then, whose values? The teaching of values has been one of the standout features of Catholic Schools. Inspired by the life of Jesus, our schools have always incorporated Gospel Values into the daily fabric of their life. Adapted from the Values for Australian Schooling, Professional Learning Resource. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 13
Slide 5: National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools (2004) Care and Compassion Integrity Respect Doing your best Fair go Responsibility Freedom Understanding, tolerance & inclusion Honesty & Trustworthiness Background Notes for the Facilitator: The National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools, endorsed by all State and Territory Ministers, has become the blueprint for a consistent approach to the implementation of values education in Australian schools. The Framework recognises that quality teaching is central to effective values education. Guiding principles for effective values education that emphasise the importance of: values as an explicit goal of schooling; helping students understand and apply values; a safe and secure learning environment where students can explore values; curriculum which meets individual student needs; teacher professional learning; a whole school approach embracing students, staff, families, the school community and wider community; and regular review of approaches and outcomes. Adapted from the Values for Australian Schooling, Professional Learning Resource. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 14
Slide 6: Values Are The ideals that give significance to our lives that are reflected through the priorities we choose and that we act on consistently and repeatedly. (Prof Brian Hall, 1994) Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 15
Slide 7: Catholic Schools at a Crossroads Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 3 Background Notes for the Facilitator: Catholic education is at a crossroads. Changing circumstances have radically affected the composition and role of the Catholic school in recent years. In this Pastoral Letter the Bishops of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (NSW-ACT) invite Catholic educational leaders, staff and parents, as well as the broader Catholic community, to join with us in reflecting upon the future of Catholic schools in NSW-ACT. We here reaffirm our commitment to Catholic education, while at the same time challenging all those involved to embrace the new evangelisation to which our schools are called in this new century. The Catholic Bishops of NSW-ACT invite all those involved in Catholic education our educational leaders and staff, clergy and religious, parents and parish communities to dedicate themselves to ensuring that our schools achieve the above goals. The Catholic school system is one of the jewels in the crown of the Catholic community in our region, with few parallels overseas. It has provided high-quality education to generations of young Australians and has been a major arm of the Church s engagement with youth. Through our schools many others have also been positively affected. As the principal pastors of the Dioceses of NSW-ACT we wish to acknowledge the achievements of those who have built and served our school system religious and lay staff, as well as parents and parish communities and to record the gratitude of the Church for this. We also acknowledge the significant contribution of successive governments and the wider community to our schools. We are encouraged by the confidence that they have placed in Catholic schools. We believe that trust has been deserved. Catholic schools have contributed to the whole community through educating a significant proportion of its young people, through offering a distinctive vision and values, and through complementing the government school system and enabling choice and diversity in education. Adapted from Catholic Schools at a Crossroads, page 3-5. In this Pastoral Letter the Bishops invite Catholic educational leaders, staff and parents, to join them in recommitting to Catholic schooling and to ensure that our schools: are truly Catholic in their identity and life are centres of the new evangelisation enable our students to achieve high levels of Catholic religious literacy and practice are led and staffed by people who will contribute to these goals Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 16
Slide 8: The Catholic Worldview The Catholic Worldview is a comprehensive perception of the universe, revealed to us in Jesus, that provides insights into the meaning of life and how to live it. The Catholic Worldview is experiencing life through the eyes of our Catholic faith. Background Notes for the Facilitator: Bishop David Walker, the Bishop of Broken Bay, has recently encouraged all teachers in the Broken Bay Diocese to reflect on what is called the Catholic Worldview. In the K-12 RE Curriculum (2004), he challenges schools to cultivate a climate in which all teaching and learning is drawn from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Students should be offered the experience and knowledge necessary to develop a distinctive Catholic way of being in and seeing the world a Catholic Worldview. The Broken Bay Catholic Worldview is contained in ten statements. They are theological in their construction. Some are more difficult to grasp than others. Exploring the meaning of each statement requires a step back to the basic human question which underpins it. Each of these questions can be answered by any world view. The Broken Bay Catholic Worldview offers a Catholic answer to these questions. This is why it is called The Catholic Worldview instead of A Catholic Worldview because it is the Catholic Worldview endorsed by Bishop David Walker for the Diocese of Broken Bay. Suggested Activity: 8.1. In pairs discuss: What does the word Catholic mean to you? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 17
Slide 9: The Catholic Worldview The Catholic Worldview is a comprehensive perception of the universe, revealed to us in Jesus, that provi des insights into the meaning of life and how to live it. The Catholic Worldview is experiencing life through the eyes of our Catholic faith. The Catholic Worldview perceives: 1. God as Trinity, a communion of Persons who love us and invite us to share in their divine life for all eternity 2. The action of the Spirit in the world, inviting and empowering all people to respond to the divine love 3. Jesus as God's Son, who saved us through his life, death and resurrection, and through whom we enter into the life of God 4. The meaning and purpose of life as grounded in God's love for us and our response as disciples of Jesus 5. The Church as the communion of disciples that makes present to the world the mystery of Jesus and, through its sacramental life, makes us part of that mystery 6. The presence of God in our daily life, in the Eucharist, in the Sacred Scriptures and in the living tradition of the Church 7. The cross of Jesus in the struggles and hardships of life and approaches them as Jesus did his cross, with trust and confidence in God 8. Each human being as a unique person created in the image of God, having an inalienable dignity that is always to be respected 9. An imperative to proclaim to others the love we receive from Jesus, by loving them as Jesus loves us 10. An obligation to work to create social conditions in which the unique dignity of each person is respected and all human rights protected. Broken Bay K-12 Religious Education Curriculum (2004) page 19 Suggested Activities: 9.1 School leaders review how their school community has already engaged with Values Education. 9.2 In pairs discuss the connections between the Catholic Worldview Statement and Values Education? To complete this activity you will need: A copy of Slide 9: The Catholic Worldview, for each member of staff. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 18
Slide 10: Our Catholic Values and Beliefs Work for justice Trinity Eternity Spirit Proclaiming Jesus Jesus CATHOLIC Human dignity Purpose of life Cross Trust Presence Of God Church Discipleship Suggested Activities: 10.1 In small groups discuss the two questions given to you by the Facilitator that align with the Catholic Worldview Statement from the following. Elect a reporter to take notes and to report back to the whole group. To complete the following activity you will need a copy of Resource Sheet: The Catholic Worldview How are these values lived out in your school? for each member of staff. Discussion questions: a. Where does your role as a teacher, principal, member of executive, fit into the Big Picture? b. How does your ministry within the Catholic school inspire a passion to work with others and help them achieve their potential? c. How can your classroom teaching and school leadership expose your students to inspiring people who have had an impact on the world? d. How does your classroom teaching/leadership give meaning to life? e. What do you celebrate as key events in your classroom and school? f. What is the place of ritual in your classroom and school? g. What are the challenges that change the lives of your students, help them mature and develop their perspectives? h. Is the dignity of each person teacher and student respected in the way programming is developed, classes are allocated, and teaching is delivered? i. How is the Gospel command to love one another as I have loved you evidenced in your classroom and school? j. How can learning in your classroom and school contribute to the creation of a world in which the dignity of each person is respected and all human rights protected? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 19
Slide 11: The Catholic Worldview What do we Value? In 2007, The Catholic Worldview and the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay prints were distributed to each Diocesan primary and secondary systemic school. In small groups refer to the Catholic Worldview print and discuss: 1. What is the first object, person or thing, within the image, that your eye is drawn to? 2. What are the core values in the picture? What connections are made between the values in the picture and the Catholic Worldview ten statements? 3. How are these values lived out in your school life? Background Notes for the Facilitator: The purpose of the picture is to: Show the fullness of what human beings can be. Explore aspirational and conceptual thoughts around right relationships, Word and sacrament, Justice perspective on world issues. Engage parents, staff, students and visitors to the school. Use images and colours that, engage and stir your emotions, portray the liturgy of life we live the Catholic worldview in our daily life. Explore living the Catholic Worldview in our daily life - a 21st century Worldview that looks into the future and the Universe space, land, people. Promote the explicit articulation of Catholic values. Focal Points in the Picture: There are a range of interpretations each individual will make. The following is not a comprehensive outline, but provides some direction for discussion purposes: Individuals worldview enmeshed with the Catholic Worldview. Universe the mystery of God s plan for us. The grandeur of the universe and the concept of eternity. Cross in terms of the light of resurrection. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 20
Sense of contemplation and reflection, focus on the call to be Christian disciples. Sea/Water symbolises eternity, reminds us of God s grandeur. Broken Bay s waters and the sea provides the natural environment for many of our students/families in the Diocese. Reminds us of our Baptism into Christian life. Community and relationships the Catholic Worldview is centred within community and relationships, together with a personal responsibility to be a disciple of Christ. Spiral in the sand symbolises God at the centre of our lives from which all thing originate. Suggested Activities: 11.1 In small groups discuss the questions on Slide 11: The Catholic Worldview What do we Value? Elect a group reporter to provide feedback to the whole group. To complete this activity you will need one colour copy of Resource Sheet: The Catholic Worldview print for each group. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 21
Slide 12: Reflection My world view is continually shaped by the questions I ask about life, death and the universe. As a teacher in a Catholic school, I am called to embrace, challenge, agree with, disagree with, interpret and reinterpret a Catholic view about life, death and the universe. God s creation is dynamic, diverse, strong yet fragile, just like me. Suggested Activities: 12.1 Reflect on this statement. 12.2 Outline the next session or how the values education discussion will be taken forward in your school. 12.3 Individually reflect on the following statements and share within your group, what you feel comfortable with: a. The Catholic Worldview is b. We live out the Catholic Worldview when we Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 22
Slide 13: Session 2: Catholic Schools Our Values, Our Mission Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 23
Slide 14: are the values of a Gospel community. All members of our Catholic community should be offered the experiences & knowledge necessary to develop a distinctive way of being in and seeing the world the Catholic Worldview. Our Values Values are.. the ideals that give significance to our lives reflected through the priorities we choose and that we act on consistently & repeatedly Background Notes for the Facilitator: The facilitator reviews the key points from Session 1: The Catholic Worldview. For example: The purpose of Values Forums Values forum in context: Gospel values underpin the Catholic Worldview National Values Education Framework Catholic Schools at a Crossroads document The Catholic Worldview is about experiencing life through the eyes of our Catholic faith. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 24
Slide 15: Diocesan Mission Statement We the Catholic Church of Broken Bay are, through Baptism, a community of disciples of Jesus. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are committed to work together to extend the Kingdom of God. We will: Proclaim the Good News of Jesus in our words and actions Respond personally to God s unique love for each of us Live with each other in the love of Jesus Celebrate and share our Catholic faith and life experience Educate our people in our Catholic story and beliefs and their implications for our lives Serve each other, the community and all creation in justice and love Seek unity with our fellow Christians and meaningful dialogue with people of all faiths Suggested Activity: 15.1 Review with the staff how the school has incorporated the Diocesan Mission Statement in professional learning in previous years. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 25
Slide 16: School Mission Statement Insert School Mission Statement Suggested Activity: 16.1 Review your school Mission Statement. Discuss with a partner the similarities and differences between the school and Diocesan Mission Statement. To complete this activity you will need a copy of the school s Mission Statement for each member of staff. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 26
Slide 17: Our Mission The Purpose of the Diocesan School System Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay exist to educate and form young people in Catholic discipleship: offering them experiences of following Jesus as members of the Catholic community. Background Notes for the Facilitator: The Catholic School System of Broken Bay contributes to the mission of the Diocese. The purpose of the Diocesan Schools System is outlined in the text above and is consistent with the Diocesan Mission Statement. It is the same text highlighted on the Catholic School print. The Meaning of Catholic Discipleship The centrepiece of Catholic life and mission in Broken Bay Diocese is the call to Catholic Discipleship. It calls for an individual commitment realised in active membership of the Catholic Church, demonstrated by love, compassion, hope, reconciliation, transformation, prayer, respect for life and a desire to bring about justice for all. As disciples of Jesus we are called to love one another, to take up our cross daily, to witness to the realisation of the Kingdom of God, to respond to Jesus in the midst of the world and its concerns. In this way we give our lives over completely to the Father. Such a giving of ourselves is not likely to be a one-off event. In everyday life we find the need for constant renewal of our commitment. Our relationship with Jesus deepens as our life experience broadens and we come to know ourselves and Jesus better. The disciple of Jesus does not merely mimic the words and actions of Jesus, but becomes one with Him. it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. (Gal 2:20) In being one with our risen Lord we act and are motivated to act by a desire for the realisation of the Kingdom of God. The call to discipleship is marked by an authenticity and integrity grounded in the person of Jesus. Such response requires knowledge of Jesus, through the Scriptures and through the Church guided by the Holy Spirit. The New Testament is full of examples of the way authentic disciples behave. Jesus himself tells us that we must love one another as He has loved us. In His actions and parables He gives examples of what that love looks like in action: reaching out to those in need; identifying with the marginalised; complete self-giving. St. Paul breaks open the meaning of love for us: "love is patient and kind; love is not boastful or conceited, it is never rude and Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 27
never seeks its own advantage, it does not take offence or store up grievances. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but finds its joy in the truth. It is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. (1 Cor 13: 4-7) The Church and Discipleship Jesus invites each of us individually and uniquely to respond to his call. Our response also brings us into communion with all who respond to his call. It brings us to the community of the disciples of Jesus, the Church. Our experience of Church is a human experience. Guided by the Holy Spirit the Church interprets the message of Jesus in the contemporary world. That individuals in the Church might not always live up to the Gospel is an irreducible part of Church itself. The disciples of Jesus are indeed human, always in need of repentance, always in need of renewal. The Church is manifest in the many and varied ministries by which the Gospel is spread to all and the Kingdom of God is realised. It is present in the institutions which have grown up to support the spread of the Gospel and the living out of its message in daily life. It is most perfectly and authentically present to its members in the celebrations of the sacraments. Offering Students Experiences of Catholic Discipleship Our schools, as part of the Catholic community, have the task of educating and forming young people as disciples of Jesus. This is not the task of schools alone, but in a special way through its educational structures the school supports the Catholic family and the parish. In this way schools participate in the Church s commitment to extending the Kingdom of God. If our schools are to offer students experiences of following Jesus as members of the Catholic community then our schools must exemplify love as it is understood in the Catholic tradition. All that we do when we develop our pastoral care policies, our subject options, our work practices, must be motivated by love. Since we are disciples of Jesus and since we are witnessing to His love we are not only motivated by that love but overtly demonstrate that love as our motivation. To do this in an educational institution with all the demands placed on schools by external forces is not a simple task. Its complexity however does not give us an excuse to abandon this most important of roles. For many students Catholic schools offer the opportunity for contact with the Church in action. Their future commitment to Jesus will in some cases be profoundly affected by the authenticity with which the school responds to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. An authentically Catholic school will be rich in symbols and actions associated with the Catholic faith. The artwork, the provision of prayer space, the priority of prayer in daily life will support and enhance the Church s mission of evangelisation. Teachers, in their relationships with students and through the manner in which they engage their subject matter, will give witness to the Gospel. Schools themselves will initiate programs, celebrate events and offer a range of opportunities for students so that they may participate in the life of the Church and experience what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. All aspects of school life, then, must be immersed in the discipleship of Jesus. Whenever students participate in retreats, social justice activities, cultural, artistic, sporting or academic pursuits they do so in an overtly Catholic way. Such participation requires an appreciation of what it is to be a Catholic and to see the world through, as it were, Catholic eyes. It is this appreciation the Catholic school seeks to develop in its students. Extract from the K-12 RE Curriculum Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 28
Suggested Activities: 17.1 In pairs explore the notion of discipleship: a. What does it mean to you? b. How does the notion of discipleship impact on your role as teachers and as support staff in a Catholic school? c. If we are expected to offer students experiences of Catholic discipleship, how can we as teachers and support staff in a Catholic school model discipleship to our students? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 29
Slide 18: The Purpose of the Diocesan School System In 2007, The Catholic Worldview and the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay prints were distributed to each Diocesan primary and secondary systemic school. In small groups view the image and discuss: 1. Who/what are the relationships within the picture? What maybe missing? 2. What are the key values in the picture? 3. How are these values lived out in your school life? 4. What could we do better to improve how the values are lived out in our school community? Background Notes for the Facilitator: The Catholic Schools image aims to: show images that support and give meaning to the text Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay exist to educate and form young people in Catholic discipleship: offering them experiences of following Jesus as members of the Catholic community; engage teachers in reflection, discussion about the purpose of a Catholic school; explore right relationships, Word and sacrament, and Justice perspectives on world issues; highlight images of children and young people with a sense of hope for the future; highlight the relationship between the family, school and parish; explore the role of Catholic schooling in the 21st century; promote the explicit articulation of Catholic values; emphasise the role of the teacher and pastor as a guide and mentor; celebrate the goodness of children and young people; celebrate the quality of pastoral care in our school community; highlight our Catholic faith through images of the Cross, prayer, liturgy and reflection. Suggested Activity: 18.1 In small groups view the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay image, and discuss the questions on Slide 18: The Purpose of the Diocesan School System. Elect a person to report back to the whole group. To complete this activity you will need a colour copy of the Resource Sheet: Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay print for each group. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 30
Slide 19: Background Notes for the Facilitator: Adapted from the Values for Australian Schooling, Professional Learning Resource. Defining a whole school approach A whole school approach is one that involves all the members of the school community (students, staff, parents and carers, and other community members), and works across all areas of school life. It implicitly acknowledges that learning occurs not only through the formal curriculum, but also through students daily experience of life in the school and beyond. A whole school approach to values education: promotes the sense of ownership of all stakeholders in developing student learning; assists in ensuring that the messages about values, both in principle and in practice, are consistent and coherent; provides peer support and reassurance for teachers whose classroom approaches are affirmed at a whole school level; encourages broad parent and student participation in the school and joint ownership of decisions; and increases the sustainability of programmes should there be changes or movement out of the school by key individuals. Pedagogy and values education Everything that goes on in a classroom, explicitly or implicitly, consciously or unconsciously, is part of the pedagogy of that classroom. Pedagogy as a set of practices is itself values laden and hence a major driving force in any Values Education programme. The success of a Values Education programme will therefore depend on the extent to which the curriculum content is supported by the pedagogy in the classroom. Adapted from the Values for Australian Schooling, Professional Learning Resource. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 31
Suggested Activities: 19.1 In small groups discuss and evaluate the strength of your whole school approach to Values Education at your school: a. What are your priorities? b. What are your strengths? c. What are some areas for improvement? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 32
Slide 20: Catholic Schools at a Crossroads The Catholic school system is one of the jewels in the crown of the Catholic community.it has provided high-quality education to generations of young Australians and has been a major arm of the Church s engagement with youth. Ensure that our schools: are truly Catholic in their identity and life are centres of the new evangelisation enable our students to achieve high levels of Catholic religious literacy and practice are led and staffed by people who will contribute to these goals Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 3 & 6 Background Notes for the Facilitator: Catholic education is at a crossroads. Changing circumstances have radically affected the composition and role of the Catholic school in recent years. The Catholic school-aged population of NSW-ACT has grown considerably over the past two decades, as has the number of students in Catholic schools. Demand for Catholic education keeps rising, though much faster in secondary than primary schools. Some of the additional students in our Catholic schools are not Catholics. That other-than-catholic families should entrust their children to Catholic schools reflects well upon the standards and particular qualities of Catholic schools. Good Catholic schools are good schools. But there has been a fall in the number of Catholic students attending our schools during this period of growth. Half the students of Catholic families are enrolled in State schools, and a growing proportion go to non-catholic independent schools. In the past two decades the proportion of children in NSW-ACT schools from non-practising Catholic families has risen considerably. Another enrolment trend of particular concern has been the decline in representation in our schools of students from both poorer and wealthier families. Put plainly: poorer Catholic children are increasingly attending State schools, while wealthier Catholic children go to non-catholic non-government schools. Adapted from Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 3 and 6. Suggested Activities: 20.1 In small groups explore the following questions: a. What are some of the outstanding achievements of Catholic Schools over the last ten years? For example: Development of strong faith communities; Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 33
Positive relationships with parishes and parents; Dynamic liturgies; Strong academic performance; A diverse curriculum; Outstanding pastoral care; Strong community focus; b. What are the challenges and the possibilities of the changing demographics of Catholic schools? c. In what ways might Catholic schools better meet the enrolment needs of poorer families? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 34
Slide 21: Identity of the Catholic School It is essential that: leaders and staff understand and are committed to, the Catholic identity of the school the RE curriculum is sound, taught by teachers qualified RE teachers Catholic dimension is evident in all subject areas schools are Eucharistic communities within the parish context schools continue to be places of prayer Catholic practices are encouraged such as Scripture reflections and Eucharistic adoration schools are places cultivating a Catholic imagination, supported by a Catholic visual culture schools are connected to their local parish(es) and diocese families and parishes support their schools Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 10 Background Notes for the Facilitator: Much has been written in previous Church documents and elsewhere on the identity of the Catholic school and we need not repeat that here. Put simply: the Catholic school is the principal educational arm of Catholic families, parishes and the wider Church for those generally aged under eighteen. It is there to assist parents and parishes in their educational, evangelical and catechetical mission, as well as to help the wider community in its educational and civic service. It is for this reason that the Church remains committed to ensuring that there is a critical mass of Catholic students in our schools, even though we also readily welcome students from other religious backgrounds. We exhort our school leaders to re-examine how they might maximise enrolment of Catholic students, including those from socio-economic bands and ethnic and special needs groups currently under-represented in their schools. Parish schools should continue to seek out and give preference to the children of their own parishioners, then to other Catholic children especially from the surrounding district, then to other Christian children, before offering any additional available places to children of other religious backgrounds. Regional secondary schools and Congregational schools should apply similar principles. However, much more is required for a genuinely Catholic school than just a preponderance of students from Catholic families. Evangelisation means proclaiming the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. Its goal is bringing people to faith through a personal encounter with Him. Adapted from Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 10 Diocesan School System Enrolment Policy Within the Diocesan Schools System Enrolment Policy, three clauses bare reflection: Clause 2 Enrolment in a Catholic school is an event in which the local Catholic community reaches out to its families. It is recognised that some of these families have little contact with the Church, and little experience of Catholic discipleship. Enrolment is an opportunity for a new evangelisation for many of these families, and an ongoing evangelisation and a deepening of their faith and involvement in Church life for others. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 35
Clause 3 Parents and children enrolling in Catholic schools commit themselves to a parish 1 community that works towards the education, formation and pastoral care of young people. By acceptance of the enrolment the parish community commits itself to supporting the formation of the family in faith. The enrolment committee shall seek to offer enrolment to those Catholic families that have committed themselves to Catholic discipleship, the worshipping community of the parish and the religious values of the Diocese. Clause 8 Priority in enrolment will be given in this order to: children whose Catholic families are known and involved members of the parish; children whose Catholic families express through the enrolment process an intention to commit to Catholic discipleship and the worshipping community of the parish; children whose Catholic families express an understanding of and commitment to the educational and religious life of the school; children whose families of other Christian traditions are known and involved members of their worshipping community and express an understanding of and commitment to the educational and religious life of the school; children whose families express an understanding of and commitment to the educational and religious life of the school. Suggested Activities: 21.1 In groups discuss the following questions: a. How do the essential elements on Slide 21: Identity of the Catholic School align with the Diocesan School System Enrolment Policy? To complete the following activity you will need one copy of Resources Sheet: The Identity of the Catholic School for each member of staff. b. What are the challenges in a more diverse school population? c. How can Catholic schools reach out to families with little experience of Catholic discipleship and create an experience of new evangelisation? d. How can Catholic schools work more effectively with the parish in the years prior to and beyond school enrolment? 1Primary schools generally relate to one parish and secondary schools relate to several parishes. In particular circumstances, due to parish configurations, a school may relate to more than one parish or there may be more than one school in a parish. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 36
Slide 22: Catholic Faith, Life and Culture schools will have as their goal the formation of Christian disciples RE curriculum ensures students know the core teachings of our faith, our Scriptures, history and tradition students will develop a knowledge and, love of the person, life and teachings of Christ students will develop knowledge and love of the People of God, the Church students will be prepared for the challenges to their faith RE classes will be given priority there will be demonstrations of Catholic religious literacy our schools will also seek to involve parents and families in the process of evangelising and catechising their children Catholic Schools at a Cros sroads page 14 Background Notes for the Facilitator: Evangelisation is crucial, but not enough. Faith, like a seed newly planted in the soil of the human heart, needs water and light. That is why our schools must deepen and instruct the faith once received. We call this catechesis or religious instruction. Faith must also be supported by the religious culture of the school so that it will be practised in worship, vocation and action in the world. It is sometimes observed that many young people emerge from our schools with insufficient knowledge of the Catholic faith or interest in practising it. Of course seeds of faith may have been planted that will only show forth fruit later in their lives. Nor is this solely the responsibility of the school: society, parishes, families and the young themselves also bear the burden of this trend. The Catholic school is well placed, however, to support young people, teachers and families to grow in their knowledge and love for the Catholic tradition. Young people in our schools and their families deserve no less than the fullness of the faith that comes to us from the apostles. (Eucharistic Prayer I) Therefore enthusiasm for social justice, ecology, the charism of the founder or some particular school initiative must always be situated within the broader context of Catholic faith and morals. It must never eclipse the building of a relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church. No student should leave our Catholic schools without knowing the essentials of Catholic teaching as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and its Compendium, and all catechetical programs and RE texts should build upon these. Adapted from Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 14 Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 37
Suggested Activities: 22.1 Distribute Resource Sheet: Catholic Faith, Life and Culture to each staff member and rank each statement according to how well you believe your school is achieving this goal. Complete the ranking and compare your response with another partner. Make some recommendations to the leadership team on how you could enhance each of the areas. To complete this activity you will need a copy of Resource Sheet: Catholic Faith, Life and Culture for each member of staff. 22.2 In small groups discuss the following questions: a. How do we support students in preparing for life after school and the change of social, moral and spiritual questions that will be posed to them? b. In Resource Sheet: Catholic Faith Life and Culture what do you perceive to be the priority goals? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 38
Slide 23: (optional) Critical Indicators of Progress the Catholic purpose is stated in each school s Mission Statement all Principals, Assistant Principals and RECsare practising Catholics an increase in the staff especially of RE teachers who are practising and knowledgeable Catholics leaders and staff are reminded of the Catholic identity and mission commit themselves to that mission increase in the proportion of Catholic students parents and students are reminded of the Catholic identity and mission of the school Catholic symbols and practices are part of the daily life of the school programs for students wishing to join the Catholic Church continue to promote high levels of Catholic religious literacy activities aimed at further evangelising and catechising students systematic external assessment of Catholic religious literacy maximum involvement by students and staff in religious events Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 18 Background Notes for the Facilitator: In this Pastoral Letter we have raised matters for reflection and highlighted challenges for all of us involved in Catholic schools in this new century. To achieve the goals articulated will require the focus and energy of our schools, families, parishes and the wider Church. How will we know if we have achieved or are at least making progress towards these goals? Each of the Bishops of NSW-ACT undertakes, with the help of our Catholic Education Offices, our Congregational school leaders and other interested parties, to continue to identify and articulate specific markers of progress towards the goals outlined in this Letter and to monitor and measure progress against such markers. We have also recently commissioned the Catholic Education Commission, New South Wales to investigate the desirability and feasibility of establishing Catholic pre-schools including questions such as demand, governance and staffing and ways of increasing enrolment of Catholic children in Catholic schools. We further encourage the Commission, our Directors of Catholic Education and Congregational school authorities to continue to monitor, advise and reflect upon enrolment trends in Catholic schools. Adapted from Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 18 Suggested Activities: 23.1 Individually rank the items on Resource Sheet: Critical Indicators of Progress. To complete the following activity you will need a copy of Resource Sheet: Critical Indicators of Progress for each member of staff. 23.2 Compare your rankings with a partner. What was similar and different? Why? 23.3 Hand-in your rankings to the Workshop Facilitator to develop a school profile. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 39
Slide 24: The Adventure of Catholic Schooling Our Vision is about who we want to be in the future the dreams and hopes we have for our school The Adventure of Catholic Schooling in the 21st Century.we look to those involved in our schools to ensure that their very significant resources achieve, as far as possible, what the Catholic community rightly expects: young men and women of character and faith whose individual gifts are nurtured to their highest potential so that they can contribute effectively to Church, society and culture. Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 20 Background Notes for the Facilitator: The Church looks to her young people with confidence as future leaders and disciples. Their education and formation are therefore crucial. Catholic schools have reached a critical moment in their history. Changes in educational and cultural context and in enrolment patterns provide new challenges and opportunities. As the Bishops of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory we invite educational leaders, teachers and parents, as well as the broader Catholic community, to join us in reflecting upon the issues in this Pastoral Letter and recommitting to the adventure of Catholic schooling in our new century. Evangelising, forming and otherwise educating our next generation is not the task of our schools alone: it requires a common effort from all our families, parishes and agencies. Nevertheless we look to those involved in our schools to ensure that their very significant resources achieve, as far as possible, what the Catholic community rightly expects: young men and women of character and faith whose individual gifts are nurtured to their highest potential so that they can contribute effectively to Church, society and culture. Great things have already been achieved in our Catholic schools and are being achieved daily; greater things are still possible, and indeed required, as together we forge the way ahead. Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 20 Suggested Activity: 24.1 Individually reflect and then share with a partner your response to the following question: a. How can we make Catholic Schooling more adventurous for yourself and your students at our school? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 40
POWERPOINT RESOURCES Index to PowerPoint Resources Resource Sheet: The Catholic Worldview How are these values lived out in your school? Resource Sheet: Catholic Faith, Life and Culture Resource Sheet: Critical Indicators of Progress Resource Sheet: The Identity of the Catholic School Resource Sheet: The Catholic Worldview Print Resource Sheet: The Catholic Schools Print Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 41
Resource Sheet: The Catholic Worldview - How are these values lived out in your school? The Catholic Worldview is a comprehensive perception of the universe, revealed to us in Jesus, that provides insights into the meaning of life and how to live it. The Catholic Worldview is experiencing life through the eyes of our Catholic faith. Broken Bay K-12 Religious Education Curriculum (2004) In small groups select and discuss two questions that align to the Catholic Worldview Statement. Elect a reporter to take notes to report back to the whole group. The Catholic Worldview Values in the print Questions How are these values lived out in your school? High Medium Low 1. God as Trinity, a communion of Persons who love us and invite us to share in their divine life for all eternity Trinity Eternity What does your role as a teacher, principal, member of executive, fit into the Big Picture? 2. the action of the Spirit in the world, inviting and empowering all people to respond to the divine love 3. Jesus as God's Son, who saved us through his life, death and resurrection, and through whom we enter into the life of God 4. the meaning and purpose of life as grounded in God's love for us and our response as disciples of Jesus 5. the Church as the communion of disciples that makes present to the world the mystery of Jesus and, through its sacramental life, makes us part of that mystery Spirit Jesus Purpose of life Church How does your ministry within the catholic school inspire a passion to work with others and help them achieve their potential? How can your classroom teaching and school leadership expose your students to inspiring people who have had an impact on the world? How does your classroom teaching/leadership give meaning to life? What do you celebrate as key events in your classroom and school? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 43
The Catholic Worldview Values in the print Questions How are these values lived out in your school? High Medium Low 6. the presence of God in our daily life, in the Eucharist, in the Sacred Scriptures and in the living tradition of the Church 7. the cross of Jesus in the struggles and hardships of life and approaches them as Jesus did his cross, with trust and confidence in God Presence of God Cross Trust What is the place of ritual in your classroom and school? What are the challenges that change the lives of your students, help them mature and develop their perspectives? 8. each human being as a unique person created in the image of God, having an inalienable dignity that is always to be respected 9. an imperative to proclaim to others the love we receive from Jesus, by loving them as Jesus loves us Human dignity Is the dignity of each person teacher and student respected in the way programming is developed, classes are allocated, and teaching is delivered? Love Discipleship How is the Gospel command to love one another as I have loved you evidenced in your classroom and school? (Proclaiming Jesus) 10. an obligation to work to create social conditions in which the unique dignity of each person is respected and all human rights protected. Justice (Work for justice) How can learning in your classroom and school contribute to the creation of a world in which the dignity of each person is respected and all human rights protected? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 44
Resource Sheet: Catholic Faith, Life and Culture Ranking If Catholic schools are to succeed in passing on the Catholic faith to the next generation: Low High Schools will have as their goal the formation of Christian disciples RE curriculum will be chosen to ensure that by the end of their schooling students know the core teachings of our faith, our Scriptures, history and tradition ( Catholic religious literacy ) and how these are to be lived in the world In particular, students will be brought to a knowledge and, as far as possible, love of the person, life and teachings of Christ and of the Trinitarian God of Love Students will also be brought to a knowledge and love of the People of God, the Church, who join them in their pilgrimage through life and support them through the Word of God and the Sacraments Students will be prepared for the challenges to their faith that may come while still at school or after they have left school RE classes will therefore be given priority with regard to the school curriculum, time and space allocation and the choice and recognition of staff There will be demonstrations of Catholic religious literacy through appropriate assessment and religious activities Our schools will also seek to involve parents and families in the process of evangelising and catechising their children, seeking in the process also to educate those families in the faith 1 2 3 4 5 Suggested Activities: 1. Rank each statement according to how well you believe your school is achieving this goal. Complete the ranking and compare your response with another partner. Make some recommendations to the leadership team on how you could enhance each of the areas. 2. In small groups discuss the following questions: A. How do we support students in preparing for life after school and the change of social, moral and spiritual questions that will be posed to them? B. In the above activity what do you perceive to be the priority goals? Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 45
Resource Sheet: Critical Indicators of Progress Low Ranking High The Catholic purpose of the school is clearly stated in each school s Mission Statement All Principals, Assistant Principals and RECs are practising Catholics who understand and profess the Catholic faith, model it in their own lives, and can teach it effectively Progress towards an increase in the proportion of school staff and especially of RE teachers who are practising and knowledgeable Catholics At application and appointment to a new position, and on other appropriate occasions, leaders and staff are reminded of the Catholic identity and mission of the school and of the expectation that they will commit themselves to that mission Progress towards an increase in the proportion of students in our schools who are Catholic At application for enrolment, at admission, and on other appropriate occasions, parents and students are reminded of the Catholic identity and mission of the school and of the expectation that they will assist in that mission The presence of distinctively Catholic symbols and practices as part of the daily life of the school Efforts to connect with Catholic families and to maximise their participation in Catholic schools The provision, in conjunction with local parish(es) and diocese, of programs for students wishing to join the Catholic Church Continued development and deployment of curriculum, methodologies and resources such as texts which promote high levels of Catholic religious literacy Co-curricular activities aimed at further evangelising and catechising students and otherwise nourishing their spiritual life (e.g. retreats, Project Compassion, St Vincent de Paul groups) Systematic external assessment of Catholic religious literacy Maximum involvement by students and younger staff in religious events such as World Youth Days Progress toward significantly increased attendance at Sunday Mass, and deeper involvement in the life of the local Church by students and ex-students Progress towards an increase in the proportion of students in our schools who are from poorer families 1 2 3 4 5 Suggested Activities: 1. Individually rank the above Critical Indicators of Progress. 2. Compare your rankings with a partner. What was similar and different? Why? 3. Hand-in your rankings to the Workshop Facilitator to develop a school profile. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 46
Resource Sheet: The Identity of the Catholic School The following except is an extract from the Diocesan School System Enrolment Policy. Diocesan School System Enrolment Policy Within the Diocesan Schools System Enrolment Policy, three clauses bare reflection: Clause 2 Enrolment in a Catholic school is an event in which the local Catholic community reaches out to its families. It is recognised that some of these families have little contact with the Church, and little experience of Catholic discipleship. Enrolment is an opportunity for a new evangelisation for many of these families, and an ongoing evangelisation and a deepening of their faith and involvement in Church life for others. Clause 3 Parents and children enrolling in Catholic schools commit themselves to a parish 2 community that works towards the education, formation and pastoral care of young people. By acceptance of the enrolment the parish community commits itself to supporting the formation of the family in faith. The enrolment committee shall seek to offer enrolment to those Catholic families that have committed themselves to Catholic discipleship, the worshipping community of the parish and the religious values of the Diocese. Clause 8 Priority in enrolment will be given in this order to: children whose Catholic families are known and involved members of the parish; children whose Catholic families express through the enrolment process an intention to commit to Catholic discipleship and the worshipping community of the parish; children whose Catholic families express an understanding of and commitment to the educational and religious life of the school; children whose families of other Christian traditions are known and involved members of their worshipping community and express an understanding of and commitment to the educational and religious life of the school; children whose families express an understanding of and commitment to the educational and religious life of the school. Identity of the Catholic School It is essential that: leaders and staff understand, and are solidly committed to, the Catholic identity of the school the Religious Education (RE) curriculum is sound, attractive and professionally taught by teachers with appropriate RE qualifications other disciplines also consider the Catholic dimension of their subject areas schools are Eucharistic communities within the parish context where, as far as possible, students regularly take part in Mass and Reconciliation schools continue to be places of prayer, including prayer at assemblies, in classes and in other staff and student meetings, and places where practices are encouraged such as Scripture reflections, the Angelus, Eucharistic adoration and prayerful silences schools are places cultivating a Catholic imagination, where prayer and liturgy are supported by a Catholic visual culture, including crucifixes and pictures of Our Lady and the saints schools are connected to their local parish(es) and diocese, through inviting the periodic presence of the bishop, clergy, religious and parents in the school, and through active collaboration with the wider Catholic community families and parishes support their schools in these important endeavours. Catholic Schools at a Crossroads page 10 Suggested Activities: 1. In small groups discuss the following questions: A. How do the essential elements on Slide 21 Identity of the Catholic School align with the Diocesan School System Enrolment Policy? What are the challenges in a more diverse school population? B. How can Catholic schools reach out to families with little experience of Catholic discipleship and create an experience of new evangelisation? C. How can Catholic schools work more effectively with the parish in the years prior to and beyond school enrolment? 2Primary schools generally relate to one parish and secondary schools relate to several parishes. In particular circumstances, due to parish configurations, a school may relate to more than one parish or there may be more than one school in a parish. Support Materials for K-12 Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay page 47