1.4 The Mission of Catholic schools
Catholic schools are 'jewels in the crown' of the Church The Bishops of NSW and ACT in their pastoral letter, Catholic Schools at a Crossroads, write "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." (p.6) Jesus and the mission of Catholic schools
in Broken Bay The Diocesan Mission Statement for Catholic schools can be found in most school foyers. It emphasises that Catholic schools really are all about Jesus and discipleship. Mission statements belong in hearts not in frames
Mission statements are often developed following a period of consultation with staff and parents, sometimes with students and the broader parish community. They are published and launched, and promoted to the school community as expressions of key commitments, values and beliefs. The most effective mission statements are those which not only express a shared sense of mission but which inspire and even challenge all those in the school community to engage more fully, actively and consciously in God's mission in Catholic education. |
Catholic schools at a national level are supported by the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference and the National Catholic Education Commission Amongst the Commission's responsibilities is funding for Catholic schools. Working in a Catholic school, it can be helpful to know the facts of Commonwealth and State funding for Catholic schools. Click here for a leaflet.
"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" |