Day 2 – St Aloysius Cronulla – David & Lauren

Day 2 – St Aloysius Cronulla – David & Lauren

How do you see the school’s educational and faith vision and mission informing and shaping daily practice?

When you walk into the school office the catholic ethos of the school is very evident. As you’re greeted with symbols and banners that emit a sense of a faith filled catholic education. This is not only evident in the office, but as your move through the school it has a visual presence through out the entire school. With clear and up to date prayer focuses in all spaces.

The school mission statement appears to be well ingrained into the culture of the school.

We at St Aloysius Primary School are committed to:

·      Nurturing spiritual growth and developing children’s knowledge, understanding and love of God.

·      Providing high quality education that develops children as life-long learners.

·      Recognising and supporting each child’s individuality, ability and potential.

·      Assisting children to develop loving relationships that respect others, empowering them to make a real difference in our world.

The mission of the school is evident through the special programs in place to enhance and enrich the learning of the children. The PBL program develops good relationships between the students. A whole school approach to the parish sacramental program is obvious, with confirmation taking place this Friday. There is a whole school support for the sacramental students within the Parish.

'United in Christ, Making a Difference in Our World'

This is the school motto and ‘United in Christ’ is very obvious when you talk and observe the staff. They are very committed to their school, and their students. In ensuring that students are able to achieve to high standards. The collaboration between the staff is strong as united they strive to achieve a culture of excellence through high expectations and a shared vision.

Today we observed a Year 2 Religion lesson, in which was designed to be a collaborative learning experience. Through using workstations to provide students with the opportunity to explore the Exodus story. Students were engaged in a variety of activities from retelling the Exodus story through story telling with drama and dolls, illustrating the story and developing questions in response to the story.

An initiative from the Catholic Education Office to build parish, school and family relationships is the position of the 'Family Educator' this role has been in place for several years. And aims to support the spiritual, social and educational formation of families in the school community. We saw this first as their Family Educator helped facilitate their Yr 6 Student Retreat for the their Confirmation Candidates.

  

One thing that stood out to both of us is the prayer focus within the staff room. Which obviously changes with liturgical seasons, but is highlight by a quote from Mary MacKillop that encapsulates the staff being united in their mission. “Never see a need without doing something about it”.

This Friday is the feast day of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the school will celebrate this important feast day with a whole school parish mass, tabloid activities at a local oval run by the Year 6 students. Then concluding the day with a school assembly. This is a witness to their school spirituality and faith.

Some of the many symbols and images around the school.

Live in Faith Grow in Love