School Philosophy & Vision

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 Peter's Bentleigh East is a school which operates with the consent of the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne and is owned, operated and governed by MACS.

St Peter's Bentleigh East is a Catholic [primary school which has been established to provide quality education in the Catholic doctrine for families in the Bentleigh East area.

Vision

We are a Catholic community where our love of God, self and others is central to our learning and all that we do.

      At St Peter’s this happens when:

• Relationships between all in the community are modelled on the Gospel values, whilst respecting the diverse faith traditions and beliefs in the community.

• Opportunities exist for all to foster their love of God, deepen their faith and explore Catholic traditions.

• Sustainable practices are adopted to reduce our ‘environmental footprint’ thus encouraging an appreciation and love of God’s creation.

• A vibrant and dynamic learning community exists, with a strong emphasis on developing social and emotional competencies and capabilities.

• Life Long learning is modelled and success is achieved by all and celebrated.

• Students are motivated to be enthusiastic and engaged learners, reflecting on their own learning and its application to their daily lives.

• Happy, confident, resilient, responsible children are willing to take risks to solve everyday problems in a restorative manner knowing that their choices and behaviours affect the lives of others.  

• Personal growth and positive self esteem are promoted through the recognition of individual skills and talents.

• Inclusiveness is evident by catering for student’s individual needs, learning styles, backgrounds, perspectives and interests.

• Students and their families are provided with a friendly, supportive, productive and safe environment so that they feel connected to school community.

Enactment of School Vision and Philosophy

In all documents, in all practice by students and teachers, in work with the School Board and the community, in all teaching and learning programs, in all school initiatives, in all internal and external interactions, in all organisational structures and practices the vision of the school will sit at the centre and there will be expectations about all work aligning with the school vision.  Regular evaluation processes will be in place to measure performance in all areas of the school with respect to the implementation of the vision and values of the school.

The process at our school can be represented as the vision, catholic values and beliefs at the centre.  In an outer ring there will be a set of principles.  As a further outer ring will be a set of practices.  A detailed list of school policies sits within this framework. In all work in the school, the question “Is this work or process in line with the school vision, catholic values and beliefs?”  This question will be a fundamental part of the practice of all leaders in the school.

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).