INFORMATION FROM CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
A STATEMENT OF COMMON BELIEF - CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE OF THE DIOCESE OF MAITLAND-NEWCASTLE
This is a statement of our ‘theology of education’ which seeks to honour the dignity of each child, family and staff member. During these unprecedented times, it is important that we maintain our commonly held beliefs that underpin our identity, decision making and practice as Catholic communities.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle believe that ‘at the heart of everything is Jesus Christ’. Because of this, we acknowledge the following:
The personhood and dignity of each child/young person, parent and staff member. Therefore...
The Catholic social teaching principles of ‘solidarity’ and ‘common good’ guide our sense of togetherness and community. We act for the good of all. We are inclusive of the rights of each person and group. We have a duty to protect the vulnerable. Therefore...
Parents/carers are the first and foremost educators of the child. Therefore...
We believe that humans are relational and live best in community. Therefore...
We commit to engaging the whole student through head, heart and hands. Therefore...
We believe that children are true citizens who are connected and contribute to the world. Therefore...
We are a people of hope, who nurture a positive view of creation and all life. Therefore…
The personhood and dignity of each child/young person, parent and staff member. Therefore...
- Firstly, we acknowledge with deep respect, the traditional custodians of this land.
- Every child has the right to feel safe. Teachers and parents are encouraged to be aware of messages conveyed through general conversation and news items.
- Parents are valued for the advice and wisdom they respectfully share.
- Staff are acknowledged for their steadfast love of children/young people and families at this time and the personal sacrifices required of them to serve the needs of society.
The Catholic social teaching principles of ‘solidarity’ and ‘common good’ guide our sense of togetherness and community. We act for the good of all. We are inclusive of the rights of each person and group. We have a duty to protect the vulnerable. Therefore...
- We recognise that business is not ‘usual’. The circumstance of our school communities are changing by the day.
- The spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing of our children/young people, families and staff must be considered above all else.
- Continuation of learning must be adaptable as the situation changes. Each teacher, family, student and school will do what is possible.
- We find creative ways to support and nurture our community through information and technology to reduce isolation.
- We prepare for the bringing together of our community once again, when it is safe to do so, knowing that things will be different.
Parents/carers are the first and foremost educators of the child. Therefore...
- Parents are trusted and empowered to make decisions about how children learn at home.
- Parents are generally not trained teachers and are not expected to deliver a curriculum.
- Learning will be different in every home.
- The home environment is full of rich learning opportunities.
- Schools recognise that circumstances at home may include, parents working from home, members of the family who are unwell, limited access to technology or other circumstances which may prevent students from engaging with formal learning opportunities.
We believe that humans are relational and live best in community. Therefore...
- Compass will form the baseline communication between schools and parents.
- Established communications and approved technology platforms will be maintained where possible.
- In the event of suspension of classes at school, staff will be in contact with students as determined by the local context, circumstance and consistent with minimum Diocesan expectations.
- Our teachers will find ways to remain in relationship with their children/young people and families, where possible.
- Communications will be respectful, collaborative and in partnership with all stakeholders.
We commit to engaging the whole student through head, heart and hands. Therefore...
- Schools will provide a variety of manageable learning experiences which are appropriate for a home environment and use established means.
- We acknowledge that illness may impact on the teacher to provide support for their classes and that CSO, schools and staff will work to support each other if or when this happens.
- All experiences are opportunities for learning and reflection on learning.
- We acknowledge that parents will need different support depending on their circumstances to implement learning at home.
- Catholic education is engaged in the context of the pursuit of truth. The truth is that none of us have walked in this landscape before. We need to be kind to each other.
We believe that children are true citizens who are connected and contribute to the world. Therefore...
- Learning is not simply “delivered” to children. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises that children/young people contribute meaningfully to their learning and wellbeing. More than ever, it is a time of listening to the voice of the child through their words, drawings, writings and behaviour.
We are a people of hope, who nurture a positive view of creation and all life. Therefore…
- Daily prayer is encouraged to connect children/young people, families and staff members to the global Christian community and God as a source of consolation and hope.
- Learning experiences foster a deep connection and wonder at the beauty of God’s creation.