OUR BEGINNINGS IN 2007 & 2008
Read about our High School and Elementary School division beginnings.
Spirituality - we should:
- learn what is true, just, beautiful and good, guided by the Catholic philosophy that finds harmony not a contradiction in spirit and matter, faith and reason
- take full advantage of the opportunities provided for prayer and/or reflection in the school, consistent with the SJI motto of Ora et labora (Pray and Work)
- follow one’s own faith whatever it might be (special provision is made for children of Catholic faith)
Mutual Respect - we should:
- treat each other with respect, fairness and kindness
- communicate openly and frankly
- be sensitive to other people’s opinions and aspirations
- make compromises with respect to our own preferences for the sake of the community
- as leaders, make decisions as democratically as possible, through genuine consultation with all stakeholders, including students, parents, staff and board members
Internationalism - we should:
- seek to find out about and understand the cultures of other community members
- sustain interest in our own languages and cultures
- develop a perspective as global citizens through talks, discussions and curriculum activities
- avoid prejudice and ensure that our opinions about other communities are based upon evidence
Leadership - we should:
- be willing and equipped to take responsibility and to lead others, especially in the service of the less fortunate
- develop the capacity to lead through inspiration rather than by exercising authority
Experiences - we should:
- be willing to be taken out of our physical and psychological ‘comfort zone’ through challenging, character-building experiences
- expect, as we get older, that the challenges will be more demanding
- integrate aspects of the formal curriculum into adventurous and physically stretching expeditions so that we learn in a holistic, cross-curricular and unforgettable way
Services - we should:
- be generally helpful to everyone around us
- develop skills and habits that will enable us to serve the school, nation and global community
- offer practical support to the less fortunate members of these communities
- reduce and recycle to preserve the environment for future generations