Every five years, each of  the catholic schools in our diocese undergoes a process of School Renewal. It is an opportunity to critically reflect on the previous five years and to plan effectively for the next five years.

This year, staff members and key parent groups of the School Board, CAFE, Indigenous Parents Reference Group and Class and Community Connect provided feedback on the Ten Characteristics of an Effective Catholic School. These characteristics cover Mission and Purpose, A Climate Conducive to Learning and Emphasis on Learning.

The process examines the relationships not only between the staff members and the students, (including their families) but also a wider lens is used to view the links to our parish and the local community. The effectiveness of teaching and learning, provision of resources and strategic planning are all areas for scrutiny. In 2020, one particular highlight was providing laptops for students during Covid-19, a welcomed resource for many parents. 

It is easy to look at the physical aspects of our classrooms and playgrounds, the depth of our growth is also measured through the success of our students across the domains of the spiritual, academic, physical and cultural.

This year our students have achieved success in new arenas. Just recently, student results in the Townsville Eisteddfod were quite amazing. Newsletters and our Facebook page regularly highlight student success, the personal growth of students is not as easily measured.

Last Friday at the Mini Fete, children generously worked on stalls to raise funds for children who cannot easily access education. We will never know the impact of the funds raised, but we do know education is key to assisting others to step out of poverty.  

One Year 5 student’s compassion resulted in running a stall and due to his personal effort he raised $91. Many students like this young man, spent their time working on stalls rather than enjoying the variety of activities. The personal growth and generosity of these students are unquantifiable! Emphasis on education is critical when we measure our success as an effective place of learning, so too is the development of each individual, their level of tolerance, compassion and action for social justice.

I can’t imagine the pride experienced by the parents of our Year 5 Stall Holder and the child who offered his remaining money as a donation, rather than pocket it for later. With so many stories of the selfishness of the ‘want it all’ generations, we need to keep our eyes on the many generous children who consider others first - that’s the Strength of the Spirit!

God bless!

Geraldine