ST DOMINIC'S ETHOS

IT IS AN EXPRESSED CONDITION OF A PUPIL'S ADMISSION TO THE SCHOOL THAT SHE ATTENDS MASS AND PARTICIPATES FULLY IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES.

Catholic Schools provide a community environment which, permeated by the spirit of the Gospel, develops the personalities of learners, and brings to maturity the grace of faith they receive at their Baptisms (We live and teach Christ Jesus).

The philosophy of St Dominic's, in keeping with other Catholic Schools, is to create an ethos of learning where the growth and development of the whole person is a priority.  We believe that the potential of each pupil is realised in an environment where space is provided for the creative expression of the giftedness of the individual.  In such an environment we see the value of each child placed in our care.

True to our philosophy, St Dominic's strives to provide a community environment where we witness to Gospel Values, especially the values of justice, love, truth and respect for the dignity of each person.

Since the Second Vatican Council (1960-1965) a considerable development has taken place in the understanding of Catholicity. It is based on the belief that there is but one God, Father of all nations in the human race, making us one human family.  Thus we have to be open to all people, open to all truth, open to all good, to all cultures.  Catholicity is thus opposed to uniformity, making room for pluriformity where each person comes into her/his own right.  It is universal, all-embracing.

In the light of changes within the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council, Catholicity takes seriously ecumenical interaction and endeavours to promote brotherhood and sisterhood among all God's people.  One is therefore both challenged and invited to recognise that there are no more distinctions between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female ..... (Galatians 3:28).  Differences based on race, gender or social status must be brought into harmony for mutual enrichment.

In our School we strive for:

• real openness to others in an effort towards continuous reconciliation and interaction among staff and learners all through the day.
• Complete respect each for the other, and that we meet with each other in a Christ-like way.
• Peace and justice in word and action, in and out of school
  giving all cultures their due; unmasking of bias and prejudice and being willing to learn from one another in an atmosphere of sharing where freedom and responsibility walk hand in hand.
• Education for the total person: cognitive, affective, physical and spiritual.

We interrelate Education and Faith within our specific valued Tradition viz The Catholic Faith Tradition.

Our religious programme is a reflection on the meaning and values of life based on the creative vision expressed in the person and mind of Christ, and recognises the religious aspirations embedded deep within the heart of each person.

We recognise that Parents are the first and foremost educators of their children and that each girl in our school has been and will continue to be socialised and educated into the family's culture and ways of living.  We deeply respect this and appeal to parents to work with us, not against us.  We encourage parents to give us their trust and co-operation, to support the various activities of school life including the expression of our lived faith in our liturgies, in our outreach to the poor and the weak, and in collaboration with us as part of the school community.

All Teachers are expected to embody our philosophy in their lives and in their professional relationships.  They are expected to participate in all the aspects of our school life: religious, social and academic, and to view teaching as a Christian ministry.

In respect of Learners , we are committed to providing opportunities for them to experience God in the wonders of Creation, in the learning situation and in the service of others.  We undertake to prepare them through creative academic training towards a vocational view of life. Moreover we endeavour to develop a critical sense and a courageous ardour which will enable them to challenge injustice and forces which threaten human life.  As a school community we celebrate the sacredness of all life and endeavour to develop fully the potential of what it means to be a person.  We try to do all this within the framework of the Incarnation.

Our School should be capable, democratic and just.

Our Learners should have the opportunity to acquire, apply and practise the different kinds of knowledge, skills and attitudes that will prepare them for life.

Our School should actively demonstrate concern for, and promote high standards of excellence in all aspects of school life, both at an individual and an institutional level.

Our School should expose learners to a humane outlook on life and instil crucial values as an integral part of each individual's personal and social development.

Our School should develop in learners a sense of independence and self-worth as human beings, giving them confidence in their ability to contribute to society in different ways.

Our School should prepare learners to have a concern for the cultural as well as the economic enrichment of the community in which they will play a part.