Mercy Values

St. Joseph’s School was founded on 8 February 1875 by four Sisters of Mercy.  Enduring great hardships and setbacks, this group of dedicated sisters fulfilled their mission in pioneering Christian education in the region until 1987 when the last Sister of Mercy staff member retired. 

Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, believed that serving others using our God given talents would ensure all "have life and have it to the full" (John
10:10).

Catherine chose certain Gospel values that were important to her in making decisions and living her life.

These Mercy values are the lived experience of St. Joseph’s School as we acknowledge that all individuals are created in the image of God.

At St. Joseph’s School we are all called to be Christ-like and called to live Mercy.

Inspired by, and in keeping with the Gospel ideal, we live and work by the Mercy Values of:

RESPECT

“It is not sufficient that Jesus Christ be formed in us – he must be recognized in our conduct.” (Catherine McAuley)
Respect is to be accepting and valuing of the dignity and worth of each person.

We show the Mercy value of Respect by:
• Accepting and welcoming everyone
• Taking responsibility for ourself and our own behaviour
• Valuing ourself and others
• Upholding the expectations of our family, the school and society
• Being courteous and displaying good manners
• Being trustworthy, truthful and honest
• Caring for all property and the environment
• Taking pride in our school and community

COMPASSION

“Compassion should be our animating principle when undertaking instruction with children and adults, since they are made in God’s image.” (Catherine McAuley)
Compassion is allowing our hearts to be touched by the needs of others.

We show the Mercy value of Compassion by:
• Understanding that there are three elements to compassion: feeling, empathy and action
• Being patient, kind, sensitive, friendly and non-judgemental
• Being mindful of differing circumstances in our own and others’ lives
• Caring for others through our words and actions
• Modelling compassion in our behaviour and nurturing it in others

SERVICE

“We must strive to do ordinary things extraordinary well.” (Catherine McAuley)
Service is to meet and address the needs of those in our family, school and wider community through sharing our time and resources.

We show the Mercy value of Service by:
• Doing the very best we can with a caring and positive attitude
• Being kind and generous to everyone we meet
• Using our gifts and talents and sharing them with others
• Reaching out to those in need without seeking reward
• Volunteering in our school, parish and local community
• Being an agent of change for good

COURAGE

“Speak as your mind directs and always act with courage.” (Catherine McAuley)
Courage is not letting fear hold us back from exploring new opportunities, developing ourselves as people of faith, and doing what is right.

We show the Mercy value of Courage by:
• Trying to be our best in all that we do
• Doing things or trying something new even when it is challenging or difficult
• Be confident and speak up when we see, hear or witness injustice
• Inspiring and empowering others to live bravely
• Asking for help when we need it
• Being honest and truthful even when it means accepting responsibility and consequences
• Being persistent and resilient