Mission Statement
Vision
Our vision is to create a supportive, faith-filled environment that will inspire and nurture the full potential of each member of St. Joseph’s community.
Values
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.
The Mercy values are:
Mercy and Justice
“Mercy receives the ungrateful again and again and is never weary in pardoning them.” (Catherine McAuley)
Mercy and justice are working for the common good, being responsible stewards and advocates for unjust practices and structures.
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.
Human Dignity
“If we love God, we will undoubtedly love our neighbour also; they are as cause and effect.” (Catherine McAuley)
Human dignity is being respectful to each other and valuing and empowering diversity.
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 of the dignity of each person, valuing each other’s dignity and worth.
Option for the Poor
“A community in which this universal charity reigns, is capable of surmounting all difficulties.” (Catherine McAuley)
Option for the poor is to be aware of the poor, making a commitment to aid and empower them.
Service
“We must strive to do ordinary things extraordinary well.” (Catherine McAuley)
Service is to meet and address the needs of those in our community and wider world through sharing our time and resources.
Mission
St. Joseph’s School aims to:
- Develop the faith and spirituality of our school community within a contemporary and distinctive Catholic identity
- Foster, through quality teaching and learning, the spiritual, academic, social, emotional, cultural and physical potential of each child to be the best they can be
- Promote positive partnerships with parents, caregivers, the parish and wider community in developing life-long learners
- Establish a culture of integrity and faith that respects the uniqueness of God’s creation empowering individuals to live the Mercy values in word and action
“The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow.” - Catherine McAuley