Excellence is the main focus of Catholic Schools which are celebrated today for their continued contribution both to the Church and the country said Chief Executive of Catholic Schools Paul Ferris.
“Integrated schools are seen as a successful partnership between the State and the Church. Over the past 41 years they have built a reputation for being excellent schools because of their aspiration for excellence and their care for the whole child. Excellence is probably a frame of mind rather than a destination. We have to keep that focus and make it central to the celebrations on May 16th,” Mr Ferris says.
Students from Christ the King primary school in Christchurch.
Mr Ferris said he hopes the celebration for schools will be “an opportunity to affirm their success, reflect on their effectiveness and commit to being a witness to the Gospel in the community.”
“A network of schools across the country of 66,000 students has a responsibility to show its strengths and share them with the wider community – that is the rationale behind Catholic Schools Day 2016,” Mr Ferris said.
He noted the Catholic Church has a long tradition in education, dating back to the Middle Ages when the Church was responsible for the first formal places of learning.
“Today, the Catholic School is at the heart of the Church’s mission and is an important part of preparing young people to participate in a complex world where religious belief is often less valued,” he added.
The annual celebration of Catholic School Day was celebrated in many ways by schools and parishes.
“Both Catholic primary and secondary schools are an integral part of the parish community it resides in and both parish and school are inextricably linked with helping us live the good news and proclaim it through the way we live our lives,” he said.
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