Elaborations Ethos And Charism

Elaborations - ethos and charism (ICE)

Ethos and charism of the school express the Catholic identity and the assumptions, beliefs and values that the school community shares. They are reflected in what is done, how it is done and who is doing it. A school communicates its distinctive identity through its religious values, culture, rituals and practices.

Embedding ethos and charism ICE1

• Promoting elements associated with the ethos and charism of the school (e.g. particular values, key scripture passages, sayings or concepts) ICE1.1
• Integrating the Catholic intellectual and aesthetic perspectives across all learning areas of the taught curriculum ICE1.2
• Using symbols associated with the school’s charism in ritual and liturgy for affirming membership and a sense of belonging ICE1.3
• Incorporating prayers associated with the school’s charism into the life of the community (e.g. Congregation foundation day, Prayer of St Francis, Prayers to Mary) ICE1.4
• Celebrating days of religious significance to focus upon values associated with the school’s ethos and charism (e.g. Founder’s/ Foundation Day, Feast Day) ICE1.5
• Connecting school devotional practices for the contemporary cultural context (e.g. Indigenous students, rural community, ecumenical enrolment) ICE1.6
• Promoting a positive sense of continuity and development related to the ethos and charism through the incorporation of historical material in school gatherings, celebrations, anniversaries and special occasions (e.g. photographs, artefacts from the past, elements of traditional prayers and devotional practices) ICE1.7

Living the vision and mission ICE2

• Integrating the Archdiocesan Vision and values for Catholic Education into school vision and mission statements ICE2.1
• Reviewing and critiquing school practices in the light of the school vision and mission statements ICE2.2
• Displaying prominently the school vision and mission statements in diverse and engaging modes (e.g. translations into other languages, electronic versions, child friendly versions) ICE2.3
• Giving public recognition to the commitment of role-holders within the school community (e.g. Blessing of support staff, Office Professionals Day, World Teachers Day) ICE2.4

Communicating the ethos and charism ICE3

• Researching and communicating the history and heritage of the school to enhance understanding of its ethos, charism and Catholic identity ICE3.1
• Exploring the intellectual tradition behind the ethos and charism of the school and how this applies to classroom learning ICE3.2
• Developing programs for staff induction into the charism of the school and its contemporary application ICE3.3
• Communicating the distinctive identity and nature of the school to the wider community (e.g. newspaper articles, school website, social media, community service) ICE3.4
• Promoting the school’s charism and ethos through newsletters, staff prayers and visual displays ICE3.5
• Giving honour to the ethos and charism of the school through the use of iconography, sculpture and sacred art ICE3.6
• Utilising student and staff skills in the arts to communicate significant elements of the ethos and charism of the school (e.g. a media production, a visual art display, a dramatic presentation of persons and events embodying school ethos and charism) ICE3.7