– Saint John Paul II, NFLD Address to Catholic Educators of Canada, 1984
While every school board operates uniquely, together, Catholic schools across Canada have played an essential role in the history and fabric of our country. Of course, in a culture which is increasingly secular, not everyone in Canada understands the value of faith-based schools. However, we believe deeply in the significant contribution and life-changing impact of Catholic education and strive to protect and promote its place in Canada.
School boards across Canada vary in many aspects, including operating procedures, government policies and funding structures – but the heart and soul of our Catholic schools is lived out the same across the country. strong commitment to welcoming students of every faith background. A keen attentiveness to the needs of the whole child: body, mind, and spirit. The goal of teaching students not only to excel academically, but to be loving people in tune with the needs of those suffering the most in society – these are just some of the irreplaceable marks of every Catholic school.
Catholic schools play a vital role in assisting parents in educating young people in the values and traditions of our faith. In addition, Catholic schools exist as a refuge for families of different faith backgrounds. Thousands of non-Catholic families in Canada choose Catholic schools each year because they value their high academic standards; their warm, nurturing environments; and their attentiveness to the whole child. Catholic schools welcome families of every faith background and strive to love each and every student as Christ loves.
Catholic schools have been educating students in mind, body and spirit for centuries in Canada. For over 400 years, they’ve provided educational excellence, in a school culture imbued with the Gospel values of Jesus Christ. Catholic education has been the foundation for millions of students to develop their full spiritual, academic, physical and social potential.
Today, Canada’s Catholic education system consistently produces high levels of student achievement. Further, graduates are taught the importance of the spiritual life and the values of the Catholic faith tradition – including community, responsibility, accountability, collaboration, social justice, caring and family – making them not just good students, but good men and women conscious of the needs of others around them.
Canada’s vibrant Catholic education system is not a duplicate of other school systems. While it adheres to government requirements, it does so from a Catholic perspective. The curriculum is enhanced by Gospel values. Teachers are professionally trained and are expected to serve as witnesses to the values lived out in our Catholic schools.
At the heart of Catholic education is the person of Jesus. Faith development is integral to every part of Catholic education, as students are called to respect the dignity of all human persons in a caring
community. Through participation in the community and involvement with the parish, students are guided by the Gospel values, principles and standards that reach into every facet of school life. Countless families over the generations have chosen Catholic education for their children.
Catholic education is an integral part of society. It has deep roots throughout the country’s history and culture – as much as any other institution. Catholic education is built on a strong foundation supported by parents, students, teachers, administrators, religious sisters and brothers, the clergy and the community. It is a proven success. Historically, Canada’s Catholic education system was established in fairness to Catholics.
In 1867, the British North America Act guaranteed that all educational rights held by minorities at the time of Confederation would be constitutionally protected. Without this protection of denominational schools, Confederation would not have been achieved. The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld this pillar of our nation.
The Church offers a wealth of information pertaining to this question. However, we’re inspired by Archbishop Michael Miller’s document, “The Holy See’s Catholic Teaching on Schools”. Having studied the documents within the Congregation for Catholic Education, Archbishop Miller summarizes the key aspects of an authentically Catholic school. We recommend this excellent document by one of our very own Canadian Archbishops!
Unique marks of an authentically Catholic school:
The best future we can imagine is one where Catholic schools are unified in their understanding of their Catholic identity; sharing a common and unified passion for preserving the rights of parents to choose Catholic schools and school communities filled with parents, Catholics, alumni, clergy and politicians who believe in the value of Catholic education in Canada.
We often rejoice when we hear about a student aspiring to join the clergy or religious life, but what about a staff member? I would like to share my story with you, hoping it might inspire others to answer the call to religious or clergy life.
Several classes of English and French Immersion Intermediate students at St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School, in Peterborough were challenged to ignite their sense of creativity, when asked to create a visual representation of the theme of Catholic Education Week “Igniting Hope / Allumer la flamme de l’espérance.
548. That’s a number that I keep on a post-it on my office wall. Why? It’s the number of service learning projects that the Catholic schools in our division completed last year.
ember? I would like to share my story with you, hoping it might inspire others to answer the call to religious or clergy life.
Showing amazing dedication and support, Liv Ward, one of the educational assistants who works with Isaiah, taught herself braille so she could help Isaiah have more independence.
You’ll read up on school success stories, provincial reports and much more news related to Catholic education in Canada.
Canadian Catholic School
Trustees’ Association
Enlivened by the Word of God and our tradition, we promote and protect the right to Catholic education in Canada. We speak as one.
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