ST MICHAEL'S SCHOOL

Ethos and Vision

Vision Statement

St Michael’s School is a school community founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1914. We aspire to be a secure, caring learning environment where commitment to Faith, Truth, Service and Compassion are encouraged as a way of life.

St Michael the Archangel

Prince of the Heavenly Hosts

Our Patron Saint

When God created the angels, he gave them wonderful gifts of holiness, beauty and wisdom. Before letting the angels join Him in Heaven, God wanted to see if they would obey Him.

One of the greatest of angels was Lucifer. He was proud of his power and raised his battle cry of disobedience: “I will not serve God”. But another great archangel set up his battle cry of love and obedience: “Michael-who is like God”

In a great battle, the good angels cast the bad angels into hell. In reward for his love and obedience, God made Archangel Michael prince of all the Heavenly armies.

From the beginning of time St Michael was the leader of God’s chosen people. In the New Testament he is the guardian angel and the protector of the Catholic Church. One of the best ways we can imitate St Michael is by developing a great horror of sin; so that we will do everything we can to avoid it.

---

St Michael's School - 'Living Our Mercy Values'

At St Michael’s School, Catholic faith formation is an integral part of the educational process. With Christ as our guiding light and in the spirit of Catherine McAuley, we seek to recognise, appreciate and develop the gifts of all in a spirit of collaboration, love and service. All staff are responsible for administering to the religious and spiritual needs of the school community and for providing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth and development.

Building healthy, positive relationships is paramount to our approach. We encourage students and staff to engage in activities that are 'life-giving' and put their 'faith into action' and ultimately benefit all members of society.

St Michael’s School has a strong focus on religious formation, particularly in the areas of faith, truth, service and compassion. As a whole school community we come together to participate in regular Masses and Liturgies. These include Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Mercy Day, St Michael’s Feast Day and also secular events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.

St Michael’s School aims to develop Catholic leaders who believe that God is central in their lives. These leadership opportunities are provided through ministries, altar serving and students representing our school.

A comprehensive Sacramental program for Catholic students is also offered. Liaising with St Joseph’s Parish, the school offers various levels of instruction in the preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Our priest, Fr Suresh greatly assists us in these programs.

“Try to meet all with peace and ease.” - Catherine McAuley

---

Vision Statements

OUR VISION

St Michael’s School is a school community founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1914. We aspire to be a secure, caring learning environment where commitment to Faith, Truth, Service and Compassion are encouraged as a way of life.

St Michael’s School is a community whose members work in partnership towards the education of young people. With Christ as our guiding light and in the spirit of Catherine McAuley, we seek to recognise, appreciate and develop the gifts of all in a spirit of collaboration, love and service.

St Michael’s is committed to creating a climate where students can develop a love of learning. Our students are encouraged to be self-aware, tolerant, compassionate towards others and independent in thought and action, by contributing to the world in which they live and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“The tender Mercy of God has given us one another.” Catherine McAuley

Values

OUR CORE VALUES AND ROLE MODELS
Charged with the ministry of our vision statement, St Michael’s School is committed to the following core values.

At St Michael’s School we strive to incorporate the values of our founders in all that we do. Our factions take their names from our role models and all include the Mercy cross, within the school crest shape, emphasising the central role of the Sisters of Mercy.

The MORAHAN logo reflects our core value of FAITH as demonstrated by Father Morahan a much loved and long serving Priest of St Joseph’s Parish, Bassendean from 1971 until 2000. The logo shows strong hands and faith leadership through the consecration of the Eucharist in the foreground, chalice in the background and the symbol of the Kingship of Christ within the Eucharist.

The KELLEHER logo reflects our core value of TRUTH as demonstrated by Sr Joan Kelleher of the Mercy Order who was the final religious Principal at St Michael’s School. The logo includes a feminine hand with its firm grasp on the rosary beads symbolising Sr Joan’s tireless commitment to truth and ensuring that the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy is maintained in the culture of the School.

The MCAULEY logo reflects our core value of SERVICE as demonstrated by Catherine McAuley, the woman who founded the order of Mercy Sisters in Ireland in 1831. The logo shows the gentle profile of a female wearing a habit against the white circle of the ‘world globe’ and symbolises her commitment to her calling and the service of others. The stars of the Southern Cross are reflective of the new foundation that the Mercy Sisters established within Australia.

The MERCY logo reflects our core value of COMPASSION as demonstrated by the Sisters of Mercy who pioneered the early years of St Michael’s School and lived on site in the original convent building, which still exists today. The logo includes the seven arches of the convent building with the stairs extending from the building to symbolise the way in which the Mercy Sisters reached out to the needs of their community.

---

A teacher at St Michael’s School shows love for and faith in God through

Faith

By

• Participating in daily prayer with children.
• Modelling Christ’s teachings in our daily lives.
• Keeping up with current Church teachings.
• Demonstrating respect for our environment and all living things.
• Providing opportunities for children to engage in meaningful liturgical celebrations.
• Teaching children about being reverent.

“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” Catherine McAuley

“Our hearts can always be in the same place, centred on God.” Catherine McAuley

“For we live by faith, not sight.” 2 Corinthhians 5:7

“Each day is a step we make towards eternity and we shall continue thus to step from day to day until we take the last step, which will bring us into the presence of God.” Catherine McAuley

---

A teacher at St Michael’s School shows love for and faith in God through

Truth

By

• Being sincere when cooperating with others.
• Demonstrating a belief in the integrity of others.
• Living the school’s vision and mission.
• Being honest.
• Taking responsibility for one’s actions.
• Courageously expressing one’s true feelings.
• Having a non-judgmental attitude.
• Modelling fairness and honesty in our classroom.
• Hearing both sides to a story.

“Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear.” St Catherine of Siena

“Show your instructions in actions as much as you can.” Catherine McAuley

“Be true to your work, your word and your friend.” Henry David Thoreau

“Let us take one day only in hands at a time. Resolve to do good today, but better tomorrow.” Catherine McAuley

---

A teacher at St Michael’s School shows love for and faith in God through

Service

By

• Offering help and support to others where you see they need it.
• Being available to give advice when required.
• Being there to listen without judgement when required.
• Being a peace maker if required.
• Being generous, considerate, helpful and forgiving.
• Giving generously of their time and support.
• Focusing on being a team member by cooperating, collaborating and listening.
• Respecting other people’s opinions.
• Using your initiative to help and support.
• Having patience when helping others.
• Being aware of others and their situations without needing to know.

“Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet” John 13:4 – 17

“Let us help one another.” Mary MacKillop

“Love one another…my only desire is to accomplish God’s will.” Emilie De Vialar

“The poor need help today, not next week.” Catherine McAuley

---

A teacher at St Michael’s School shows love for and faith in God through

Compassion

By

• Helping others through our actions and giving our time.
• Considering other people’s feelings at all times and being more patient.
• Being empathetic to the needs of others.
• Being available for others, but respecting their privacy.
• Listening to others.
• Taking time to be with others.
• Actively seeking relationships with colleagues.
• Having an active pastoral care policy.
• Being without judgement.
• Fundraising through Project Compassion, Caritas and Mercy Day.
• Showing patience when things get frustrating.
• Being empathetic to others.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good for in time you will reap if you do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

“Never see a need without doing something about it.” Mary MacKillop

“Go and work in the vineyard of the Lord. May the blessings of the Divine Master go with you.” Emilie De Vialar

---

Students at St Michael’s School show their love for and faith in God through

Service

By

• Asking, ‘Can I help you?’
• Helping others without being asked.
• Sharing.
• Inviting others to play or join in.
• Being aware of others and lending a helping hand.
• Being generous with your time, talents and possessions.

‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ Mary MacKillop

‘Find happiness in making others happy.’ Mary MacKillop

‘It is Jesus Christ you love and serve with your whole heart.’ Catherine McAuley

---

Students at St Michael’s School show their love for and faith in God through

Compassion

By

• Helping others through our loving actions.
• Saying kind words.
• Comforting those who are in need.
• Considering the feelings of others.
• Caring for others.
• Forgiving others.
• Listening to others.

“Never see a need without doing something about it.” Mary MacKillop

“The poor need help today, not next week.” Catherine McAuley

---

Students at St Michael’s School show their love for and faith in God through

Faith

By

• Believing in God and His teachings.
• Trusting God is loving and good.
• Having confidence in God.
• Following Jesus.
• Respecting and caring for all life.
• Having a relationship with God.
• Becoming closer to God, by praying.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.’’ - 2 Corinthians 5:7

---

Students at St Michael’s School show their love for and faith in God through

Truth

By

• Knowing that truth is in our learning.
• Knowing that the Bible tells us the truth about Jesus.
• Trying to be truthful and honest.
• Valuing truth in relationships with each other.
• Showing fairness in everything to all.
• Being honest.
• Discovering the truth in our daily lives.
• Making good choices.
• Respecting others.

‘The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow.’ Catherine McAuley

---