Summary of Report

Diocesan External Review of Catholic Special Character

St Albans Catholic School, Christchurch.

February 2009.

 

Catholic Community

St Albans Catholic School is a faith community where a Catholic culture of prayer, liturgy and faith-based celebration is promoted and highly valued. Trustees and teachers actively endorse Gospel values and provide opportunities for individual and communal spirituality to be enhanced and nurtured. The principal is a dedicated and capable leader who works closely with the DRS and the board, all of whom are committed to upholding the Catholic Special Character of the school. Teachers and trustees endeavour to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by word and witness, through positive interactions, the Catholic culture, the policies, procedures and practices seen throughout the school.

Pastoral Care

With Christ the Good Shepherd and Mary his mother as their models, the school is a friendly, welcoming learning community where interpersonal relationships are fostered and nurtured, and the dignity of each person is respected. The values of service and compassion are highly valued, and students at St Alban’s Catholic are taught to develop an awareness of the needs of others, especially those less fortunate than themselves. Teachers and trustees work hard to provide a safe physical, emotional, social, spiritual and cultural learning environment for students and staff and behaviour management processes are consistent and values-based. Pastoral care is demonstrated throughout the school community. The bi-cultural dimension of New Zealand’s society is recognised and honoured.

 

Religious Education

Through the delivery of its religious education programme, St Albans Catholic School is helping fulfil the teaching mission of the Catholic Church. The director of religious studies and principal work closely together to ensure the national religious education programme is soundly managed and professionally delivered across the school. Reviewers observed quality teaching and learning experiences in all classrooms, with teachers using a range of effective strategies to engage their students in their RE lessons. Teachers also incorporate Catholic teachings and beliefs into their integrated programmes and wider curriculum. The school is fully committed to making sure that Catholic education is the central focus of the school.

Governance

The board of trustees takes its responsibilities for the provision of Catholic education seriously. They have in place comprehensive and thorough documentation to support their governance role and promote the strategic direction of the school. They consult with and provide regular information to the community and the proprietor as required, and ensure the Catholic Special Character of the school remains a high priority.

 

Conclusion

Trustees and staff of St Albans Catholic School, Christchurch, provide Catholic education where the dimensions of Catholic community, pastoral care and religious education are valued highly. The Catholic Special Character of the school is being effectively nurtured and maintained.

Maureen Kerr

Review and Leadership Advisor
Christchurch Catholic Education Office