Christian values

Christ is the centre of our school community where we live, love and learn together within an inclusive and equalities framework.  Our motto, Caritate et Disciplina - With Love and Learning, and our values come from the story of St Martin of Tours.

St Martin was an extraordinary man, full of perseverance.   As a ten-year old, he yearned to be a Christian and a monk.  His father insisted that he should wait till he was older and that Martin join the Roman army instead.  Martin obeyed.  He was such a good soldier that he soon became an officer.  One bitterly cold winter's day, Martin led his troops out of their garrison.  In front of them lay a beggar, half-naked and blue with cold, who pleaded with Martin for help.  Martin, overcome by compassion, took off his beautiful cloak, lined with lambs' wool, and cut it in two with his sword.   He then handed one half to the beggar, who wrapped it around his shoulders.

That night, Martin had a life-changing dream. He dreamt that Jesus, surrounded by His holy angels, was wearing the cloak he had given to the beggar.  When Martin woke up, he knew it was time to be baptised.  Martin dedicated the rest of his life to Jesus and became his faithful soldier and servant.  Later, he became a bishop, though he continued to live the life of a monk, and was well known for his healing powers, humility and passion for justice.  St. Martin's inspiring story is encapsulated on the school logo and his message of love, selflessness and service remains just as relevant today.

Collective

                                       Each of our values is illustrated by a Scripture verse and hymn chosen by the                        students as well as a specially written prayer.

SERVICE

We are called upon to lay selfish things aside for the need of others.  We give our service freely without expectation of return.  We recognise our own gifts and use them effectively to serve others, so that our school and community becomes all it can be.

JUSTICE

We believe in fairness.  We know everyone in our school is important and has the right to be treated equally.  Justice builds our community in to a place where everyone's well-being is bound up with that of everyone else.  

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 
Galatians 5:13

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!  
Amos 5:24

Dear Lord,

Help us to begin our days joyfully in your name and to spend it in loving service of you.  We thank you for creating us, and for giving us our families, friends, our school and community.  Lord, serving you means serving others. Help us to do this with love in our hearts and kindness in our thoughts.  We recognise our own gifts and use them in ways that will serve others so that our school and community becomes all that it can be.  We give thanks and praise that all we do to serve others is done in your mighty name.  Amen

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your protection and love.  We bring before you all those who are suffering because of violence, war or injustice; the hungry, the poor, and the homeless. Give them the courage and faith to believe that their despair will be overcome.  As the earth continues to spin, we pray for our broken world and ask that you give us the strength to ensure equality, honesty and justice for all.  Help us to lead everyone down the right path with your light and let us not be consumed by the darkness we call injustice.  Give us the inspiration and courage to build a world guided by love and justice.  Amen

Hymn: 'Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising'.


Hymn: 'We are marching in the light of God'. 

COMPASSION

Our actions and attitudes reflect kindness, mercy and compassion. As a compassionate community we step into the shoes of others, share their experiences and sufferings and want to support them or act on their behalf.

PERSEVERANCE

We know sometimes things can be difficult but we keep on going and with God's help we don't give up. Perseverance often takes real courage to be truly self-sacrificing.  

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.  
James 1:4

Dear Lord,

We praise and thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our peace.  Throughout our lives may you fill our hearts with compassion.  Open our eyes to let us see and help those around us that are in need of our compassion.  If our neighbour is hungry we shall offer our plate; if our neighbour is sick, we shall nurse them; if our neighbour is lost we shall find them.  Fill us with your compassion and strength, so that we may not stray from our faith in you.  Help us to follow your light and be the voice of hope to those who are in need.  Lord, let us love one another, just as you love us.  Amen

Dear Lord,

We entrust ourselves to your hands knowing that your love, mercy, faithfulness and righteousness endure forever.  Despite daily challenges we thank you for the strength you give us to be resilient and persevere even when things seem hopeless.   We ask for your blessing everyday of our lives even when we turn away from you. Help us to recognise that we can turn to you in times of need and when things are difficult and painful. We trust in you that you will not let us down but guide us out of darkness into the light.  Amen

Hymn: 'Be still for the presence of the Lord'.

Hymn: 'Blessed be the name of the Lord'.