Deputy Principal - Operations and Data Analysis

Ignatius Park College is not a private school. We are a Catholic school. Being a Catholic School means we deliver more than a values-based education. A Catholic education means the decisions we make are Christ-centred. It means we attempt to form your sons to be good citizens of the world, loving God and our neighbours, making the world a better place. It also means we emphasise that everyone is made in the image of God and therefore deserves the inalienable dignity of the human person. We hope your sons understand what it means to be made in the image of the Creator. Another emphasis is that we are a school community, in communitas with each other and with our God. This encourages quality relationships that allow for difficulties and celebrate successes. Another way we demonstrate our Catholicity is by clearly articulating our Catholic worldview throughout our curriculum. And finally, the staff of our College should be known for their authentic witness to the Gospel. A further gift to the community is our charism. Charism is a gift from God for the Church and the world, given as different ways of living the Gospel. The charism of Blessed Edmund Rice is practical, liberating and gives preferential option to the poor. In all Edmund Rice Education Australia schools, including Ignatius Park, we express the charism as Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice & Solidarity. These Touchstones should be living and auditable in our school community. How successful have we been in living our charism? Ask yourself: Liberating Education How are the vision and hope for a better world for all expressed and celebrated at Ignatius Park? What experiences most awaken our students to the need for liberation in their own lives? What knowledge and skills do we equip the young men with so that they are able to discern the liberation needs of others? Who amplifies the voices of those most in need of liberation within the College community? How is that voice received? Gospel Spirituality In what ways do newcomers or visitors to Ignatius Park College tangibly recognise our relationships and actions as being Gospel-inspired? What opportunities exist here for people to explore more deeply their understanding of and commitment to a Gospel spirituality? In what ways does IPC utilise its gifts to witness to the Gospel practices of inclusivity, forgiveness and compassion? Inclusive Community How does our College open its doors, not only to welcome and support all who come, but also to go out and meet those who don’t, constantly seeking ways of inviting everyone to the table? What opportunities does Ignatius Park have to ensure its mode of operation meets the diversity of needs of those it openly welcomes? What challenges does our school community face in aiming to be ‘open to all’? Justice & Solidarity What are the benefits and challenges of committing to justice and peace for all? How do we develop our educational mission through a spirituality that reflects upon needs and actions? In what ways are we asked to stand with those who are afflicted and marginalised? How are we asked to defend our wounded planet? In a difficult year, it has been a blessing to have an opportunity to reflect, and to give time to being of service to our school community. We have the opportunity to be stronger as a community, but I pray that we keep those who are still overwhelmed by this pandemic at the forefront of our minds.

Creator God, may we who have been merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working as we choose, remember those who much choose between preserving their health or making their rent. May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go. May we who are losing our savings remember those who have no margin at all. May we who were quarantined at home remember those who have no home. When we are afraid, let us choose love. During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, help us find ways to be Your loving embrace to our neighbours. AMEN

Johanna Smith | Deputy Principal - Identity and Mission