Ethos and Identity

Ethos and Identity

Our school crest	International Jesuit symbol

What’s ethos?

• the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations

• the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution

• the guiding belief that has the power to influence behaviours, emotions or even morals

• the English word “ethics” is derived from the Ancient Greek word ēthikós, meaning “relating to one's character”. Ethos forms the root word ēthikós meaning morality and character

• is all about credibility—is reliable and has a good reputation

• What OUR ethos?

Our ethos is embedded in our school crest:

• Catholic - cross

• Jesuit - Amare et Servire, to love and serve

Catholic ethos, described as:

• the search for truth

• a search to discover 'the meaning of life'

• a search that empowers individuals and

• 'enables an integration of faith, life and culture'

(National Catholic Education Commission: 2001)

Underlying our teaching and our relationships are the Gospel Values of Unity, Respect, Joy, Love and Courage.

Our aim is that all members of our community show respect and care for one another and extend their concern to the needy by prayer and charitable service.

Fostering and nurturing relationships between students, parents and the wider community.

Catholic schools strive to be more through their Catholic mission. Catholic schools also focus on a holistic education of the whole child – socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically and culturally. All important is preparation for life, and a life of worth at that – not merely a life of work.

What are 3 values of Catholic mission?

Dignity Everyone is worthy of respect. Integrity Always do the right thing. Compassion Be empathic and responsive

Jesuit schools are grounded in love for Christ and animated by the spiritual vision of their founder,

St. Ignatius of Loyola, to help others and seek God in all things. As members of a worldwide society

within the Catholic Church, the Jesuits are committed to the service of faith and the promotion of justice.

“Our present students will, in time,

assume various roles …

in government, in the administration

of justice, others in all sorts of

responsible occupations ….

…. the young people of today will

become the adults of tomorrow,

so their good formation in life will

benefit many others…

to the greater glory of God.” St Ignatius

Washing Feet

 In the footsteps of Ignatius

The Way We Do Things at a Jesuit/Ignatian School

“Heroic Leadership” Chris Lowney

When I was a child I knew “IHS” was a symbol for Jesus but I thought it meant “I have suffered”.

IHS is a symbol for Jesus but it comes from of the Greek word for Jesus.

In Greek Jesus is spelled IHΣΟΥΣ and the closest translation into Latin is “Jesus”.

Best wishes

Paul Lewis

DP – Identity and Co-curriculum