(For the St. Mary's Academy and all other Catholic Schools in Dominica).
To give priority to education in a living faith whereby students grow to appreciate the life and mission of Jesus Christ with a view to being committed to the world as he was.
To have special concern for the poor and the under-privileged.
To develop a curriculum which promotes the harmonious development of the whole person.
The Catholic School, S.M.A, works at forming a community composed of students, teachers, parents, management and other staff. This community:
seeks to live by the Gospel values.
recognizes the dignity of each individual.
contributes to the building up of the local community.
works for peace and justice in society.
GOALS
The central purpose of the Catholic community(S.M.A) is the religious, moral, intellectual, physical and social education of the student. This community seeks to create the atmosphere of Christian care and concern in which the student can grow to maturity.
The Catholic School is committed to:
respecting the dignity of the student with his background, tradition and beliefs; valuing the potential of each and encouraging the strong to support the weak.
enabling the student to develop a healthy self-image and to form positive relationships with others.
encouraging in the student a sense of creativity and of collaboration with others.
promoting the student's appreciation of his cultural heritage.
preparing the student through academic and technical training for his vocational/professional role in life.
providing opportunities for the student to experience God in the wonder of creation, in worship and in service to others.
developing a critical sense in the student, helping him to challenge the forces that threaten human life.
providing a disciplined atmosphere in which the student is encouraged to grow in freedom and to take increasing responsibility for his own education and for the life of the school community.
FOUNDER OF CHRISTIAN BROTHER EDUCATION (S.M.A)
Blessed Edmund Rice was given the Grace to respond to the call of Jesus by identifying with Christ in the poor. His example evoked a deep awareness of God's loving presence in all with whom he came in contact. He awakened within them consciousness of their dignity as children of God. He invited his followers to share his Gospel insight, and empowered them to reach out to the needy, especially the materially poor.
The life of blessed Edmund Rice - businessman, husband, father, widower, religious brother, teacher and founder - challenges all involved in Christian Brother Education to live and teach Gospel values in today's world. His charisma inspired the essential elements of a Christian Brother Education.
The Christian Brother Education:
evangelizes youth within the mission of the church.
proclaims and witnesses to its Catholic identity.
stands in solidarity with those marginalized by poverty and injustice.
fosters and invigorates a community of faith.
celebrates the value and dignity of each person and nurtures the development of the whole person.
calls for collaboration and shared responsibility in its mission.
Blessed Edmund Rice was given the Grace to respond to the call of Jesus by identifying with Christ in the poor. His example evoked a deep awareness of God's loving presence in all with whom he came in contact. He awakened within them consciousness of their dignity as children of God. He invited his followers to share his Gospel insight, and empowered them to reach out to the needy, especially the materially poor.