Alex and Valerie Chan’s two daughters Isabelle (left) and Kathleen are both in CHIJ schools.
Father Edward Seah, Executive Director (Ad Interim) of the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS) believes that what is attractive about Catholic schools is the “culture that supports meaningful relationships among all partners: students, teachers, non-teaching staff, parents and former students”.
This includes shared stories, experiences, learnings, history, values, aspirations and faith, said Fr Edward.
“When most of the drilling of facts and figures for examinations are forgotten, the life and ethos of the schools will remain in the minds and hearts of those who pass through the doors of the Catholic schools.”
He added that school leaders have made efforts to come together to provide the encouragement and support among themselves for a better future. “We are also working in communion with some Archdiocesan offices for the same reason,” said Fr Edward.
ACCS works with Catholic schools to strengthen the Catholic ethos in their communities, and support the religious, civics and moral education these schools provide.
Other Catholic educators stress the importance of the Catholic community working together to build up the faith of young people.
“There needs to be a very strong linkage between Church, family, school and community,” said Mr Wilbur Wong, principal of Montfort Junior School. “It is not good enough for our children to just be exposed to their faith on weekends when they attend Mass or catechism class, or even when they have their daily prayer sessions as a family.”
Through the religious activities in schools, students “will also learn to contribute back to the community and be witnesses of Christ,” he said.
Mrs Pauline Wong, principal of CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent, agrees. “When parents and schools work together, they stand a better chance of forming children to be the unique individuals that God has created them to be,” she said.
Catholic teachers note that they have a challenging role.