The Five Marks of a Catholic School Identity are measurable indicators that guide our practice within our Catholic school communities.
“These marks are measurable benchmarks, forming the backbone and inspiring the mission of every Catholic school.”
- Archbishop Michael Miller.
Mark 1: An excellent Catholic school is grounded in a Christian anthropology
In a Catholic school we…
• Believe that each person is created in the image of God.
• Know that each person has an eternal destiny.
• Embrace the dignity of all.
• Recognize and celebrate the gifts and talents of others.
• Allocate resources to support and enhance the wellbeing and the physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual development of staff and students.
Mark 2: An excellent Catholic school is imbued with a Catholic worldview
In a Catholic school we…
• Share a Catholic worldview through activities and events.
• Create physical spaces in our schools that reflect our Catholic perspective.
• Foster a Catholic worldview of reflection, service, and sacramentality
• Make decisions rooted in Gospel teaching.
• Embed sacramental routines (prayer, mass, liturgies, scripture, and worship) and reminders in the culture of the school and district.
Mark 3: An excellent Catholic school is animated by a faith-infused curriculum
In a Catholic school we…
• Incorporate a religious dimension in all learning.
• Advocate for a sacred perspective within a secular context.
• Encourage a critical evaluation of contemporary culture.
• Provide opportunities for staff to develop their abilities to infuse faith into curriculum and pedagogy.
• Teach Catholic values by fostering a love for wisdom and truth.
Mark 4: An excellent Catholic school is sustained by Gospel witness
In a Catholic school we…
• Witness to others a life lived in relationship with Jesus.
• Participate actively in the life of the Church.
• Pray personally and lead others in prayer.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of faith and commit to faith development.
• Create a vision for evangelization and ministry.
Mark 5: An excellent Catholic school is shaped by a spirituality of communion
In a Catholic school we…
• Live in community, spiritual unity, and relationship.
• Recognize that God will be found in each other.
• Foster reconciliation.
• Develop priorities and protocols to address the needs of the marginalized.
• Honor parents/guardians as primary partners in education.