Ethos and Faith Development Policy

Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown, Cork.

Roll number: 62580U

School Patron: Presentation Brothers Schools Trust

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1. Introduction 

Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh is a Catholic school under the auspices of the Presentation Brothers School Trust. We are committed to providing a holistic education that fosters the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of each student. Our ethos is rooted in Gospel values, which inform all aspects of school life and support the faith development of our students. This policy reflects our commitment to promoting the ethos of the Presentation Brothers Schools Trust (PBST), as articulated in the Presentation Brothers School Trust Charter while supporting the school’s mission statement.

Mission Statement 

Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh is a Catholic school which seeks to create a caring environment, in which Christian values permeate all aspects of school life and teachers and students find fulfilment. The school believes in the vital importance of respect and good relationships between teachers, students and parents and is conscious of its role in the broader community.

Through the delivery of an excellent and ever evolving academic curriculum and the provision of our well established co-curricular and extra-curricular programmes, we:

  • promote academic excellence by encouraging all students to reach their full potential
  • foster the growth of self-worth and confidence through the development of the whole person
  • equip students with life-skills and develop their leadership qualities by enabling them to take up leadership roles
  • nurture the importance of caring for the wellbeing of staff and students
  • provide students with opportunities to live their faith through liturgies, and by engaging in social action programmes
  • empower students to take responsibility for care of the environment

Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh strives to promote the highest standards of teaching and learning in an environment where each student is valued as an individual, encouraged to reach his full potential, and supported in his spiritual, moral, and social development. As a Catholic school, we aim to nurture a community of respect, faith, and service, where every student is empowered to contribute to society in a meaningful and compassionate way.


This policy should be read in conjunction with other school policies and procedures such as: Religious Education Subject Plan, Code of Positive Behaviour, Additional Educational Needs (AEN) Policy, the Whole School Guidance Plan, Anti-Bullying Policy and the Wellbeing Plan.

 

2. Our Ethos

The ethos of Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh is centered on the four core elements of a PBST school that capture best its contribution to Catholic education: 

  • A genuine and tangible spirit of respect and caring for each member of the school community. 
  • A comprehensive and holistic education.
  • A vibrant experience of community and partnership. 
  • A deep commitment to Gospel values as lived in the Edmund Rice tradition. 

Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh promotes these core values rooted in Christian education, emphasising holistic development and the dignity of each person. It fosters a community of respect, inclusiveness, and service, encouraging students to achieve academic excellence while living by values such as compassion, integrity, and social justice. Central to our ethos is a commitment to developing students not just intellectually, but also spiritually and morally, creating responsible and caring global citizens.

School leaders and staff model and embody living Christian values such as respect, compassion and service demonstrating a lived faith to students. School staff create an environment where all are welcomed and included providing support for all students especially those on the margins. School leadership encourages the creation of a strong school community grounded in faith, fostering respect, care and social justice among students. 

3. Faith Development in Practice

Faith development at Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh is integral to our educational mission. It encompasses the spiritual formation of students, staff, and the broader school community. The following initiatives support faith development across all facets of school life:

Prayer and Liturgical Life

  • Times for prayer and reflection are incorporated into the academic year.
  • Liturgies, masses, and religious celebrations are central to our community life, marking significant moments in the Church calendar and the school year. 
  • The prayer room within the school provides the opportunity for quiet prayer and reflection, 
  • Religious symbols around the campus remind us of our Christian mission.

Religious Education 

  • Religious Education is a timetabled subject for all year groups. 
  • Religious Education is an exam subject at Junior Cycle.
  • The Religious Education programme in Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle is designed to foster students’ understanding of faith, encouraging personal reflection, dialogue with other faith traditions, and a commitment to justice and peace.

Social Justice and Service

  • Inspired by the example of Blessed Edmund Rice, the school places a strong emphasis on social justice. Students are encouraged to engage in charitable work, fundraising, and volunteering, both within the school and in the wider community (see Appendix A). 
  • Service initiatives include partnerships with local and international charities (see Appendix A), promoting awareness of issues such as poverty, homelessness, and environmental sustainability.

Pastoral Care

  • The school’s pastoral care system plays a key role in supporting students’ holistic development. Through guidance, mentorship, and peer support, students are encouraged to grow in their faith and character. 
  • Retreats, faith-based workshops, and leadership programmes (for example the PBST student and teacher leadership programmes) offer opportunities for spiritual reflection and personal growth (see Appendix A). 

Role of Parents/Guardians in Faith Development

  • Parents and guardians play in the faith formation of their children. As the primary educators in faith, parents are encouraged to actively participate in the spiritual life of the school.
  • Parents are invited to attend school liturgies, religious celebrations, and events such as the annual graduation and other significant religious occasions.
  • Parents are also encouraged to model the values of service and community engagement through involvement in charitable activities and school service projects.

4. Broader School Community Engagement

Faith development extends beyond the immediate school community, involving active engagement with parents, guardians, the local parish, and alumni. These groups are seen as partners in nurturing a living faith within the school environment:

 

Collaboration with the Parish

The school maintains strong links with the local parish, particularly in the areas of liturgical celebrations, sacraments, and outreach programmes. 

 

Alumni Engagement

The school fosters ongoing relationships with past pupils, encouraging them to remain connected with the ethos of the school. Alumni are invited to share their experiences and contribute to student development initiatives and participating in school events.

 

Community Outreach

Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh is committed to serving the wider community through various outreach programmes and partnerships with local and international organisations see (Appendix A). These activities provide opportunities for students to live out their faith through service, demonstrating the school’s commitment to social justice and the common good.

 

5. Role of the School Chaplain

The school chaplain plays a central role in the spiritual and pastoral life of the school. The chaplain:

  • Facilitates the integration of faith into daily school life, offering opportunities for spiritual reflection and growth.
  • Organises liturgical celebrations, prayer services, and retreats.
  • Acts as a liaison between the school and the local parish, ensuring that the school remains connected to the wider Church community.

The Chaplain refers to the staff member in receipt of Chaplaincy Support Hours where appropriate

6. Monitoring & Review

This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis by the school leadership team, in collaboration with the Board of Management, parents, and the Presentation Brothers Schools Trust, to ensure that it remains responsive to the needs of the school community and the evolving educational landscape.

Review by School Staff: 25th October 2024

Review by Parents Association: 5th December 2024

Ratified by Board of Management: 10th Feb 2025

Published: 13th February 2025