What does it mean to teach in a Catholic School – A Reflection for World Teacher’s Day

Pope Francis once said, while meeting with students, teachers and parents in Milan, that “We cannot create a culture of dialogue if we do not have identity”. So what is the identity of we who have chosen to teach here at a Catholic School? Needless to say, it is somewhat diverse, and one can only share about their own experiences, however by working in a Catholic School we commit ourselves to base our work on the Catholic ethos of the school. So, what does that mean for Damascus?

We need to think about what type of school we want Damascus to be. Going back a few generations Catholic Schools were very much for Catholics only. Students were taught by nuns and brothers, as well as the lay, and learnt their Catechism alongside their Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. A strong Catholic Identity but very weak in dialogue.

Today, many Catholic Schools aim to be communities that are open to all, but still uphold a strong sense of Catholic Identity. This can be quite complex and if not done right, the Catholic Identity of the school could find itself in a very precarious position. It would mean that the school would be Catholic in name only. At it’s worst, it would be what would be described as colourless. Likened to a train station where people are just getting on and off. Using the place as a means of getting somewhere else. All hustle and bustle, but no life. Weak in Catholic Identity and weak in dialogue.

Slightly better, but still precarious, is the Catholic School where Identity is merely surface level, and interaction with other faiths and cultures are also kept to the surface. It provides a fun atmosphere, everyone can get along, but much like the wheat that fell on the shallow soil (Matt 13: 5-6), there is no depth and one can only grow and develop so far, no matter their faith or culture.

The aim, therefore, is to keep the Catholic Identity of the school strong, while still welcoming and accepting those of other faiths and cultures. Pope Francis, in that same conversation with students, teachers and parents, spoke about once being challenged with this question, “Father, what is more pure than distilled water?” The Pope responded, “I do not taste the flavour of distilled water, it does not help to quench my thirst.” A multicultural community brings a richness, a flavour, that one can not experience hidden behind the walls of their own making. By working and interacting with others on a deeper level, by getting to know people’s backgrounds, their histories and their beliefs, one can truly get to know someone and reflect also on what it means to be their own self.

Teachers, no matter their subject, navigate this every day. In a Catholic School we are called to see every student, staff member and parent as the face of Jesus. As such, we are invited to learn from them as much as we ask that they learn from us.

Recently, a group of staff and students undertook an Aboriginal immersion experience along the Murray River and then further north to Lake Mungo. Lake Mungo is the site of the oldest human remains found anywhere in the world, dating back some 40,000 years! Mungo Man, as he is affectionately known, provided rich examples of culture and ritual long before God became Christ and walked among us. We still have plenty to learn, and as a Catholic School, it is our duty to keep our eyes and ears, our minds and hearts open to new learnings. To embrace challenges to our identity as opportunities to grow.

This World Teachers Day, I pray that the Light of Christ illuminates our understanding of each other and the world and provides us with the support to lead others, wherever they may be on their Journey.

A Prayer for the Year 12 students who begun their VCE exams this week

St Thomas Aquinas’ Prayer for Students

Creator of all things

True source of light and wisdom

Origin of all being

Graciously let a ray of Your Light penetrate the darkness of my understanding.

Grant me keen understanding

A retentive memory

And the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally.

Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations

And the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm.

Guide the beginning of my work

Direct it’s process

And bring it to successful completion.

This I ask through Jesus Christ our Light

Amen