MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

I consider Selly Park Convent Primary School to be a very special and unique establishment. We work hard to maintain and promote the Catholic ethos of the school. The ethos is the characteristic spirit of the school, which transmits a philosophy of life inspired by a belief in God and in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The policies, practices and attitudes of the school are inspired by Gospel values, which promote a deep respect for every human person as created by God.

Selly Park Convent Primary School strives to be welcoming and of service to all persons, irrespective of gender, race, culture or religion. Respect is accorded to the faith of all members of the school community, to their different religious identities, backgrounds and traditions. We aim to be a community. All staff as well as learners with their parents, freely choose to join our community, knowing what we strive to be, what we offer and what is expected of everyone. Membership of this community depends on the honouring of these terms.

Religious Education is at the heart of the curriculum of the Catholic school. Weekly assemblies, RE lessons, Junior liturgies and Senior masses are designed to confirm and deepen the understanding of faith. Faith based values include a sense of community, the capacity to reflect, build courage and act. The presence of children of other faiths gives teachers the opportunity to give learners a firsthand experience of other religions in a way that builds mutual respect. It also has the potential to break down barriers and build bridges of mutual understanding.

At Selly Park we have always endeavoured to partner with parents in order to educate the child as a whole. Parents must always be considered as the first educators of their children and are responsible for their enrichment in all areas of life. By enrolling your child in a Catholic school such as ours, you are acknowledging the role that the school plays in the intellectual and spiritual formation of your child and therefore commit yourselves to supporting the school in its endeavours, and in turn are supported by it.

Like parents, teachers are called to give their best to the children in their care and to develop meaningful relationships with them and their parents. A teacher is often the first person outside of the home to recognize when a child is in need of extra care. It is therefore incumbent on parents and teachers to communicate effectively and, through mutual support, respond to the needs of our children. At Selly Park we believe that learners must also be active participants in their own education and encourage all our children to become involved in the variety of activities, which we provide for the holistic development of each individual.

As parents, being involved in school activities and attending meetings becomes a way of supporting the school, the values for which it stands, and aids in the development of the school community. It is also a way for easily clearing up any misunderstandings, which may arise. As parents you can serve the school in many ways: assisting with the care of the buildings and grounds through fundraising or actual work, by serving on parent committees or the school’s BOG and sharing your expertise and enthusiasm.

At Selly Park Convent Primary School we aim at excellence in all that we do, but academic results are not the only criteria used to measure success. Our goal is the integral development of the whole child, physical, intellectual, spiritual, moral and social. As a staff we are committed to ensuring the holistic development of the children in our care by building upon the foundation laid down by the Sisters of Saint Paul. The aim of the Sisters of Saint Paul is summed up in the words of their founder; Genevieve Dupuis, “Do your best for the children”.

Mrs Gwen Vickers