Love of Work – Family Spirit – Presence – Simplicity – In the way of Mary
As a Catholic College in the Marist tradition, Sacred Heart places significant importance on “being Marist” which is underpinned by the five Marist characteristics. Our Marist Mission encompasses these values and encourages our students to ultimately be – Good Christians and Good Citizens.
Love of Work
Staff and students of a Marist College follow the example of the Marist Brothers, who built this College on their Love of Work. Taken from the founder of the Marist Brothers, St Marcellin Champagnat, the Love of Work is manifested in the dedication and commitment that staff show to their students, and students, in turn, show towards their chosen pursuits.
Family Spirit
When St Marcellin died, in his Spiritual Testament he urged all of his followers to interact with each other “as the members of a loving family would intuitively do”. Relationships, then, at Sacred Heart College are created with the goal of realising this Family Spirit and treating each student individually on the basis of their needs.
Presence
Staff at Sacred Heart College are Present to the students in a way that shows they care for them personally. Staff do this by being attentive and welcoming to students’ needs, while taking an active interest in the lives of young people.
Simplicity
As members of a Marist College, staff and students are asked to live with Simplicity,such that their interactions are genuine and straightforward, undertaken without pretence or duplicity. In a world distracted by the superficial, we help them to value themselves and others for who they are, and not be seduced from this by possessions or fame.
In the way of Mary
Staff and students’ faith journeys should be taken In the way of Mary. As His first follower, Mary inspires our faith in Jesus. Mary responded with “yes” to the path God had chosen for her, and our staff and students are encouraged to be open to God’s plan for them in a similar way.
In all that we do, we associate ourselves with Mary so as to bring Jesus to birth in the hearts of young people: “All to Jesus through Mary. All to Mary for Jesus”.
Adapted from ‘In the Footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat:
A Vision for Marist Education Today’ (1998) Institute of the Marist Brothers of the Schools.
Marist Violet – symbolic of the three core Marist values of Humility, Modesty and Simplicity. The violet is native and grows wild where Marcellin spent much of his time – at L’Hermitage, outside Lyon, France. They are tiny flowers of stunning beauty!
