THE THEOLOGY OF OUR SCHOOL VISION

St Catherine's College is committed to its task of providing a uniquely holistic education, both academic and spiritual, that will prepare students to take up any role in life with well-rounded confidence.

The Bible teaches that the primary characteristic of God is love (1 John 4:8), expressed ultimately through the sacrifice of Christ for us (John 3:16). God’s love is not abstract and distant but concrete and practical. In our college, understanding the practical nature of love means we seek to create an atmosphere of respect, kindness, patience, discipline, courtesy and care towards each other that students learn to practise now and carry into their lives in their future relationships and communities. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

In order to provide students with an excellent education, St Catherine’s College staff are committed to learning from the best in educational practices in order to prepare students to compete in this world. We are committed to the ongoing training of staff, believing that all that is good and helpful comes from God; is for our benefit; and will enable us to achieve better outcomes for our students. (James 1:17) 

Education is a vital part of enabling students to enter, with confidence, a very competitive world. What we are exists in potential, but needs to be revealed through the experience of learning.  Learning unlocks this potential and plays an important part in enabling us to know a fuller and richer experience of life. (Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the Lord and you will be happy. Proverbs 16:20).

The Bible tells us that human beings are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and that they are infinitely loved and valued (John 3:16). Each student is, therefore, treated with respect; is of great value, and known to be in possession of great potential. Reaching their potential is for the personal fulfilment of each student and the good of society, so the college has a responsibility to inspire and support students to work hard and learn through life’s difficulties so they can live a full and fruitful life (John 10:10b). 

As bearers of God’s image, students are capable of flourishing according to their own blend of innate talents and abilities. Within each student is the capacity to reach their God-given potential according to their unique combination of abilities. Through working hard, with the support and encouragement of staff and other students, they can develop a realistic vision for their future and find their place in this world, knowing that they are fitted to the responsibilities they have taken on. (1 Peter 4:10).

When our understanding of this world is framed by the story of God as creator; Jesus’ life, death and resurrection; and the possibilities available in prayer, a door is opened to new potential for inspiration and strength in the way we live responsibly.

The Bible is regularly referenced in college worships to inform the way we relate to our world, so that we can respond with knowledge and responsibility to issues and events. (Hebrews 4:12)

Pastoral care is given with an acknowledgement of our own human frailty in the face of life’s difficulties, and provides the support that enables students to feel connected to others through bonds of care in our college community. (Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Philippians 2:4)

We are St Catherine’s ​College

We are a Christian community of which all members are proud to belong.  As a community, we work together for the benefit of everyone, ‘encouraging the disheartened, helping the weak and being patient with everyone’ (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

As members of a Christian community, we hope that all students and staff will learn to serve each other, the college and their wider communities.  Leaders and staff will model the principle of servant leadership, ‘just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve’ (Matthew 20:28).