Developing Whole Persons who will Grow To Be Men and Women for God and for Society: 4 Catholic Educators share their testimonials of Catholic Education

Catholic Education in our Catholic schools is centred on forming our children into holistic persons who can live out the fullness of life by discovering their vocation in life, with the ultimate goal of becoming the children of God.

Inspired by the gospel, faith in God, and our dignity as God’s children called to share in the life of God eternally, our Catholic schools motivate children to find meaning and purpose in life, especially by giving themselves to the service of society.

In this feature, four educators share testimonials and thoughts of faith of what makes education in Catholic schools different from non-Catholic schools.

Culture of Prayer

Geraint Wong, Subject Head, Corporate Communications and RE Coordinator, CHIJ Secondary

“One key way in which Catholic schools differ from non-Catholic schools is the pervasiveness of prayer. The culture of prayer is strong in a Catholic school: we pray to start and end the school day; we pray to begin our meetings, events and even lessons; and students gather spontaneously to pray before exams and competitions.

Photo taken in 2019 with student leaders

This brings about an awareness of the presence of God in every aspect of school life, and gives everyone a sense of protection, an openness to providence, an assurance of blessings – even to non-Christian staff and students, some of whom have shared before that they appreciate the culture of prayer in a Catholic school.”

Moulding of the Heart

Sharon Yu, Subject Head, Pastoral Care and Career Education, St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary:

“Our Foundress, St Magdalene of Canossa believes that “education is the moulding of the heart”. More than just academic grades for pragmatic purposes, a Catholic school nourishes us intellectually so that we would be in a better position to serve humanity.

Photo taken at the Commencement of School Year Mass – Commissioning of Principals in Catholic Schools 2020, January 2020

The strong emphasis on character formation, centred on the spiritual, psychological and emotional well-being of the child, enables her to discern her gifts and talents, to recognise how she has been called and chosen to grow herself and others in her life. Education in a Catholic school is a story of God’s love, a story of how God will transform each and every child, a story that promises hope, happiness and healing.”

Jesus as the Compass

Christopher Cheong, Subject Head, Pastoral Care, SJI Junior

“Both Catholic and non-Catholic schools impart and inculcate values in students. But in Catholic schools, we introduce Jesus to everyone and point them to Jesus, encouraging them to follow Him. Jesus is not only the way, the truth and the life but also the compass to our happiness and salvation.”

Photo taken during recess with the Prayer Leaders

A Faith-filled Environment

Wilbur Wong, Principal, Montfort Junior School

“Catholic schools serve to continue the spiritual mission of Jesus Christ. Providing a faith-filled environment, our children are encouraged to explore, encounter and develop their self-confidence and self-respect. Catholic schools allow them to connect their faith to daily life and apply their intelligence and compassion to serve their home and community.”