The “New Teachers Orientation” was held on the morning of 22 August 2020 by the Diocesan Catholic Education Committee for new teaching staff members recruited by the seven Diocesan Schools. The activity took place at the 1F Auditorium of the Diocesan Curia (Paço Episcopal), attended by new teachers who shall start their services in the upcoming 2020/2021 academic year at one of the seven Diocesan Schools, namely Colégio Diocesano de São José (C.D.S.J.), Colégio Diocesano de São José Quinto Edifício (C.D.S.J.5), Colégio Diocesano de São José Sexta Escola (C.D.S.J.6), Escola São Paulo (E.S.P.), Escola de Santa Teresa do Menino Jesus, Escola de Santa Madalena, and Escola Dom João Paulino (E.D.J.P.).
Professor Anna Chan Kai-Yung, supervisor of C.D.S.J.5 and PhD in Liturgy, Pontifical Institute of Liturgy of Pontifical University Sant’Anselmo in Rome; and Mr. Stephen Chan Teng-Fong, Office Director of the Diocesan Catholic Education Committee were invited to deliver talks on the two topics of “Educational Principles and Core Values of Catholic Schools” and “Overview of Educational Development under the Diocese of Macau” respectively, in order to strengthen the new teachers’ understanding of the missions of Catholic Schools and the system of education services provided by the local Diocese. With Principals and Deans of various areas from the Diocesan Schools as guests, the orientation saw a total of more than 80 participants.
The orientation commenced as Rev. Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-Sang gave his welcoming address, encouraging the new members that even when teachers nowadays are to face diversified problems and high expectations from the parents and communities, there is a mutual caring, guarding and supporting culture in Diocesan Schools and in all Catholic Schools as a whole, that whenever problems arise and are difficult to solve, they should not hesitate in seeking help from their school supervisors, principals and fellow colleagues. The Bishop also reminded that the Code of Canon Law clearly states that “The instruction and education in a Catholic school must be grounded in the principles of Catholic doctrine; teachers are to be outstanding in correct doctrine and integrity of life” (rf. Can. 803 §2), it is thus anticipated that the new teachers can all look up to Jesus the Good Shepherd as a role model, in order to become role models of students in turns; to become a companion of students; to show their care and patience in daily interactions; and to appreciate the strengths and talents of each student and adjust the teaching approaches accordingly.
In the topic of “Educational Principles and Core Values of Catholic Schools,” Professor Anna Chan mentioned that the purpose of education in the Catholic Church lies solely on the will of Jesus Christ, to give more people the opportunity in learning about God and the true meaning and mission of life. As a result, Catholic Schools place an emphasis on ethical and moral education, in hope that each student can establish correct values and righteous virtues. She went on to explain why religious studies and Bible lessons are indispensable subjects at Catholic Schools. And regarding requirements in teachers’ behaviour as mentioned by the Bishop, Professor Chan elaborated with a list of incompatibilities between the teachings of the Catholic Church and current socially accepted concepts and customs.
The following speech delivered by Mr. Stephen Chan on the topic “Overview of Educational Development under the Diocese of Macau” provided a big picture of how the education services of Diocesan Institutions encompass pre-school stage (nursery), non-tertiary education stages (kindergarten, primary and secondary), and tertiary education levels (bachelor, master and doctorate degree programmes). Mr. Chan furthered his introduction by listing the histories and administrative structures of the Diocesan Schools as well as the Diocesan Catholic Education Committee. Major statistical figures concerning Diocesan and Catholic Schools were shown to illustrate the proportions of both as compared to the overall figures of all schools in the local non-tertiary education system.
Following the blessing by the Bishop, the new teachers gathered at the grand staircase for a group picture, and they went on to enjoy the refreshments prepared for the orientation while getting to know each other in expectation for future potential inter-school exchange and collaborations.
Follow
