Cynthia Montemayor
It’s back to the classroom for students at the Catholic schools across the Catholic Diocese of Macau, where the new academic year holds the hope for the continuous fulfillment of its mission: a distinctive holistic approach that involves the education of the whole person by integrating faith, culture and life. “We are excited to see our students’ joyful faces and renewed energy fill our classrooms and hallways once again,” said Fr Leonard Dollentas, vice principal of the English section at Colégio Diocesano de São José 2, in his traditional opening speech in the school. “We begin this school year with a renewed sense of hope,” he said. “The last years brought many challenges for families and for schools. I am looking forward to seeing our school communities prosper in their mission for the church.”
In Macau, parents choose diocesan schools for their Catholic identity, their academic excellence, and their committed educators. Catholic schools in the Diocese provide a Christ-centered education in a safe and supportive atmosphere where all are treated with dignity and where students, regardless of their faith background, learn the foundations of living a Christian moral life. Catholic schools are a place where the focus of teaching and learning have always been the Gospel values.
A considerable percentage of last year’s Catholic schools’ graduates went on to continue their education at universities in Macau, in the mainland and some in the US and the United Kingdom. The high school core curriculum is designed to give students a competitive advantage in university admissions. Local and international testing showed that elementary students in Diocese Catholic schools continued to show steady growth in reading, science and mathematics.
It is absolutely true that the church relies on her schools for great faith formation and youth ministry programs — from preschool through university, it is a dynamic tool of evangelization within the church itself. But for a growing number of students who don’t embrace any religion, our schools in Macau are invaluable source of public formation, training up a thoughtful, able citizenry capable of thinking critically and within broad perspectives, throughout the country.
“I am grateful to our school leaders and dedicated teachers for their work in preparation for continuing our mission to form the hearts and minds of our students on their journey of faith and learning.” Fr Leonard said. “It is my greatest hope that our students are inspired by their school experience to learn, live and share their Catholic faith and be disciples of hope who will transform our world.”
Follow
