Saint Francis of Assisi was a man of great insight and deep faith, who lived the values of Christ’s gospel in a simple, yet remarkable, way. This Franciscan way has been an inspiration to countless millions of men and women down through the centuries and is today the guiding force of Saint Francis Capuchin Franciscan College, Rochestown.
Community was the special form in which Saint Francis lived the Gospel and must also be a special mark of the College. Our aim is to create a community made up of pupils, teachers, parents, management and staff, where the pupils may grow academically, spiritually, socially and morally.
We do this by offering a curriculum based on sound educational principles which promotes the harmonious growth of the whole person. This takes place in an atmosphere created by the living of the values and virtues so dear to the heart of Saint Francis:
respect for all created things and for the uniqueness and dignity of each person
simplicity of lifestyle and a great love for the poor and underprivileged
the promotion of peace and equality for all
a joyful faith in Jesus Christ which is nourished by prayer and the sacraments and which leads to a genuine Christian optimism and an active involvement in the Church in the modern world.
Section 1: The Student
The care of the student is the central purpose of the college community. In order to achieve this the College is committed to:
Respecting the dignity of the student with his backround, tradition and beliefs
Valuing the potential of each and encouraging the strong to support the weak
Enabling the student to develop a healthy self-image and to form positive relationships with others
Encouraging in the student a sense of creativity and of collaboration with others
Promoting the student’s appreciation of his cultural heritage
Preparing the student through academic training for his vocational role in life
Providing opportunities for the student to experience God in the wonder of creation, in worship and in service of others
Developing a critical sense in the student, helping him to challenge the forces that threaten human life
Providing a disciplined atmosphere in which the student is encouraged to grow in freedom and to take increasing responsibility for his own education and for the life of the College community
Section 2: The Teacher
The Principal, Deputy Principal and teaching staff have a central role in implementing the philosophy of St. Francis College. Teachers are encouraged to:
Embody this philosophy in their professional relationships with the students, with each other and with all members of the College community
Participate in the varied aspects of school life; religious, social, cultural and academic
Avail of suitable opportunities to further their professional and personal development
Place their professional expertise at the service of the students
Co-operate with other educational agencies in developing, implementing and evaluating curricula which respond to the needs of the students and correspond to the philosophy of the school
Section 3: The Parents
The primary right and obligation to educate young people belongs to their parents. In choosing St. Francis College parents subscribe to its philosophy. Parents are encouraged to exercise their right and obligation by:
Giving the school their trust and co-operation
Ensuring that their children respect, obey and co-operate with the teachers
Supporting the varied activities of the school life
Taking responsibility in collaboration with others in the school community for the quality of education and for the character of the school.
Section 4: Management
St. Francis College is the responsibility of the Trustees of the Irish Province of the Capuchin Franciscan Order who seek to protect and further the apostolic purpose of the Order. The Trustees delegate the management of the school to the Board of Management. In accepting the role of management, the Board of Management acknowledges the apostolic purpose of the Order and the responsibility entrusted to it by the Trustees. The day-to-day management is delegated to the Principal and Deputy Principal. In the appropriate exercise of their authority, those responsible for the College ensure that:
The philosophy of the Capuchin Franciscan Order is adhered to
Professional standards of education and management obtain in the College
Appointments and promotions of all staff are made impartially and in the best interests of the College
Suitable co-operation in educational matters is maintained and developed with the Department of Education.