St. Patrick's Grammar School
Downpatrick
028 44619722
info@stpatricks.downpatrick.ni.sch.uk
St. Patrick's Grammar School | 9 Saul Street, Downpatrick
Our Ethos, Mission and Aims
Our Ethos
Our school crest symbolises our proud traditions and aspirations. The Latin phrase Signum Fidei meaning Sign of Faith reflects our Lasallian heritage and refers to the star in the centre of the crest which recalls the story of the Three Wise Men who followed the Star of Bethlehem trusting it would lead them to God.
Each arm of the star symbolises one of the five core principles of Lasallian education, upon which our ethos is founded.
These core principals are reflected through the following Lasallian expressions and ideals:
"Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve."
CONCERN FOR THE POOR AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
"Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God."
FAITH IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
"Live Jesus in our hearts...Forever."
RESPECT FOR ALL PERSONS
"The Lasallian Family."
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
"Teaching Minds and Touching Hearts."
QUALITY EDUCATION
The Lasallian star features, not only in the crest that adorns our school uniform but is incorporated in the structural design of our school and serves as a constant reminder of our school ethos.
Mission Statement
Together with the Brothers' schools world-wide, St. Patrick's Grammar School shares a common mission statement, which is to give a human and Christian education to the young in close partnership with the different groups associated with the school.
These groups comprise the students, parents, teachers, other staff and governors. The aims of the school derive from this mission statement.
Aims
St. Patrick's Grammar School provides a Human and Christian education which:
- Shares the mission of the Catholic Church, by committing itself to live by Gospel values;
- Pursues the spiritual formation, academic preparation and cultural development of its students;
- Is characterised by the emphasis which it gives to the education of children who are disadvantaged;
- Renews and updates itself to respond effectively to the social and religious challenges of today;
- Recognises and respects the dignity of each individual;
- Fosters attitudes of tolerance, care, concern for justice and of service to others;
- Has an agreed code of discipline in place, is well managed, cultivates a welcoming, happy atmosphere and an environment conducive to good learning.
Education and instruction, piety and knowledge, should be inseparable