At Marian College, giving witness to our Vision and Mission statement is integral to our planning for the school’s future over the next few years. These statements serve as a continual reminder of our ultimate goal and future directions as an educational community.
Vision Statement
An Inclusive Community Growing in Faith and Love
Serving Others
Striving to Succeed
Creating and Nurturing the Future
Mission Statement
As our Kildare Ministries Community faithfully continues the journey of the Brigidine Sisters, immersed in the teachings of the Gospels and living the Core Values with strength and kindness, Marian College will:
- Establish an innovative learning environment that uses exemplary teaching practice so that all students can learn with purpose and wonder.
- Respect and promote the uniqueness of each individual and provide opportunities for all to navigate their own path in life, realise their potential, and contribute to the growth of the community.
- Celebrate effort and excellence in order to enhance the capacity for growth and learning.
- Assert that justice requires a radical discomfort and all work to be agents for change.
- Join with First Nations Peoples as custodians of our Earth, affirming our faith in the future through responsible stewardship of all creation.
- Acknowledge our strengths and our common humanity by celebrating diversity.
Foundational Beliefs
From these core values emerge a set of foundational beliefs that influence all Brigidine college’s strategic direction, educational philosophy and operational priorities. Marian College is no exception.
- We believe authentic Catholic education is a valid expression of the teaching mission of the Church today
- We believe in the right of every person to a good education, regardless of race, creed, sex or socio-economic status
- We believe in providing quality educational services and programs that contribute to the well-being of all students
- We believe in our responsibility as educators to speak and respond to issues of justice
- We believe that the highest professional standards should be pursued by all who teach and support the education in our schools
- We believe in the gospel value of stewardship which is the source of our commitment to maximise the use of resources for the common good of all within the school community.
These Core Values and Foundational Beliefs are consistent with and contribute to this communities understanding of the Values for Australian Schooling that have emerged from the National Goals for Australian Schooling in the Twenty-First Century.
These shared values such as respect and ‘fair go’ are part of Australia’s common democratic way of life, which includes equality, freedom and the rule of law. They reflect our commitment to a multicultural and environmentally sustainable society where all are entitled to justice.
Marian College is committed to the principles of a liberal democracy.
- We believe in an accountable, democratically elected government.
- We respect and observe the rule of law, and believe that no person is above the law.
- We believe in equal rights for all before the law, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender or other attributes.
- We believe not only in the freedom of religion, but also the need to practice tolerance and understanding of others’ beliefs.
- We believe in the value of freedom of speech and freedom of association, but also acknowledge that we have the responsibility not to abuse this freedom.
- We believe in the values of openness and tolerance, and value and respect all members of the school community regardless of background.
The Brigidines
Marian College is one of seven Kildare Education Ministries secondary schools in Victoria and South Australia which holds the Brigidine Tradition as a valuable and significant part of its heritage. The Brigidine Sisters were re-founded in 1807 by Bishop Daniel Delany, Bishop of Kildare.
The Brigidine Annals record that Bishop Delany was not founding a new Congregation but rather restoring “the ancient order of Brigid”. At this time the Irish were just beginning to emerge from the penal period during which ignorance and poverty were wide spread. When Irish Catholics were denied an education, their language was outlawed and they were often forced from their homes. Bishop Delany was deeply concerned about the enforced ignorance of many of the people who were also living in very poor circumstances. He saw the need for people to have the rights and benefits of a Christian education.
The original Brigidines were founded in the fifth century by St Brigid in Ireland, and continued until the period of the Reformation. St Brigid of Kildare became a legend in her life time. She held a unique position in the early Irish church and society of her day. As Abbess, she presided over the local church of Kildare and was leader of a double monastery of men and women. Her abbey was acclaimed as a centre of education, culture, worship and hospitality in Ireland and far beyond.
In writings of Brigid the main emphasis is on her faith, her healing powers, her skills with animals, her hospitality, her generosity and, especially, her concern for the poor, the oppressed or the embarrassed.
The Brigidines were among Irish Religious Congregations responding to a call from the Bishops of Australia, for pastoral support and assistance to establish Catholic schools. The Brigidine Sisters came to Australia in 1883 and established communities in Coonamble (NSW) and in 1889 In Echuca. This began the Brigidine Australian story.
