Chloe Mangan
Chloe Mangan describes what it means to have a Catholic ethos in her school
I feel really lucky to be a student in a Catholic school managed by the CEIST Trust. Our prayer room is a wonderful facility. It is a room of escapism, tranquillity and silence. Moments of appreciation, forgiveness, or sorrow can be shared with our classmates or privately in the presence of God and the relic of St Padre Pio.
As a sixth year student, on a Monday, following the end of a busy, studious weekend, I often feel slightly stressed or overwhelmed with life, school and exams. Having the opportunity to pray without being judged in the prayer room is a huge advantage.
Students of all faiths have the facility to pray in our school. We have a prayer group every Friday which is a fantastic aspect of our school. It allows students to come together by sharing their thoughts and prayers with each other – to take a moment out of our week to give thanks or to ask for help.
Our teachers embody the CEIST ethos. They empathise with students, and understand their struggles in life. Our school ethos ensures that every student is cared for inside and outside of school socially, emotionally and intellectually. Our teachers are approachable, caring and understanding, which is an important aspect of the school environment. Students can confide in teachers if they are worried or concerned about something.
Our school motto is “Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry”. It is a fantastic quote from Padre Pio, which can change a student’s outlook on life. The three components of the motto each have something to say about a Catholic school. ‘Pray’ is the first element of the motto and it outlines the importance of praying to God for help, safety and security.
‘Hope’ is a positive aspect of life which emphasises the importance of positivity, resilience and happiness in the lives of students in today’s world.
The final component of the motto ‘Don’t worry’ is my favourite component because it portrays the importance of relaxing during the pressure and stress of exams. As we all know, exams can get the better of us at times. By saying the two simple words ‘don’t worry’ can change our stress into relaxation. It is so important to relax and allow time for yourself to de-stress, especially if we are overwhelmed by exams, peers, school work or family problems.
Saying those two little words can change your mood in seconds. Therefore, I think our school motto is truly inspirational. Every school should take time to create a motto for their students. Four little words can make a big difference. Being part of a CEIST school reminds us of the importance of resilience and happiness.
We organise several events throughout the year to support our school ethos, for example, on September 24 each year we hold a Mercy Day Mass remembering Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy.
Each year on this day we give thanks to Catherine McAuley for all her hard work and generosity. In November we also dedicate the month to remembrance under the phrase ‘In November we remember’.
During the month we remember all of those who have gone before us. We also have a remembrance tree in our prayer rooms where we can hang the names of our loved ones.
Christmas
At Christmas we have a Mass where we give thanks to God for what he has done for us. Every class in the school participates in the Mass in some significant way. Retreats are also held for each year group throughout the year.
The retreats involve taking a day out of school work in order to relax through meditation, to bond as a year group through a variety of activities and to appreciate God through prayer. Retreats may take place in the school or in retreat centres. It is a fantastic event which I really look forward to each year.
As a student of a Catholic school I respect other students, all students are treated equally no matter what race or religion they are. Everyone is entitled to a random act of kindness and equal, fair treatment in our school. Every aspect of our school encourages students to reach their full potential.
Being a part of my school has helped me become a positive, caring human being. I am sincerely grateful for our school ethos and being part of a CEIST school is an incredible experience which I will never forget.
Chloe Mangan is a student at St Mary’s College, Nass – one of 110 voluntary Catholic secondary schools managed by CEIST (Catholic Education an Irish Schools’ Trust).