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 “In
order to teach a child, you must first love a child.”
These are the words of the founder of the Marist Order
of Brothers, St Marcellin Champagnat.
This
value is one of many that underpins the very essence
that makes St Joseph’s Marist College (SJMC) a school
where children are loved and nurtured as unique
individuals. Starting at the age of two years in the
Playschool through to Matric, teachers focus on
developing each child to maximize his/her true
potential.
St
Joseph’s Marist College is a Catholic co-educational day
school with an holistic approach and strong Marist
values. The school is one of five Marist Schools in
South Africa and part of the International Marist family
and caters for boys and girls from the age of 2 years
through to Grade 12. Mainstream and Montessori classes
run side-by-side from Pre-primary to Grade 6.
We
believe in educating the whole person. We recognize
that humans have spiritual, physical, intellectual and
emotional sides to them and our curriculum takes this
into account. Our policy of inclusion is clearly
visible through our Special Needs Unit available on the
campus. This Unit strives to meet the educational,
social and vocational needs of children who have
intellectual learning difficulties.
Our principal purposes are that:
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We uphold our
Catholic ethos and welcome people of all faiths,
encouraging mutual respect |
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We embrace
the five Marist values |
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Presence – to be present to
learners and their needs |
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Simplicity – to build
relationships that are simple and genuine |
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Family Spirit – to develop a
family spirit within the school community |
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Love of Work – to foster the
value of hard work |
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In the Way of Mary – to follow
Jesus in the way of Mary, a woman open to new
possibilities in her life |
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We cherish each girl and boy in
their uniqueness; |
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We provide a safe, caring and
nurturing environment; |
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Our innovative curriculum and
teaching methods enable each child to achieve
their full potential; |
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Our staff, parents and alumni
provide our learners with a solid foundation for
life-long learning; |
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We develop independent thinkers
and confident communicators who interact with
integrity; |
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We promote learner initiative,
responsibility and self-belief; |
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We encourage and practice social
engagement and responsibility; |
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We prepare learners to be either
entrepreneurs or highly employable citizens in a
rapidly changing world. |
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The
school is divided into the following units: Playschool,
Pre-primary, Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase,
Middle School, Senior School and Special Needs Unit. In
each phase there is a different emphasis and a
correlation with developmental stages. Montessori
classes run parallel with Mainstream classes from
Pre-primary to Grade 6. We are also one of a few schools
offering Montessori education within the structure of a
conventional school.
We
celebrate Mass as a school on the first and last day of
every term as well as every first Friday of the month.
Regular communion services are also held. Our chaplain,
Fr Jerome Aranes, also visits the school every Tuesday
and Thursday to provide our learners who are Catholic
with an opportunity for the sacrament of Reconciliation.
We also prepare our pupils for First Confession, as well
as First Communion and Confirmation. For all our
services, which include Reconciliation services, chapel
services and feast day celebrations, we depend on pupil
participation. We never have shortage of volunteers to
read, or serve at the Altar, or pray or act. Pupils of
all creeds feel quite comfortable sharing their faith
and experiences.
We as a school continue to be deeply committed to the
religious ethos of the school and we know that our
founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, watches over us every
step of the way.
St
Marcellin Champagnat was the great and gifted French
educationalist who founded the Marist Order in 1817. His
approach to education was characterised by mutual
respect, tolerance and kindness. St Marcellin challenged
all who are involved with the education of young people
to foster the following attitudes when interacting with
them:
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All young
people are basically good |
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Understand
what makes young people act as they do
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Challenge others
to take a positive view of young people |
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Have a particular
care for those least favoured by life
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The relationship
between adult and young person is that between
big brother/sister and little brother/sister |
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Unfailing kindness
and patience work with the young |
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Be close to young
people, challenging them with gentleness and
respect |
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Express your sense
of humour |
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Working with young
people is a call of the gospel |
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Bringing up young
people is both a civic and a spiritual activity
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Admission Enquiries: to
admissions@maristsj.co.za |
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