Story By: Dr Patrick Coughlan

Catholic education has a compelling story. Bold decisions, larger than life characters and sacrifices by people who truly believe in the value of a Catholic education to the life opportunities of students and their families. That story told well is the foundation from which we have operated and taken direction for many years. It has served us well.

Our relatively recent motto, “Belief in a better world”, is another chapter in our evolving story. If we truly want a better world then we must tell a better story. Better than the prevailing stories currently available to students and their families.

Recent research into what people see as the strengths of Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) has given helpful insight into the drafting of our evolving better story. Participants identified 4 areas that are highly desirable to families, and provide a stable foundation for the rapidly changing future.

FAITH:

Our schools educate young people spiritually, morally and religiously for life in the 21st century. Many parents now seek an education for their children based on a Christian story and values. They realise, probably more than ever, it is the ideal foundation for life in a fast-paced, rapidly changing and unpredictable world. Likewise, many adults are drawn to work for an organisation that espouses these values and beliefs.

 PROGRESSIVE:

While TCS has a deep respect for tradition and our past, we know we must keep moving forward and remain relevant to our community. This means reframing and rethinking many traditional ways and understandings to present them anew to an eager and receptive community.

 CONNECTED:

We are deeply embedded in the life of our communities, not just geographically located within them. We live and breathe the same cultural challenges and realities of our communities. The connections and relationships we develop in doing this lasts for generations and nurtures our work and future ambitions.

 UNITED:

While we are 32 schools and an office, and we respect each other’s individuality, we are one. When we stand as one, we are stronger than the sum of our parts. 

Having a better story helps locate the prevailing “It’s all about me” story within a far grander and more inspiring story. The Christian narrative centres on the call and challenge of the Gospel as lived and encouraged by Jesus Christ. 

This better story, lived and told well, is the foundation of our work and the reason parents continue to choose TCS schools for their children’s education.