Values, Vision, Mission

In 1827, Catherine McAuley, (Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy), opened a house to help the poor in Baggot Street, Dublin, Ireland. Her programme included teaching, visitation of the sick, child care, a shelter for the homeless and training for unemployed young women.

The values we follow at St John’s stem from this very humble and prayerful woman who had an unbounded confidence in God.

These values act as a moral compass and guide us in building strong relationships based on Christian love. They are:

RESPECT

Our mutual respect and charity is to be friendly- now friendly signifies something that revives, invigorates, and warms. (Catherine McAuley)

We must respect the dignity of each person and the recognition of their inherent value and worth.

JUSTICE

Our story shows a growing awareness of the injustices in our own hearts as well as in the political and economic structures in our country and world. (Sr Gabrielle Jennings RSM)

Justice is the treatment of each person with fairness in relation to the equality of all, and the maintenance of a balanced and fair relationship with self and all members of the community.

EXCELLENCE

There is nothing of greater importance than the perfect discharge of our ordinary duties. (Catherine McAuley)

Excellence is the state of achievement of the highest possible standards.

COMPASSION

They shall bear to each other unlimited and warm respect and affection, not in outward behaviour, looks, and words only, but also really indeed in heart and mind. (Catherine McAuley)

Compassion is a non-judgmental understanding of another’s need, which results in unselfish giving to meet that need.

The Spirit of Mercy is reflected in every aspect of school life and there is a sense of belonging that happens when people communicate values to one another. Each student is invited to share the Christian story through classroom lessons, prayer, reflective experiences, celebrations of liturgy and participation in action for social justice.