Story By: Kerri-Ann Manthey

As part of Holy Name Primary School Toowoomba’s commitment to enhancing Catholic identity, a new school prayer was launched on 14 March. The prayer is framed in such a way as to invite participants into a recontextualisation of the

Catholic perspective, highlighting the Mercy Charism, in an inclusive and contemporary environment. The launch also included the refreshed Powers

of the Mind and Powers of the Heart frameworks designed to guide the school in both academic growth and spiritual reflection, empowering students and staff to live full and flourishing lives.

In 2018, the school embarked on the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Visible Learning Lighthouse Project. As a community, they developed a set of learning dispositions – Powers of the Mind. These included learning to be persistent, to communicate, to collaborate and to be reflective.

Together, these learning powers form the foundation of a transformative educational experience – one that prepares students for success in the classroom and for a lifetime of learning, growth and service to others. Through the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Illuminate Project, the school was inspired to refresh their Powers Of The Heart – Compassion, Hospitality, Justice and Excellence – Gospel values lived in the Mercy tradition. These values remind students of the shared humanity and reaffirms a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.

This launch was celebrated and supported by the school community, and it was wonderful to welcome guests from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office and Parish Priest, Fr Darrell Irvine.