Fostering values, character development, and inclusivity for a brighter future, Mother Teresa Primary School in Ormeau on the Gold Coast is a community hidden gem.
When it comes to schools, there are some that stand out for their unique approach to shaping young minds, and Mother Teresa Primary School is one such place. The Ormeau primary school takes its passion for educating its students far beyond the classroom, striving to create well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
According to Principal Mr Leigh Mirto, Mother Teresa Primary School values and places significant emphasis on character development, as well as instilling strong values in its students. Among them are compassion, respect, empathy, integrity, and a sense of social responsibility.
“These core principles form the foundation of the school’s mission to create not just academically accomplished individuals but also individuals of high moral character,” says Mr Mirto.
The importance of open spaces in primary school
The school boasts large open spaces that serve as a significant asset for primary-aged children.
“These outdoor areas offer a myriad of benefits for both students and staff,” says Mr Mirto.
“Playing and learning in outdoor spaces encourage interaction and collaboration among children. They learn to negotiate, share, take turns, and communicate effectively with their peers, fostering essential social skills and emotional intelligence.”
This open space allows for co-curricular activities such as the school’s gardening club, which is just one part of a wide range of learning opportunities including STEM, art classes, Indonesian classes and music lessons.
Embracing acceptance, inclusivity and social justice
At Mother Teresa Primary School, acceptance, inclusivity and social justice are not mere buzzwords but integral aspects of the school’s ethos. These values align closely with Catholic teachings and represent the core beliefs upheld by the school community.
“Mother Teresa Primary School is committed to preserving the dignity of every member of our community regardless of their background, ethnicity, race, social status, or abilities. This teaching is rooted in the belief that every person is a beloved child of God and deserves respect and love,” says Mr Mirto.
By incorporating these values into its teaching, Mother Teresa Primary School cultivates an environment where everyone feels welcomed, understood, and appreciated.
Acceptance and inclusivity also extend to the school’s religious ethos, as you don’t need to be Catholic to attend. And religion is taught in a fun and easy way that students are able to grasp the concepts for their everyday life.
A warm and welcoming community
One of the school’s most cherished aspects is its sense of community. For Mother Teresa’s staff, parents, and students, the school is not just a place of learning, but a family.
“Walking into Mother Teresa as a new member of staff, I was struck very quickly with the family feel of the school, the welcoming community and the warmth of the school character,” adds the Principal. “I straight away made it my goal to preserve this character of the school firstly and to build on it in any way I can. It’s the people that make a school, and we have great people.”
And these values of good character are seen in every Mother Teresa student, says the school leader.
“Some core qualities that define a Mother Teresa student include compassion, respect, inclusivity, humility, academic excellence and gratitude,” he says.
The school’s strong student behaviour support program makes it fun to learn the foundations of being a good human being: common sense, consideration, cooperation, courtesy and care.
By cultivating these attributes, the school aims to produce students who not only excel academically but also exhibit kindness and empathy towards others.
But, as the Primcipal says, the best way to experience this difference is to see it for yourself on a tour of the campus!
“We invite anyone who is interested to come and witness these values for yourselves by touring our beautiful school, meet and greeting our students and staff – we know they will identify the feel of a school that has happy kids and rich learning,” he says.
Come for a tour of our school and witness these values for yourself. Meet and greet our students and staff, and you too will quickly realise the feel of a school that has happy kids and rich learning,” he says.
By imparting valuable life skills and nurturing a strong sense of compassion and responsibility, Mother Teresa Primary School aims to provide an education beyond textbooks and leave a lasting impression on young hearts and minds, paving the way for its students to become accomplished individuals and compassionate contributors to society.
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