Our Catholic Identity

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The St Martin de Porres philosophy is expressed through the school’s motto
In Omnibus Caritas – In all things love and Veritas – Truth.

In the words of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop we “never see a need without doing something about it”.

Every facet of life at St Martin de Porres provides opportunity for students to experience the graciousness of God in their lives. Each child is encouraged to grow spiritually and to be the very best person they can be.

Our mission as a Catholic learning community

At St Martin de Porres, we:

  • recognise the image of every child as competent, inventive and full of possibilities and ideas
  • nurture and recognises the potential of each child
  • embrace the diversity and potential of families within our community
  • are inspired by the work and values of Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop and her love of God
  • are committed to supporting our students in reaching their highest developmental, social and academic potential.

This holistic approach to education empowers families to participate and enhanced their child’s learning.

The religious dimension is one which enriches our Dominican heritage. This dimension is experienced through:

  • Crossways – the religious education curriculum of Catholic Education SA;
  • Made in the Image of God – Human Development Program;
  • daily prayer and reflections;
  • class liturgies;
  • Saint Martin and Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Saint Day celebrations; and
  • support for the Catholic sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist through the Hallett Cove Parish.

Our mission is to actively develop the Catholic ethos of the school. We invite our whole school community into a faith centred environment.

Religious Education Program

The Religious Education curriculum follows the Crossways Framework endorsed by Catholic Education South Australia (CESA).

Crossways supports the integration of faith, life and culture by providing a curriculum framework for the development of teaching and learning within the Key Learning Area of Religious Education.

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Mass, liturgies and sacraments

Weekly Parish Masses

Weekday Mass is celebrated each Wednesday afternoon at 12.00pm and Friday morning at 9.30am in the Parish Church. Each year level celebrates Mass four times a year and they are rostered to participate in the readings, prayers and singing.

All are welcome to join the children in celebrating the Mass together.
 

Whole School/Parish Masses

Whole School Masses are a gathering of the school and parish community in prayer. We host six whole school celebrations per year:

  • Beginning the Year
  • Ash Wednesday
  • St Dominic
  • The Feast of the Assumption of Mary
  • The Feast of St Martin de Porres
  • End of Year and Graduation
     

Whole School Liturgies

Liturgies are held during Passion Week leading up to Easter, Remembrance Day and Advent leading up to Christmas. Each class is responsible for hosting the liturgy for the school community.
 

Sacramental Program 

The Sacramental Program aims to support parents in the preparation of their children to celebrate sacraments in their lives. The program is offered as a Parish/School initiative. 

Parent Information sessions and Parent/Student workshops are held out of school hours prior to celebrating sacraments.

Youth Ministry

The southern cluster youth ministry program is an initiative of the Catholic Parishes and Schools in the South Western Suburbs of Adelaide. The purpose of the program is to minister to young people within our parishes and schools and find relevant and accessible ways for them to engage with their faith and the life of the Church.

There are a number of opportunities for children, teenagers and young adults to participate in this program: www.Southernclusteryouth.com