School Culture Initiative

"The value of our educational practices will be measured not simply by the results of standardized tests, but by the ability to affect the heart of society and to help give birth to a new culture. A different world is impossible and we are called to learn how to build it. This will involve every aspect of our humanity, both as individuals and in our communities" - Pope Francis

Through a 2-year collaboration, ACE Ireland partners with schools to facilitate a process in which the school communities (leadership, staff, parents, and students) explore, understand, and learn how to articulate and communicate their beliefs and values that shape the culture of their school. They also learn how to create and sustain a strong, positive, intentional school culture aligned with the mission, vision, beliefs, and values of their school.

Each school selects a School Culture Leadership Team of 2-3 members who with the principal are in positions of authority and influence in their schools and who have the ability to deliver engaging professional development to their entire school staff. These teams are willing to learn, study, grow, and collaborate with other School Culture Teams across Ireland and receive training and resources throughout the process. At the conclusion of the programme, the leaders have the background knowledge, skills, and resources to shape and sustain a strong, intentional, and joyful Catholic school culture within their communities. Additionally, they will have developed relationships with a passionate community of like-minded educators engaged in the same work.