Education is a matter of the heart

Dear Friends

"Remember that education is a matter of the heart" – is an often-quoted statement by Don Bosco. As all parents and educators know, this is the greatest challenge of all.

To think, feel and act from the heart (out of love and genuine interest of the child), and to receive a response that comes from the heart of the child, are deeply personal experiences of growth and maturity, typical of a well-rounded and educated personality.

Recently I came across a book by the title "Educating hearts" – written by two experienced teachers and parents. Nowhere in this book had I found any reference to Don Bosco by name, but the ideas presented in it would have done Don Bosco proud!

The sub-title of the book is also interesting: "Seven characteristics of a good school." One of those characteristics is called SPIRITUALITY.

And this word takes in a great variety of experiences that go beyond religious education - such as reflection and silence, prayer and respect for the sacred, celebration in the chapel and honouring the school's Patron Saints, appreciation of nature and tolerance for the diversity of people, knowledge of the Bible and of the teachings of Jesus and the Church, living by the truth and doing one's best every day to make good use of our God-given talents…

These are all experiences that educate the heart and are integral to the spiritual dimension of education.

Spirituality will equip a young person with the compass and the map that will help them chart their way through life.

The end result is the response we offer to others, motivated by a sense of gratitude, generosity, understanding, compassion and service.

The authors of the book call on all school staff to continue to develop their own spiritual formation and that of their pupils.

I know that Dominic College offers staff and students many opportunities for on-going spiritual formation.

Fr Frank Bertagnolli, SDB - Rector