Andrew Murray is Deputy Principal at Sacred Heart Girls College. He has held various roles in five Catholic schools in his 25 years teaching.

I teach in a Catholic school because I love being part of the authentic community that is Catholic schools. We are called to teach with Christ. This passion was formed after 11 years of Catholic education under two religious orders: the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, (“Brown Joes”) and the De La Salle Brothers. In 1994 I began my teaching career in Catholic schools at Francis Douglas College four years after I had left the school as head boy.

Our schools are a tight-knit community of teachers, students, whānau and parish. Some say it is our shared faith that binds us together, but I think it is our genuine care for one another that unites us. Over the years, I have had students who return after graduation and talk about the sense of belonging they felt at school and the role school played in their faith journey.

I teach in a Catholic school because we are whānau. We watch our students grow over the years. We get to know each child on an individual level. Staff, students and parents all come together to pray for those who are sick, celebrate a new baby, or even provide a special gift to a family in need.

Being a teacher in a Catholic school encourages me in my faith. Teaching is a public profession: we are watched by students, parents and other teachers. Within this community, we become aware of our behaviours – it is a kind of conscience for us. Parents watch teachers, making sure the needs of their child are met. And students watch teachers, gauging their attitude to faith. My students can smell the difference between real and fake, which encourages me constantly to keep myself in check and relate authentically with my students and God. This can be a real challenge. I’m the Director of Religious Studies and the coach of a crack under-16 rugby team and the boys often look at my reaction to a referee’s call. I actively remind myself I’m in the presence of my God!

As everything in a Catholic school is geared towards Christ I’m able to complement, discuss and even explain my beliefs without worrying if I am offending my students. I can commend or thank a student for their help during Mass. Students can openly discuss their faith and our daily lessons are often linked to our charism.

We encounter obstacles wherever we work as part of life. In a Catholic school I can seek help from a higher authority. Our week begins with staff prayer. We gather in our staffroom to thank God for our abilities and blessings, and ask for help for the week ahead. Throughout the school year, we support each other in highs and lows. We celebrate small victories and pray over difficult times. We are assured through our faith that no matter what happens, God’s love for us will be there forever. I teach in a Catholic school because I feel I am — we all are — like Christ, living God’s mission.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 229 August 2018: 20