At Nazareth, all students, families and staff belong to a House. There are five Houses.
The aim of the House system at our R-12 College is to create a sense of connection, spirit, belonging and identity for each student in a smaller group within the Community.
Catherine, Dominic, MacKillop and McAuley Houses are named from the traditions of the four former schools: Siena, Mater Christi, Our Lady of the Manger and Cardinia which were amalgamated to create the Nazareth Catholic Community in 2007.
Romero House has been chosen as a symbol for social justice and social inclusion which are integral to our community.
Our House logos aid in understanding and recontextualising our patrons. The Nazareth cross is an element to the design that can be seen in each House logo. This unites the images and represents that at the centre of our community and all House activity is our faith. The Cross is also a symbol that connects us to the strong faith all of our patrons had in God.
Feast Day: 29 April
Saint Catherine of Siena, ‘The Pure One’, was a mystic, theologian, politician, peacemaker, writer and champion of the poor and oppressed. One of the most socially active, most publicly influential and most theologically piercing women in the church’s history, Catherine was committed to caring for the sick and diseased. She empowers us to be ministers of compassion and healing.
Behind the logo design…
The symbol of people represents unity, teamwork and lovingness. St Catherine was an advocate for bringing people together and she worked with others to share love with those in need. The flame connects to the passion and fire that Catherine had inside of her, to share Gods word and be a person of faith.
Feast Day: 8 August
Saint Dominic, ‘Athlete of Christ’ lived a life of tireless effort in the service of God. He was the founder of the Order of Friars Preachers and the patron saint of astronomers. He spent his life preaching and introduced the prayer of the Rosary after a vision from Our Lady. Dominic had the deepest compassion for all humans. The motto of the Dominican Order is ‘Veritas’ or ‘Truth’ because a Dominican’s greatest work is to preach the truth about God.
Behind the logo design…
The open book represents openness and welcome to others, something that describes Saint Dominic’s approach. The book also represents education and a thirst for knowledge. There is a star beaming with light, representing St Dominic’s association with astronomy and symbolising hope and encouragement to achieve.
Feast Day: 8 August
Australia’s first saint, St Mary MacKillop opened the first St Joseph’s School in Penola in 1866 – the beginning of the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph. In 1867, she opened her first Adelaide school and within months, there were many more in South Australia. Mary had a profound influence on the formation of Catholic Education as it is experienced today. Mary also opened orphanages, refuges and providences to care for the homeless and those needing a fresh beginning.
Behind the logo design…
A long winding road represents the journey filled with trials and tribulations in Mary MacKillop’s life. It is also a symbol of her following in the footsteps of Jesus. We can see the Southern Cross, connecting us to Mary MacKillop as an Australian saint. She was a shining light of example for others, encouraging them and leading them.
Anniversary: 11 November
Founder of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley worked with the poor and needy in Dublin, Ireland, gaining a reputation around the city at a time when nuns were rarely seen in public. Within 10 years, Mercy nuns were worldwide helping wherever a need arose. They provided education for the poor and nursing in times of disease epidemics. Catherine demonstrated to truly be witnesses to Jesus’ message is to care for all our sisters and brothers.
Behind the logo design…
Within our McAuley House logo is an outreached hand that represents generosity and service, a perfect symbol to show how generous and giving Catherine McAuley was, always reaching out to others. The heart is a symbol of love, mercy and kindness, which represents the loving spirit of Catherine McAuley.
Feast Day: 24 March
As Bishop of Santiago de Maria in El Salvador, Romero was horrified that children were dying because families could not afford medicines. He began using resources of his own and the diocese to help the poor. Romero was committed to ensuring all people had access to basic needs and that their rights were upheld. He offered faith and hope to people, using radio to broadcast Sunday sermons. In 1980, Oscar Romero was assassinated. He gave his life to be the voice of the poor and oppressed and is a role model for those seeking justice, reconciliation and peace.
Behind the logo design…
Within our Romero House logo are the words spoken by St Oscar Romero; “aspire to be more”, encouraging us to aspire to be the best that we can be. There is a lion to represents the bravery of Saint Oscar Romero, his courage and the strength he had. He was fearless and strong and stood up for what he knew was right. The star represents Romero being a light to others.
