Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur

Learning Community   

The Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community Hallmarks describe the essential characteristics, values, and activities of a Notre Dame learning community .

The Notre Dame Hallmarks emerged in response to the question from both the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and their co-workers: “What makes our school a Notre Dame school?”

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, in collaboration with the learning communities, began a process to explore this question. The process gave birth to these “living statements”, statements that will continue to develop over time and are relevant to the times, ones which inspire faithfulness to the spirituality and mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for generations to come.

These Notre Dame Hallmarks are used through a reflection-action-reflection process, whereby each learning community, on a regular basis, metaphorically takes a look in the mirror and based on what it sees, makes choices for its continued development.

Thus, the Hallmarks give values-based direction for decisions and activities so that the learning community continues to express the spirituality and mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

The Notre Dame Community Hallmarks

1.      We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words 

         that God is good.

2.      We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.

3.      We educate for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world.

4.      We commit ourselves to community service.

5.      We embrace the gift of diversity.

6.      We create community among those with whom we work

         and with those we serve.

7.      We develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.