Mount Saint Agnes Academy is observing National Catholic School Week, an annual celebration primarily observed in the United States.

As part of an effort to highlight that, Year 12 students Joshua Blee and Natalie Young spoke with The Royal Gazette about their experience at the school. Although Joshua is Catholic and Natalie is not, both shared a love of the school and an appreciation of opportunity to be educated in a Christian environment.

According to Natalie, her time at Mt St Agnes has been “very positive”, something she will “for ever remember”.

“Being that it is a Catholic school, the virtues of Christianity are at the core of everything MSA represents. I am not Catholic; however, I am a Christian,” she said.

“My experience at MSA as a non-Catholic has been very positive. MSA strives to provide a welcoming environment for all students despite religious beliefs. Catholicism is not forced on students but rather MSA makes an effort to include and educate students about the Catholic faith.”

She added: “For me, being at MSA has not only enhanced my faith but also has helped me display virtues like charity, compassion and responsibility in day-to-day experiences. I think the religious background of the school is a strong contributor to the sense of community felt at MSA.”

Joshua, who has been at the Dundonald Street institution since he was an elementary student, believes it has given him an added opportunity to express his faith.

“My experience at MSA as a Catholic student has been amazing. MSA has given me the opportunity as a Catholic student to learn more about my faith, as well as express my faith through the provided religion course and various masses and prayer services held throughout the year.

“This balance of both academics and religion has provided me with a strong foundation for future growth in these areas. Having the opportunity to blend both my faith and academics into one have proved extremely beneficial for me as both a student and as a Catholic.”

Mount Saint Agnes, a private institution, was founded in 1890 and is the only Catholic school on the island. A coeducational school, it is operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton and provides education from preschool through to high school.

The principles of Christian education and a deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ form the basis for the school’s social and educational philosophy. But what seems to bring the most value to students is the sense of community experienced there.

“This feeling of togetherness is something I value highly, and I am grateful to attend a school where I can experience such a feeling,” Natalie said.

Visit msa.bm for more information on Mount Saint Agnes Academy