STUDENT SENATE
The ICFP Senate is an internal student organisation working under the academic direction. The ICFP Senate was re-established in 2017 to train students to be good and responsible leaders. Working with the Vice Director of Academic Affairs a range of talents and critical development programmes are implemented to develop education in ICFP and in the schools. ICFP has its own structure and each year, the students decide their academic and extra-curricular activities. They present their thoughts to the ICFP Executive to promote their talents and skills as future teachers. Since 2017 each Head of the Senate has led the students with their various programmes. Every year the chief of the senate reports and hands over the new duties to the elected chief of the senate. The Senate is alive and growing at ICFP in a very positive way.
CHOIRS
ICFP choirs are formed for major events, such as the Opening Mass at the start of the academic year, the Mass to celebrate the feast of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the Despedede Mass and the Graduation Mass. They also participate in the local parishes on a roster system. Also, the National Anthem and the Institute song are sang at special gatherings during the year, such as the alumni reunion and when guest speakers are at the Institute.
MARIST YOUTH GROUP (PJM)
The student group was established in 2019 after a proposal from the Brazilian volunteer Mana Janaini who with her initiative recommended to Br. Peter to bring together the young people at ICFP. Mana Janaini and Mana Domingas Belo started their first training in May and July to prepare the youth to become role models in society. The mission of the PJM is to promote the integrated training of students to be ethical, and fair and in solidarity with others through an education guided by the values of the Gospel, and the way of the Virgin Mary to transform the society. The 5-year vision of PJM can serve as a reference for quality education in the evangelisation, promotion, protection and defence of the rights of children, adolescents and young people. The values for the community include, trust, modesty, friendship, sharing, simplicity, availability, sensitivity, determination, joy, commitment, and humility. Currently the PJM continues to grow with trainers like Mestra Domingas, Mestre Mariano, Mestre Silvanio, Mestra Joaquina, Mestra Julieta, Mana Henriqueta, Mestra Virginia and Mana Femi
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
ICFP students and staff are engaged in various activities in the local parishes and in the wider community.
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They regularly provide the readers and singers at Sunday Mass, especially in the Cathedral parish, but also at Vila Nova.
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They play sport with local groups, such as the army, the police and village groups.
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Every couple of months, they organize a clean-up in the centre of Baucau.
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The annual Despedede and Graduation ceremonies attracts large crowds.
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The staff organizes professional development with teachers from the Municipality of Baucau.
PASTORAL CARE
The origin of the phrase ‘pastoral care’ is in Jesus’ pastoral image of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18). Here, the Good Shepherd is the one who looks after his sheep and will lay down his life for them.
At ICFP Baucau, we believe that best practice pastoral care supports each individual’s wellbeing. Among the characteristics identified as contributing to good pastoral care are fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness and providing a safe and secure environment.
The student: each student is a whole person, with physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs. At ICFP we are all part of a community that forms a network of care – students, staff, parents and the wider ICFP community. Each of our students is valued as an individual. ICFP fosters an environment that is welcoming, safe and where students are respected as members of a larger community.
The ICFP community: each day, every member of the ICFP community – students, teaching and non-teaching staff - is encouraged to exemplify the Marist characteristics of presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work and following in the way of Mary. Relationships are a key component of our pastoral care of students and the staff with whom we work. We encourage every member of the ICFP community to participate and be involved in the life of the Institute – to share our energy, skills and interests, and to serve others. We rely on each other for our wellbeing. Our community environment enables students to learn cooperatively and make good choices for themselves, and for the good of the whole Institute.
Orientation (Pastoral Care) Groups: The Orientation (Pastoral Care) Groups are a vital part of our Institute. Students meet in their Orientation Care Groups a few times each semester, to develop relationships with their Group Leader and other students. These meetings provide opportunities for mutual support.
Student leadership opportunities: Service is one our most important values. We encourage our students to develop leadership skills so they can assist others and serve the community. There are many opportunities within the Institute to learn and contribute in leadership roles:
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The Student Senate Council elected by the students, and assisted by the Vice-Director, Quality Assurance.
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Participation in the Institute choir, gymnastics activities, and major events, such as the Despedida, the Champagnat day celebrations and the Graduation.
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Show good example to younger students, especially during the teaching practicum (estájiu).
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Take personal responsibility for attendance at class, punctuality and respect for others.
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Participate in the PJM movement – Pastoral Juvenil Marista’s activities and formation opportunities.