Our FCJ Family
We believe that that as Companions of Jesus we have a duty to show companionship to others. That’s why we proclaim our school motto “Res Non Verba” which translates into “deeds not words”.
The school was founded by the Society of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, a religious order of women whose foundress is Madeleine de Bengy de Bonnault d’Houët; mother, wife, daughter, widow, friend and loving grandmother.
Having founded the order in 1820 in post-revolutionary France, the first companions worked with women and children in Amiens. Marie Madeleine founded poor schools, day schools and boarding schools, orphanages, night classes for women and retreat centres.
She soon travelled abroad to found schools in England, Ireland and Belgium. After her many years of religious life Marie Madeleine died in Paris in 1858.
Today, FCJ sisters are living in Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas. Organised into provinces they are one body committed to living the charism of faithful companionship with Jesus. They are enriched by their cultural diversity and internationality, Easter people celebrating the life of the Risen Christ. As Ignatian women, they seek to find God in all things and they find joy in being sent on mission.
FCJ Primary School is one of the family of schools run by the Faithful Companions of Jesus. At our school, our approach to the care of our students is rooted in the values of the FCJ sisters. The values of Companionship, Dignity, Excellence, Justice, Gentleness and Hope give staff and students alike a clear set of expectations in terms of how we treat each other.
- Click Here for more information on the FCJ Sisters.
- Click Here for our Visions & Values booklet.
Our FCJ Core Values
Excellence is an inclusive value in an FCJ School, incorporated in every aspect of school life and living. We set the highest possible standards in supporting each other as we strive to achieve our personal best; to become what we aspire to be.
Companionship is an all-pervading quality present when we work together in an atmosphere of support and love. The dignity of each person is recognised as that of a human being made in the image of God. Everyone is genuinely listened to and what they say is heard. Companionship is breaking the bread of life together as we live God’s dream for each one of us more fully. Together we learn; we pray; we laugh and cry.
Dignity is treasured in the school community, nurtured in the individual and enhances the life of the school. Everyone is genuinely listened to and what they say is heard. This sense of dignity and respect provides opportunities for each person to recognise and celebrate their own self-worth. It demands, when challenging circumstances arise, that we seek dignified solutions for all concerned.
Justice acknowledges and embraces diversity; ensures fair treatment for all; promotes just relationships and structures within our school and in the world. It challenges opinions and actions that contradict Gospel values and requires us to stand shoulder to shoulder with the oppressed.
Hope inspires and enables us to persevere in the face of difficulties. It empowers us to fulfil our aspirations and grow towards spiritual, intellectual and emotional maturity.
Gentleness is the fruit of quiet self-possession that has been gained through daily growth in self-understanding through the light of grace (Adrian Van Kaam). It is a quality which helps us to keep a calm spirit, a peaceful heart, and control in our words and gestures; even when the circumstances seem to call forth, or at least justify, an explosion of displeasure or anger. Gentleness results in right relationships with God, self and others. Gentleness keeps our hearts always within the boundaries of justice, reason and love.
Our FCJ History
FCJ Primary School has been established in Jersey since 1911. Most islanders will remember the old FCJ Convent School at David Place. This site housed the convent as well as the School. In 1967 the FCJ Sisters bought Grainville Manor, in the Parish of St Saviour. Work began on the new Convent and School building in 1969. The Prep School was opened in 1970 and the Convent and Secondary School a year later.
Further extensions were added to FCJ Primary School in 1996 to enhance curriculum provision for Art and ICT as well as provide an additional classroom. This extension programme was funded in full by the FCJ Sisters.
In 2002 the school received a capital works grant from the States of Jersey and completely refurbished the school to a high standard. A few years later the grounds were developed to provide a sensory garden, vegetable plots and adventure play equipment. Further works and developments are in the pipeline as the school continues to thrive.