Philosophy
Statement of Philosophy
We believe that education is a life-long activity engaging spirit, mind, body and emotions in which we, as teachers, participate with students and parents during a brief period of a student’s life.
Our goals at St. Catherine of Genoa School are to expose children to the knowledge of God and instill Christian values. We come together as one Christian community to know, love and serve God. Through our words and actions, we show the students how to respect God by respecting themselves, others and nature.
It is our responsibility to provide a living, caring and nurturing atmosphere in which each child’s own uniqueness and growth can be recognized and fostered. Teachers participate, at times, as learners along with the students. We work toward helping each student to develop as a whole person-intellectually, personally, socially, physically and spiritually.
The student’s intellect is developed through an interdisciplinary approach. The students are challenged to think critically, make inferences and connections and draw conclusions. This approach leads to individualized learning based on student needs and abilities. Teaching is enhanced through the use of technology. Opportunities are provided to maximum each student’s talents through the arts and sports programs, extra-curricular activities, as well as the academic activities of the day.
The teacher’s role is multifaceted. We are facilitators, advisors and listeners. All of this is achieved in an atmosphere of fairness, while promoting responsibility and accountability. We are partners in teaching with the parents of our students.
As colleagues, we work in a supportive atmosphere that incorporates mutual respect, cooperation, teamwork and sharing of expertise. Our collaborative actions influence the entire school community and leads to a flourishing environment that is beneficial to the learner.
Policy is developed according to state and diocesan standards, expectations of school personnel, input of parents and needs of students. Current practices are adapted to meet long and short-range goals. With the advice and support of grade-partners and department colleagues, input and guidance from the school administrators, through formal and informal observations and conferencing, teachers receive the needed support. In-service workshops and professional development programs only enhance what the teacher brings to the classroom.
We believe that in preparing children to live in the 21st Century, it is essential to help them achieve a global understanding of life, whereby they learn to treasure and enjoy the beauties of our planet and the differences among people. They need to know how their use of resources and goods affects others around the world. Our students will have more choices than ever, and they will need to know how to make decisions and live with the consequences.
Finally, we change and grow with our students in a context of Christina caring and sharing. We celebrate the Eucharist as a school community, professing our unity as Christians. We honor special feast days and seasons of the Church year with prayer services and assemblies. In everything we do, we hope to realize, with out students, God’s personal love for each of u, and to discover what our response to God can be, as we grow together in Faith.
