Sacred Heart School
Philosophy

The philosophy of Sacred Heart School is an expression of the school's nature, purpose and goals, and it gives direction to its entire educational mission. Not only does it reflect the needs, values and purposes of the specific community which the school serves, but it also reflects input from the various groups which directly relate to the school.

From the Bishops' Pastoral on Education, "To Teach As Jesus Did," the purpose of Catholic education is:

• To teach doctrine
• To build community
• To serve other

We at Sacred Heart School strive to fulfill this three-fold purpose through a strong religious education program, a high quality academic program, and an active community involvement.

In keeping with the Bishops' Pastoral, the concept of teaching as Jesus did is an essential element in developing students' awareness of the messages of the Gospels. Most important for the students at Sacred Heart is to translate these messages into daily life and to carry on the work of Jesus and follow His example.

In striving to develop Christian attitudes in our students, the members of the Sacred Heart School community have the following goals:

• To be a positive model to young Christian men and women;
• To inspire Catholic thinking in a secular world;
• To encourage students to contemplate Christian moral values examination and evaluation;
• To stimulate good religious judgment and values in young people so that they are able to make intelligent decisions with integrity and wisdom.

Students are encouraged to be successful members of the world community. Sacred Heart believes that each child is unique and has special gifts from God, and that it is up to the teacher to allow the students the freedom to follow her/his talents and the discipline to develop the necessary stamina and skills to live up to these gifts whenever necessary.

The total parish community at Sacred Heart School should thrive on supporting each other, both church and school. A strong community bond should enhance the students' ability to view wisdom, participate at their own level, and dream of leadership in the future. The parish community acts as a symbolic, but yet realistic pattern of Christian life. The student through education and tutelage is encouraged to emulate this style and pattern.

The continuous goal of dedicated teaching should be a positive system of encouraging students to question, to read, to follow-up, and to apply what they have learned in their pursuit of living a good Christian life.