Why Catholic Education?
As many of you may know, there is always the question as to why there should be a Catholic School system when a public school system is already in place. I would like to share my experience after I have worked in both systems, and hopefully this will give parents, and educators some insight.
I have met many lovely people in both systems and frankly children are children not matter which system you attend, and curriculum standards expectations are the same for all schools in Alberta. Where the difference occurs is in the belief system of the family or school community.
As many of you may know, there is always the question as to why there should be a Catholic School system when a public school system is already in place. I would like to share my experience after I have worked in both systems, and hopefully this will give parents, and educators some insight.
I have met many lovely people in both systems and frankly children are children not matter which system you attend, and curriculum standards expectations are the same for all schools in Alberta. Where the difference occurs is in the belief system of the family or school community.
When you choose to enrol your child in a Catholic School in Alberta, whether you are Catholic or not, you are making a commitment to journey in faith with your child. Our number one goal is "To make Christ known to Children". This means that your child will be involved in numerous religious celebrations, daily religion classes, and that you fully understand that our faith is permeated into every subject, discipline issue, or dealing that we have with your child. This is the beauty that makes the Catholic school system so sought after. Children are a precious gift from God and they need to know that they are valued and loved by him.
Anyone who works in business understands the importance of a vision and mission statement. Many people are not able to recite these and if they can, do they believe it, do they live it? Catholic teachers are called to a higher standard - they are called to live their faith daily in their community, church and in school with students and colleagues. Catholic teachers are expected to treat their colleagues with love, forgiveness and understanding; which makes for a lovely work environment. Catholic teachers are constantly reminding children about God's plan for them and teach children about proper morals and values. The most important element is that the Catholic teacher does not just implement a mission or vision, they are implementing a "Divine" mission which they make their life goal. There isn't a mission more powerful than this. There isn't a calling more precious. A "Divine" mission is so much more powerful than any man made mission; it calls us all to reflect on our true purpose. All of these morals, values, attitudes are brought to the school to create our Catholic School environment.
From my experience, being able to talk to your children about God allows children to develop a sense of belonging, importance, and it helps them to feel valued. Working in a Catholic system is a very accepting environment where you are working together with other staff to make "Christ known to Children". When you walk into a Catholic School, you should be able to see the difference immediately, not only by the school presence but in the way that we treat your child.
Anyone who works in business understands the importance of a vision and mission statement. Many people are not able to recite these and if they can, do they believe it, do they live it? Catholic teachers are called to a higher standard - they are called to live their faith daily in their community, church and in school with students and colleagues. Catholic teachers are expected to treat their colleagues with love, forgiveness and understanding; which makes for a lovely work environment. Catholic teachers are constantly reminding children about God's plan for them and teach children about proper morals and values. The most important element is that the Catholic teacher does not just implement a mission or vision, they are implementing a "Divine" mission which they make their life goal. There isn't a mission more powerful than this. There isn't a calling more precious. A "Divine" mission is so much more powerful than any man made mission; it calls us all to reflect on our true purpose. All of these morals, values, attitudes are brought to the school to create our Catholic School environment.
From my experience, being able to talk to your children about God allows children to develop a sense of belonging, importance, and it helps them to feel valued. Working in a Catholic system is a very accepting environment where you are working together with other staff to make "Christ known to Children". When you walk into a Catholic School, you should be able to see the difference immediately, not only by the school presence but in the way that we treat your child.
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