THE PRIMARY ROLE OF PARENTS
The ultimate goal of St. Benilde School – and all Catholic education – is the development of the Christian disciples who understand their duty to be of constant service to God by placing the needs of others first, especially the poor and vulnerable. This goal, however, is not unique to Catholic schools. It is shared also by the parish, and most important, in the homes of each Catholic family who partner with the school and parish in their child’s faith-centered education.
“Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it.
It is particularly in the Christian family, enriched by the grace and sacrament of matrimony, that from their earliest years children should be taught according to the faith received in Baptism, to have knowledge of God, to worship him, and to love their neighbor.
While belonging primarily to the family, the task of imparting education requires the help of society as a whole. As for Catholic parents, the Council calls to mind their duty to entrust their children to Catholic schools, when and where possible, to support such schools to the extent of their ability, and to work with them for the welfare of their children” (Declaration of Christian Education, Vatican II).
We at St. Benilde School look forward to partnering with each and every family, and especially the parents and guardians of the children being entrusted to our care. We will strive in communion with all our families to create a school climate that is a place of love, affirmation, nurturing, and encouragement. We will work to foster harmonious working relationships with each family grounded in a sense of mutual trust and respect.
The administration, faculty, and staff of St. Benilde School pledge…
In return, our school’s families pledge…
A strong partnership between the school and our families is essential for each child to be given the best opportunity to succeed. That is why it is crucial for all parties – administration, faculty, staff, volunteers, students, parents, and their families – to uphold these pledges. That is also why families who act in such a way as to break the partnership and cause harm to St. Benilde School may – at the discretion of the school’s leadership – be required to withdraw their child(ren) from St. Benilde School.
We at St. Benilde School look forward to your full partnership for the current school year and for many years to come!