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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…
- To provide a high quality academic and spiritual formation program with the resources we are provided.
- To do everything within our power to make sure each child experiences that they are safe, loved, and cared for.
- To strive for transparency in school operations while also ensuring the vital right to privacy of all our individual members.
- To promote ongoing and prompt communication with families regarding major school events as well as particular questions parents and guardians may have regarding their own child’s education.
- To resolve disputes promptly in a way that promotes stronger bonds between family and school.
In return, our school’s families pledge…
- To regularly celebrate their many graces given from God at weekly Sunday mass.
- To celebrate the Sacraments and involve their children in living a sacramental life.
- To educate themselves on the basic principles of the Catholic faith and pass those principles on to their children.
- To teach their child(ren) respect for others, including the rights and possessions of others.
- To teach their children the importance of the law and authority in a compassionate and just society.
- To get their child to school on time and ready to learn every day, unless their child is sick or exceptional circumstances require them to miss.
- To take an active role in their child’s education and other activities.
- To support the mission, vision, policies, and procedures of St. Benilde School in all of their public statements and writing.
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!