Mission & Philosophy: Foundation Documents

Belief Statements
The St. Vincent Catholic Community believes:
• Catholic values of respect, service and compassion are the chief priorities of our school
• Students are capable of becoming confident, self-directed learners
• Life-long student learning is a shared responsibility between students, teachers, administrators, parents, and parish community
• Each student is a valued individual with unique spiritual physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs
• Students will be presented with opportunities to gain an understanding of a variety of peoples and cultures.
• Students should be provided with a variety of instructional approaches and assessment techniques, which actively engage students and support their learning.

Educational Philosophy
As Catholic school educators, we provide an educational environment where life-long learning is a shared responsibility among students, teachers, administrators, parents and parish community. We believe the parents are the primary educators of their children. Together, we promote consistent Catholic values at home and at school. Our hope is that children may develop into authentic Christians by using their God-given gifts. To achieve this end, we hope to create a safe, loving, spiritual environment in which open communication is encouraged.

We believe in the multidimensional approach to education. Intellectual, social, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the student are fostered through the practice of service, compassion, love and respect. Teachers must not only instruct
students but also endeavor to inspire them to reflect upon the message of the Gospel in their daily lives.

In our commitment to provide a sound academic program, we see the need for each student to develop critical and creative thinking skills. It is vital that the education students receive is based firmly on the principles of learning, on effective instruction and is designed to meet the learning styles of children. We strongly believe that when we teach children to have a love of learning it will allow a discovery of the wonders awaiting them.

Graduate Profile
It is our hope that a graduate of St. Vincent de Paul School would choose to:
1. Actively participate in their Catholic faith.
2. Apply Christian values when making moral, social, or political decisions.
3. Form meaningful, healthy relationships with others.
4. Exhibit self-confidence and recognize that they and all people are worthy of dignity and respect.
5. Develop and demonstrate competency in basic learning fundamentals.
6. Be prepared academically for a successful high school career and continued learning throughout their lives.
7. Assume leadership roles when opportunities arise.
8. Further develop technological literacy.
9. Use gifts and talents to provide service to the school, parish, and community.

In conclusion, we hope that students graduating would exhibit characteristics of integrity, honesty, compassion sensitivity, and inclusion of others.