Ascension Philosophy of Education

Updated October 2006 - Anita Brady

We believe that Catholic education encompasses the spiritual, intellectual, physical, creative, social and emotional formation of the students, thus empowering them to reach their full potential.

We are committed to the four-fold educational mission of the Church comprising: Message, Community, Service, and Worship. It is essential that students become familiar with the message revealed by God and proclaimed in Church doctrine, through a study of Scripture, participation in liturgy, and understanding the rich tradition of the Catholic faith. The school should be a place where relationships of friendship, trust, and love are fostered, and children learn to build community through experiencing positive interaction with parents, teachers, and each other. As a result of the knowledge and valuable experiences received, the students should be inspired to reach out in service to the parish and the community.

Regarding students as individuals, we are committed to a curriculum that provides a structured academic foundation while stimulating critical thinking, fostering creativity, and encouraging self-initiated learning as a lifelong process. We believe that the curriculum should emphasize the concept of global interdependence and a heightened awareness of peace and social justice issues. Student's should be empowered to develop appropriate self-esteem, a sense of respect for people, responsibility, an appreciation of hard work, and an ability to relate to others in positive ways. We believe in providing an organized program of activities to promote the development of physical well-being.

In order to reflect the changes in family structures, we believe that today's school must act in loco parentis in new and challenging ways. In order to reflect the changes in society, we believe that the faculty should be kept abreast of new trends, research, and technology in the educational field.

We are dedicated to providing an educational environment where Christian values are taught, where the witness of adults and children to these values is in evidence, and where religious truths are integrated with life.

Attitude of Parents

The education received at school is an extension of the education that begins in the home with the birth of the baby. Long before a child reaches five, his parents have laid the groundwork for his formation. So, when a child enters school, he is not beginning his education - he is merely continuing the process. To be successful, he still needs the help of his parents.

The attitude of parents or guardians toward the school and teachers is of vital importance since it will reflect in the attitude of the child. It is important for parents to preserve the union of authority that makes the teacher in the classroom an extension of parental authority.

Parents are reminded that negative attitudes, criticism, gossip, words spoken in anger, or perhaps in jest, are absorbed by the child and become a part of his education. Obedience and respect for authority cannot be learned at school if it has not been taught at home.

When a problem arises between a child and the teacher, parents are asked to seek out the facts by going directly to the teacher involved. Only when the interview with the teacher is unsatisfactory should they contact the principal or other authority.