I love my uniform. It is so convenient to wake up knowing exactly what I am going to wear. People from Dutch always say that it stinks that I have to wear an uncomfortable uniform, but I am a big fan of it. There are so many options and dress pants are a lot more comfortable than the jeans I would wear at a public school. Picking out clothes in the morning is one less thing I have to worry about in my life.
I have always appreciated holy days of obligation and holiday seasons in a Catholic school. My brothers who went to Ridgway, my parents, and my cousins always have to worry about going to mass on holy days at night, but we get it taken care of in school. I love mass in our school because people sing and Fr. Ross does a great job aiming his homilies towards teenagers. Also, going to confession during school is always something that I have appreciated. I can go into the holiday with a clean soul without going to confession out of school. They make it really convenient for us and more people should take advantage of these great opportunities.
Being in a school with other Catholics makes the atmosphere of learning less stressful. Everyone has something in common to base our education off of, which makes it easier to discuss what we are learning. In biology and anatomy, it is nice to ask what the church thinks about certain things in order to see how ethical and moral science is or is not. I always said that if I went into the medical field, I want to go to a devout catholic college that will teach me what is right medically regarding my faith and desire to follow God. English always teaches me a lot about God too because we look at things from a Catholic lens. I love when our blogs are on the speeches( I still think about "From Gangland to Glory").
Although we are labeled a Catholic School, we do not act like one all of the time. We need to change many aspects of the theology department and learn more about our faith. Until this year, I have not learned much in theology class at ECC, and even this year, we are learning world religions so I am not learning about Catholicism. I understand that is up to me to learn and make the most out of my time and resources here, but it would be easier for me and everyone else if our theology department helped us out more and made our curriculum more challenging. If you have a group of 200 teenagers, theology could either drive them towards God or completely away from their faith. Using The Lighthouse Catholic Media CDs with the experienced speakers that can appeal to teenagers would be a good idea. We have educated adults who know a lot about their faith and their should share what they know with us. We need more intensity and should not only learn, but send people on mission trips. We need to learn humility through theology in high school.
Grace, I also like how we celebrate feast days and holy days together as a school. Without this opportunity, I don't know when I'd go to mass on these days. To be completely honest, I would probably forget which days are holy days of obligation. Going during school helps me keep up in my spiritual life, and makes remembering less important. I am free to celebrate fully instead of trying to figure out how to squeeze mass in between practice, homework, and studying.
I agree, Grace, that although I appreciate our theology program, it definitely needs some improvement in certain areas. I feel as if this year is the only time I have heard something I have not heard the past twelve years of my education. Every year they focus on the same facts, and although they are important, they need expanded upon. We do not learn about many important documents, controversies, or teachings. Incorporating Lighthouse Catholic Media would be a great way to introduce an educated viewpoint on the issues facing our religion and church. Students need a more in depth look at the issues and beliefs of the church instead of the same facts we learn every year.
I also love the atmosphere of our school. Not only are we allowed to express our faith freely, but we are encouraged to do so. I never feel like I have to suppress my views with regards to the faith, and I know that if I have a question about my faith, I can always find the answers from teachers or priests. It's nice to know that we are surrounded by such loving people with the same beliefs as us. There's never any tension or discomfort.
A huge bonus attending my Catholic school is the extra passion in the staff. Since the pay is significantly less than that of a public school, the teachers are devoted to the purpose and mission of the school. They take what the school pays them yet devote their time and heart into teaching students and bettering us. There are so many schools who have teachers just there to collect their paycheck or staging protests because they want more money, but our staff is dedicated enough to the mission of our school to accept their wages. It is actually really inspiring because it shows a high paying job is not always the path to pursue.
Perhaps my favorite thing though is feeling as though we are helping not only the community, but the world. Sometimes it gets annoying remembering to bring a dollar just to wear regular clothes, but it is really fulfilling to know that someone or multiple people are benefiting from that money. Along with this is the MGM trip our school works with to take kids down to the Dominican Republic. I did not get to go this year, but I am hoping my college Christmas break will work out to allow me to go. My best friend went on this trip, and I see first hand how much not only she benefited from it but also the kids down there. I believe this trip is such a huge asset to our school system because it shows kids how other people live struggling while we complain about small things.
I also believe attending a Catholic school has made me better at being able to argue. Arguments are not very strong when someone can only look at the topics through a single lens. Being able to listen to everyone spout opinions through a Catholic lens allows me to better look at everyday situations and decide why I agree and disagree. Whether I agree or not with what the topic is, it either strengthens my opinion and gives me reasons why or gives me insight on what I need to do more research on to strengthen it more.
One thing I criticize frequently about our school is how much emphasis is put on ridiculous aspects such as the dress code. I feel the school puts too much emphasis on making sure there is not competition or "distractions" that it just ends up being more of a hassle. I personally am very much into clothes and accessories so I feel the harsh rules restrict me from expressing myself, even in a modest way. It also feels like the school is not modern at all because of the strict rules in what clothing is acceptable. I have always kept up with latest trends so it is really disappointing that new styles such as two piece prom dresses cannot be allowed, even with rules to prevent immodest ones.
The teachers are awesome for this reason especially, Lauren. I completely agree that the low pay they receive shows that they are working with the main intent of sharing their knowledge with us. Their commitment makes the school a wonderful place.
Lauren, I agree that the ability to help others really impacts how I view my life. The money we are able to raise for different charities is amazing, especially since everyone is asked to bring in a simple dollar. However, many students choose to give more. These contributions make a big difference for the organization that receives our donations. It is definitely very moving to know that something small can turn into a great gift.
Lauren, I think Catholic school teachers are some of the greatest people I know because of their commitment and passion to their job. They get paid such low wages to do an important job of not only teaching, but fostering a spirit of faith in students.
One of the main perks of going to my Catholic school is the small size of both the school and the student population. A small school is wonderful for getting to class on time and knowing where all the rooms are located. It's impossible to get lost, and upperclass students can easily straighten out any lost freshmen. The student population is very close knit due to their reduced numbers. It seems as though all the students know one another, and this makes the school feel very friendly and welcoming. Even if a student has no close friends in a class, they will still feel welcomed and appreciated by the other students. There is none of the isolation or awkwardness the can come from not knowing anyone in a class.
The wide range of classes that are offered give this Catholic school an additional bonus. Students can pursue many specialized areas, such as computer science, business, and creative outlets. The nature of these classes makes them ideal for discovering what a student is interested in before they must choose their career. While the scope of subjects may not be as broad as what a large public school can offer, these classes are all equipped to provide students with the tools they need to succeed later in college. Many of the classes are honors classes. They can be accelerated, advanced, dual enrollment, or AP. All of these higher level classes help prepare students for the rigorous coursework they will encounter in the future.
Perhaps my favorite part of attending my Catholic school is the personal investment of the staff. Every teacher is dedicated to providing the best education they possibly can for their students. The teachers love to teach, and try to impart their joy on their pupils. In addition, many teachers have taught for long periods of time. They know their subjects, and are ready to help the students understand new concepts. Many will even sacrifice their time after school to continue giving back to the student body, either through study sessions or extended service. In addition, the teachers invest in each student, making them feel as though they really matter. A few positive words of encouragement make a huge impact. The dedication that these people show is impressive, and helps contribute to the positive nature of the school.
Although this school has many positive qualities, there is still room for improvement. As a part of student life, sports are highly exonerated, almost revered. The football and basketball teams are the most glorified teams in our program. I feel as though this is not fair. Sports are not the only important part of student life. There are many other activities that deserve just as much attention as these sports. Drama, music, and art are all important activities that develop students in ways that are not necessarily academic. These subjects are nearly overlooked by our school. In order to promote all activities, sports and fine arts should receive the same respect.
I have always loved small schools as well, Ashley. It's nice to know everyone as you walk past them in the hallway. This was especially important for me my freshman year because I dreaded school with a passion, and it made me feel a lot better to pass by a St. Leo student who would say hello to me in the halls. This type of bond is also formed with the people at high school and since we all know each other so well, it will be nice to see everyone around and recognize them later. You never know when you are going to run into someone!
I also agree the emphasis on sports is ridiculous. It is awkward that I did not have to hand over a dollar to stay in Hershey for states for cheerleading this year, but when I make it for FBLA, which is actually a competition dealing with academics, I pretty much have to pay for everything. I understand the athletic association has money, but it is almost like athletic reasons are more of a priority.
Ashley, I completely disagree with what you said about sports. When compared, the music and art programs receive much more money than the sports programs, when you really think about it. Also, compared to other schools, ours does not put nearly as much emphasis on sports as others do. People can only experience high school sports for so long, but they can continue to play music or make art for the rest of their life. High school sports are an extremely important aspect of high school and personally I wish there was more of an importance put on this.
1. I love the atmosphere around a Catholic school. There is a certain air around a Catholic school that makes it different than any public school. Catholic schools are rooted on a solid foundation, giving it a background to which all else can be based off of. Catholic schools also have a set of morals that students and staff are required to uphold. This cannot be found in a public school where students all believe something different and their is not a set of beliefs that they are required to follow.
2. Catholic schools are filled with a different quality of people. I'm not trying to be rude in any way and I have many, many friends that go to public schools, but individuals that attend Catholic schools are extraordinary people. There are so many students that are not afraid to express their faith and are so morally sound. There are also these people that go to public schools as well, but it is not as common. It is also true in teachers. Public school teachers are not allowed to express moral or spiritual teachings like we are in Catholic schools. Because of this, there is no deeper meaning to their lessons. Teachers in Catholic schools are extremely gifted and wonderful people who allow students to grow both mentally and in their faith.
3. I love the close knit community of Catholic schools. The majority of Catholic schools are very small which means everyone knows each other. This sense of community is very comfortable for many students growing up at a very pivotal and sensitive point in their lives. Personal relationships can be formed writhing Catholic schools between students and staff in such a way that cannot be found in public schools. It is nice to only have a class of fifty or sixty people so that you know your classmates and people around you.
Personally, our school does not do a great job at teaching Catholicism. We claim to be a Catholic school, but other than going to Mass and statues and icons placed throughout our school, we do not do much else in this aspect. We spend years in theology learning nothing that is really of importance to our faith. We have learned about the sacraments every single year since we were in kindergarten, but for some reason that is what we are still learning as juniors in high school. Not once have we really learned about the figures in history such as David or Jacob or Abraham, nor do we learn the important principles of our faith. I also feel as if we do not actively work to practice our faith. We go to Mass once a week, but how often do we take time for adoration? I also find it a travesty that we only have time for penance twice a year. Our school needs to start working to actually teach students about their faith and give them opportunities to actually practice it.
Abbey, I completely agree with everything you said in your last paragraph! Honestly, sometimes I feel cheated out of my Catholic education because I feel like I really don't know much about the actual theology of our Church's teachings. I feel like I know nothing about so many important biblical figures, except for the ones we learned about when reading Bible stories for children in third grade. I agree that our theology curriculum is painfully repetitive. I really wish we would touch on the deeper aspects of our faith. The very fact that most students in our school don't even know what Roe v. Wade is is incredibly sad. It is clear that something needs to be done about that.
Abbey, I completely agree with your last paragraph. It seems that even though we call ourselves a Catholic school, we don't do anything to back up this assertation. I personally think that we should have more than two opportunities for penance every year. And in our senior theology classes, I wish we would look at each religion from a Catholic standpoint instead of just learning about them. Anyway, that's my two cents
One of the things I love most about attending a catholic school is having the ability and even the encouragement to incorporate my faith into my everyday life. As Catholics, we are obligated to make our faith the center of our lives, and to allow everything else to come second. At a catholic school, we are urged to see everything through a catholic lens, and to consider our faith when dealing with elements our everyday lives, and that is extremely important. At a public school, it would be much more difficult to keep God at the center, because they would most likely taught with a more worldly view. Public schools, for the most part, have a much more secular view of the world, whereas we are encouraged to perceive the world with our Catholic faith at the forefront. Another very rewarding aspect of catholic schools is the way in which they help us to keep our faith alive. I think any Catholic would agree that it is hard to be a Catholic. It is very difficult to comity to daily prayer, to love others, and to follow all of the other teachings of the church. It is so incredibly easy to slack off. But in a catholic school, we are constantly surrounded by people who encourage us to continue practicing our faith. We have prayers every morning and every afternoon, theology class everyday, mass every week, and multiple service projects and prayer services throughout the year. In this way, it becomes much easier for us as Catholics to stay on track, and to remember that God truly is the most important part of our lives. Finally, I love the closeness and comfort of a Catholic school. Because there are small class sizes, the students of a catholic school more often than not become pretty close with everyone. There is a lot more personal help available to students when needed, as students often develop close relationships with the teachers as well. Essentially, everyone knows everyone, so it is not as likely that students will get "lost in the shuffle." There are also more opportunities for students to express themselves whether it be through art or music or athletics, because again, students often stand out among their peers. The one thing that I would improve about our school is somewhat related to my first reason for liking our school. I mentioned that attending a Catholic school gives us the opportunity to incorporate our faith into our everyday lives, and to practice our faith freely and without restriction. However, I do wish that more teachers would actively seek to incorporate our faith into their curriculum, helping students to see everything through a Catholic lens. For example, I think that Theology of the Body should be mentioned in biology class, so as to help students gain a deeper respect for the beauty of our human sexuality. I think that our History class curriculum should include more prominent events in our church's history, such as Roe vs. Wade, which a scarce number of stunners are even aware of. Overall, I think that as Catholics, we have an obligation to consider our faith in everything we do, and I wish that our faith would be more actively incorporated into our school curriculum to make this possible.
Mary, your last paragraph points out a very noble thought, but in reality, it may not be entirely practical to get theology incorporated into ALL of our classes. For example, how do you suggest we incorporate theology into a mathematics class? Science classes (minus biology)? I don't believe it is entirely possible to incorporate theology into entirely mathematics based classes. Because, what is there to analyze through a Catholic lens? Please tell me, I'm very interested to hear your answer.
I didn't say ALL classes. I said "I do wish that MORE teachers would actively seek to incorporate our faith into their curriculum." I agree it would be nearly impossible to incorporate theology into every subject, although beginning each class with a prayer is a good way to start.
I really like the fact that we have to wear uniforms. It puts every single student on the same level in terms of attire. Also, I just think it makes us all look nice. Especially the boys winter dress code. I don't know why everyone hates it, I think it's like the best. But I don't know, it is not the first time someone has disagreed with me.
I also really like the small class sizes. In some schools, there could be like fourth kids in a class at a time. That just seems extremely overwhelming, and not like something I really would care to deal with until I reach college. Fortunately for me, there's only like 50 kids in our grade, so I don't really have to worry about extreme class sizes. I mean, when I had like twenty something kids in my first semester theology class, that was considered a pretty huge class. In the grand scheme of things though....it's really not....
The last thing I love about our school is the teacher dedication (yes, I am aware two teachers just quit to take better jobs somewhere else. For the most part though, this is true.). The teachers at our school know that they could take a job at the public school and get paid a lot more money. But a Catholic education is so important to the teachers at ECC, that they decide to stay and teach here anyway. For that, I am truly thankful.
Something I don't really like though is how it seems that sports take on a greater priority at our school than academics. This is especially true for basketball and football. It seems that for some member of these teams, they are more concerned with just being eligible than actually succeeding and thriving in our catholic school environment. Our athletic department just stands aside and let's our best athletes just barely be eligible. I don't know...maybe I'm nitpicking, but I feel like if you're failing even one class, you should not be allowed to participate in that sport. Two failing grades seems like way too much slack, and at that point, it may be difficult to make up.
I love my uniform. It is so convenient to wake up knowing exactly what I am going to wear. People from Dutch always say that it stinks that I have to wear an uncomfortable uniform, but I am a big fan of it. There are so many options and dress pants are a lot more comfortable than the jeans I would wear at a public school. Picking out clothes in the morning is one less thing I have to worry about in my life.
ReplyDeleteI have always appreciated holy days of obligation and holiday seasons in a Catholic school. My brothers who went to Ridgway, my parents, and my cousins always have to worry about going to mass on holy days at night, but we get it taken care of in school. I love mass in our school because people sing and Fr. Ross does a great job aiming his homilies towards teenagers. Also, going to confession during school is always something that I have appreciated. I can go into the holiday with a clean soul without going to confession out of school. They make it really convenient for us and more people should take advantage of these great opportunities.
Being in a school with other Catholics makes the atmosphere of learning less stressful. Everyone has something in common to base our education off of, which makes it easier to discuss what we are learning. In biology and anatomy, it is nice to ask what the church thinks about certain things in order to see how ethical and moral science is or is not. I always said that if I went into the medical field, I want to go to a devout catholic college that will teach me what is right medically regarding my faith and desire to follow God. English always teaches me a lot about God too because we look at things from a Catholic lens. I love when our blogs are on the speeches( I still think about "From Gangland to Glory").
Although we are labeled a Catholic School, we do not act like one all of the time. We need to change many aspects of the theology department and learn more about our faith. Until this year, I have not learned much in theology class at ECC, and even this year, we are learning world religions so I am not learning about Catholicism. I understand that is up to me to learn and make the most out of my time and resources here, but it would be easier for me and everyone else if our theology department helped us out more and made our curriculum more challenging. If you have a group of 200 teenagers, theology could either drive them towards God or completely away from their faith. Using The Lighthouse Catholic Media CDs with the experienced speakers that can appeal to teenagers would be a good idea. We have educated adults who know a lot about their faith and their should share what they know with us. We need more intensity and should not only learn, but send people on mission trips. We need to learn humility through theology in high school.
Grace, I also like how we celebrate feast days and holy days together as a school. Without this opportunity, I don't know when I'd go to mass on these days. To be completely honest, I would probably forget which days are holy days of obligation. Going during school helps me keep up in my spiritual life, and makes remembering less important. I am free to celebrate fully instead of trying to figure out how to squeeze mass in between practice, homework, and studying.
DeleteI agree, Grace, that although I appreciate our theology program, it definitely needs some improvement in certain areas. I feel as if this year is the only time I have heard something I have not heard the past twelve years of my education. Every year they focus on the same facts, and although they are important, they need expanded upon. We do not learn about many important documents, controversies, or teachings. Incorporating Lighthouse Catholic Media would be a great way to introduce an educated viewpoint on the issues facing our religion and church. Students need a more in depth look at the issues and beliefs of the church instead of the same facts we learn every year.
DeleteI also love the atmosphere of our school. Not only are we allowed to express our faith freely, but we are encouraged to do so. I never feel like I have to suppress my views with regards to the faith, and I know that if I have a question about my faith, I can always find the answers from teachers or priests. It's nice to know that we are surrounded by such loving people with the same beliefs as us. There's never any tension or discomfort.
DeleteA huge bonus attending my Catholic school is the extra passion in the staff. Since the pay is significantly less than that of a public school, the teachers are devoted to the purpose and mission of the school. They take what the school pays them yet devote their time and heart into teaching students and bettering us. There are so many schools who have teachers just there to collect their paycheck or staging protests because they want more money, but our staff is dedicated enough to the mission of our school to accept their wages. It is actually really inspiring because it shows a high paying job is not always the path to pursue.
ReplyDeletePerhaps my favorite thing though is feeling as though we are helping not only the community, but the world. Sometimes it gets annoying remembering to bring a dollar just to wear regular clothes, but it is really fulfilling to know that someone or multiple people are benefiting from that money. Along with this is the MGM trip our school works with to take kids down to the Dominican Republic. I did not get to go this year, but I am hoping my college Christmas break will work out to allow me to go. My best friend went on this trip, and I see first hand how much not only she benefited from it but also the kids down there. I believe this trip is such a huge asset to our school system because it shows kids how other people live struggling while we complain about small things.
I also believe attending a Catholic school has made me better at being able to argue. Arguments are not very strong when someone can only look at the topics through a single lens. Being able to listen to everyone spout opinions through a Catholic lens allows me to better look at everyday situations and decide why I agree and disagree. Whether I agree or not with what the topic is, it either strengthens my opinion and gives me reasons why or gives me insight on what I need to do more research on to strengthen it more.
One thing I criticize frequently about our school is how much emphasis is put on ridiculous aspects such as the dress code. I feel the school puts too much emphasis on making sure there is not competition or "distractions" that it just ends up being more of a hassle. I personally am very much into clothes and accessories so I feel the harsh rules restrict me from expressing myself, even in a modest way. It also feels like the school is not modern at all because of the strict rules in what clothing is acceptable. I have always kept up with latest trends so it is really disappointing that new styles such as two piece prom dresses cannot be allowed, even with rules to prevent immodest ones.
The teachers are awesome for this reason especially, Lauren. I completely agree that the low pay they receive shows that they are working with the main intent of sharing their knowledge with us. Their commitment makes the school a wonderful place.
DeleteLauren, I agree that the ability to help others really impacts how I view my life. The money we are able to raise for different charities is amazing, especially since everyone is asked to bring in a simple dollar. However, many students choose to give more. These contributions make a big difference for the organization that receives our donations. It is definitely very moving to know that something small can turn into a great gift.
DeleteLauren, I think Catholic school teachers are some of the greatest people I know because of their commitment and passion to their job. They get paid such low wages to do an important job of not only teaching, but fostering a spirit of faith in students.
DeleteOne of the main perks of going to my Catholic school is the small size of both the school and the student population. A small school is wonderful for getting to class on time and knowing where all the rooms are located. It's impossible to get lost, and upperclass students can easily straighten out any lost freshmen. The student population is very close knit due to their reduced numbers. It seems as though all the students know one another, and this makes the school feel very friendly and welcoming. Even if a student has no close friends in a class, they will still feel welcomed and appreciated by the other students. There is none of the isolation or awkwardness the can come from not knowing anyone in a class.
ReplyDeleteThe wide range of classes that are offered give this Catholic school an additional bonus. Students can pursue many specialized areas, such as computer science, business, and creative outlets. The nature of these classes makes them ideal for discovering what a student is interested in before they must choose their career. While the scope of subjects may not be as broad as what a large public school can offer, these classes are all equipped to provide students with the tools they need to succeed later in college. Many of the classes are honors classes. They can be accelerated, advanced, dual enrollment, or AP. All of these higher level classes help prepare students for the rigorous coursework they will encounter in the future.
Perhaps my favorite part of attending my Catholic school is the personal investment of the staff. Every teacher is dedicated to providing the best education they possibly can for their students. The teachers love to teach, and try to impart their joy on their pupils. In addition, many teachers have taught for long periods of time. They know their subjects, and are ready to help the students understand new concepts. Many will even sacrifice their time after school to continue giving back to the student body, either through study sessions or extended service. In addition, the teachers invest in each student, making them feel as though they really matter. A few positive words of encouragement make a huge impact. The dedication that these people show is impressive, and helps contribute to the positive nature of the school.
Although this school has many positive qualities, there is still room for improvement. As a part of student life, sports are highly exonerated, almost revered. The football and basketball teams are the most glorified teams in our program. I feel as though this is not fair. Sports are not the only important part of student life. There are many other activities that deserve just as much attention as these sports. Drama, music, and art are all important activities that develop students in ways that are not necessarily academic. These subjects are nearly overlooked by our school. In order to promote all activities, sports and fine arts should receive the same respect.
I have always loved small schools as well, Ashley. It's nice to know everyone as you walk past them in the hallway. This was especially important for me my freshman year because I dreaded school with a passion, and it made me feel a lot better to pass by a St. Leo student who would say hello to me in the halls. This type of bond is also formed with the people at high school and since we all know each other so well, it will be nice to see everyone around and recognize them later. You never know when you are going to run into someone!
DeleteI also agree the emphasis on sports is ridiculous. It is awkward that I did not have to hand over a dollar to stay in Hershey for states for cheerleading this year, but when I make it for FBLA, which is actually a competition dealing with academics, I pretty much have to pay for everything. I understand the athletic association has money, but it is almost like athletic reasons are more of a priority.
DeleteAshley, I completely disagree with what you said about sports. When compared, the music and art programs receive much more money than the sports programs, when you really think about it. Also, compared to other schools, ours does not put nearly as much emphasis on sports as others do. People can only experience high school sports for so long, but they can continue to play music or make art for the rest of their life. High school sports are an extremely important aspect of high school and personally I wish there was more of an importance put on this.
Delete1. I love the atmosphere around a Catholic school. There is a certain air around a Catholic school that makes it different than any public school. Catholic schools are rooted on a solid foundation, giving it a background to which all else can be based off of. Catholic schools also have a set of morals that students and staff are required to uphold. This cannot be found in a public school where students all believe something different and their is not a set of beliefs that they are required to follow.
ReplyDelete2. Catholic schools are filled with a different quality of people. I'm not trying to be rude in any way and I have many, many friends that go to public schools, but individuals that attend Catholic schools are extraordinary people. There are so many students that are not afraid to express their faith and are so morally sound. There are also these people that go to public schools as well, but it is not as common. It is also true in teachers. Public school teachers are not allowed to express moral or spiritual teachings like we are in Catholic schools. Because of this, there is no deeper meaning to their lessons. Teachers in Catholic schools are extremely gifted and wonderful people who allow students to grow both mentally and in their faith.
3. I love the close knit community of Catholic schools. The majority of Catholic schools are very small which means everyone knows each other. This sense of community is very comfortable for many students growing up at a very pivotal and sensitive point in their lives. Personal relationships can be formed writhing Catholic schools between students and staff in such a way that cannot be found in public schools. It is nice to only have a class of fifty or sixty people so that you know your classmates and people around you.
Personally, our school does not do a great job at teaching Catholicism. We claim to be a Catholic school, but other than going to Mass and statues and icons placed throughout our school, we do not do much else in this aspect. We spend years in theology learning nothing that is really of importance to our faith. We have learned about the sacraments every single year since we were in kindergarten, but for some reason that is what we are still learning as juniors in high school. Not once have we really learned about the figures in history such as David or Jacob or Abraham, nor do we learn the important principles of our faith. I also feel as if we do not actively work to practice our faith. We go to Mass once a week, but how often do we take time for adoration? I also find it a travesty that we only have time for penance twice a year. Our school needs to start working to actually teach students about their faith and give them opportunities to actually practice it.
Abbey, I completely agree with everything you said in your last paragraph! Honestly, sometimes I feel cheated out of my Catholic education because I feel like I really don't know much about the actual theology of our Church's teachings. I feel like I know nothing about so many important biblical figures, except for the ones we learned about when reading Bible stories for children in third grade. I agree that our theology curriculum is painfully repetitive. I really wish we would touch on the deeper aspects of our faith. The very fact that most students in our school don't even know what Roe v. Wade is is incredibly sad. It is clear that something needs to be done about that.
DeleteAbbey, I completely agree with your last paragraph. It seems that even though we call ourselves a Catholic school, we don't do anything to back up this assertation. I personally think that we should have more than two opportunities for penance every year. And in our senior theology classes, I wish we would look at each religion from a Catholic standpoint instead of just learning about them. Anyway, that's my two cents
DeleteOne of the things I love most about attending a catholic school is having the ability and even the encouragement to incorporate my faith into my everyday life. As Catholics, we are obligated to make our faith the center of our lives, and to allow everything else to come second. At a catholic school, we are urged to see everything through a catholic lens, and to consider our faith when dealing with elements our everyday lives, and that is extremely important. At a public school, it would be much more difficult to keep God at the center, because they would most likely taught with a more worldly view. Public schools, for the most part, have a much more secular view of the world, whereas we are encouraged to perceive the world with our Catholic faith at the forefront.
ReplyDeleteAnother very rewarding aspect of catholic schools is the way in which they help us to keep our faith alive. I think any Catholic would agree that it is hard to be a Catholic. It is very difficult to comity to daily prayer, to love others, and to follow all of the other teachings of the church. It is so incredibly easy to slack off. But in a catholic school, we are constantly surrounded by people who encourage us to continue practicing our faith. We have prayers every morning and every afternoon, theology class everyday, mass every week, and multiple service projects and prayer services throughout the year. In this way, it becomes much easier for us as Catholics to stay on track, and to remember that God truly is the most important part of our lives.
Finally, I love the closeness and comfort of a Catholic school. Because there are small class sizes, the students of a catholic school more often than not become pretty close with everyone. There is a lot more personal help available to students when needed, as students often develop close relationships with the teachers as well. Essentially, everyone knows everyone, so it is not as likely that students will get "lost in the shuffle." There are also more opportunities for students to express themselves whether it be through art or music or athletics, because again, students often stand out among their peers.
The one thing that I would improve about our school is somewhat related to my first reason for liking our school. I mentioned that attending a Catholic school gives us the opportunity to incorporate our faith into our everyday lives, and to practice our faith freely and without restriction. However, I do wish that more teachers would actively seek to incorporate our faith into their curriculum, helping students to see everything through a Catholic lens. For example, I think that Theology of the Body should be mentioned in biology class, so as to help students gain a deeper respect for the beauty of our human sexuality. I think that our History class curriculum should include more prominent events in our church's history, such as Roe vs. Wade, which a scarce number of stunners are even aware of. Overall, I think that as Catholics, we have an obligation to consider our faith in everything we do, and I wish that our faith would be more actively incorporated into our school curriculum to make this possible.
Mary, your last paragraph points out a very noble thought, but in reality, it may not be entirely practical to get theology incorporated into ALL of our classes. For example, how do you suggest we incorporate theology into a mathematics class? Science classes (minus biology)? I don't believe it is entirely possible to incorporate theology into entirely mathematics based classes. Because, what is there to analyze through a Catholic lens? Please tell me, I'm very interested to hear your answer.
DeleteI didn't say ALL classes. I said "I do wish that MORE teachers would actively seek to incorporate our faith into their curriculum." I agree it would be nearly impossible to incorporate theology into every subject, although beginning each class with a prayer is a good way to start.
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ReplyDeleteI really like the fact that we have to wear uniforms. It puts every single student on the same level in terms of attire. Also, I just think it makes us all look nice. Especially the boys winter dress code. I don't know why everyone hates it, I think it's like the best. But I don't know, it is not the first time someone has disagreed with me.
I also really like the small class sizes. In some schools, there could be like fourth kids in a class at a time. That just seems extremely overwhelming, and not like something I really would care to deal with until I reach college. Fortunately for me, there's only like 50 kids in our grade, so I don't really have to worry about extreme class sizes. I mean, when I had like twenty something kids in my first semester theology class, that was considered a pretty huge class. In the grand scheme of things though....it's really not....
The last thing I love about our school is the teacher dedication (yes, I am aware two teachers just quit to take better jobs somewhere else. For the most part though, this is true.). The teachers at our school know that they could take a job at the public school and get paid a lot more money. But a Catholic education is so important to the teachers at ECC, that they decide to stay and teach here anyway. For that, I am truly thankful.
Something I don't really like though is how it seems that sports take on a greater priority at our school than academics. This is especially true for basketball and football. It seems that for some member of these teams, they are more concerned with just being eligible than actually succeeding and thriving in our catholic school environment. Our athletic department just stands aside and let's our best athletes just barely be eligible. I don't know...maybe I'm nitpicking, but I feel like if you're failing even one class, you should not be allowed to participate in that sport. Two failing grades seems like way too much slack, and at that point, it may be difficult to make up.