Page 7

ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL

PHILOSOPHY

Statement of Philosophy and Commitment

"Let the little children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven

belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

We seek to give each student religious instructions in our Catholic faith and to
provide opportunities to practice that faith in an atmosphere of love rooted in Christ.
Recognizing our sacred mission to the Church of the Christian Community, we work
to develop in our students a spirit of inquiry and knowledge in both religious and
academic subjects. We will nurture those values and attitudes which will allow each
child to become a disciple of Christ.

We will instill in our students a strong, positive sense of self-esteem by providing a
friendly, supportive environment with understanding, gentleness, and sensitivity to
feelings. Each student is seen and cared for as a unique, precious child of God. A
bond of respect and trust is encouraged to always be their best and to develop their
full potential.

The administration and faculty, in partnership with the parents, maintain a structured
educational program with high academic standards. The program emphasizes the
development of basic skills and academic discipline with a comprehensive curriculum
in the arts and sciences. The students will participate in current cultural, social, and
recreational activities through a schedule of events which enhance and expand their
educational experience. While encouraging each student to fully participate in this
educational process, the administration and faculty also teach and nurture the values
of personal gifts and talents, personal responsibility, and academic self-motivation.

We stand accountable to the parents, the St. Norbert parish community, the school
board, and the church to insure religious formation and education of each student.
We affirm our partnership with the parents and encourage them to become actively
involved in the educational process.

We prepare the students for the future so that they will respond to the needs of
society. Charged with the mission to bring Christ to the world, the student will grow
in service to others to bring about the Kingdom of God.

MESSAGE

"For I have not spoken on my own; no, the Father who sent me has commanded me
what to say and how to speak. Since I know that His commandment means eternal
life, whatever I say is spoken just as he instructed me." (John 12:49-50)

We proclaim the Gospel message and translate this proclamation into Christian
action.

COMMUNITY

"I give you a new commandment: Love one another. Such as my love has been for
you, so must your love be for each other. This is how all will know you for my
disciples: your love for one another." (John 13:34-15) We build a faith community
based on Jesus's commandment to love.

SERVICE

"If I washed your feet - I who am Teacher and Lord - then you must wash each
other's feet. What I just did was to give you an example: as I have done, so you
must do." (John 13:13-15)

We reach out to meet the needs of others in service and mission in following the
example of Jesus, our Brother and Friend.

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe
all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the
end of time." (Matthew 28:19-20)

WORSHIP

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages
call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name."
(Luke 1: 46-49)

We give praise to God by making prayer, formal and informal, an intregral part of our
entire school day, humbly realizing our dependence upon God for all the gifts and
talents we share with one another.