In partnership with the entire community, the Catholic school has a value and importance that are fundamental to the integral human formation of children. In virtue of its mission, the Catholic school constantly and carefully attends to the cultivation in children of the intellectual, creative and aesthetic gifts of the human person. Catholic schools foster in children an appreciation of their God-given dignity; the ability to make correct use of their judgement, will and affectivity; promote in them a sense of values; encourage just attitudes and prudent behaviour; introduce to them the cultural heritage handed down from past generations; prepare them for professional life; and encourage the friendly interchange of diverse cultures and backgrounds that will lead to mutual understanding.
In short, Catholic schools contribute to integral human formation. Catholic schools strive to form strong and responsible persons who are capable of making free and correct choices and are able to form in themselves a clear idea of the meaning of life.
Strategies to develop the Human Dimension of Catholic Schools:
- Give appropriate emphasis to academic excellence
- Support art, music, drama, dance and other fine arts and performing arts
- Create a healthy respect for physical education and manual arts
- Recognize the importance of fun and humour
- Exercise forgiveness and reconciliation
- Create discipline policies that are firm, fair, and flexible and that respect the dignity of persons and invite forgiveness and reconciliation
How does Catholic education respect the dignity of human persons?