2250 Franklin Street, San Francisco CA 94109 Office: 415.673.4523 Fax: 415.674.4187
Extension Program: 415.673.0434

Parent-Student Handbook

CHAPTER I:
SCHOOL  PHILOSOPHY

The educational philosophy at St. Brigid Catholic School is based upon the
belief that parents are the primary educators of their children.  St. Brigid
Catholic School exists to assist parents in handing on the Good News of
Salvation to their children, and to create a community of believers gathered
in the name of the Lord Jesus.  St. Brigid School exists to create a Christian
environment which promotes the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social
growth of our children with respect to their ultimate goal, thereby enabling
them to live fulfilled lives and to contribute their share in the building of the
Christian community.  We recognize that since all persons of every race,
condition, and age enjoy human dignity, each student at St. Brigid School
has the right to the best education that can be provided in a community of
acceptance and mutual respect.

We give thanks to God for parents who have made sacrifices of heroic
proportions to provide their children with a Catholic education.  We give
thanks for the teachers, staff, and administrators who contribute greatly to
the support of Catholic education by the services they render.  We give
thanks to all the members of the Catholic community who support our
school, thereby enabling us to continue the tradition of quality education.

RELIGIOUS  GOALS

A.We try to impart to our students a basic knowledge of the teachings of the
Catholic faith.  We strive to implement these goals in the following  ways:

1. by reflective and prayerful study of the Sacred Scriptures;
2. by instruction of the doctrine of the Catholic faith;
3. by stressing the importance of and participation in:
a. the Eucharistic celebration, as our greatest act of Christian worship;
b. the sacraments, as encounters with Jesus who nourishes and
strengthens our spiritual lives;
c. public and private prayer.

B. We believe that Jesus is the center of our lives and this should be
expressed in the lived Christian experience.  Students are encouraged to
express their Christian commitment in their daily living.  They are also
provided with opportunities to serve their local and global communities.

C. We cooperate with and ask for the support of the parents, so that the
religious principles which are taught may have a lasting effect on our
students.  We understand that parental involvement is essential in attaining
this goal.

D. We believe that the extent to which the Christian message is
transmitted through education depends greatly on the way teachers live their
faith and witness to Christian values.  To meet this challenge, teachers’
spiritual growth must be encouraged and professional updating is necessary.

INTELLECTUAL GOALS

We try to provide as broad a curriculum as is financially and realistically
possible.  We recognize that education should aim to develop and utilize the
full capacity of a human being.

A.The curriculum of St. Brigid School reflects both traditional and current
methodologies.
1.It offers students a course of studies which is comprehensive, sequential,
and interactive, in keeping with  Archdiocesan guidelines.
2.We assist our pupils:
a. in acquiring a command of common knowledge and basic academic and
physical skills;
b. in developing an awareness of the interdependence the peoples of the
world.
3.We regard our work in education as a mutual search for truth, carried on by
faculty and students in an atmosphere of respect for the individual.  Critical
thinking is stimulated through the use of diverse methods.
4.We encourage our students to be responsible for their own
intellectual growth by:
a.developing a spirit of inquiry;
b.making responsible expression of opinions;
c.making effective use of their God-given talents and abilities.

B. We recognize that, as educators, we must see each student as a unique
individual.  By providing a nurturing environment, we hope that our students
will develop self-esteem and respect for others.
1.Through class collaboration in school mission projects and other school
activities, the students develop a sense of community and concern for others.
2.The Student Council provides opportunities for leadership and student
interaction.
3.Through cooperative learning, peer-tutoring, and cross-level tutoring,
students are encouraged to share their talents  with others.

C.We realize that the final test of a successful educational program lies in the
desire for knowledge and its practical application.
1.We try to encourage our students to view education as a lifelong process
which is not confined to a particular institution or place of learning.
2.We strive to broaden our students’ learning experience by providing
opportunities to participate in cultural and service activities available within
the community.

SOCIAL  GOALS

A. We hope that, as a faculty, our sensitivity to and respect for others will
convey to our pupils the principle that human life is sacred.
1. The diversity of our city allows for many opportunities to foster a mutual
understanding of various cultures.
2. We strive to provide opportunities for social interaction and involvement in
experiences in which our students are encouraged to share their talents and
resources with others.

B. We encourage our students to understand that the process of maturing
involves positive interaction with others regardless of race, sex, or social
status.
1. Respect and cooperation with parents, principal, teachers, Parent-Teacher
Group,  Student  Council, and fellow  students are expected.
2. Self-discipline and a sense of responsibility will prepare our students to
meet challenges.
3. Leadership skills are developed through involvement in community service, classroom responsibilities, and Student Council.

PSYCHOLOGICAL  AND  AESTHETIC  GOALS

A. We assist our students in the development of their unique personalities
and in the realization of their talents and abilities by:
l. recognizing the dignity, freedom, and individuality of  each student;
2. trying to empathize with students who are encountering  personal
problems;
3. providing personal  and professional assistance.

B. We strive to develop in our students a sound priority of values regarding
their relationships with God,  others, and themselves.

C. We try to instill in our students an appreciation of culture through exposure
to fine arts.

D. We try to assist our graduates with advice and friendship.  We encourage
them to share their talents with our present pupils through tutoring, coaching,
and assisting with fund raising projects.


PHYSICAL  GOALS

A. We realize that physical fitness is an integral  part of the  development of
the whole person.Therefore, we provide a physical education and sports
program which allows our students:

1.to develop motor skills, coordination, and a sense of rhythm through intra-
and extra-curricular activities;
2. to take part in extra-curricular physical activities as a means of utilizing
recreation time and of developing  self-discipline, teamwork, school spirit,
and a sense of  responsibility;
3. to enjoy participation in both competitive and non-competitive activities
and to recognize the importance of fair play.

B.We provide health and family life programs to enable our students to
appreciate and understand the concepts of physical development, nutrition,
human reproduction, and the God-given dignity of every aspect of the human
person.


I Agree, Next Chapter

2250 Franklin Street, San Francisco CA 94109 Office: 415.673.4523 Fax: 415.674.4187
Extension Program: 415.673.0434