Raising the Standards

Across the nation, Catholic schools are celebrating Catholic Schools Week.  This year the theme is: "Catholic Schools Raise the Standards".  This is a fact and a challenge.  For years it has been acknowleged that Catholic schools provide a healthier climate for academic proficiency because of the devotedness of their faculties, the good order that prevails because of the backbone of discipline and security found in most Catholic schools.  In some cases, as in Marist schools, the sense of family puts students so at ease that they love coming to school, and as a result, often exceed their potential, and later find themselves in top quality schools of higher education.  Sports play a high role in most Catholic schools, where the competitive spirit of youth is challenged and again, leads to high performance.  With all this being true, it still remains the basic truth that Catholic schools exist to enhance and foster the understanding and practice of the Catholic Faith.  Our Catholic Identity, our "Catholicity", should be evident everywhere in the school, from externals, such as crucifixes in each classtroom, statues, banners, chapels, to a permeating atmosphere of prayer, mutual respect, love and service to one another and to those within and outside the school, who are not as blessed in some respects, as others.  This Catholicity should be the main reason why students attend Catholic schools.  In truth, for many it is not, and it is in this area especially that we need to work to raise the standard and draw more of our students into it. 
Fittingly, we being this week by celebrating the memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, who devoted his life to educating people in the faith through his writings and teachings, still used today.  His brilliant exposition of the Faith led him personally to a deeper relationship with God, and this is the highest standard we hope to achieve in our Catholic schools. 
Catholic education begins in the homes, with the parents as the natural and first teachers; schools only build on what the children receive at home.  So this is also a week to challenge families to raise their standards and make the practice of the faith a visible part of their family life.  Happy Catholic Schools Week to all!
Bro. Rene