Elementary School Campus                Middle School Campus
                 201 Elizabeth Avenue                        1500 E. Willow Street
               Lafayette, LA 70501                           Lafayette, LA 70501
                      phone (337) 234-5257                                                      phone (337) 266-5553
                                fax (337)237-6065                                                          fax (337)266-5775
 

The Philosophy of St. Genevieve School

From the earliest days the Church has sought to fulfill the mandate of Christ to teach the

Gospel to all people. (Matthew 28:18-20)  Catholic schools have developed unsurprisingly from the mission of the Church to teach the Good News.  The many teaching documents of the Church have clarified the nature and role of this mission:

The influence of the Church in the field of education is shown in a special manner by the Catholic school. No less than other schools does the Catholic school pursue cultural goals and the human formation of youth. But its proper function is to create for the school community a special atmosphere animated by the Gospel spirit of freedom and charity, to help youth grow according to the new creatures they were made through baptism as they develop their own personalities, and finally to order the whole of human culture to the news of salvation so that the knowledge the students gradually acquire of the world, life and man is illumined by faith.  So indeed the Catholic school, while it is open, as it must be, to the situation of the contemporary world, leads its students to promote efficaciously the good of the earthly city and also prepares them for service in the spread of the Kingdom of God, so that by leading an exemplary apostolic life they become, as it were, a saving leaven in the human community. 

-Declaration on Christian Education, Second Vatican Council, No. 8

Can. 800 §2. The Christian faithful are to foster Catholic schools, assisting in their establishment and maintenance according to their means.

-Code of Canon Law

As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators. Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise.

-Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2229

Education is one of the most important ways by which the Church fulfills its commitment to the dignity of the person and building of community.

-To Teach as Jesus Did, §13

Catholic schools are therefore part of the central mission of the Roman Catholic Church.  Through participation in the sacramental and devotional life, the study of religion and theology, a full curriculum of secular subjects and a variety of extracurricular activities, St. Genevieve School seeks to assist parents in their duty as the primary educators of their children. 

As an academic institution, we seek to work in partnership with parents in the intellectual, emotional, social, cultural, and physical development and growth of children in harmony with the specific and unique gifts God has given to each child.  As a Catholic school we seek to hand on the truths of our Catholic faith and never our own limited opinions. 

Objectives

We strive to live out our philosophy and achieve our goals by the following:

Religious Goals

1. Teaching of Catholic doctrine and instruction in Christian living;
2. Providing faith experience such as daily prayer, Mass, the rosary, children's liturgies and spiritual preparation;
3. Fostering the practice of spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
4. Developing an attitude of piety and reverence throughout our entire school community.
5. Strengthening the spirit of family life and connection to local church parishes.
6. To lead students to hear and respond to God's call to holiness and particular state in life.

Intellectual Goals

1. Encouraging students to seek and know the truth.
2. To help students to learn to think logically, critically, and wisely.
3. Meeting curriculum goals with appropriate time allotments and proper grouping;
4. Reviewing the staff, curriculum and facilities in an effort to meet student needs;
5. Preparing our students to succeed in high school and post-secondary education.

Social Goals

1. Fostering a code of Christian social behavior;
2. Experiencing field trips, cultural/artistic activities, and group projects;
3. Fostering a desire to assume the challenges and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society;
4. To form structures and programs that unite parents, school, and Church in the work of Catholic education.

Physical Goals

1. To foster a healthy respect for and development of the body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit.
2. Instruction in health, hygiene, good grooming, nutrition, and the prevention of abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
3. To foster a variety of sports activities with an emphasis on Christian sportsmanship.