Mission, Philosophy and Objectives

Mission Statement

St. Mary of Gostyn School is a Catholic faith community called together by God to educate children, to proclaim the Good News, and to translate this proclamation into action.

The faculty, staff, and parents form a unique partnership in carrying out this mission of teaching the message of Jesus by celebrating meaningful liturgies, providing opportunities for service within the community, and passing on the beliefs and traditions of our faith.

School Philosophy

St. Mary of Gostyn School has been established to assist parents, who are the primary educators of their children, to form a unique Catholic, Christian community within the parish. This community provides witness to Jesus Christ, proclaims the Gospel values by living the Christian message, and helps to build a faith that will lead to commitment to all people.

Realizing that we serve a diverse community and that each child is unique, it is imperative that we discover the abilities, talents, and needs of each child and do our best to create, in partnership with the parents, an environment that responds to these needs. Religious education, including various opportunities for worship, is a priority in our school. We believe that other opportunities for growth in self-esteem, happiness, and the curriculum subjects are essential. These opportunities include academic excellence, building personal relationships, and service to others as exemplified in the message of Jesus.

Goals and Objectives

I. TO TEACH THE MESSAGE OF JESUS
A. The students and teachers work together to plan Eucharistic and non-Eucharistic liturgies with special emphasis on holy days and seasons of the church year. Students are encouraged to frequently receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

B. The students are taught respectful church behavior. Reinforcement of this goal is at all school masses and non-Eucharistic liturgies. Parents are encouraged to help teach this goal during their family's weekly observance.

C. The diocesan approved FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM as well as DARE education (at the appropriate grade level) are incorporated into the regular religion curriculum.

D. As faculty, staff, and students strive to be "PEOPLE FOR OTHERS" they will continue to work for peace, justice, and respect for all.

II. TO PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION
A. We will use books and materials that are evaluated and updated on a scheduled basis choosing from diocesan approved suggestions. A wide variety of supplementary materials, manipulatives, and audio-visual materials will be available.

B. To meet the needs of our students living in a technological world, a computer program is integrated into our curriculum. The technology committee, including the computer coordinator, will continue to evaluate the needs of our school for future purchases.

C. Instruction, especially in the skill areas of reading and math, will be planned to meet educational needs of the students.

D. We will continually evaluate and develop goals and curriculum to meet student needs as well as the Illinois Learning Standards as established by the Illinois State Board of Education.

III. TO PROVIDE WAYS TO BUILD MEANINGFUL, PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS
A. The "Big Brother, Big Sister" program helps the kindergarten and first grade students with their adjustment to the school environment.

B. The Student Council provides leadership opportunities for its members and plans spiritual and social activities for the entire student body. Monies earned are distributed to charitable organizations both in our own parish and other communities.

C. We encourage the development of a vision for the future through other leadership activities, such as the Environment Club and the Students for Life group.

D. Other service opportunities are available through the student safety helpers and altar servers program.