An invitation to visit our schools from Supt. Perda

By David Perda
Superintendent of Schools

Catholic Schools Week is a nationwide celebration of Catholic schools.  In the Diocese of Worcester, our Catholic schools will observe Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members during the week of Jan. 28-Feb. 3. The Catholic Schools Week events will highlight and emphasize the values that Catholic education provide not only to our young people but also to our communities. I encourage you to join us in celebrating!
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”  No better words can describe what happens in a Catholic school. Students experience a rigorous academic curriculum that is grounded in the principles of our faith.  They are provided with and learn to seek opportunities to serve the least among us. They leave our schools ready to lead by example. Success is measured by our Catholic values, not societal norms.  As Pope Francis has said, “It is encouraging to hope that the new generations, who are brought up to know how to engage in Christian dialogue will leave school and university classrooms with the motivation to build bridges and find new answers to the many challenges of our time.” Indeed, one could make the case that a Catholic education is more important now than ever.
Decades of educational research have demonstrated the effectiveness of Catholic schools in providing exceptional and well-rounded educational experiences – those that not only focus on academic learning but also provide for spiritual development, civic engagement, and service to others.  In Catholic schools, overall academic achievement is higher than in other educational settings. In addition, the achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students has been demonstrated to be smaller. Parents believe their children are more motivated, more focused, and work harder when enrolled in a Catholic school setting. Beyond the classroom, Catholic schools have been found to produce graduates who are more likely to be civically engaged, more tolerant of diverse views, and more committed to service as adults.
During Catholic Schools Week, our schools frequently host open houses. What might prospective students and families observe when visiting a Catholic school?  Schools that are committed to fostering values in environments that are conducive to a high-quality education; classroom settings where there are high expectations for students; where there is order and regular evaluation of student progress; where students take pride in their achievements and their schools. Schools that are fostering the development of the whole person and where Catholic values are intentionally integrated throughout the curriculum producing students who are known throughout their community for their character, integrity, and service to others.
If you are a prospective parent or student, perhaps the best way for you to learn about the difference that Catholic schools can make in the life a young person is to visit one yourself. And Catholic Schools Week is the perfect time to do so. Meet the principal, talk with teachers, engage with students and get to know other parents. If you are already a part of our Catholic school community, take time to celebrate who we are and what we do – and take the time to tell a neighbor or friend about Catholic schools!