Our students will forget most (not all) of the subject matter that we taught them in class over the years. I think some lessons will stay with them for the rest of their lives like: respect for others, civic responsibility to their community, making good decisions, reflecting on bad ones, and reflecting on moral issues that affect their lives.
In my opinion, the following lessons should be in every classroom.
Respect for others
· Listening to others in the classroom
· Constructive comments on subject matter discussed
· Fostering open dialog in a non-threatening environment
Civic responsibility
· Encourage them to help others in the classroom with subject matter in groups
· In the community with charity work
Making good decisions
· Academic studies
· The way people are treated
· Behaviour towards classmates, teachers, parents, siblings and people in the community
Reflection on moral issues
· Sex
· Euthanasia
· Abortion…
Maintaining a strong Catholic identity…
The Catholic identity must extend beyond the curriculum of any subject matter classroom. If it doesn’t, our students will begin to think of their faith in a limited, compartmentalized way. I believe our faith is not merely one subject matter, but in fact it is the subject that brings a foundation and meaning to all other subject areas. A successful Catholic school that has a Catholic culture within its doors will produce graduates who remain committed to their faith throughout their lives.