St. Helen’s School is a parochial school, drawing on a multi-ethnic mix of students, which provides an opportunity for Catholic education to the children of the parish and to the community at large. The school has as its basic philosophy the primary belief in God, Christ and His Church, and the value and uniqueness of the individual child. We provide an environment where Catholicism permeates all aspects of school life.

The goal of religious education at St. Helen’s School is to instill and nurture, in a Christ-centered environment, the message of the Gospel and the values, heritage and traditions of the Catholic Ghurch. We believe that this will lead to a reflective and responsible way of life according to the beliefs of the Catholic faith and a continuing loving response to the total community.

St. Helen’s School promotes self-esteem through self-acceptance, self-understanding and self- motivation resulting in an awareness of, and respect for others. By creatively balancing the enthusiasm and joy of childhood with positive and consistent discipline, St. Helen’s School fosters a learning environment that is challenging, yet secure.

We strive to help our students to attain their academic potential and to develop a lifelong love of learning. Our stimulating atmosphere and up-to-date curriculum encourage students to develop the ability to think critically and logically.

St. Helen’s School’s teachers are dedicated professionals who creatively use a variety of innovative teaching methods. They communicate clearly and openly with parents about the education of their children. Their involvement in all aspects of the school — religious, academic and social — provides each student with exceptional role models.

In turn, St. Helen’s School expects parents to be actively involved in their children’s education both at home and in the school community. We believe that the parents have the primary responsibility for the formation of their children’s Christian values, and that the teachers and staff of St. Helen’s School support, enhance and complement this role.

Our school is a part of the St. Helen’s parish community. Parish families are expected to participate in the life of the parish. We consider attendance at Mass the focal point of everything we are teaching. Regular attendance at Mass, Children’s Choir, Altar Servers, or involvement in the many parish ministries (i.e., Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and possibly CCD, etc.) greatly support our parish. We welcome and encourage all school families, Catholic and non-Catholic, to participate in parish activities. The school NEEDS, EXPECTS AND REQUIRES parental support and provides a variety of ways in which parents can actively help to carry out the school’s mission. We will cease to exist without the continued involvement of parents in all aspects of the school.

As a Catholic school, we expect that students will develop an attitude of reverence toward God, His Church, and to their fellow human beings. We expect that the students will experience and accept the Catholic system of values and that the students practice daily forms of prayer as part of their Christian life.

As a Catholic school, we expect that students will work to the best of their ability and potential to attain academic excellence, that each student will express his/her creative potential and individuality and that the student will realize his/her role asa Christian citizen and potential leader in the community.

As a Catholic school, we expect that students will realize their responsibility to the community and develop a sense of social justice as preached within the Gospel. We also expect that each student will recognize the dignity and value of every person within our society.