FOREWORD TO PARENTS
This Student-Parent Handbook is designed to provide you with the information you need to understand the rules and regulations that govern St. Mary’s CatholicSchool. The handbook is intended to be in harmony with the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department, Diocese of Austin Education Board, Pastoral Policies, and St. Mary’s Board of Trustee policies. Changes in policy that affect this handbook will be communicated to students and parents. Policy changes during the year supersede the provisions found in this handbook. It is the parents’ responsibility to read and abide by the policies contained in this handbook. Interpretation or areas of concern should and are encouraged to be brought before the principal.
MISSION STATEMENT OF TEXAS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
The ministry of Catholic education in general is the fulfillment of the educational mission of the Catholic Church and has as its primary goal the continuous formation of the Christian person.
As a pastoral instrument of the Church, the strength of the Catholic school is its ability to respond to the needs of the whole person, the Church in a time of transition and the world with a global perspective for a peaceful and sustainable future.
The Catholic school is a unique environment in which students can experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. Its focus is on the individual person’s spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical development. In the Catholic school, students and teachers are drawn to proclaim the Gospel message, to unite in worship, to respond to the needs of the community through fellowship and social justice, and to serve all people through the sharing of their spiritual gifts and temporal goods.
Intellectually, students are challenged to work to the best of their abilities. In a world of diversity and absolutes, students need to be free to appreciate and understand the living organism called Earth, the peoples and cultures that inhabit it, and to develop global perspectives by which to form their lives and consciences. Students are provided opportunities to develop basic academic and physical skills, pursue knowledge, and critically study and analyze the world in which they live.
The effective Catholic school must call its students to the conviction that people are more important than material gain, that justice is more important than success, that love is more important than esteem, and that collaboration unites while competition divides. The truly successful Catholic school student is not necessarily one who is successful in every endeavor, but one who accepts Christian responsibility for fulfillment of personal potential and shares these gifts with others.
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF AUSTIN
We, the Diocese of Austin, the Catholic Church of Central Texas through the Word and Eucharist, prayer, formation and education, social ministries and advocacy, embrace diverse cultures throughout the diocese so that together, as the Catholic Church, we may continue the mission of Christ in the world today.
MISSION STATEMENT OF ST. MARY’S CATHOLICSCHOOL
St. Mary’s Catholic School seeks God’s will as we love, encourage and educate all students in the Catholic faith, helping them to reach their highest potential in spirit, mind, body and service.
ETHICS AND INTEGRITY IN MINISTRY:PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
NOTE: The complete “Policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry, Diocese of Austin” is available for viewing. A copy is maintained in the school and church offices.
“Our diocesan policies, Ethics and Integrity in Ministry, are rooted in the Catholic understanding that each individual must be respected and honored. Jesus had a deep, abiding respect for each human being and would not harm or mislead anyone in his/her personal or spiritual life. We must attempt to likewise. Our policies cover four areas of possible harm: immoral conduct, exploitation, harassment and abuse. Statistics show that, while clergy sexual misconduct receives the most media attention, about half of all abuse perpetrated in parishes is done so by volunteers.”
Protecting God’s Children: “Anyone – volunteers, paid staff, religious or clergy – involved in a ministry with minors (those under the age of 18) or vulnerable adults (those who are uniquely vulnerable to abuse because of physical or mental disabilities) is required to:
1. Submit a Parish Volunteer Application (see website austindiocese.org )
2. Agree to a criminal background check
3. Attend a workshop on ‘Protecting God’s Children,’ a seminar on child sexual abuse.”
As of July 1, 2003, anyone who serves in ministry to minors or vulnerable adults must have completed a criminal records check and attended a Protecting God’s Children workshop. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops intends to audit all dioceses in the country to learn of our efforts to comply with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. It is mandatory that people who serve in the following ways meet the policy requirements: clergy (priests and deacons); women and men in consecrated life; seminarians and deacon candidates; directors of religious education and catechists; youth ministry employees and volunteers; nursery employees and volunteers; school administrators, teacher, and classroom volunteers (also applies to activities outside the classroom when sponsored by the school or church); maintenance and food service providers in schools’ parishes; leaders and volunteers of Catholic Scout (boy and girl troops); children’s choir directors and children’s liturgy coordinators and trainers; anyone (including parents and adults in host families involved in overnight events); anyone transporting minors in vehicles; anyone involved in a one-on-one or home-based ministry with minors; eucharistic ministers who visit people outside of the church (hospitals, nursing home, private homes, etc.); anyone serving in a program for minors or vulnerable adults that is hosted on church or school property. To obtain more information or ask questions, contact the Church or school offices.
HIERARCHY OF RESPONSIBILITY
(Diocesan Education Board, May 1999)
The Bishop of the Diocese holds the primary responsibility for all Catholic educational programs within the Diocese. As the chief teacher of the Diocese, the Bishop is responsible for providing the basis of Catholic education for the people of the Diocese. The Superintendent of Schools operates as the representative of the Bishop. With regard to all educational matters, the following persons and organizations are subject to the Diocesan Handbook of School Policies (copy is available in the principal’s office): Diocesan Education Board, Office of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Pastor, local school board, principal, teacher, professional staff member, parent, pupil, volunteer, other personnel.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DIOCESAN EDUCATION BOARD
AND INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL POLICIES
(Diocesan Education Board, May, 1999)
The Diocesan Education Board is an Advisory Board responsible for formulating Diocesan policies for the CatholicSchool ministry of the Diocese. This Board and the Superintendent are responsible to the Bishop of the Diocese. The policies are subject to unilateral modification by the Superintendent. The policy of the Diocese takes priority over local school policy. An amended or revised policy of the Diocese replaces former Diocesan policy and takes priority over local school policy. The adopted date on each policy is the effective date, unless expressly stated to the contrary in the policy or in the records of adoption of the policy. No school may establish a policy that conflicts or is inconsistent with Diocesan policy. The Local School Board and/or the Pastor approve all local school policies. During business hours, each local school shall allow individuals, who request to do so, an opportunity to read school policies. The policies shall be kept current.
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS
Every professional teacher (requiring a degree) and the principal currently assigned to St. Mary’s School have bachelor degrees or master degrees and have complete certification in the assignment that she/he is assigned as mandated by the Texas Catholic Education Conference (essentially the same as prescribed by the Texas Education Agency). Every instructor, not requiring a degree, and including teacher aides, have the necessary academic preparation and certification required by the Texas Catholic Education Conference and the Diocese of Austin. If any parent or individuals in the community want additional information and/or clarification, they should contact the principal as soon as possible.