St. Peter School Philosophy

St. Peter School is a Catholic elementary school in the Springfield Diocese, which is dedicated to the educational missions of the Church – to proclaim the message, to build community, to enter into prayer and worship, and to motivate to service.

We believe that Jesus has sent His Spirit to be with us always to guide, direct, and energize the love of God in us.  We trust and rely on God’s gifts to each one in our school family–parents, teacher, and students.

We believe that the Parents have the primary responsibility in the education of their child.  It is they who set the attitudes and values and give real meaning to Christian education in the schools.  After the parents have freely entrusted their child to the Catholic school, it is their right and duty to assist the school by their cooperation and support according to their ability.

We believe that the Child, a unique individual, has definite basic relationships to God, to others, to nature, and to self.  Through this interaction with people, ideas, and things in the total school environment, the child’s potential–spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional and physical–is developed and strengthened.

We believe that the Faith Community–the Church–has the responsibility of assisting the parents in carrying out their duty of the Christian education of the child.  We believe, also, that the Catholic school is the most effective means available to the Church in its educational ministry to the children and young people.

St. Peter School Goals

In order to achieve the mission of St. Peter School, students will:

  • Model their lives on the teachings of Jesus through prayer, respect for life, practice of self-discipline, responsible decision-making.
  • Participate in the life of the Church, especially in the sacraments, liturgy, and service.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Catholic Church teachings, traditions, and history.
  • Demonstrate the ability to read fluently and with understanding.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and correctly through speaking and writing for a variety of purposes.
  • Demonstrate the effective use and application of computational skills and mathematical concepts.
  • Demonstrate the effective use of scientific method and concepts.
  • Exhibit the knowledge of our country’s democratic process, history, and cultural diversity needed to become active citizens within our country and the global community.
  • Express themselves creatively through fine arts.
  • Work both independently and cooperatively.
  • Demonstrate the personal and social skills needed for spiritual, physical, and emotional wellness.
  • Demonstrate a respect for legitimate authority in the school and community.
  • Model and promote Covey’s Habits.