Philosophy
St. Matthew Catholic School, as an active ministry of St. Matthew Parish, the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and the Catholic Church, serves to impart and promote our Catholic faith to future generations.
Parents, as primary educators, work in positive partnership with parish and school, and create a faith community that inspires its members to live as Jesus lived.
Teachers nurture each child's unique gifts, facilitate academic growth and faith formation of the whole person, and prepare students to become conscious of and responsive to cultural diversity in society.
By integrating the faith, knowledge, and values they gain, St. Matthew students will think critically, discover a love of learning, live the Gospel message, reach out to others in service, further social justice, and deepen their relationship with God.
MISSION STATEMENT
We commit ourselves to the creation of a peaceful and caring Christian learning environment, in which we recognize, respect, and celebrate the dignity and differences of individuals.
The parent, parish, and school communities work together to challenge students intellectually while nurturing them spiritually, physically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially. They prepare them to go forth into a diverse, technological world as active Christians with Catholic vision, as persons with strong character and effective communication, as responsible citizens and lifelong learners who live according to the teachings of Christ.
PEARL
A St. Matthew School Graduate, supported by the faith community including parents, parish, and school, is expected to be:
A PERSON WITH STRONG CHARACTER who:
- shows respect and love to all
- lives with integrity
- is honest
- develops a positive sense of self
- demonstrates self-discipline
AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR who:
- listens attentively and compassionately
- respects differences
- uses various modalities to express ideas and feelings
- uses correct grammar and mechanics
AN ACTIVE CHRISTIAN WITH CATHOLIC VISION who:
- develops a personal relationship with God
- demonstrates faith in his/her daily life
- honors Baptismal promises through Christ-like service in the world
- has a sense of the sacred
- participates in prayer and liturgy
- knows the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church
A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN who:
- demonstrates social consciousness and aids those in need
- respects and celebrates cultural diversity
- is accountable for his/her own actions
- works cooperatively with others
- understands American history, traditions and civic duties
A LIFE LONG LEARNER who:
- meets the academic standards of the school curriculum
- uses resources to gather information
- uses organizational and problem solving skills
- is self-motivated
- continues the pursuit of faith formation and personal growth
- encounters new challenges with confidence and optimism
PEARL for Grades K through 3
A Person with Strong Character who:
- is kind and shows love
- tries to do what is right without reminders
- tells the truth
- knows I am good and takes care of myself because God made me
- is a good sport
An Effective Communicator who:
- listens carefully and kindly to others
- agrees/disagrees politely
- shares ideas clearly by writing, drawing, or speaking
- is learning to speak and write correctly
- does my best work
An Active Christian with Catholic Vision who:
- loves and trusts God and tries to follow Jesus daily
- tries to help others
- is learning to respect holy persons, places, and things, and events
- prays and takes part in Mass
- is learning what Jesus' church teaches and how to be a good member
A Responsible Citizen who:
- is learning to be a good member of the community and who helps those in need
- is learning how people's differences are important and good
- is beginning to make choices that make good things happen
- works and plays kindly, sharing materials and being the leader
- is learning about America
- is learning to use and share the earth's resources, and all I have, well
A Life Long Learner who:
- is learning what I need to know for my next grade
- is learning to use different tools
- is learning how to organize and to solve problems in different ways
- wants to learn and grow
- knows I can do great things if I try my best
