Faith and Learning

Our Mission

 

The mission of St. Bernadette Catholic School is to educate the whole child-mind, body, and soul, in an authentic Catholic environment, guiding them to grow in grace on their journey towards heaven.

 

 

Our Root Beliefs

We believe we are made in the image and likeness of God.

 

Every person possesses inherent dignity and worth because they are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). This belief shapes how we treat one another, fostering a community of respect, compassion, and love. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1700), the human person is endowed with a spiritual soul, intellect, and will, reflecting God’s image. By recognizing the divine in each person, we nurture an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to grow into who God has called them to be.

 

We believe that we are a family.

 

At St. Bernadette, our community extends beyond the classroom; it is a network of relationships grounded in faith, trust, and support. As members of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), we are called to live in communion, supporting one another through joys and challenges. The Catholic Church teaches the importance of family and community (CCC 2204-2206), emphasizing that we are united in love and purpose. By embracing this unity, we create a safe, nurturing space for holistic growth, modeling the Church’s vision of a family rooted in faith.

We believe God is in everything we do.

 

Our Catholic faith permeates every aspect of life at St. Bernadette. We strive to see God’s presence in our learning, play, challenges, and successes, reflecting the call to holiness in everyday life (Lumen Gentium, 39-42). By integrating faith into our daily activities and decision-making, we encourage students to develop a sacramental worldview, recognizing God’s grace in all experiences and responding with gratitude and humility (CCC 1147).

We believe excellence is the result of hard work.

 

We are committed to nurturing academic and personal excellence by encouraging perseverance, discipline, and a growth mindset. Inspired by the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), we believe that God calls us to use our gifts to the best of our abilities. The Church teaches the dignity of work and the importance of striving for virtue (CCC 2427). Through dedication and effort, students learn that true success is not merely measured by achievements but by the character and integrity developed along the journey.

We know, love, and serve Jesus.

 

Our mission is rooted in leading students to a personal relationship with Christ, fulfilling the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). We teach the Gospel not only through words but through actions of love, mercy, and service (John 13:34-35). By fostering an environment where students encounter Christ, we guide them to live as His disciples, bringing hope and light to the world around them. This aligns with the Church’s mission of evangelization and catechesis (CCC 905, 427).

Our Yearly Theme

Each year, St. Bernadette Catholic School is guided by a spiritual theme chosen by Fr. Olvera to inspire and shape our school community. This year, we are excited to reflect on the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John 14:6:

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

 

This powerful verse speaks directly to the heart of our mission—to educate the whole child: mind, body, and soul—in an authentic Catholic environment. As we walk with our students on their journey toward heaven, we look to Jesus as the ultimate model and guide. He shows us the way to live with integrity and compassion, teaches us the truth that brings clarity and wisdom, and offers us the life that is rooted in hope and grace.

Throughout this school year, this theme will echo in our classrooms, liturgies, service projects, and community moments. Together, we will explore what it means to follow Christ more fully, to stand firmly in His truth, and to be bearers of His life and love in all we do. May this verse inspire us to grow in grace and deepen our discipleship each day at St. Bernadette.

Curriculum Overview at St. Bernadette Catholic School

At St. Bernadette Catholic School, we are dedicated to delivering a comprehensive, faith-centered education that nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and soul. Our curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of each student while promoting academic excellence, spiritual growth, and moral integrity. Rooted in Catholic tradition, we integrate Gospel values into every subject area, fostering students' development as critical thinkers, compassionate citizens, and lifelong disciples of Christ.

As the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools affirms, "An excellent Catholic school has a clearly articulated, rigorous curriculum aligned with relevant standards, 21st century skills, and Gospel values, implemented through effective instruction" (Standard 7, NCEA). At St. Bernadette, this is not just our aspiration but our mission.

Curriculum and Instruction Benchmarks

At St. Bernadette Catholic School, our curriculum and instruction are guided by key benchmarks that ensure a high-quality, faith-filled education for all students:

• Standards-Based Curriculum: Our curriculum adheres to clearly defined standards that are vertically aligned across grade levels, ensuring a seamless progression of learning. These standards integrate religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical dimensions throughout all subject areas.
• 21st Century Learning: We prepare our students to be creative, reflective, and morally grounded problem solvers. Our curriculum fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy, equipping students to be responsible citizens in a rapidly evolving world. Students become expert users of technology, capable of creating, publishing, and critiquing digital content in a variety of contexts.
• Engaging and Inclusive Instruction: We recognize and address the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of each student. Instruction at St. Bernadette is designed to engage and motivate all learners, with accommodations made to support the diverse needs of our students and ensure they reach their fullest potential.
• Faith Integration: Religious values are integrated into every aspect of the curriculum, ensuring that students not only grow academically but also spiritually and morally. We emphasize relationship building, service to others, and the development of habits of mind that reflect Gospel values.

Courses of Study

Our courses of study are developed with the mission and philosophy of Catholic education at their core. Under the guidance of the Office of Catholic Schools, teachers and administrators work together to create a curriculum that aligns with Catholic values while also meeting the academic standards set by the Diocese of Columbus and the State of Ohio.

Each subject area is thoughtfully designed to provide students with a strong foundation in key academic disciplines, all while emphasizing the importance of living out their Catholic faith. We aim to cultivate students who are not only well-prepared academically but who also embody the virtues of compassion, integrity, and service.