Opening of the 2015 - 2016 School Year

It is with great enthusiasm and gratitude that we begin a new academic year at St. Benilde Catholic School. I am tremendously proud of our wonderful students and the many contributions of all those who make Catholic education possible at St. Benilde Parish: dedicated administrators, teachers, school staff, volunteers, and parents, and, in a special way, generous parishioners and benefactors. Thank you for all you do to support the ministry of Catholic education.

What makes St. Benilde Catholic School different? We educate the whole child. We address not only the intellectual, physical and psychological capacities of a child but also the moral and religious dimensions. Catholic education is centered on the person of Jesus Christ who provides the most comprehensive example of the realization of full human potential. St. Benilde Catholic School is a vibrant Faith community where Roman Catholicism is both witnessed and experienced. It is a place where intellectual growth is harmonized with spiritual, religious, emotional and social growth. Our distinctiveness does not rest solely on our religious education program. Academic excellence is essential, but it is not enough to produce graduates well prepared in the arts and sciences. We must produce graduates whose love for wisdom and truth lead to a worldview infused with Gospel values and Catholic tradition.

St. Benilde Catholic School continues to be “transformed” as we move closer and closer to accomplishing our vision. This vision is very basic, and encompasses developing a stronger Catholic Identity, striving for academic excellence, and strengthening our long standing commitment to the apostolic work of the Church. Our school offers a distinctive personalized approach to Catholic education where each child is encouraged to excel to the highest standards in a learning environment that is responsive to their particular level of readiness. This personalized approach to education harmonizes the best academic practices with the Christian worldview that every child is a unique gift from God; and therefore, it is our responsibility and privilege to provide each child with the resources and skill sets he/she needs to be fully alive, fully beautiful…fully human!

It is with great joy that I join our Principal and Executive Director, Mr. Matt Downey, in unveiling our newest innovation in Catholic Education: SBS Online. The launch of SBS Online allows us to take our distinctive personalized approach to Catholic education to an even greater level of individualization and to serve a greater number of families. It is our response to the call of the New Evangelization – a means of harnessing the power of technology to support families in truly being the domestic Church. For additional information on SBS Online, please visit our website: http://www.stbenilde.com/sbs-online.

We have aimed our goals high, and have raised the bar on our expectations of not only our students but our parents as well. I believe it is important to affirm our direction as a school, and constantly keep our vision at the forefront of our hearts and minds. Our vision is really one that puts in perspective our basic intentions as Roman Catholics in keeping the salvation of everyone at St. Benilde Parish and School as the foundational component of why we exist in the first place. This has always been my main concern. It is by embracing such truth, that we enter into the spirit of Catholic Education which strives to form every child holistically in mind, body, and spirit.

I continue to pledge my personal commitment to do everything within my power to maintain a strong Catholic Identity within our school and to ensure its long term vitality and viability. May the Blessed Virgin Mary guide us all in the privilege and joy we share in forming and shaping our youth according to the mind and heart of Jesus Christ.