Celebrating Our Catholic School: A Reflection from Principal Lofton
JANUARY 26, 2022
Dear Saint Thomas More Families,
Next week we join the more than 5,938 Catholic elementary and secondary schools across this country as we celebrate National Catholic Schools Week 2023. The theme for this year’s Catholic Schools Week is Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service. Catholic schools have a specific purpose to form students to be good citizens of the world, love God and neighbor, and enrich society with the leaven of the gospel and by example of faith.
As communities of faith, Catholic schools instill in students their destiny to become saints. Academic excellence is the hallmark of Catholic education intentionally directed to the growth of the whole person–mind, body and spirit. Service is fundamental to Catholic education and the core of Catholic discipleship. Service is intended to help form people who are not only witnesses to Catholic social teaching, but also active participants through social learning. This theme highlights the fact that St. Thomas More Catholic School is not only a community in and of itself, but it is part of the larger community of Saint Paul, Minnesota, the United States, and the world!
As you know, our school has a long and proud history in Saint Paul. For over 118 years, our parish school has been educating young people in the heart of St. Paul dates back to the founding of our school as St. Lukes in 1904 and Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1952 and IHM-St. Lukes in 1991. Throughout our history we have been called by different names, yet we have been and continue to be a close-knit community and values-centered school where all are welcome! Today, St. Thomas More combines rigorous, 21st-century academics with a global philosophy in the Jesuit tradition. From the first day of preschool through eighth grade graduation, we encourage our students to discover their many gifts and talents, and become the best version of themselves. A St. Thomas More education transforms our students' futures and prepares them to transform our world. As a Catholic and Jesuit school, we welcome families of many different faith traditions. We are a place where all are welcome! Ultimately, we support, we teach, but most of all we inspire all children to be their best in all they do.
There are many reasons why Catholic schools like St. Thomas More consistently achieve outstanding results. Among the many reasons parents choose our school and that parents around the country choose Catholic schools is:
- We offer an education that combines Catholic teachings and the Jesuit tradition with academic excellence.
- We partner with parents in the formation of their children.
- We set high standards for student achievement and help all students to succeed.
- We provide a balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture, and life.
- We use technology effectively to enhance education.
- We instill in students the value of service to others.
- We teach children respect for self and others.
- We emphasize moral development and self-discipline.
- We prepare students to be productive citizens and future leaders.
- We have a 100% high school graduation rate, and 85% of Catholic high school graduates go on to college.
- We cultivate a faculty and staff of people who are dedicated, caring, and committed to best practice.
- We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.
As we prepare to celebrate National Catholic Schools Week 2023, I want to thank you for entrusting your most precious gift, your child(den), to us! Thank you for embracing our mission as the Jesuit elementary school of the Twin Cities, thank you for appreciating our many talented and dedicated teachers and staff, and thank you for choosing us to be your partner in helping form and transform your child(ren) into the best version of themselves.
For 29 years, I have had the privilege to serve as a teacher and leader in Catholic schools. I use the word "privilege" both carefully and deliberately because I understand the great blessing and responsibility it is to help guide, shape, and lead students, families, faculty and staff, and an entire school community. One of the reasons that I have remained in Catholic education for more than a quarter century is because I believe so strongly in both the mission and ministry of Catholic schools and how communities of faith like ours touch the lives of all who are part of our school family!
As we prepare to celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, we have much to celebrate here at Saint Thomas More! I invite you to attend our annual Catholic Schools Week Open House next Thursday, February 2 from 5:30 to 7 pm. Please stop by and see all the wonderful things happening at our parish school.
Thank you for your support of our parish school–a school rooted in faith, knowledge, and service. Happy National Catholic Schools Week!
Gratefully,
Pat Lofton, Ed.S.
Principal
< BACK TO NEWS