SHS Philosophy

Our Philosophy

The Catholic Church is an instrument of salvation and a sign of Christ in the world today. Therefore, the mission of Sacred Heart School, in the Diocese of Metuchen, is to integrate religious truths and values into the curriculum so that students will be prepared to become productive, contributing members of the Church, the community and the world.

Parents are recognized as being primarily responsible for their child's education. It is in the Christian family that children should be taught to know and worship God and to love their neighbors. Together with parents, Sacred Heart School children can experience learning and living, integrated in the light of faith. The Christian message is translated through the education presented by administrators and teachers.

Since intellectual development and growth as a Christian progress together, it is important that the community of Sacred Heart helps our students become aware of the existing relationship between faith and society. This is accomplished through the integration of religious beliefs in all aspects of the school day. The community of Sacred Heart works to prepare our children to face the challenges of life with hope and creativity. The students discover the joys that come from sharing all God's precious gifts and blessings.

The school provides the children with opportunities to be generous with prayers and sacrifices for the missions and the less fortunate within our parish community and the community at large. We also provide the students with prayer services, Reconciliation services, and liturgical celebrations. By practicing Christian values and putting Christian principles into action through service, we encourage our children to take an active role in church, school and community programs.

At Sacred Heart School, we aim to develop literacy, critical and creative thinking skills, and factual knowledge in al curriculum areas. By using varied teaching strategies, teachers challenge and encourage each child to achieve according to his/her ability. Children are assisted in developing an appreciation for knowledge, culture, art, music and literature. This enhances the child's self-worth and encourages each child to acquire a positive attitude toward life long learning.

By focusing on the individual child, we instill and nurture values as a foundation for all aspects of living. We motivate each child to become an independent thinker and challenge him/her to accept responsibility in creating a just society. In addition, the practice of respect for all life is emphasized.

Spiritual development of the student begins with the understanding of and commitment to Catholic values and teachings. These values taught primarily at home are reinforced in school with prayers, religious instruction, service, and reception of the Sacraments.

Intellectual thinking is a continuous progression from basic skills to higher levels of thinking. It is our belief that strong basic skills lay the foundation for further learning. These skills are practiced and developed until they are mastered. The confidence derived from the mastery of the curriculum encourages our students to continue their pursuit of knowledge.

Social and personal development begins at home with parents being the primary role models. In school the students continue to learn acceptable behavior, respect for others, and accountability for their own actions. In addition, they are encouraged to accept themselves and to develop their own unique talents, while learning to function within the various authority systems that make up our American society.

We believe that the parent, as the primary educator, is responsible for the formation of values, habits, and skills necessary to ensure the successful development of the whole child. The teacher, as the professional educator, and the parents, as the primary educator, are partners responsible for the continued spiritual, academic, social, psychological, and physical growth of the child.