Mission Statement
Philosophy
Objectives
Belief Statements
Graduate Profile

Revised November 2003

Queen of Peace High School acknowledges its responsibility to be a Catholic educational community in which staff and students endeavor to build and live community in a climate of respect, trust and friendship. In a nurturing, safe and orderly environment, the school works to foster among its students a social conscience that is sensitive to the needs of all, regardless of ethnic origin, religious affiliation or economic status and one that affords all people the dignity granted them by a just and loving God. We recognize and appreciate the diversity of the student body and promote understanding, acceptance and respect.

Aware that service is a natural by-product of authentic community, Queen of Peace High School challenges its students to accept personal responsibility to live out their basic baptismal commitment by sharing their talents and goods with others. Queen of Peace High School provides means for its students to participate in service projects of greater or lesser complexity.

Fully aware that learning is a lifelong adventure, we recognize that high school is only one step in the educational and formation process. We are, however, dedicated to developing men and women who are prepared to take an active role in life as good, moral citizens with strong Catholic values. The school provides a challenging college preparatory program that encourages academic excellence and challenges students to think critically and creatively while at the same time remaining flexible enough to meet the educational needs of all students.

Queen of Peace High School also acknowledges that students' personal growth necessitates an integrated social life within the school and beyond it. To this end, the school provides a comprehensive program of co-curricular activities and athletics that enables students to discover their interests, talents and gifts and develop skills that will assist them throughout life.

The school community places emphasis on student freedom with responsibility. As students progress at Queen of Peace High School, they pass through a framework of guided decision-making concerning their religious, academic, social and athletic involvement within the school community. Queen of Peace High School strives to implement processes of learning that prove beneficial to students, thereby allowing every opportunity to succeed and excel.

Revised November 2003

Objectives

1. To provide an atmosphere in which the school community may develop and mature in its commitment to Jesus Christ and to the mission of the Church through:
   
   1. An analysis of the attitude and behavior of the individual in relationship to God, self, and others;
   2. The study of the Church through its history, doctrine, and contemporary teachings;
   3. The study of Scriptures, moral values, and worship;
   4. Having the chapel of St. Joseph the Educator available in the school building;
   5. An exposure to various religious experiences;
   6. Participation in Liturgical celebrations;
   7. Participation in Retreat days and Christian social service experiences; and a youth ministry program directed by a campus minister and team members to develop and strengthen the spiritual life of the school.

2. To provide a milieu that challenges the intellect, provokes inquiry, stimulates creativity, and nurtures responsibility toward learning through:
   
   1. Teaching techniques which develop critical, analytical, and independent thinking;
      
   2. The fostering of initiatives consistent with students' abilities;
      
   3. A variety of phased courses;
      
   4. A curriculum council which evaluates and updates curriculum;
      
   5. Instructions in basic skills;
      
   6. A variety of cultural activities which develop an appreciation of the fine arts;
      
   7. The use of library and audio-visual materials;
      
   8. The use of well-equipped computer laboratories with software for appropriate computer applications and courseware for computer-aided instructions;
      
   9. Teacher-student relationships which identify and develop the student's areas of particular ability;
      
   10. Faculty members with expertise in their subject areas and with an ability to stimulate and direct the learning process; and
       
   11. A staff that is interested in and actively involved with the school day.

3. To provide an atmosphere in which young decision-makers can become determined Christian through:
   
   1. Supportive guidance counselors who offer a continuous, systematic program to help students learn about and appreciate their interest, aptitudes, and potential;
      
   2. A dedicated faculty who recognize their responsibility as teachers in a Christian school;
      
   3. A campus minister who coordinates students' and teachers' efforts to help the school live up to its Christian philosophy;
      
   4. A priest who offers pastoral counseling and provides Sacraments on a regular basis;
      
   5. A curriculum which offers exposure to relevant ethical concerns and provides a framework for decision-making based on Christian values, including Peace Quest assemblies; and
      
   6. A means for closer participation in the Sacraments through student ministries such as Minister of the Eucharist and Minister of the Word.

4. To promote the skills and graces needed by our students to act responsibly and successfully in an adult society by providing:
   
   1. Supervised experiences in creating authority structures highlighted by such leadership organizations as Student Council, National Honor Society, Peer Ministry, Liturgical Ministries, and athletic and service organizations;
      
   2. An opportunity to respond to various authority structures, such as a discipline code, dress code, service supervision, and challenging academic structures;
      
   3. Supervision of extracurricular and social activities that allow students opportunities to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner; the opportunity and responsibility to participate in service-oriented activities.

5. To develop a sound body that will assist in developing a sound mind by:
   
   1. Formal classes in physical education, health, and driver education;
      
   2. Lifetime activities such as jogging, bowling, and other athletic endeavors;
      
   3. Drug and alcohol education seminars which center on the dangers of drugs and alcohol;
      
   4. Suicide awareness and self-esteem programs which educate the student to become more confident, aware, and respectful of themselves and each other;
      
   5. Interscholastic athletics/intramural competitions which develop good sportsmanship;
      
   6. A continual interaction between students, faculty, and moderators, which creates relationships of trust and respect that transcend the classroom.

Belief Statements

• effective Catholic education helps students develop a sense of dignity and self-respect and encourages students to treat others with that same dignity and respect.
• learning is a lifelong process that enables a person to grow and develop to one's full potential.
• a challenging academic program will foster in students a sense of discipline and a desire to realize their potential and strive to achieve excellence.
• a school must provide a safe, secure, orderly and comfortable learning environment where students can enthusiastically pursue knowledge.
• Service Learning develops a strong sense of Christian commitment toward others and engages students in leadership roles that enhance their sense of community.
• diversity is essential for learning to live in a global society and inspires our students to be respectful of all people as children of God.
• that education develops the whole person- spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically.
• in the uniqueness of each student, in his/her talents and gifts and in his/her ability to learn.

Graduate Profile

• embodies Gospel values in his/her actions and interactions
• has developed a personal relationship with God through private prayer and communal worship
• bears witness to his/her faith through active participation in parish life and community service
• is Christ-like
• possesses a strong sense of personal integrity and honor and willingly fights for social justice
• exhibits faith in God and love for others
• shares his/her faith with others

• reads critically, writes with clarity, listens carefully and speaks effectively
• thinks critically and creatively
• is technologically proficient to function in a knowledge valued society
• values education and has a lifelong love of learning
• exhibits intellectual curiosity
• faces the challenges of the world beyond Queen of Peace
• can understand and articulate the moral and doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church.

• respects religious, cultural and ethnic differences
• values his/her role in the democratic process
• collaborates with and works well with others
• is committed to constructive and peaceful resolution of conflicts
• works to improve local, national and global affairs

• possesses a strong self-awareness and positive self-image
• has developed self-discipline and confidence
• accepts responsibility for his/her own actions and makes mature decisions based on Catholic moral teachings and values
• has established a set of priorities for his/her life
• possesses a sound work ethic

• understands that life begins with conception and ends with natural death
• recognizes the importance of spiritual, physical, and emotional health
• appreciates the human body as a gift from God
• has developed sound habits of physical and nutritional health
• respects the physical environment and is willing to take stewardship of our planet