Diocese of Manchester Catholic Schools
Statement on Parental Partnership in Education

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Parents are the primary educators of their children; this is an essential tenet of the Catholic faith.*

We, the teachers and administrators of the Diocese of Manchester, consider it our privilege to work alongside you in the education and formation of our Catholic school students.

When you choose to partner with our Catholic schools, we both commit to a collaboration of effort and good will, opening the door to a world of goodness, truth and beauty. Your child will experience the transformative effect of God’s love in his or her life and you will be amazed at the ways it touches others, both in and outside of school.

Parents have both the right and duty to act as role models –

physically, mentally, and spiritually – and a good example

is the strongest teacher. Your personal relationship with God

and your active involvement in the school community will

influence the ways in which your child relates to God and

others. It will enhance their education and create the next

generation of societal leaders. The Catholic values and

Christian behavior taught in our schools will take root in

your child if they are also demonstrated at home. The

Diocese of Manchester Catholic Schools will provide

resources throughout the year which will seek to support

and affirm your responsibility as the first educator of your child.

In our schools, we gladly welcome students of all faiths, at all stages along the journey to faith, and we need parents to support us according to our mission. Catholic schools will continue to be transparent about expectations, curriculum, and every aspect of our committed partnership. Students may not “opt out” of religion class, Mass, rosary, or any other of the Catholic practices that distinguish our Catholic schools from their secular counterparts. It is for the benefit of every child, in a true spirit of evangelization, that devotions are taught and required for all students.

During their formative years, your child needs constant support at home as well as at school to develop his or her moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical endowment. Parents and teachers must trust the sincerity of the efforts of their educational partner in the quest to nurture and challenge each student to reach his or her potential. We follow the Catholic principle of subsidiarity; that is, concerns should always be brought, first, to the staff member, teacher, or administrator that the parent has the concern with. It is vital that both parents and teachers model respect. Open and two-way communications between family and school are foundational to your child’s growth and accomplishment.

Students are naturally eager to grow and learn. Sometimes, in the process of maturation, new interests may cause them to lose focus. As this natural process occurs, the student needs both understanding and structure. At times, your child may perceive structure as restrictive. However, we believe appropriate boundaries and limits provide children with much needed guidance and security. It also provides the best learning environment, where everyone can learn free from distraction. As a partner, we will work alongside you, to uplift you in your role as primary educator, while creating an atmosphere where students can best be readied to achieve academic and personal success.

Nothing is more important, or more beautiful, than the task of forming knowledgeable, kind, effective and moral citizens of tomorrow. We are honored to have earned your trust, encouraged by your strong commitment, and we look forward to working alongside you.

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* Catechism of the Catholic Church §2223