How CISVA Schools Practice Catholic Social Teachings
Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA) are dedicated to nurturing the whole person through an education deeply rooted in the Gospel and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). Here’s how CISVA schools translate these teachings into daily life and curriculum, with examples of practices at the school level.
Core Principles of Catholic Social Teaching in CISVA Schools
Some of the fundamental CST principles taught and practiced include:
Human Dignity: Each person is recognized as created in the image of God, meriting respect and compassion.
The Common Good: Students learn that their actions contribute to and should benefit the wider community.
Solidarity: CISVA schools foster strong community bonds, teaching students to support one another, especially the marginalized.
Subsidiarity and Participation: Parents are acknowledged as primary educators; students are encouraged to engage in decision-making and contribute to school life.
Preferential Option for the Poor: Service to the poor and vulnerable is a regular, visible part of school culture.
Stewardship of Creation: There is a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility.
How CISVA Schools Embed Catholic Social Teaching
1. Integrated Curriculum
CISVA teachers purposefully infuse CST into lessons across all subjects. Students are encouraged to reflect on moral and ethical dimensions within science, social studies, and the arts, not just in religious classes. For example, language arts projects might involve creating media campaigns for local charities, directly linking communication skills with community service.
2. Service and Compassion in Action
Schools regularly organize service projects, from food drives and fundraisers for local shelters to visits with seniors and environmental cleanups. Through these, students experience firsthand what it means to be "missionary disciples" who care for society’s most vulnerable members.
3. Faith and Community Building
At the heart of every CISVA school is a strong sense of community, where the classroom is seen as a place for dialogue, teamwork, and relationship-building. Rituals such as school liturgies, communal prayers, and celebrations of the sacraments foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
4. Respect for Diversity and Dialogue
In addition to Catholic values, CISVA curriculum recognizes Aboriginal worldviews and perspectives, drawing parallels between First Peoples’ Principles of Learning and Christian education. This openness to dialogue and cultural respect models the CST principle of solidarity.
Examples from Individual Schools
St. Francis Xavier School: Students support the local food bank through regular collections and participate in “Sock Drives” to provide for those experiencing homelessness.
St. Patrick’s School: Integrates environmental stewardship by having students lead school-wide recycling initiatives and participate in neighborhood cleanups.
Immaculate Conception School: Celebrates a “Day of Service” where students volunteer at various community organizations, embodying the call to serve the poor and vulnerable.
(While examples above reference common activities found across CISVA schools, individual annual reports or newsletters from these schools regularly feature such initiatives, reinforcing the practical application of CST. For detailed or up-to-date examples, see specific school websites or contact school administrators.)
Foundation in Faith
In the CISVA approach, living out CST isn’t limited to special events—it’s embedded in daily interactions, campus life, and the very structure of the curriculum. By the time students graduate, they are encouraged to “model their lives on the attitudes and actions of Jesus,” practicing moral discernment, empathy, and social responsibility in all they do.
The continual commitment to Catholic Social Teaching ensures CISVA students not only excel academically, but also grow in faith, character, and service, ready to contribute meaningfully to the world.