One of the first words most commonly spoken by infants is "No!"  This is no surprise because everything in the world is new to a baby.  They know no boundaries and must be taught what they cannot do for their own safety and well being.  As the child ages, punishment for breaking rules often continues to be the centerpiece of discipline.  

While rules are important, there is an uplifting manner to teach children proper behavior.   At St. Denis - St. Columba School we focus on the holistic formation of the entire individual as a living witness of God, educating and nurturing mind, body and spirit.  At the heart of our educational purpose is character development rooted in faith-based virtues education.  It is a foundation of who we are as Catholics and is infused in our school culture, our interactions with others and our curriculum expectations.   As children develop they need to acquire certain habits of mind and character. These "habits of mind and heart" are called virtues.

Virtues allow the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.  (Catechism of the Catholic Church)  The goal of the virtuous life is to live like Jesus.

Our students are introduced to a new virtue each month.  However, the students are not just "taught" about the virtue.  In class they share in Virtue Circles what the virtue means to them or how they have witnessed the virtue at work in their lives. The students are encouraged to practice the virtue in their interaction with others throughout the month.  In addition, the students complete a monthly virtue project at home where they are encouraged to discuss and implement the virtue with their families.  

By integrating the virtues into education, St. Denis - St. Columba School does not focus on character development through "No!"  Instead, we invite our students to "Go!"  "Go forth and be a living witness to God!"