Celebrating School Success Month: Building Together in Faith and Excellence
“Love follows knowledge.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
After the whirlwind of back-to-school season, students are settling into their new routines and setting goals for the year ahead. That is why we celebrate National School Success Month each September—a moment to reflect on what success truly means for our schools.
For students, this month is an invitation to set intentions. What does a successful school year look like for you? Is it reaching a new academic milestone, joining a club or sport, learning an instrument, or committing to service in your community? Taking the time to compose goals and create a plan for accomplishing them can make a big difference moving forward.
Building Success in Our Catholic Schools
At the Diocese of Orlando Catholic Schools, we recognize that planning for success is also the responsibility of our leaders and educators. When we succeed in creating enriching and supportive environments, our students are empowered to reach their fullest potential. Simply put, when our educators succeed, so do our students.
That is why we have set Five Key Pillars that will inspire and define our success this year:
-
We use information, insight, and reflection to guide our decisions—for the good of every child entrusted to our care.
-
We deeply invest in developing current and future leaders who will guide our schools with courage and faith.
-
Called to holiness and excellence, we embrace the responsibility of forming children for both college and Heaven.
-
We walk alongside one another in service, supporting and uplifting through Christ-centered leadership.
-
As one diocesan family, we build bridges across schools, parishes, and ministries, uniting children and families from infancy through 12th grade.
Inspired by Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church
As we begin this year, we draw inspiration from Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and one of the greatest Scholastic thinkers.
A Dominican friar, Aquinas integrated classical philosophy with Christian theology. He understood that God was the light that illuminated both faith and reason.
His work in Scholasticism is foundational to Catholic education. Today, we are called to integrate academic rigor, faith formation, and moral development in harmony.
As the ‘Angelic Doctor’ reminds us, our efforts as educators are aimed at the ultimate goal: helping children to better know, love, and serve God.
With hope in our hearts, we ask for his intercession as we journey ahead.
Saint Thomas Aquinas, Pray for Us
May we teach with clarity and truth.
May we guide students with courage and care.
May we strive for excellence in all we do.
May we walk humbly with one another.
May we grow together as one diocesan family, rooted in mission.
With prayers and blessings,
Dr. Erika Wikstrom
Superintendent of Schools
Diocese of Orlando
