Virtues in Catholic Schools: Pros and Cons

Virtues of the month have been prevalent in Catholic schools for many, many years. It is a representation and a practice of religious faith to be following and enacting these virtues. It is a great way for children to be able to understand and connect everyday life to their religion and to what Jesus has taught them. These virtues have also been measured by the giving and receiving of awards to students that encompass these virtues. Is this a positive thing, negative thing or a little bit of both?

Each month, it is important for the children and teacher(s) to talk about the virtue, how it is connected to Jesus' teaching and how the children can be firm Catholic believers by showing these virtues. Talking, drawing and acting out what it means to act out these virtues are important for the children's learning to be social and empathetic people. However, the awards that are given out, to me are sometimes questionable. Are the students showing kindness, love and empathy because it is that virtue of the month and they want the award? Are the awards a positive motivation to students and keeping them the right track of their virtues? or is it a bribing method?

There are students that you can see show the virtues all the time whether it is expected of them or not and that in my opinion deserves an award. However, how about the students that do it for the recognition? In a way, this still teaches them the core of the virtue and how to act when showing that virtue. They will still be learning what is expected.

So, maybe we're on the right track! To keep celebrating the children, the positive vibes and God's teachings!

An example of the Catholic Virtues Program in DPCDSB