SBP students assigned responsibilities

SBP Headmaster, Fr. Joel Martin, called a special assembly with faculty and students at St. Bernard Preparatory School earlier this week to address the students on the topic of personal responsibilities, academic achievement and moral development.

For beginners, the Benedictine headmaster read a section of the school’s philosophy statement to students in attendance: …”students…will learn to discipline themselves so that eventually others will not have to do so…” Fr. Joel reminded students that it is all a matter of growing up!

One hundred and sixteen high school students have had a week to acclimate to their new environment. Students were encouraged to be in contact with the guidance office about making arrangements for travelling to take the ACT, SAT, or TOFUL exams. Students are expected to be prompt in attendance, and to keep track of their textbooks and personal belongings.

Mr. John Tekulve, Assistant Headmaster, addressed the uniform code stating students are expected to look their best by wearing single colored black or dark brown shoes while clothed in their school uniform of white shirts with plaid skirts or khaki pants for girls and khaki pants for boys which are purchased from a uniform company.

Tekulve reminded students to make sure their shirts are ironed, buttoned, and tails tucked, and urged them to be especially attentive to their appearance at Mass and other prayers. “We know God doesn’t care what we look like, but it’s respect and what we think of God that matters,” Tekulve said.

In closing, Fr. Joel reminded students of several requirements: first, presence in class is expected of all, and unexcused absences will result in Saturday school make-up work. Second, “Your parents have made a great sacrifice to send you to St. Bernard. The principal focus here is academic responsibility.” Then pass-play rule set for athletes by the Alabama High School Athletic Association was explained, and the further academic expectations set by St. Bernard for all students. Students who fail a core course are allowed to make that coursework up in summer school for athletic eligibility, however, St. Bernard Prep still requires that the course be taken again at St. Bernard.

St. Bernard Prep is a co-ed day and boarding school operated by the Benedictine monks at St. Bernard Abbey for grades 7-12. For more information phone (256)739-6682 or visit www.stbernardprep.com.