MS Service Learning 2015-2016 CONNELLY SCHOOL OF THE HOLY CHILD Middle School Service Learning INTRODUCTION Having a heart for service is a core belief at Connelly School of the Holy Child. As we seek to educate young women to be all that God created them to be, we are mindful to instill virtues and selflessness in the hearts of our students. Service must be more than a charitable act. It must come from a lively faith and a desire to love as Christ loves, to serve as Christ serves. Students are encouraged to look at their unique gifts and talents and open their eyes to the needs of their family, school/church community, and the global community to find how they can make a positive difference in the lives of others and be the image of Christ to others. Students are expected to complete a total of 18 hours of service each year and follow the service learning process for each trimester requirement. Each trimester will follow a different theme and will vary across grade levels.
THE SERVICE LEARNING PROCESS 1. Prepare: What are my gifts and talents? What opportunities are out there to share my gifts and talents to make a positive difference and be Christ to others? What preparations must I make in order to do my chosen act of service? What are the requirements involved? Will I get parental support? Will I need teacher approval? What kind of timeline am I looking at? 2. Act: Have I brought all the materials and forms I need to do my act of service? Have I made sure I had my service log signed by the appropriate supervisor? Did I bring a cheerful and positive attitude as I was performing my service? Did I do this out of a sense of obligation or out of love and as an expression of my faith? 3. Reflect: What have I learned from this experience? How did my act of service affect those who I am serving? How did this experience help me and my own relationship with God? What else can be done in the future? How can I continue to be a blessing to others?
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