Activities Program Philosophy And Objectives
Benilde-St. Margaret’s activities programs support the BSM mission statement which states that we develop the whole student through a rigorous curriculum, leading-edge learning experiences, extensive co-curricular opportunities, faith formation, and a robust service-learning program. BSM provides students with a wide range of co-curricular opportunities that encourage broad participation to experience being active members of a community, respectful of others, and striving for excellence.
The activities program at BSM is open to all students regardless of skill level, ensuring they have an opportunity to participate in the activity, club, or sport.
Competition is a powerful educational experience that promotes the development of leadership, self-confidence, sportsmanship, and commitment to a team, and it is in alignment with our mission. Our student-athletes are coached to work hard towards collective goals, to strengthen their individual skills and to persevere when confronted by challenges
As a Catholic community,
We unite through our shared humanity,
by embracing our differences,
while leading in one collective Spirit.
– Our BSM Philosophy
- The activities program of BSM reflects the mission of the School and is an integral part of the curriculum.
- BSM believes that interscholastic activities are an essential portion of the education of the whole student and that activities participation should provide a variety of experiences that will prepare our students for adult life, presenting lessons in sportsmanship, competition, responsibility, teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and winning and losing with grace and dignity.
- Make the safety and the physical and emotional health of our student-athletes our top priority.
- Participation helps students gain self-confidence, develop discipline and responsibility in team play, improve their skills and experience the enjoyment of competition.
- The Varsity program is the highest level of interscholastic competition at BSM. Varsity athletes and coaches strive for excellence and a winning spirit in this competitive environment. Game participation by all team members is not guaranteed.
- The Junior Varsity B, C, and 9th Grade programs strive for a balance among competitive play, individual participation, and skill development, while fostering a winning spirit.
- BSM expects athletes, coaches, parents, and fans representing BSM to practice good sportsmanship and behave ethically and honorably before, during, and after competitions and practices.
- BSM supports coaches in their understanding of and commitment to its student-athletes. The School will ensure that coaches have appropriate training in coaching and first aid procedures.
- BSM strives to educate parents about its policies and expectations and encourage effective, constructive communication among parents and coaches.
- BSM complies with the rules and policies of the governing bodies of the sports in which it participates.
- While participating in School-sponsored activities, students must observe all rules of BSM.
- Participation in activities is a privilege that requires responsibility to the School, to the community, to the student body, to the activity, and to the student themselves.
- We believe that teachers, staff, coaches, and parents share in the responsibility to provide quality instruction, model conscientious behavior, and assist students in learning to make good decisions based on Christian values.
What are Educational Based Activities?
The Benilde St. Margaret’s Athletics and Activities Department is committed to excellence – our educational-based activities program is informed and guided by the school’s mission and our success can be traced to the good and important work that our students and coaches do as well as the support received from the entire BSM community.
- Activities program that support, not compete with, academics
- Coaches/Advisors are first and foremost teachers of their sport or activity
- The Program is an extension of regular classroom
- Tracks, courts, fields, rinks, pools, courses are classrooms
- The Program compliments the educational experience
- Activities are inherently educational
- Enhance academic mission of the school
- Many lessons learned not taught in academic classroom
Ultimately, BSM embraces the NCAA Division III philosophy, which stresses athletic and activities programs that support, not compete with, academics. Our goal is to offer deep, rich, inclusive programs that provide opportunities for all to participate, compete, and excel. Ultimately, we are committed to building programs; we are not committed to chasing W’s. Data confirms that if we create compelling, well coached athletic programs the successes take care of themselves.
We believe in the living presence of God in our students, our community and our world.
We believe each student is created in the image and likeness of God, capable of learning, and if guided through quality instruction, capable of great achievements.
We believe in finding balance in work, prayer, and leisure.
We believe that faith permeates life, gives meaning to learning, and both are life-long processes.
We celebrate diversity and welcome all members of our community.
We believe that teachers, staff, coaches, and parents share in the responsibility to provide quality instruction, model conscientious behavior, and assist students in learning to make good decisions based on Christian values.
We honor and respect the dignity of all individuals.
We believe that diversity and multicultural education are essential as we prepare students to live and work in an ever-evolving, complex society.
We educate students not only to contribute to society, but also to transform it; to use their knowledge and talents to critically examine and engage the world inspired by the message of the Gospel.
We believe that the whole person is integral to learning. We attend to the intellectual, physical, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual well-being of each student and provide a safe and enriching environment to foster creativity.
As a Catholic community and an institution with high academic standards, we honor God by approaching dialogue with the primacy of respect and dignity for our peers and all of God’s creation.
Ground Rules
- Have an open attitude.
- Engage in true listening.
- Reflect on what you are hearing.
- Ask thoughtful questions.
- Be open to learning and teaching.
- Avoid defensiveness.
