What is a Mission Statement

"The Mission is the raison d’être of the institution. The school’s relationship to the Church, the student and the communities it serves defines this reason for its existence. The Mission statement posits the belief that a Catholic school has the potential to change positively and significantly the lives of the students who attend. In clear and concise language, the shared vision for the school community, along with the commitment to a given course, is set forth. Further, Catholic identity, and the position of academic excellence as a hallmark of this identity, are clearly reflected in the Mission statement. A carefully honed statement can be a powerful instrument for conversation, planning, decision-making and evaluation.

The Mission statement is not a narrative description. It is a bold declaration of purpose, function and unique position accomplished in 50 words or less. It has been suggested that an appropriate measure of succinctness is whether the Mission statement will fit in an 89 2 109 frame. It is not a Philosophy, which is the expanded narrative description of the school’s nature and purpose. However, the Mission statement does capture the beliefs and values reflected in the Philosophy as these relate to the purpose of the school."

Taken from: Validating the Vision: An Assessment Protocol for Mission Effectiveness, Institutional Accreditation, and Strategic Planning in the Catholic High School. Mary Frances Taymans, SND, EdD National Catholic Educational Association: Washington, D.C., 1999. Page 26.

Salesianum School's Final Mission Statement

Salesianum School is a Roman Catholic independent secondary school that teaches young men to Live Jesus, guided by the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales, through a college preparatory education, enabling them to take their place in the world as Salesian gentlemen.