Service Learning
“…for it is in giving that we receive…” From the prayer of St. Francis
Service Learning is an integral part of our curriculum, involving every student at Saint Hilary School. We see service learning as vital to living our Catholic mission. It is a more student centered approach than traditional forms of community service, such as volunteering. The focus is on the student's experience and the placement of Saint Hilary School's values and ethics in action. Our culture of service is meant for students to develop compassion, empathy and a sense of justice for those in need through active participation.
Each project is led by our students from beginning to end, including selecting the charitable or service action, the beneficial charity, service method, reflection of action and benefit for other. Each month a specific grade level leads a community outreach effort. Students learn to serve in partnership with community groups and with purpose. Here are a few of the local community partners that Saint Hilary has created an alliance:
- Marin Adopt a Family
- Marin Food Bank
- Marin Foster Care
- Play Marin
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Canal Alliance (on hold)
Among the many service opportunities Saint Hilary students have led: Appreciation Day for community services Tiburon Police/Fire/Town Hall), working with children from Horizon Community School, school campus environment cleaning, Marin Food Bank, Be Kind to Others Month, Giving Tree Drive, reading to the elderly, and growing trees for the environment.
Service Hours Program
The Saint Hilary School Service Hours Program is a mandatory program for all students in Grades 5-8. Our Service Hours Program is designed to help our community and those in need. At Saint Hilary School, we define service hours as outreach to those who are less fortunate than us. We live in the image and likeness of God. Or long term goal is to create a community of students where a culture of service is second nature and a part of their strong moral foundation.
Our Goals include:
- Strengthen and enrich our faith
- Consistent out reach to local community
- Nurture a positive culture of stewardship
- Create empathy for those in need
Hourly Requirements per Grade:
- 4th Grade: 5 hours
- 5th Grade: 10 hours
- 6th Graders: 10 hours
- 7th Graders; 20 hours
- 8th Graders; 20 hours
Students may elect to participate in school sponsored community events or select to do individual service projects. The following form is to be used to log student service hours: