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St. Columban Church

Catholic Schools of Orange County

Diocese of Orange

CURRICULUM
The curriculum is designed by the Department of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Orange and by the requirements of the State Education Law of California. It encompasses Religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, physical education, art, music and computer education. Our learning experiences attempt to meet not only the general needs but also specialized needs related to the unique abilities, interests and expectations of each individual student.

COMPUTER
The computer lab is utilized by all grades; however, the competencies that are expected of each grade level are defined with the age and development of the specific level as the cornerstone for the materials covered. The computer instructor has as a goal to assist the students to reach the standard of being a technologically competent individual who utilizes the technology responsibly and demonstrates knowledge of the specific skills presented for their level. This approach is based on an old Chinese proverb: “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.”

Inclusion ~ Resource Assistance
This program is a specialized element of the school program. The program is intended to further assist students to learn in the manner that is most conducive to them. The additional support for students is either provided in the classroom or as a step-out of the classroom for those students who will benefit from focused educational assistance.

Music
The Music Program is an important part of the school program. The students in all grades participate in weekly music classes to learn how to sing, the mechanics of music and the expression of the music. The students are provided the opportunity to be a member of the “School Choir” and progress to the “Chamber Choir”. Both Choirs have the opportunity to participate in the Parish Masses, perform in the community and perform for school events. The Music Director, Mr. Luong, assists with the planning of music for the school masses, assists the Teachers with preparing the students for their role as Cantors during these masses.

Physical Education
Physical Education is the time in the grade level week, that students are provided the opportunity to exercise their bodies, enjoy the physicality of sports, and learn the aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This is a structured class and provided by the Physical Education Instructor, who provides guidance in these areas, as a component of the school process.

Library
The Library is an integral component of the students classroom curriculum. The students have weekly Library periods and have the opportunity to meet with the staff to find appropriate materials for reading as well as for reports or presentations that may be part of their classroom assignments. The staff is dedicated to maintaining a high quality of books and materials in the Library.

Sports
The goal of the Interscholastic Athletic Program is to provide a safe, instructional and enjoyable environment for the students involved. Although the nature of these activities are competitive, competition should not take precedence over teamwork and sportsmanship.

EDP
St. Columban School offers an extended day care program for students in Grades K-8. The program includes time for snacks, play, lunch on early dismissal days, homework time, and crafts. The Extended Day Program (EDP) will operate every school day, Monday through Friday, throughout the school year, except the ½ day that begins the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter vacations. The program will also begin immediately upon dismissal on early dismissal days. Morning EDP begins at 7:00 a.m. and is provided as a courtesy to assist parents with work schedules. Afternoon EDP begins immediately upon dismissal and is provided on a fee basis.

Development
The Development Program has as a goal to assist with advancing the awareness of our school in our local community, to gain further financial support of the school through community outreach, establishment of an alumni association, and assisting with community awareness of enrollment processes, timing and procedures.

Social Justice
Sowers of Education, Enriching and Developing Soil (SEEDS): SEEDS is a social justice program whose mission is the spread of peace and justice through prayer, activities, projects and education of students and their families. An ongoing project of this program involves a Community Garden which provides fresh vegetables for those in need. Other aspects of the program include students' recycling awareness and participation in the ongoing school efforts, as well as supporting a sister school in Africa (St. Patrick's School; Kabwata, Lusaka, Zambia).