IN Keystone Oaks Winter 2017 | Page 13

SPONSORED CONTENT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED CONTENT ST. BERNARD SCHOOL FA I T H , T R A D I T I O N , E XC E L L E N C E S WHERE GIVING BACK IS PAR T OF THE CUR R I C U LU M This dedication to the Catholic tenet of charity as well as academic ince 1926, St. Bernard School has been not only teaching results that put it on the same footing as public schools, are why students in the South Hills a competitive academic curriculum parents who desire their children to become lifelong learners and thoroughly based in the Catholic faith, it’s been preparing devout practitioners of the faith trust St. Bernard School with their students for life. Part of that preparation includes serving the children from kindergarten through eighth grade. community in which they live, so that students are exposed to “Involving students in community service not only promotes experiences outside of the classroom that make a difference to the personal development, it strengthens parish life and creates active world at large. Catholics,” Sister Daniela said. “Every community service project we undertake is to teach our In the past year, St. Bernard students and families not only raised children how to serve others and be aware of those who are less money, they sang and visited with seniors at Asbury Heights during fortunate,” said Sister Daniela Bronka, principal. “From collections Lent, made fleece blankets for homeless children, held a Baby for victims of Hurricane Harvey to raising money and recognizing Supply Drive for Genesis, and made mats for the homeless living on first responders at our Heroes Day picnic, to our Race for Chimbote, the streets. And some of the service projects are more fun than work, which raised over $3,000 for our mission in Peru, every project like the Dance-A-Thon last year, that raised money for Pittsburgh’s makes students aware of the those in need and empowers them to Fisher House, which provides temporary housing for the families of help in their own way.” veterans and active-duty military service members while they are Because St. Bernard School is a family, school administrators make hospitalized. sure they include the families of the students in their community Community service is just one of the many different ways that St. service efforts, and the annual celebration of National Family Bernard School prepares students for today’s modern world within a Volunteer Day, which takes place on November 18, is one of the traditional Catholic education, ensuring that the students are every most successful charitable events in the South Hills. bit as prepared for higher education and the world at large as their “It’s one of our main events each year and we collect different public school peers. items for the different charities in the South Hills,” said Sister Daniela. “We have various stations set up and families go from station For more information on St. Bernard School and everything it to station to help out the different causes. We make cards for has to offer, go to their website at stbschool.net online, or call at veterans, backpacks for foster families, have a project with the 412.341.5444. The school is located in the heart of the South Hills at Lions Club for children in hospitals, and more. It’s a great way to 401 Washington Road, 15216. give back, but equally important is that it includes the entire family in service together.” Family Volunteer Day 2017 Keystone Oaks | Winter 2017 | icmags.com 11