tvc.dsj.org | April 25, 2017
CATHOLIC
SCHOOLS
19
Saint Martin of Tours School Science Trips: Environmental Stewardship in Action
The breathtaking vistas of Marin
Headlands. The granite monoliths of
Yosemite. The rainforests of coastal
Washington. Each location offers a re-
markable experience to visitors; an expe-
rience that the students of Saint Martin
of Tours School have the opportunity
to take advantage of as they progress
through middle school. While the idea
of a science based outdoor education trip
is not new, including three separate and
unique trips in the curriculum is un-
common. However, it is through these
trips that the students build a greater
respect for and deeper connection with
God’s great creation–the Earth.
Students begin their travels in sixth
grade with a trip up the peninsula to the
Marin Headlands. Here they study the
varying habitats and climates which ex-
ist within this National Recreation Area.
They are challenged to work together
and build positive teamwork skills as
they conquer challenge hikes and adjust
to being away from home. As seventh
graders, students travel southward and
explore the natural cathedral of Yosem-
ite Valley. Their previously formed class
bonds are put to the test as they navigate
switchbacks and waterfalls to reach the
untouched wilderness, crafted by God’s
own hands. The culmination of their
outdoor education experience comes
in eighth grade as the students board
a plane and venture to northwestern
Washington to immerse themselves in
one of the most pristine National Parks,
Olympic. This excursion enables stu-
dents to see how much they have grown
over their time in middle school, both
mentally and physically, and learn about
the watershed first hand. They spend
time exploring snow-capped moun-
tains, lush rainforests, and picturesque
Lake Crescent while comparing and
contrasting these new environments to
those they previously visited.
While each trip offers a different
experience, the goal of all three is the
same. As the students venture farther
from home and deeper into nature,
they strengthen their relationships with
each other and learn to understand
their roles as environmental stewards
while expanding their knowledge and
deepening their understanding of new
ecosystems through active participa-
tion. Pope Francis has called for human-
ity to, “see the world through the eyes
of God, the Creator.” Saint Martin of
Tours School is providing students the
opportunity to fully appreciate their
world and become the stewards Pope
Francis has called them all to be.
Most Holy Trinity Student Reaches Regional Spelling Bee
By Maryan, MHT student
Hello, I’m Maryan, and I’m here with
Alexis Sigua. We are both students at
Most Holy Trinity School in San Jose.
On March 18, Alexis made it to the 2017
Scripps Regional Spelling Bee and now
I, Maryan, am going to interview her.
Maryan: Who would you like to thank
through this journey?
Alexis: I would like to thank my
supportive father, sister, and family
members. I would also like to thank Mr.
McIntyre, my principal, for letting me
participate in this competition and my
amazing cla