Welcome to St. Irene School, a Catholic co-educational elementary school providing quality education to children from preschool through 8th grade.

Philosophy:

St. Irene Catholic School is a community where Christian values and attitudes are part of our daily routine. It is our responsibility to provide opportunities for children to grow spiritually, academically, morally, socially and physically into responsible individuals. We provide a well rounded curriculum that is geared toward individual abilities and talents.

Constructive interaction and clear communication among students, staff, and parents are essential for direction, growth and evaluation. We ask each parent, in principle and in fact, to fully support the policies of St. Irene School. Together, we will assist the Christian growth of self-discipline and responsible students eager to serve God, family and community.

"...Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educator is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it. For it revolves on parents to create a family atmosphere so animated with love and reverence of God and men that a well-rounded personal and social development will be fostered among the children. Hence, the family is the first school of those social minutes which every society needs. It is particularly in the Sacrament of Matrimony, according to the faith received in Baptism, to have knowledge of God, to worship Him, and to love their neighbor. Here, too, they gain their first experience of wholesome human companionship and the Church. Finally, it is through the family that they are gradually introduced into civic partnership with their fellow men, and in the People of God. Let the parents, then, clearly recognize how vital a truly Christian family is for the life and development of God’s own people..."

--Declaration of Christian Education

School Mission Statement

St. Irene School is a Catholic community dedicated and committed to preparing children for a lifetime of learning. The administration, staff, parents, and parish community believe that:

• St. Irene School offers an atmosphere in which the teachings of Jesus and the tenets of the Catholic faith can be learned and lived.
• St. Irene School offers an opportunity for the children to develop as individuals receiving a strong foundation spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially.
• St. Irene School promotes and fosters a pursuit of excellence by developing independent thinkers who have the initiative and desire for lifelong learning.
• St. Irene School, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preaches, teaches and proclaims the Good News of Jesus with both actions and words.

Goals & Objectives

Foster respect for self, others, and physical surroundings

• Distribute handbooks to all families via the Internet - both students and parents are required to follow guidelines as stated within the handbook
• Plan and participate in weekly liturgical services
• Train teachers and staff in "Protecting God's Children"
• Enable students to emulate Christ's service to others through individual and group projects

Continue to align our curriculum to meet and exceed the Diocesan/State standards

• Continue to integrate technology into the curriculum
• Regularly assess materials according to our Five Year Plan
• Evaluate Iowa Test of Basic Skills test scores to track student progress
• Meet individual needs of students by recognizing different learning styles and levels