A Journey of Faith and Learning

Reflections, achievements, and inspiration from our Catholic school community

Setting the Stage: Why Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Matter

_{October 20, 2025}

Imagine a child walking into a classroom for the very first time. Bright colors surround them, children are laughing and building towers, and a teacher greets them with a warm smile. This is more than just play—it’s the beginning of a journey that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond.

Preschool and pre-kindergarten offer children a safe, nurturing environment where learning comes naturally. Here, they discover letters and numbers through songs and stories, ask curious questions, and solve problems in playful ways. Each activity builds not only early academic skills but also a sense of confidence and independence.

But school isn’t just about academics. In these early years, children learn to share, cooperate, and make friends. They experience the joy of working together, navigating emotions, and celebrating small successes. Through art, music, and imaginative play, they explore their creativity and curiosity, discovering new talents and passions along the way.

At Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School, every day is guided by the Educational Project of the Company of Mary, which emphasizes the development of the whole child—intellectually, socially, morally, and spiritually. Faith and values are woven into the day as children learn they are loved by God and called to love others, forming a strong moral and spiritual foundation.

By attending preschool, children step into kindergarten not just ready to learn, but ready to thrive, confident in their abilities, curious about the world, and grounded in faith.

Give your child a strong start. Schedule a tour of our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten programs today and watch their journey begin.

Firm in Expectation, Gentle in Spirit: Building Self-Directed Discipline through Character Formation

_{Monday, October 6}

Gentle parenting is an approach to raising and guiding children that emphasizes empathy, respect, connection, and understanding rather than punishment or control. Rooted in emotional awareness and relationship-building, it encourages adults to view misbehavior as an opportunity to teach, not to shame or coerce. Gentle parenting focuses on setting clear, consistent boundaries while responding to children’s needs and emotions with patience and compassion. The goal is to help children develop intrinsic motivation, emotional regulation, and moral reasoning so they make good choices out of understanding and respect rather than fear or reward.

Gentle parenting influences school's disciplinary polocies and classroom management in both helpful and challenging ways. At its best, it fosters stronger teacher–student relationships built on trust and respect. Students who are used to being heard and validated often respond well to teachers who show empathy and maintain a calm tone. This approach also supports emotional regulation, as many children raised with gentle parenting already have experience naming their feelings and practicing strategies to manage them. In the classroom, this can reduce conflicts and help create a positive, cooperative culture. Gentle parenting also aligns with restorative practices, which focus on repairing relationships rather than enforcing punishment, and can minimize power struggles since students feel their voice matters.

The challenges arise when the expectations of home and school do not align. Gentle parenting often emphasizes flexibility and negotiation, which can lead to students testing boundaries in a classroom where rules must apply equally to everyone. Some students may struggle with immediate compliance when explanations or individualized accommodations are not possible. Gentle strategies can also be time consuming in a classroom of many students, and the constant emotional energy required to remain calm and validating can lead to teacher fatigue if not balanced with clear routines.

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School's Character-Centered Discipline Framework emphasizes that discipline is not just about correcting behavior, but about forming students in virtues, namely, respect, responsibility, compassion, integrity, sacrifice, and self-discipline, so they can make thoughtful, ethical Christian choices. When we consider the lens of “gentle parenting” and its influence on behavioral and classroom management, it directly connects to the framework’s aim of developing self-directed discipline. Gentle approaches encourage empathy, respectful communication, and collaborative problem-solving, which fit naturally with your school’s reliance on restorative practices and relationship-building. Students raised in this way, or who experience similar approaches at school, are more likely to internalize values rather than simply comply out of fear of consequences. This aligns with the framework’s use of reflection, ownership, and guided choice as pathways to growth.

At the same time, the challenges of gentle approaches, namely, boundary testing, the need for time to explain and validate, and the risk of inconsistency, are exactly what our framework anticipates through its tiered supports and emphasis on structure. Self-directed discipline requires students to understand both the compassion of the teacher and the consistency of the expectations. Without boundaries, empathy becomes permissiveness. The school's framework ensures that “gentle” does not mean “lax”; instead, it insists on clear, consistent routines, accountability through reflection sheets and restorative conversations, and a culture-wide commitment to modeling virtues.

A balanced application brings together empathy with firm structure. Teachers can hold consistent expectations while responding to students with compassion. Natural and logical consequences can replace harsh punishment, and choice can be offered in ways that promote ownership without undermining authority.

How Small Class Sizes Boost Student Success at Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School

_{Friday, September 26, 2025}

At Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School, we believe that every child is a unique gift from God, deserving of personalized attention, guidance, and encouragement. One of the ways we ensure our students thrive academically, socially, and spiritually is through maintaining small class sizes.

Research consistently supports the advantages of smaller classes. Studies have shown that students in smaller classes tend to achieve higher test scores and better grades across all subjects. This is particularly evident in early education, where smaller class sizes have been linked to improved academic performance and long-term educational outcomes. This may be especially significant for families in the post-pandemic era, as many parents began to favor homeschooling over traditional schooling for their preschool- and kindergarten-age children. While understandable, this trend can unintentionally shield children from healthy risk-taking, which is an essential part of early development that helps build resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence in navigating challenges.

With fewer students in the classroom, meaningful relationships naturally develop. Students feel seen and supported, which nurtures confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning. This supportive environment makes it easier for students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and take academic risks. Smaller classes also create more opportunities for active engagement. Discussions are more interactive, and each child has a chance to contribute, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Teachers can provide timely guidance and feedback, helping students strengthen their understanding, develop good study habits, and experience academic success.

Beyond academics, small classes cultivate a warm, faith-filled community. Students learn to care for one another, practice empathy, and grow in their Catholic values. Teachers can more effectively guide them in both spiritual and personal development, shaping students into well-rounded individuals who live their faith in everyday life. 

At Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School, small class sizes are more than just a number, they reflect our mission to helping each child reach their God-given potential. In our classrooms, every student matters, and every student can thrive.