General Principles of Intellectual Property: Concepts of Intellectual Proper...
Steve Virgadamo on forming saints and scholars
1. Steve Virgadamo on Forming Saints and Scholars
Steven Virgadamo discusses the important role of a Catholic School Principal
A School Leader in the 21st century is one of the most exciting and significant roles undertaken by any
person in society. Principals are responsible and accountable for the development of children.
Catholic school principals answer to a higher authority in that they are executive level managers in “Our
Father’s Business.” Each Catholic School executive is accountable for the formation of the child and are
called to focus on the following in considering the formation of each saintly scholar:
• Intellectual formation to help students:
• Acquire critical thinking skills;
• Learn to communicate clearly, logically and creatively;
• Human Character formation to help students:
• Grow in core values that enable positive leadership;
• Develop essential character strengths including discipline, responsibility, and a sense of personal
dignity;
• Spiritual formation to help students:
-Strengthen a personal relationship with Christ
• Learn the fundamentals of Catholic traditions and teachings;
• Discover a meaning in life that inspires the pursuit of excellence;
• Apostolic formation to help students:
• Develop a generosity through acts of self giving and sacrifice;
• Form a sense of social responsibility and learn to share talents as a member of a global team;
• Exercise leadership by serving as mentors and role models.
By focusing on these important student outcomes, a successful Catholic School leader will provide a
school with a culture of academic rigor and an environment in which each student can encounter and
grow in a relationship with the Risen Christ!