Student Life
Fostering Campus Culture +
Culture happens. Either by default or with intention, every collection of people in both organizations and communities develop a functional “way of being” – beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviors that characterize how the collection operates.
In Christian schools, that culture is either, by default the culture of the word (especially “youth culture”) or it is intentionally fostered by establishing a common “language and liturgy.” By “language,” we mean a common vocabulary that shapes a common way of thinking and communicating. By “liturgy” we mean common experiences, patterns, and habits create structure and the shared experiences that give a sense of common identity.
At Holy Trinity we work to intentionally foster a culture focused on growing in the wisdom found in the Truth of God’s word, practicing the Goodness of virtue, and prayerfully pursuing the Beauty of Christ’s excellence.
The Language of Campus Culture +
As you approach the building, in the hallways, in the classrooms, in chapel, in the arts and athletics building, etc., we display and talk about the ideals and values that we want to see displayed in our character and our work.
- Truth – The formative power of Scripture lies at the heart of a formative education.
- Goodness – Focusing our attention on specific, foundational virtues – theological, moral, and intellectual – shapes the inner character that drives our way of conducting ourselves.
- Faith – trust in Jesus, faithfulness, trustworthiness, and integrity
- Hope – joy, optimism, peace, and assurance
- Love – kindness, empathy, curiosity, and graciousness
- Prudence – practical wisdom, discretion, decorum, carefulness
- Temperance – patience, self-control, proper perspective, and sober-mindedness
- Justice – fair-mindedness, equity, humility, and goodness
- Fortitude – courage, nobility, perseverance, and tenacity
- Beauty – When we are animated by reminders of God’s beauty – the beauty of His character, His creation, and
- His covenant love – it spurs us towards excellence and beauty in all that we do.
The Liturgies of Our Campus +
Patterns, rhythms, traditions, and habits help us order our hearts, souls, and minds. They can remind us of the sacredness of work and recreation, knitting us into a fellowship of friends, moving in the same direction towards the same goals. Some of the liturgies that shape our common life are:
- Regular prayer and chapel – days begin with prayer and students participate in an age-appropriate chapel in which they learn traditions of faith practice and grow in Biblical literacy.
- House – a program intended to foster leadership, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging.
- Uniform and Dress Code – coming to school is a dedicated time of work and worship outside of our personal time. The uniform and dress code takes the focus off our personal preferences and towards the common goals and identity we have as a school.
- Code of Conduct – having a clearly defined and regularly reviewed common Code of Conduct helps establish behavioral expectations and norms, further keeping the focus on growing and learning.
- Ceremonies, traditions, Spirit Days, and Field Days – we want to be serious about both work and play. Ceremonies and traditions remind us that our work is a form of worship and mark rites of passage as we mature. Spirit Days and Field Days are opportunities to enjoy being together, revel in our common identity, and competing with courage, skill, and grace.