What does it mean to grow up in a Catholic school?

This thought somehow struck me because I am educated in Catholic school from kindergarten to high school, yet...I don't know LOTS of Church doctrine till I came to Singapore and I am 'challenged' because this is the first time I entered a non-Catholic school (my university :) ).

Nevertheless, there are some little things that matter a lot for me and I may not get these things if I don't go to Catholic schools. :)

1. cross-subsidy

In most Catholic schools in Indonesia, the parents who can afford to pay more would pay higher tuition fee. Some parents did abuse this system though (e.g., by pretending to be poor), but this system allows us to enjoy good education with affordable rate. We also have friends from various income levels.

2. retreat

Of course we should go retreat once a year, but at least in Catholic schools, we had compulsory retreat for Primary 6, Final Year Junior High School, and Final Year Senior High School.

3. discipline

Well, perhaps this is special for Ursuline schools. I remember the nun in my school told us how "discipline is related to the word 'disciple' ". It was such a long time ago, but in the middle of annoyance of how strict my school is, I can't forget what she said and I'm so happy to find this explanation of the word "discipline" again in spiritual books these days.

4. Serviam!

My school motto is "Serviam". We must wear the serviam badge on our left collar EVERY DAY. Even though the school always reminds us to bring this "I serve"-spirit after we graduate, I used to take it for granted. However, after my spiritual director told me about morning offering: to kiss the floor while saying "Serviam" and then offer the whole day to God through Mary, I am so glad that I spent 6 years in this Ursuline school with this motto: “Serviam”. Like what my maths teacher said before, "My 'Serviam' is in my heart already, not on my collar."

The school always demands us to excel in our studies, but that's not the most important thing on earth. The school reminds us to greet the cleaner uncles and the teachers every time we bump into each other, and I think this is one simple thing that affects me so much till now.

5. Parents, don’t let go your responsibility
My school really pays attention to parents’ involvement in the children’s education. Parents can’t throw the responsibility to the teachers. The school has regular meeting with parents and if parents do not come without valid reasons, the school will warn the parents!

Oh well...I wish..my school would have shared more about the Church's teaching. I guess this is my next goal as alumni, to share with the students about the beauty of the Church :) or at least to share with my teachers how Catholic schools can help the parents to realize the importance of giving formation for their children too.