The Sisters of the Visitation have articulated six goals for education in their schools. They are published in the Educating the Mind and Heart in the Visitation Tradition booklet, complete with subgoals. The ideals embodied in the six Goals will be achieved as members of  our school communities translate these principles of Salesian spirituality into action and embrace a commitment to live the Salesian spirit as they minister to the young women, girls and boys entrusted to their care.

The six goals are listed below along with meditative questions to be considered when reflecting upon personal and professional experiences:

► Goal One

Visitation schools foster a personal friendship with God, which leads to a faith-filled vision of life.

• Administrators, faculty and staff seek creative ways to use Scripture in order to make the word of God come alive for one another and for students.
• The school community gathers regularly to participate in liturgies, retreats and prayer, and reconciliation services as a means of integrating personal faith with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
• Teachers foster an environment that encourages opportunities for formal and informal prayer.
• The school articulates, respects and celebrates Visitation traditions and feasts.
• Formation in Salesian Spirituality is an integral part of the professional development of administration, faculty and staff.
• A Visitation education actively promotes and supports a partnership with parents in the religious formation of their children.

• Do I begin my class with prayer, using the Direction of Intention as a guide?
• Am I aware of our shared spiritual vision; so I support the ways this is lived out in the school community by my participation and involvement in liturgies, retreats, and community celebrations?

► Goal Two

Visitation schools integrate a strong academic course of studies with a Salesian spiritual dimension.

• The curriculum develops students’ analytical and creative thinking skills and cultivates their ability to communicate effectively.
• Teachers challenge students to develop their potential and to continue the process of lifelong learning.
• The teachings of the Catholic faith permeate the entire educational program of a Visitation school.
• School programs provide opportunities for students to combine intellectual achievement with an understanding of Salesian Spirituality.
• The school prepares students for a highly technical world in which they can function with a deeply human touch.
• The school community helps students understand the role of faith in their lives so they may confront ambiguity with confidence.

• Does my approach to intellectual achievement balance the role of faith in a student’s life?
• Do I, when possible, thread Catholic and Salesian themes in the classes I teach?

► Goal Three

Visitation schools build faith communities which call their members to respect the dignity of each person and understand the values of diversity.

• The school seeks and supports faculty, staff and students from a variety of backgrounds whose diverse gifts enrich the community.
• The school fosters an inclusive environment celebrating the manifold diversity of the school, with connection to local and global communities.
• The mission, policies, and programs support the different academic and socio-economic dimensions of the school community.
• The school encourages a practical living of the Salesian virtues by fostering self-respect and thoughtful concern for others.
• The Board of Trustees and administration ensure the presence of Salesian values in all school policies.
• The school participates actively in the Visitation Salesian Network (VSN).
• Adults in the school community model Christian and Salesian values.
• The school supports collaborative leadership through cooperative tasks that build community.

• Have I developed an environment in my class and with those with whom I work that encourages respectful dialogue?
• Do I affirm the learning styles and cultural differences I encounter?

► Goal Four

Visitation schools promote the development of liberty of spirit which empowers students to make life-giving choices.

• The school community creates and sustains an environment that encourages students to develop an interior moral compass.
• School programs provide counseling and mentoring opportunities that nurture human and spiritual growth.
• Curricular and co-curricular programs offer a variety of opportunities for students to exercise Christian leadership.
• Faculty and staff assist students in developing Salesian simplicity and balance in the multiplicity of choices they encounter.
• The heart of Salesian Spirituality frees members of the community to “Live Jesus” in their daily lives.

• Do I see my work as an important responsibility, but one of the many influences and expectations on our students?
• Does my approach towards student discipline reflect patience and a gentle spirit while calling each student to be her best?

► Goal Five

Visitation schools embrace and model Gospel values of peace and justice in order to be catalysts for positive change.

• The school encourages all faculty members to incorporate an awareness of current social and political issues in the classroom.
• The curriculum applies social justice teachings of the Catholic Church when confronting world situations in which oppression, poverty and injustice prevail.
• Christian service programs call every member of the school community to become aware of and respond to social justice issues with compassion.
• The school uses the Visitation booklet, Justice Shall Flourish, which reflects a Salesian response to issues of peace and justice.
• School policies incorporate the gospel value of non-violence and reflect the Visitation charism of gentleness and humility.
• The school fosters a spirit of compassion and respect for all with an awareness of personal responsibility for the global community.

• Do I participate in the service opportunities of our school to model my personal commitment to justice?

► Goal Six

Visitation schools encourage an awareness of and care for the gifts of God’s creating hand.

• The school celebrates with gratitude the beauty and diversity of God’s gifts through liturgical expressions and prayerful reflections.
• Curricular and co-curricular programs foster a sense of responsibility for the world in which we live, concern for the environment and awareness that the earth’s resources should be used in moderation.
• Educational programs help students to recognize the negative effects of consumerism and challenge them to embrace a lifestyle grounded in Salesian simplicity.
• The school provides varied co-curricular programs as a means of nurturing and highlighting the individual gifts of students.
• All members of the community share responsibility for care of the school environment.

• Do I share the responsibility to care for our school environment through prudent stewardship, encouraging student respect for property and recycling?