Celtics take time to welcome freshmen
Published Oct 5, 2007Entering high school is a time of transition and adjustment. For new freshmen at Providence Catholic High School, this challenge has been made easier through the institution of a new pilot program called Celtic Time.
At the beginning of the 2006 school year, the PCHS administration presented the concept of the Celtic Time program to the department chairs, the curriculum committee and the faculty. As a result, a Celtic Time committee was formed. Over the course of the 2006 school year, this committee met frequently and the program’s design and purpose were devised. By May, the committee was prepared to follow through with the establishment of Celtic Time.
The goal of Celtic Time is to enhance the overall experience of Providence students through academic, social, and religious enrichment. To place emphasis on the transition to high school, Celtic Time activities are designed to strengthen study skills, build school spirit, promote unity, and create a family atmosphere.
Celtic Time generally takes place twice a week during a 15-minute free period that has been built into every student’s schedule. The freshman class has been broken down into 15 groups each consisting of about 20 students. Each group is led by a faculty member and at least one senior student mentor to incorporate a shared high school experience. All mentors have undergone one full day of training, and the committee has developed a complete handbook of topics and exercises to be discussed or completed during Celtic Time. Additional resource materials, such as books and compact discs, are also available to mentors.
After much planning and preparation, the Celtic Time program has been successfully established at Providence Catholic High School. According to Principal Don Sebestyen, “We are very happy with the progress at this point.” An assessment of the Celtic Time program will occur between January and March of 2008 to determine the future of the program. If successful, it is possible that the program will be extended to the entire student body.
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