Classes resume at St. Francis High

School began Monday for the 600 students and 54 staff members at St. Francis High School, a college-prep, the all boys’ Catholic school in La Cañada Flintridge.

Franciscan spirituality continues to be emphasized within a St. Francis education. Principal Tom Moran explained that one of the programs in place for students, Franciscan Spirit and Life, which integrates both social and religious teachings into their curriculum, is a program planned to reinforce the school’s mission effectiveness.

“Each quarter we focus on a particular value of the Franciscan philosophy. The first quarter will begin with a focus on the value of integrity with subsequent sessions dealing with the value of joy, brotherhood and humility,” Moran said.

“During each quarter, in each class, we ask teachers to develop their curriculum to involve these philosophies, so students will come away with an appreciation and understanding of how different attending St. Francis is from a public school or even other private schools.”

The school is embarking on a five-year strategic plan. Refining the vision is the school’s second strategic plan in its history.

The first brought significant improvements to the curriculum through buildings and facilities.

According to Fr. Matthew Elshoff, the new plan will dive deeper into programs and opportunities for students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff. It will address school matters with a concern for social justice and those with a greater socio-economic need.

Fr. Elshoff is a 1973 graduate of St. Francis and is in his 13th year as the school’s president.