Leadership is an important part of the student experience at Catholic Academy of Waterbury, especially for those in Middle School as they prepare for high school and beyond. There are several ways our students are nurtured as natural leaders and provided opportunities to develop and strengthen their skills for success. We know that this can sometimes be a challenging age for students and our school is committed to collaborating with families and working closely with students to meet them where they are and give them the love and knowledge they need to become engaged members of our greater community.
With our buddy class program, students from an older grade are assigned to mentor students from a younger grade. They work together on projects, STREAM activities, and are role models who our younger students can look up to and aspire to be as members of our school family.
ASPIRE is an initiative where our current seventh graders already begin to consider high school and college, intentionally early. This positions our students to work closely with our teachers and administrators to provide them with opportunities to engage with the program at Holy Cross High School and a Catholic college. Considering distinguished educational institutions so soon, our students truly begin to reach for the stars in their studies and athletics.
The Fr. Michael J. McGivney Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society demonstrates and exemplifies Catholic Academy of Waterbury’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Rising seventh and eighth graders and students in the spring of their eighth grade year attain initial eligibility due to their GPA. After an application process, admitted students are inducted each fall. Members focus on helping those in need in the greater Waterbury area through service projects. Beginning in the 2021 - 2022 school year, the NJHS has taken responsibility for creation of the annual CAW yearbook and has begun a school news and literary publication.
Our Student Council is committed to embracing and promoting the school’s mission and living the Gospel values Jesus taught. We strive to lead the student body with gentle strength while respecting each other, the environment, and ourselves. In school activities, we encourage and work to create student enthusiasm and spirit. Working with students, faculty, staff, and administrators, we represent the student body and are a contributing voice in our school and local community. We act in a collaborative manner, fostering an even greater sense of unity, and provide opportunities to bring our community together. In all, we have fun, remain humble, and honor our core values while focusing on the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
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It is important for us at CAW to celebrate the whole child and school families by instilling a culture of inclusivity and community. Students are encouraged to be “incredible” role models to one another by not allowing classmates to be left out. Any time students show leadership in inclusivity, they are recognized by teachers and staff and given praise and an Inclusive Incredibles sticker as a token of appreciation and encouragement. This culture is meant to instill empathy, thoughtfulness, awareness, leadership, and respect in our students to lead the way for the future. Student members of the Inclusive Incredibles committee have shared facts and inspirational quotes on during Monday morning announcements that most often are centered around a monthly theme, such as National Blindness Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Christmas themed facts, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, National Adoption Awareness Month, Autism Awareness Month, etc... One of the big events that Inclusive Incredibles plans for is Heritage Day which celebrates the beautiful ethnic and cultural backgrounds of our school community through class presentations and themed projects. There is also an evening event that showcases student projects, arts, crafts, dancing, and family sponsored food items from around the world. The committee is a collaborative initiative that is made up of staff, students, and parents working together to share ideas and successfully provide a well-rounded experience for all.
