DIVERSITY
"We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life”
- Pope Francis
MISSION STATEMENT
At St. Francis DeSales High School, we are committed to our mission to live out Catholic Social Teaching in pursuit of peace, truth, and justice. We seek to demonstrate the virtues of solidarity and mutual respect for all of God’s children - our brothers and sisters in Christ.
St. Francis DeSales High School believes that honoring diversity, being inclusive, and striving for equity are at the heart of our mission. By understanding ourselves and others, we can move with greater purpose towards this mission. The Saint Francis DeSales Community recognizes that we live in an increasingly global community where race, class, and ability all intersect. We must be intentional in recognizing, understanding, and celebrating what makes each person a unique and different creation, while fostering shared morals and values.
At Saint Francis DeSales, we will continue to work to create an inclusive environment throughout the school by providing opportunities to engage with classmates from diverse backgrounds in order to understand and appreciate varying perspectives and opinions. In addition, faculty and staff will participate in on-going professional development to ensure equity literacy and culture humility. Through education and awareness, Saint Francis DeSales High School will provide students the opportunity to honor and understand the diverse world in which we live, in order to cultivate empathetic and effective leaders who will be agents of change for the better.
GOAL #1 EQUITY LITERACY:
Our mission to understand ourselves and others while creating school-wide systems consistent with the Word of God.
GOAL #2 CULTURAL HUMILITY:
Our call to recognize every individual as a unique creation of God while being open to new experiences and perspectives
Diversity enrollment
St. Francis DeSales High School has 888 students enrolled for the 2022-2023 school year.
Boys: 456; 51%
Girls: 432; 49%
DIVERSITY ORGANIZATIONS
ASIAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER STUDENT ASSOCIATION
CHINESE CLUB
FRENCH CLUB
ITALIAN CLUB
S.O.B.E.
SPANISH CLUB
WORLD CULTURES CLUB
RISING YOUTH
STALLIONS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Diversity Programming and events in the SFD Community
SEPTEMBER
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Each year, St. Francis DeSales observes National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
NOVEMBER
Native American Heritage Month
Junior Chloe Ray, a student in our Graphic Design 2 class, had her poster design selected to be printed and displayed around school in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.
October
4 Degrees of Inclusion Webinar
October 17th
The panelists include SFD's own Dr. Sharon Murphy (Clinical Psychologist), Lisa Dufault (Director of Aquinas), Kelli Fitzpatrick (School Nurse) and Lisa Monroe (Assistant Director of Aquinas and Intervention Specialist). This event aims to create a supportive environment where we can learn together about these critical aspects of well-being that affect us all. It will be a great opportunity to gain insights from experts in the field and engage in meaningful discussions.
JANUARY
2024 MLK Day of Engagement
Sunday, January 14th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bishop Ready High School
The Office of Diversity and Student Equity partnered with other Columbus Diocesan schools in order to engage our communities in critical conversations. The conversations revolved around a variety of Social Justice topics. Various presenters and groups create a short poster presentation for their chosen topic (i.e. environmental concerns, prison reform, human rights).
february
black history month
On Thursday, February 23 2023, we celebrated Black History Month at an All-School Assembly as we gathered as a community to honor Black History and Culture through poetry, music, and dance!
MARCH
WOMEN’s History Month
In 2023, In honor of women's history month we had a $2 dress down day with students wearing purple, green, or white to represent justice, equality, and growth and honor women.
The money raised went towardss our Lenten Service project allowing us to honor women as we practice almsgiving.
WORLD CULTURES ASSEMBLY
March 8, 2024
Held annually, the World Cultures Assembly provides an opportunity for students to showcase their cultural backgrounds through poetry, dance, music, and fashion.
"The assembly is a great celebration of our school's diversity, which is a snapshot of the world we live in. The talents of our young people truly shine on days such as these, and the pride they exude for their unique ethnicity is beautiful to see."
- Assistant Principal Mr. Jim Jones
MAY
Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Last year, our Asian and Pacific Islander Student Association, Chinese Club, World Culture's Club and Book Club partnered to bring students the following events:
"We are not Free" Book Discussion during lunch periods.
After-School Party in honor of AAPI Heritage Month with music, food and games and an end of the year celebration of our seniors' successes.
"Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Voices" Zoom Panel Discussion. We conducted an hour long discussion between current and past SFD community members to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Last year, the Mind Over Matter Club sold buttons to support mental health awareness and to raise money for the foundation, To Write Love On Her Arms.