Saint Thomas Academy Service Journal
What is a Journal?
• A Learning Experience
The Academy's mission statement identifies as its goal “the development of strong leaders for the church, community, country and world.” The Senior Service Program is intended to give you the opportunity to continue growing into this role, enabling and empowering you in the experience of a servant leader.
This journal is to provide you the means to record your growth experience. It should be a place to make connections between your service work and your future goals as a graduate of STA and an emerging leader.
Writing about yourself and your experiences is one way to grow in self-knowledge and become more aware of your learning within the context of conversation.
However, a journal is what you make it. So, truly write and reflect in it. Be candid and honest. Avoid falling back on clichés and stereotypes. Put into words what you honestly think and feel about your service experience.
• Service Parameters
As a graduation requirement, STA asks you to perform 40 hours of service, with a minimum of 30 hours at one agency.
- 20 service hours must be completed and recorded by Friday, December 5, 2008.
- 20 more hours must be completed and recorded by Friday March 13, 2009.
To complement your 40 hours, ten hours will be spent in reflection as you respond to questions in this journal. Some reflection sessions will be held during your theology class to give you an opportunity to share and hear the experiences of others.
Your journals will be collected and evaluated by your theology teacher. Four entries will be completed within the first semester and will count as part of your second quarter religion grade. The remaining four entries will be completed within the third quarter and will count as part of your third quarter grade.
Download the two documents below to complete your journal...
• Guidelines for Completing Journal
1. Follow STA writing guidelines as found in the STA Writing Handbook.
2. STA is a college preparatory school. As a graduation requirement, your journal must
reflect this standard.
3. Use black or blue pen, or compose journal responses using your computer and neatly
paste or staple into corresponding sections.
4. You are required to complete 8 of the 12 possible entries—four by December 5, 2008 and
four by March 13, 2009. Some of these entries may be your selection; choose entries that
compliment your service experience. However, earlier due dates and specific entries may
be assigned by your Theology teacher.
In order for you to participate in Senior Projects in the last two weeks of the school year, you must have completed the Senior Service Graduation requirement (40 hours and eight journal entries) by the end of third quarter, Friday March 13, 2009.
