Traditions at SJPIICHS
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As a new school, SJPII is adding traditions each year. Here are our first and most important traditions and symbols.
SCHOOL MOTTO
Nolite Timere! which means: “Be not afraid!”
These words used repeatedly in scripture, and by Jesus in
the New Testament, to assure us that God is with us. Pope John Paul II echoed these words in his visits with the youth in the United States and throughout the world. In a world of confusion and anxiety, the words of the Master and of his Servant, the Pope, ring loud and clear. Young people need not be afraid to embrace truth itself, which is not just an idea, but even more importantly, a Person: Jesus Christ who calls us to the adventure of a holy life.
John Paul II frequently added to his appeal of “Nolite Timere!” the following rallying cry: “Aperite plene portas Christo!” “Open wide the doors for Christ!” Young Catholics and Christians are called to embrace the life of the mind with great courage and with the right judgment in great trust, reverence, and wonder of God’s love. Thus the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit allow us to go into the world with trust and humility, prepared to see every loss as gain in God’s grace, with well-ordered love of God, neighbor, and self, yearning for justice completed in mercy and purity of heart, so that peace might govern our lives, even in the face of persecution and ridicule. This life of the beatitudes, watered with the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit is at the heart of the vision and mission of John Paul II Catholic High School, which together with the Church and Christian families, strives to lead students into a knowledge, love, and service of the Lord Jesus, through whom alone we come to recognize our human dignity and our divine destiny.SCHOOL SEAL
The school seal includes the school's motto, and three elements that identify the school's mission: the papal keys, in honor of our patron, a Pope, signifying our allegiance to the Church; an open book, to represent our school's commitment to education and learning; and finally, the Cross, for the source and summit of our school and community.
GUARDIANS
The school's mascot is the Guardian, represented by the Guardian Angel. We are guardians of one another at John Paul II, and are guardians of our core virtues, through all we say and do. Frequently, during school prayers, students and parents are asked to pray with their guardian angels, that they may join us to pray for our intentions and those of the school community.
THE ROCK
At the front entrance of the school, a rock as been placed with the school's seal on it. All who enter and leave are invited to touch the rock as a reminder that they have the opportunity to be the rock on which the Church and school are built each day, through their words and actions.
The school refers to students, not as boys and girls, but as ladies and gentlemen. Regardless of age, we can act like ladies and gentlemen, and as such, we ask this of our students and community. Gentlemen are expected to treat ladies with respect and decency, and ladies likewise.
LADIES & GENTLEMENCAMPUS SERVICE
The school asks students, through Solidarity teams, to help each day on campus. Each week, a team is assigned to help clean cafeteria tables and sweeping the cafeteria floors; the other team helps to empty trash out of classrooms at the end of the school day. This is a help to the school, and it is a way for students to take pride in their school.