Our Mission In Action
Our Mission Through Our Guiding Principals
When you explore St. Joseph’s Indian School, you’ll see that our mission is reflected in the experiences, programs and support we provide each day. The guiding principles below help bring our Mission in Action to life by shaping how we educate students, partner with families and honor the values that define our school community.
Fr. Leo John Dehon's Vision
Responding to God’s love by serving others and meeting their needs.
Catholic Education
Grounded in faith, compassion and the dignity of every person.
Partnership with Lakota Families
Honoring culture, strengthening relationships and working together for student success.
A Foundation of Faith and Relationships
At St. Joseph’s Indian School, we believe every person is part of one human family, called to live in Christian community as brothers and sisters with God as our Father. This understanding is strengthened by the Lakota value of *Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ* (“All My Relations”), which recognizes the deep interconnectedness of all people and creation. Through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments and cultural traditions, students and staff are invited to encounter Christ and actively participate in the faith life of our school community.
Guided by our mission to educate for life, we support the whole child through a wraparound model of care that nurtures mind, body, heart and spirit. By building on each student’s strengths and removing barriers to success, we help children grow academically, spiritually and personally. Rooted in Christian teaching and traditional Lakota values, we also strive to address the challenges that have affected Native families and continue the legacy of Fr. Leo John Dehon by responding to God’s love through service and compassion.
“To know your purpose, to find it, and to honor it day in and day out is one of the secrets to life. Furthermore, I believe that any purpose that is selfless is the most fulfilling of all.”
Joseph Marshall III
Our Mission Through Our Programs
Mission in action programs at St. Joseph’s Indian School include a variety of initiatives that support our mission-driven work and extend opportunities for our students and families. We call these wraparound services to support students in every way possible. According to the National Education Association, student success requires attention to the needs of the whole child and that is our goal in providing these services. Each of these services plays an important part of removing barriers to student success.
Supporting The Whole Child
These programs work together to remove barriers to student success and provide wraparound support for students and families.
Academic Support
Clubs – encouraging leadership and academic excellence
Mentoring – connecting staff and students across the organization
Scholarships – for life beyond high school
Health & Wellness
Dehon Health Center – providing quality health care
Counseling Services – supporting mental health and family connections for every student
Dining & Nutrition – supported by nutritional programming
Residential Life
Campus Homes – supporting family visitation and unity
Transportation – safely bringing students home and back to school during breaks
Family & Alumni Connections
Parent Advisory Committee – informing our programming and decision making
Alumni Program – extending our relationship with students throughout their lives
Enrichment Opportunities
Team Sports – building teamwork, respect and communication
Rec Center – offering physical activity
The World as a Classroom – providing opportunities for students to travel
Our Mission Through Our People
More than programs or buildings, it is the people of St. Joseph’s Indian School who bring our mission to life each day.
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