Freshman Seminar
“It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.” – Saint John Paul II
Freshman Seminar is a required course specifically designed for all incoming John Paul the Great freshmen. The seminar's goal is to help each new student experience a positive and supportive transition to the John Paul community and the academic rigors of high school. The seminar course introduces the student to the John Paul community, its unique charism, and the house system while cultivating community, encouraging proficient study, and promoting confident leadership in every first-year student.
Seminar topics related to academics include instruction on basic Google applications such as docs, sheets, and slides, as well as issues related to time management, organization, and study skills. The crucial topic of digital citizenship is covered and includes instruction on intellectual property rights, plagiarism, and copyright and trademark laws.
John Paul the Great is mindful of the specific developmental milestones freshmen students contend with socially and emotionally as they mature throughout the freshman year. With this in mind, Freshman Seminar instructs students in the areas of interpersonal communication, collaboration and leadership, and public speaking while at the same time providing insight, instruction, encouragement, and guidance that will enable them to thrive.
We hope to guide the newest members of the John Paul community on the path to greatness right away, reminding them that their greatness can begin now with each decision to do their best, for the love of God and the benefit of the common good.