The role of families

The presence and the involvement of parents is a distinctive characteristic at Viaró. This is something that is seen by both newcomers and those who have been at the college for some time.

The role of families in schools may be something that arises intuitively, or searched for, or it may exist as a well-founded and highly-valued reality. The latter case is applicable to Viaró, and in different ways: married partners who are responsible for courses, the parents’ association (AMPA), parents who attend interviews with their child’s preceptor, quarterly meetings and family parties, and those of you who help us in so many ways to make the school your own. A large number of married couples are coming to the children’s classrooms to receive formation, in Family Guidance Courses.

The daily life of a school has, as its main stage the classroom, with its teachers and students, while home schooling also plays an important part. This is undoubtedly another ingredient in the Viaró Global concept: parents who take part in the academic, human and Christian aspects of the comprehensive education of their children.

Acknowledgement should be made of these couples who, in the early years of Viaró, as well as those of today, have helped to keep the initial project alive and it still continues, as ever. As you know, Saint Jose Maria and his successors, Blessed Alvaro and Monsignor Javier Echevarria visited Viaró. They are memories that will remain with us for many years. We have learned so many things about liberty, about the family, about education, love and helping people from all three, the reality of a world in which everyone has a place. On the last visit of Mons. Javier Echevarría, on Saturday 17 May, 2008, he spoke of the liberty that parents have in choosing the education of their children, and encouraged families to make themselves heard, always in a peaceful manner, in the defence of those fundamental rights and social duties.

We have an important challenge on the horizon, the parents must say clearly how they want this school to continue and in every way they can, so it is within the reach of all families. Using a phrase that has become famous recently, we could say “now is tomorrow”. And it is most definitely now when parents must take a step forward and say what Viaró needs to be tomorrow in a school system that comprises both public and private education systems together.

Addressing the parents I say ‘have no doubts’; with your support the teachers and preceptors feel supported and continue to improve our work, day after day, so helping us all to drive Viaró into the future.