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Schools

Catholic School Teacher Gets Joy From Seeing Kids Grow In Faith

Helping her students to learn and grow both academically and spiritually.

Name:  Alice McLaughlin

Age: 53

School and Position: , second grade teacher

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Years Teaching: 25

Years at School: 15

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Hometown: Palm Harbor

Why did you choose to teach in Dunedin?  

I actually chose the school, which just happens to be located in the beautiful city of Dunedin.

What inspired you to teach?

Wow, I've been playing school since I was in kindergarten! I always knew I would be a teacher.

What is your favorite part of teaching? 

My favorite part is seeing the "ah-ha" moment in a child. It's so rewarding to see a child finally understand a concept and then apply it.

What is your most memorable moment in teaching? 

I am responsible for preparing my students for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. It always brings joy to me to see my students growing in their faith.

What one idea/concept do you try to instill in your students? 

Respect — for themselves and others.

As a teacher, in a religious environment, was it necessary to adjust your teaching style? 

Not really, I have always taught in a Catholic school. It's so nice teaching in an environment where you can talk about God in every subject you teach.

The sacraments of Reconciliation and first Holy Communion are important first steps in the life of a Catholic child. The sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, consists of three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it, Catholics find unconditional forgiveness and are called to forgive others.  first Holy Communion is the step Catholics take to prepare to receive Christ's body and blood, by means of receiving the Eucharist. Catholics believe by taking the Eucharist, they are nourished spiritually and bought closer to God.

I was informed that Our Lady of Lourdes would soon be celebrating 50 years as a teaching institution as well as a parish. Hopefully, this school of dedicated and caring teachers will continue to thrive and celebrate many more "firsts."

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