Mission Statement

Our Philosophy

Palma is a private, college-preparatory co-ed high school with an all-boy junior high school (grades 6-8), owned and operated by The Christian Brothers Institute of California. Palma seeks to give a quality Catholic education to the young men and women of the area by offering them the opportunity to prepare to enter institutions of higher learning. As an extension of the family, Palma promotes the educational mission of the Roman Catholic Church through the formation and harmonious development of the whole person by challenging students to grow spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially, and morally in light of Luke 2:52, “Jesus, for his part, progressed steadily in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.” The Christian Brothers, along with their lay colleagues, endeavor to influence the students placed in their care by parents. The faculty and staff undertake this effort with the same vision Brother Edmund Rice had when he began his outreach to the poor in Ireland more than 200 years ago. Palma, as a Catholic school directed by the Christian Brothers, is missioned to evangelize and to catechize by fulfilling the four apostolic goals: spreading the Gospel message, building a faith community, celebrating the faith and performing service to those in need.

Living as individuals with a strong foundation in Christian values and beliefs, the Palma student:

attends liturgical services and retreats with prayerfulness and respect.
understands and respects Catholic beliefs, practices, and traditions.
is mindful of daily participation in prayerful activities.
considers and applies Christian values in his daily life.
understands the inequities related to poverty.
supports efforts that promote social justice.

Demonstrating an appreciation for learning in a changing world by thinking and acting critically, independently, creatively and collaboratively, the Palma student:

analyzes and responds to problems and questions.
develops and articulates thesis statements, arguments, and explanations.
considers and evaluates multiple solutions.
utilizes technology and resources to access, interpret, evaluate, and present information.
makes deliberate academic choices that lead to success in college and future careers.

Developing the knowledge to make healthful choices, to maximize skills for lifelong enjoyment of physical activity, and to master sportsmanship, the Palma student:

has respect for the body as the temple of the spirit.
embraces the value of fitness and physical development.
understands a wide range of health-related issues.
values sportsmanship by exhibiting respect for competitors on the playing field and peers in the classroom.

Interacting with others effectively and in a manner that reflects the Christian values of respect, compassion, and service, the Palma student:

develops constructive personal and professional relationships.
displays appropriate behavior in school and in the community.
shows respect for others through behavior and speech.
remains goal oriented and open to the contributions of others when working in groups, and can skillfully resolve conflicts or disruptions.
participates in and thoughtfully reflects on Christian service.
demonstrates compassion for the poor and marginalized.

Blessed Edmund Rice

Edmund Rice grew up in a wealthy family, wanting for nothing. However, he learned very early that not all enjoyed the comforts that he experienced. A commitment to charity inspired by his mother, combined with a devotion to, and adulation for, the work that Jesus performed, Edmund saw a great need among the poorest people in his community, particularly destitute young men or “street urchins” as they were often called. Without regard for his own comforts or well-being, Edmund applied his powerful sense of empathy and his unwavering devotion to a life spent educating, feeding, clothing, and sheltering a population that was otherwise overlooked in his time.

Edmund was not alone in his passionate commitment to providing basic education and religious instruction to the young men of his community. Other men who believed in Edmund’s mission and came to teach at his original school were inspired both by Edmund’s fervent vision and by the impact they were having on the lives of their students. In 1802, Edmund Rice and seven of his colleagues took religious vows, and the Congregation of Christian Brothers was formed. The Christian Brothers’ motto facere et docere, meaning, “to do and to teach,” now resonates in the work that these men do on six continents, in 25 countries, in more than 500 schools. Palma is honored to be a part of this proud tradition as Edmund Rice’s words and ideas echo in our Mission Statement, in our morning prayer, and in the spirit of compassion that is found on campus.

Pope John Paul II beatified Brother Edmund Ignatius Rice in Rome on October 5, 1996, and he became known as Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice. His feast day is celebrated on May 5th.

Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education

Blessed Edmund Rice was given the grace to respond to the call of Jesus by identifying with Christ in the poor. His example evoked a deep awareness of God’s loving presence in all with whom he came in contact. He also awakened within them a consciousness of their dignity as children of God. He invited his followers to share the Gospel insight to reach out to the needy, especially the materially poor.

The life of Blessed Edmund Rice — businessman, husband, father, widower, religious brother, teacher, and founder — challenges all involved in Christian Brother Education to live and teach Gospel values. His vision inspires the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education.

proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed
permeate the entire curriculum, activities, and all aspects of the educational process with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ
encourage young people to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ
provide opportunities for liturgies, retreats, vocation awareness workshops and daily prayer

give priority to religious instruction with opportunities for faith development and theological understanding
participate in the sacramental life of the Church and model a living faith through the use of rituals and symbols
foster devotion to Mary and the communion of saints
ensure that Catholic identity permeates all endeavors: all classes and activities, procedures and policies, services and programs

promote policies and structures that reflect a climate of compassion for the poor and disadvantaged
include education and advocacy for peace, justice, global awareness, and care for the Earth
prepare students to work toward the creation of a just society
encourage ministry experiences that work with and serve the poor and marginalized
support mission areas at home and abroad
establish tuition and scholarship policies that open educational opportunities to the poor and disadvantaged

provide a disciplined, safe atmosphere in which students are free to grow and take responsibility for their own learning and for the life of the community
sustain compassionate, respectful relationships among all stakeholders
be in union with the Church through commitment to service and formation of community
encourage faculty and staff to give daily witness to their integral role in communal faith formation
embrace the human condition and welcome God’s healing

promote respect for each individual as created in the image and likeness of God
value the diversity of the human family and seek to reflect diversity among the students, faculty, and staff
promote strong programs for personal, professional, and pastoral care
offer co-curricular activities and programs that are important to a student’s holistic education
strive to provide just remuneration for faculty and staff

empower all members of the community to share in the mission
work with parents, who are the primary educators
collaborate with Edmund Rice Christian Brother ministries on local, regional, and international levels
foster a deeper understanding of the vision of Blessed Edmund
promote active participation in governance by boards and diocesan officials

promote a strong academic curriculum and cultivate a desire for excellence
develop an educational culture that fosters the growth of the whole person, higher-order thinking, and life-long learning

Board of Directors

Palma School’s Board of Directors is a dedicated group of community members who oversee the overall operation of the school by setting policy, managing finances and development, nominating the Chief Executive Officer and President of the corporation, and by monitoring the President’s performance. The President is a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Board and is responsible for the implementation of policy. The Board of Directors meets four times during the school year and is a corporate board, not a school board. The President is responsible for following corporate policy and delegates the day-to-day running of the school to the Principal.

Mindful of our primary mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, Palma School admits students of any race, color, national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. Palma School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin, nor age in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. While Palma School does not discriminate against students with special needs, a full range of services may not be available. Likewise, Palma School does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin. Palma School reserves the right to be a sole judge of merit, competence and qualifications, and can favor Catholic applicants and co-workers in all employment decisions, especially in those positions that have direct bearing upon the pastoral activity of the Church.

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