Parents, Teachers
& Students in
Partnership
Vision
It is our goal to nurture and develop citizens of Trinidad and Tobago who are well grounded spiritually, morally, emotionally, and academically, with the ability to contribute to the family, the nation and the world.
Mission
The mission of Arbor is to assist parents in the integral education of their children to become free and responsible adults who know and love the truth. Together with parents, Arbor endeavours to help the children pursue the truth in all they do, to love God and others selflessly, and to establish the foundations for them to use their freedom well. We are committed to educating the whole person with a rich curriculum and personal character formation and we encourage each child to cultivate intellect and character, leadership and service, faith and reason.
Character Development
Education in virtues at Arbor begins with the environment created by the people in the school – administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and students.
“Only a school of character can aspire to foster character in its pupils.” As such, Arbor will strive to create an environment that exemplifies the character that it wants to impart to its children.
The Character Development Programme at Arbor is suited to the needs and maturity level of each child. Every month the school will emphasize a specific virtue and the children will be encouraged to live it in their daily lives. Teachers discuss each virtue in the classroom and help the children to live the virtues, Parents are encouraged to foster the virtues at home.
This is very well complimented by the good habits and behaviour that are constantly being pursued at the school through example, academics, Learning Situations and personal relationships between staff and students
Pastoral Care
Spiritual growth holds a significant role in the realm of character education. Arbor’s educational program incorporates Catholic faith formation as a fundamental component that serves as a guiding light for the school’s philosophy.
We live this naturally integrated within our schools, fully respecting the individual faiths of our students and their families. Our Roman Catholic students and faculty receive Pastoral Support from the Priests of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei.
We celebrate Holy Mass periodically during the term, and offer access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to all members of our school community.
The Chapel at Arbor Primary is also open on school days to be accessed by all Members of our school community – students, parents, teachers & Administration.
Alive to the World
Alive to the World is a complete values-based educational program which we use in our Primary School that captivates students, guiding them at each stage through the life situations, desires and questionings, and the disappointments and triumphs of every young person, indicating the keys to success and happiness.
Used in over two dozen countries, ATW trains our teachers to help students relate to the situations and concerns portrayed, which are set according to their natural development stages. The program is designed to be used one hour per week throughout the school year.
Spiritual Development
The school’s Oratory stands at the heart of the school’s spiritual life. It provides a tranquil space where both students and parents can contemplate and engage in prayer.
Father Albert Martinez, a priest affiliated with the Prelature of Opus Dei, is Arbor’s school chaplain. He makes regular visits to the school, offering children the chance to participate in Mass and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
One of our key commitments to parents is to instruct our students in discerning the authenticity, moral value, and aesthetic appeal of the Catholic faith within all aspects of their learning, and to encourage them to integrate their faith into their daily actions.
In nurturing spiritual development, Arbor employs a three-fold approach, encompassing religious instruction, meaningful worship experiences, and personalized spiritual guidance through the chaplain. Teachers also play a pivotal role in introducing children to a life of devotion, and guidelines are thoughtfully provided to support them in this important endeavor.
Mass is observed on two occasions every week – one day is dedicated to the student body, while the other invites parents to join. Classes rotate, allowing each group to attend Mass once a month.
