St. Katherine Sunday School & General Youth Ministry Conduct & Expectations
1. Sunday School attendance is required to participate in all other youth ministries except for Greek School. Youth are required to attend more than 50% of each semester, Fall and Spring, to be able to participate in other youth ministries. Parents must notify teachers and the youth director of any special accommodation requests for sports, etc.
2. Everyone at St. Katherine is part of the body of Christ and should be treated as such.
a. I understand that there is to be no bullying, rough housing, or inappropriate physical contact with anyone.
b. I will use proper language and refrain from foul language of any kind.
3. Come to church and church events with the right attitude and respect.
a. I will be on time and maintain a reverent attitude in church.
b. I will wear appropriate and modest clothing to church and church events.
• Please note that while fitness attire is allowed for dance practice, we ask that students respect the dress code and make sure shorts are long enough to be seen under long shirts. If shorts or skirts are so short, you are constantly having to tug on them, then they are too short.
• Beach Days are a luxury of living in SWF. We do not require whole piece suits, but we do ask that modest bathing suits are worn to church beach events/water events.
• Out of respect for your fellow parishioners, you may be asked to change or leave an event if your clothing is not appropriate.
c. I will refrain from wearing clothing that exhibits inappropriate language, images, or advertisements.
d. I will respect church property and be mindful of the facilities, equipment, and materials provided for use.
e. I understand that no students are to be alone in rooms on church grounds without supervision of a designated chaperone.
f. I understand that leaving church grounds or a venue where a church event is being hosted is not permitted unless prior permission is received from a ministry leader.
g. I understand that I am responsible for any damage I cause to church property.
h. I understand that I am expected to conduct myself at venues off church property just as I do at church, with adherence and respect for the rules of the venue (this is especially true for water safety).
i. I understand that if I do not abide by the rules of the venue, I may be asked by the ministry leader to leave the event.
j. I understand that there is to be no use of alcohol, vape pens, tobacco products, or drugs at youth events, by youth, chaperones, or any adults attending the youth event. And that the use of alcohol by parents is only permitted at parish-wide events where alcohol is being served or sold (i.e. Pascha Glendi).
4. Clergy, teachers, and youth ministry leaders are to be treated with respect.
a. I will listen while others are speaking and not interrupt my teachers or classmates.
b. I understand that continuous classroom disruption and hinderance of learning will result in being asked to return to my parents (if necessary, students may be asked to refrain from attending Sunday School until further notice).
c. I understand that teachers will speak with parents regarding any concerns, and when necessary, documentation of certain behaviors will be made for church records. The youth director will be involved in all documentation, and the parish council youth liaison and parish priest will be notified when deemed necessary by the youth director.
d. The church uses “incident reports” for documentation of incidents at the church or at church events. Please see the attached Code of Conduct Protocol for details regarding how incidents are handled and documented at St. Katherine.
5. With the exception of Little Lambs, parents are not permitted in the Sunday School classrooms during lesson times. This is to foster independence and a conducive learning environment. Parents are asked to refrain from early pickups as it disrupts the short instruction time allotted for learning. If an early pick up is necessary, parents must let the teacher know ahead of time, so proper arrangements can be made for minimal disruption.
6. Hellenic Dance Participants will always maintain a positive attitude during practices, rehearsals, performances, and interactions with fellow dancers and instructors.
a. I will show respect for my dance instructor, and trust her/his decisions regarding dances, dance steps, and order of dancers.
b. I understand the importance of attending all practices and rehearsals as scheduled, and I will make every effort to be on time for all dance-related activities.
c. I understand I may not dance in all dances, and it is up to my teacher to determine.
d. I will consider the dance troupe as a team and will strive to protect and support my fellow dancers, fostering a spirit of camaraderie. I will not engage in competitive behaviors with other dancers. Instead, I will work collaboratively to achieve our dance goals.
e. If I have any concerns, questions, or needs related to our dance group, I will address them directly with my teacher in a respectful and timely manner.
7. Use of technology and personal devices should be minimal at church.
a. I will refrain from using cell phones, tablets, or any other personal devices not authorized by the ministry leader during a ministry gathering.
b. I understand that a ministry leader or teacher is authorized to collect personal devices for the duration of a class, practice, or gathering.
c. I understand that no photos or videos are to be taken of fellow youth or parishioners without their consent.
d. I understand that I must have consent from all parties in any photo or video posted to social media. Without consent I will cover, or blur faces in the photo(s) I share.
8. Any and all food restrictions or allergies must be clearly communicated with ministry leaders and included in a timely manner for specific events. If ministry leaders are not given enough notice, there is no guarantee accommodations will be made, and we suggest the family brings necessary accommodations for dietary requirements.
9. Parents are expected to support their child’s participation in church.
a. Communicate directly with ministry leaders regarding specific needs or concerns.
b. Reinforce expectations and the adherence of this code of conduct at home with your child.
c. Make sure children are dressed appropriately before coming to church.
d. All teachers and ministry leaders are volunteers and are donating their time as stewards of the community to lovingly share the Orthodox Faith with our St. Katherine youth. Please remember that parents model how teachers should be treated, how our facilities should be treated, and proper behavior during church activities.
Acknowledgement Statement
I (parent/guardian and child) have reviewed and understand the St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Sunday School & Youth Ministry Conduct Expectations and the accompanying Conduct Expectations Protocol. We agree to abide by these expectations and understand that failure to do so may result in the consequences outlined in the protocol.
