Establishing Brotherhood: Key to Success in the Initial Weeks at St. Thomas

Starting high school is a significant milestone for every student. It involves navigating a new environment with many unknowns, including teachers, classmates, classrooms, and lunch lines. When students confidently enter a new environment and feel a sense of belonging, they have a better chance of a successful freshman year.

When students develop a strong sense of belonging early in their educational journey, they position themselves for success. Belonging is when a student perceives that they are valued and accepted as a member of a group.  Having a strong sense of belonging can enhance academic performance, increase motivation, and even improve student behavior (Bowen, 2021). Feeling valued and connected can lead to improved overall well-being, which allows students to have higher levels of self-efficacy and determination to overcome academic and personal obstacles. Plenty of evidence shows the importance of students developing a sense of belonging when entering a new environment (Ralph, 2022 & Li & Singh, 2023)

It is important to understand that when considering single-gender schools, whether all-boys or all-girls, you will often hear the terms “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” These words convey a sense of belonging and are often key features of many Catholic single-gender schools. A Brotherhood or sisterhood forms when students share experiences and values that bring them together. It also develops when group members care for each other, support each other’s success, and when a student takes responsibility for their actions within the group (Miller, 2023).

When exploring schools, you and your family will find that many offer orientations and student activities at the beginning of the school year. These activities help students connect and develop a sense of belonging.

From the very start, St. Thomas cultivates a strong sense of community and brotherhood, making it a place where your son will truly feel at home. The reason is that the Basilian Fathers were founded as a community with a strong brotherhood. This philosophy of community and brotherhood has persisted over time and is found in their schools, especially at St. Thomas. On our campus, three key activities foster a strong sense of belonging and brotherhood within the first three weeks of school.

The initial journey begins at Camp Aquinas, a four-day leadership camp that fosters strong bonds through team-building activities, house competitions, and faith formation. The camp aims to challenge and inspire the freshmen, highlighting the importance of brotherhood and teamwork in creating lasting friendships and a supportive network. The connection of brotherhood is not limited to just the freshman class, but to also the senior leaders who are running Camp Aquinas. Upon returning, the students have developed a strong sense of brotherhood and connection with the school’s mission, classmates, senior leaders, and faculty.

If you want to read about the experience of the 2024-2025 Camp Aquinas, click here.

The Communio program is a platform that promotes friendship and brotherhood and is an integral part of our school community. Students gather in their Communio groups and houses to connect with upperclassmen and compete among themselves and other houses. The school-wide assembly held the week after Camp Aquinas serves as the first connection point for the entire school community. The school-wide competition is an exciting event that promoted school spirit and is a great way to cultivate enthusiasm and engagement among the students and faculty. The Communio program helps maintain the connection momentum developed at Camp Aquinas and provides a strong support system for students navigating St. Thomas.

To learn more about Communio, click here.

The Orientation Dance is a highly anticipated event for underclassmen. It marks the start of the student activities season and provides a welcoming atmosphere for students to connect with each other and with our sister schools—Duchesne Academy, Incarnate Word Academy, and St. Agnes Academy. This welcoming atmosphere is essential for helping students feel immediately at home and laying the foundation for stronger connections within the larger Catholic high school community.

The first few weeks at St. Thomas High School begin a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and brotherhood. These early traditions are not just about fun but are integral to the school’s philosophy of building a brotherhood for life. The Brotherhood formed during these initial weeks is a foundation that supports students as they strive for success inside and outside the classroom.