Lord, you are truly the Savior of the world;
give me living water, that I may never thirst again.
John 4:42, 15
Dear Saint Mary’s families,
COVID-19 has created a rapidly evolving environment where decisions are being made quickly in the interest of public health. While much of the attention has been focused on individual positive test results, we are just as concerned about the potential exposure to our students and staff. As a result, the school will follow the policy shared below.
Saint Mary’s Catholic School will suspend all regularly scheduled school events beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. This includes field trips, after school care, athletic practices and games. The current plan is for the school to remain closed until Friday, March 27, 2020. As this event evolves the decision to reopen will be based on the most current available data. Personnel will be on campus to maintain critical operations.
We realize that this will be an inconvenience for our families, but trust that this decision is made with the health and safety of our students and staff in mind and allows us to create “social distancing” as recommended by both state and federal authorities.
Teachers will gather Monday to work toward our shared goal of high-quality, subject specific and developmentally appropriate remote learning. You can plan for teachers to reach out with instructional content by Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
We know that some families may be planning overseas travel in the next few weeks. Please be aware that the school will follow CDC overseas travel guidance. These include a 14 day self-quarantine period. The guidance also includes avoiding non-essential travel at this time.
In closing, please know that we remain committed to the education and safety of our students, staff, and families. As I said yesterday, your commitment to each other and Saint Mary’s is why I know we will get through this together.
May God Bless each of you and Saint Mary’s Catholic School.
Best regards,
Brandon
PLEASE NOTE: These events have been canceled:
- Friday, March 13 — Fish Fry
- Friday, March 13 – Saint Mary’s former & present faculty & staff Gathering
- Saturday, March 21 — Roaring 20’s Gala and Casino Night
IMPORTANT DATES NEXT WEEK: School Closed Until March 27, 2020
Up to date information will be communicated through email.
NEWS/EVENTS/NEED TO KNOW:
SAINT MARY’S SPIRIT WEAR
We haven’t had the opportunity to purchase spirit wear in some time, a shop is set up for all who would like to buy spirit wear. Families can purchase online and orders will ship to school. Our sports director will distribute the orders to your student to bring home.
There are royal, gray, and white options in long sleeves T-shirts, short sleeve T-shirts, crew neck sweatshirts, and hoodies. There are two options for a more budget friendly t-shirt option and an Under Armour option for those who like the dri-fit style material. A portion of every shirt sold will go towards getting more “stuff” for our athletic programs.
Information from the company:
2020 Spring Spirit Wear Shop is now open! Find items that I’ve picked out specifically for our team.There is also spirit wear available for your family and friends. Shop Now: – Store Open From: March 4 – March 16, 2020
GALA MOBILE BIDDING AND TAG WEEK STILL AVAILABLE!!!!
Mobile Bidding You still have the opportunity to bid on most silent auction items! Simply purchase the mobile bidding package Here!
LUNCHROOM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Fourth and Fifth Grade Parents/Families. This is your opportunity, WE NEED YOUR HELP AT LUNCH!
Parents – are you looking to get involved or see your child and help out in a much needed way? One way to volunteer is during lunch. Each grade level is assigned a month. Please consider helping!
March 2020 – 4th and 5th grades
April 2020 – 2nd and 3rd grades
BUDO CENTER MARTIAL ARTS NEW SESSION:
The Budo Martial Arts Center is going to be offering its program to Saint Mary’s students again starting on Thursday, March 19th.
Be part of a fast-paced modern martial arts curriculum led by masters from The Budo Center. Learn basic punches, kicks, blocks and combinations that help build coordination, strength and flexibility. Practice self-control and gain confidence while displaying a positive attitude about yourself and others. All while having FUN!
The Budo Class will meet every Thursday, 3:00pm -3:45pm for grades K-5. March 19th through April 23rd (4 week sessions with no class on April 9th or April 16th) Cost: $150 Sign up for this session will end on March 16th. Checks made payable to the Budo Center. Please complete the attached waiver and drop it off along with your check at the front office. Any questions can be directed to Michelle O’Donnell After School Care Director at modonnell@saintmary.org
NIGHT OF NATIONS APRIL 2, 2020!
Calling all Saint Mary’s families! We need you to showcase your cultural heritage. Spots are filling fast, click on the LINK to bring an authentic dish, host a craft station, showcase your country with a poster, and more.
SCHOOL LENTEN PROJECT:
Our SCA, in collaboration with the St. Mary Church Haiti Committee, will be collecting Dry Erase Lapboards – no frame around the edges – and Dry Erase Markers. Bins will be located throughout the school and we will be collecting this for our Twin Parish School in Haiti. If you would rather donate some change, that can be collected in the bins as well and we will purchase the items for Haiti. This is similar to our Change for Haiti boxes we have done the past few years. These items will be collected through Wednesday, April 8. Any questions, please reach out to Heather Heishman at hheishman@saintmary.org
ART SHOW MAY 1, 2020 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Have you visited the school office and viewed several of our student art pieces displayed to brighten up our office. The opportunity to view and purchase your student’s framed art work is coming on May 1, at our wonderful Art Show. This can’t happen if we don’t get volunteers to help. Please sign up!
SUMMER CAMP IS COMING!:
Our camp information can also be found on our homepage under “Latest News” ” Summer Camp”.
SMCS Summer Camp Week 1 Flyer June 8 – 12
SMCS Summer Camp Week 2 Flyer June 15 – 19
SMCS Summer Camp Week 3 Flyer June 22 – 26
SMCS Summer Camp Week 4 Flyer July 13 – 17
MONARCH MESSENGER:
A new issue of Saint Mary’s Catholic School’s alumni newsletter, The Monarch Messenger, has just been released! This edition features Saint Mary’s alum, former NBA player turned ESPN analyst Tim Legler; a donor spotlight on our own celebrity Chef Paul Elbling; word of alumnus Logan Harvey’s new business in N.C.; a Saint Mary’s LEGO Robotics low-down; news of some superstar students; and more! Click here to see the issue!
SAINT GERTRUDE HS SUMMER CAMPS:
June 8 – 12 & June 15 – 19 Open to girls, rising 5th – 9th grade Offerings: Theatre Arts, Coding, Robotics, Art, STEAM, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, CPR & First Aid
Full camp listings or to register.
ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS:
As part of an effort to bridge our school and church community and keep you updated on important announcements and happenings at St. Mary’s Church, we invite you to check out our bi-weekly parish-wide email that is posted to the home page of our parish website, www.stmarysrichmond.org (link located after the Welcome under Mass Times).
“An Invitation from Fr. Michael Renninger“ “The story of Jesus is the greatest story ever told…..Join us throughout Lent and especially in Holy Week as we immerse ourselves into the life changing story of Jesus!” Each week during Lent, Fr. Renninger invites you to take a few minutes to watch and hear about touching aspects of Holy Week as well as personal reflections from some of our very own parishioners at St. Mary’s.
Click here for this invitation from our pastor, Fr. Renninger, and see how experiencing Holy Week at St. Mary’s may help you more deeply experience the Passion of Jesus Christ.
“St. Mary’s Catholic Church Registration” Parish registration takes place monthly on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 pm or some weekdays at 7 pm in the Bishop Sullivan Room. During this one-hour program, you will meet other parishioners, our Pastor and staff, receive an introduction to St. Mary’s Parish and complete the registration documents. Childcare and refreshments are provided.
Our registration will take place on March 15, 2020.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Volunteer for Carpool Duty
Painless Fundraising
Flynn O’Hara Uniform information