Living Our Faith
St. Mary School has a proud history of community involvement with many of our “out-reach” programs that assist others. Our school believes in “Giving Back through Time and Talent”. In keeping with this belief, our choirs regularly perform at retirement facilities and hospitals. All of our classes visit the London Food Bank on an annual basis and provide much needed volunteer service. We are also committed to supporting community charities that include St. Vincent de Paul and Jesse’s Journey. We also provide annual funding for the Holy Childhood Association, assisting children in need around the world. Our students know and understand the meaning of the motto “Children Helping Children”.
Our St. Mary School choirs lead the music at many parish masses throughout our diocese on many Sundays throughout the school year. As part of our school mandate, we are dedicated to the training of our students in liturgical music in order that they might become contributing members of their own parishes as choristers, cantors, conductors and musicians in the years to come. Our message to one another each day is to be Christ for others and to look for Christ in everyone we meet.
Programs and Services
Curriculum Program
St. Mary School welcomes students from Grades 5 through 8 and provides a full program of curricular subjects as outlined in the Ontario Curriculum. In addition, each student is a member of a choir and plays a string instrument. Our homework policy includes requirements for both the curriculum subjects as well as daily practice for string and vocal. The timetable also provides for special instruction in drama/dance and in visual arts for all students. As a Catholic School, our Catholic beliefs and values are inculcated into the overall curriculum at all grade levels, demonstrating that all of our teaching and learning is Christ-centered in its message and that it supports the spiritual journey of our students.
Links to the Arts Community
St. Mary School has a fine relationship with the Arts community of London and area. Our “Guest Artist” program, funded by our School Council, allows for artists in a variety of disciplines to visit our school, working closely with staff and students. Visiting artists over the years have included renowned authors, vocalists, string players, composers and visual artists. We have hosted special guests such as authors Pierre Burton, CBC’s Bob McDonald and Canadian composer Stephen Hatfield and musician Frank Leahy. Authors Barbara Haworth-Attard, David Booth and Larry Swartz, Barbara Reid and Linda Granfield have been frequent Guest Authors in our school in the past several years. We have hosted Orchestra London in our school and our Sinfonia Players have also had the opportunity to play with the Orchestra.
 Catholic Community Partners- Arts Organizations
Co-Curricular Program
Our school offers opportunities for enrichment in the arts and in many other areas of the curriculum. Intermediate students can take part in our Chamber Orchestra, which performs at a variety of special functions throughout the year. Students also enjoy the challenge of taking part in our Student Parliament, a student-led group of individuals eager to make a positive difference in the student life of the school. The sports intramural program is very strong at St. Mary’s, providing every student with the opportunity to participate in a meaningful and challenging sports program and providing quality physical activity on a regular basis.
School Events
- Annual spring musical production featuring our Grade 8 students
- Liturgies at St. Mary’s Church, St. Peter’s Cathedral and many diocesan parishes
- Christmas and spring concerts for choir and orchestra and an annual “Fiddle Fest”
- Guest Author and Guest Artist programs for Grades 5-8
- Participation in sporting events including inter-school volleyball, basketball, hockey, as well as system-wide events including Track and Field, Cross Country and Dancefest and a strong intramural program.
- Many of our events are updated at our on-line Calendar
Results of Provincial-wide Assessments
School Improvement Planning 2010-2011
The improvement in learning and achievement of children and the professional growth of our school communities are directly linked to a school improvement plan that proceeds with precision and focus. The London District Catholic School Board is committed to fostering excellence in achievement through informed understanding and practice with the dynamic objectives that are identified in the School Improvement Plan.
Throughout the school year, our school team will establish goals in the School Improvement Plan that integrate student achievement data, EQAO assessments, report cards and other relevant assessments. The School Improvement Plan will outline our priority goals, strategies and success indicators towards improving student learning and achievement from the coming school year.
Please note that the School Improvement Plan for 2010-2011 will be posted on our school website for your information and consideration. To view this information, please go to the Bulletins Page.
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