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2004 Alumni Newsletter
Mission Accomplished!
by Catherine Kelleher, Grade 8 Teacher
Rrrriiiinnnngggg! There is one last moment of silence. Then, the unnaturally quiet halls abruptly burst into a cacophony of sound - laughter, greetings, the heavy sound of feet on the stairs. The air suddenly becomes electrified with the energy of youthful expectations. It is 7:50 AM and the Saint Mary School day has begun.
Long before I was privileged to accept the role of the Saint Mary School eighth grade teacher, I was impressed by the words contained in the school mission statement. The opening lines of the statement read:
Saint Mary School, Grades Preschool – 8, provides a QUALITY EDUCATION in an atmosphere permeated in RICH CATHOLIC TRADITION and Strong CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY. Our students develop their UNIQUE GIFTS, work through Challenges by using CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, and Seek answers through PRUDENT DECISION-MAKING.
The words QUALITY EDUCATION were among the first to catch my eye. Most people are aware of the vast majority of studies done over the years that have consistently found that Catholic school education provides a superior academic environment. Saint Mary School is no exception to this rule. I am impressed by the standard of excellence expected from the students at St. Mary on a daily basis. Most importantly, the students understand the critical nature of challenging themselves to achieve the best possible preparation for their secondary education.
It is the final sentence, however, in the Saint Mary Mission Statement that has captured my imagination: “We send forth graduates to function as intelligent, MORAL LEADERS in a constantly changing global community.” It is this spiritual component, emanating from our strong Catholic faith, which sets Saint Mary School apart from other learning environments; it is the piece that you, as alumni, can most appreciate. And it is the most enduring piece of the St. Mary School experience.
Rrrriiiinnnngggg! My day is bracketed by the sound of bells. The day is over and we finish the day in the same way we began, with a prayer, “God made us a family, we need one another, we love one another, we forgive one another…”
It is the morning in reverse - backpacks hurriedly crammed, chairs up on the desks, and rushed “good-byes.” The last few voices drift down the hall and, although it’s quiet once more, something quite tangible has been left behind.
Perhaps the words of a graduating eighth grade student sum up better than I ever could the unique nature of the Catholic Christian environment so pervasive at St. Mary School:
“This is the last year for me at my school and although I thought I would welcome the end of my education here, I do not. It has taken this last year for me to realize what a good place (St. Mary School) really is and how positive this school and the people here are. I have realized how much I have learned and what great teachers and opportunities I have had. I don’t think I would be the same person if I had not been at St. Mary School. It has been my life and a piece which I, unfortunately, will have to leave behind very soon. I know that on our last day I will be sad because I’ll feel like our experience together will be over; but it’s not. Every single person in my class, in my school, and on the staff will go with me, in my memories and in my heart.”
Well said, Jenna! God has made us a family…, indeed, He has!
The Cast of Godspell, Jr.
From One Graduate to Another
by April (Farber) Walling
As a 1985 graduate of St. Mary School, I have seen many wonderful additions to the school over the years. The school now has computers in each classroom as well as Internet access. The school has acquired a music teacher and an art teacher. They have also added teachers who are specialized in specific subject matter, for example science, math, religion etc. However, the two greatest additions to the school since I have graduated have been the kindergarten and the preschool.
My son has attended the preschool since it opened in 2001. He has been in the three different programs that the preschool offers and will continue on in kindergarten next year.
The preschool has had such a positive effect on my son’s life. The teachers and atmosphere are spectacular. I remember two years ago when my son started preschool, he cried when I had to leave, but that did not last long. Thanks to Mrs. Rohanna and her kind and loving manner my son stopped the crying and could not wait to go to school to share everything with his teachers.
Mrs. Canfield and Mrs. Rohanna, the preschool teachers, make everything the children learn fun and exciting. They have the wonderful qualities you need to work with children of this age group. St. Mary’s is very lucky to have two such amazing teachers.
The preschool has a cozy feel to it, and it has different areas of play within the preschool. The children at St. Mary Preschool participate in many activities. They enjoy painting, singing, dancing, math, writing, science, and many other activities. The preschool not only participates in the routine preschool activities, but they are also included in some activities at the “Big School.” For example, the kindergarten invited the preschool over for an afternoon of valentine fun. They made valentines, read a story, and played a valentine game. My son really enjoyed this and talked about it extensively. This activity also makes it an easier transition to kindergarten. This is just one example of the activities they are included in at the “Big School.”
I was very pleased when I discovered that St. Mary School was opening a preschool. It has been a wonderful experience for both my song and me. I am happy now that my children can start their catholic education starting in preschool and continuing at St. Mary School through eighth grade.
Field Day 2004
St. Mary’s Parish and School Get Heart Smart!
By Mrs. Kathleen Deknis, School Nurse
During Catholic Schools Week, St Mary School students, faculty, staff and parents participated in a trading spaces and places fundraiser to collect money for the purchase of an AED, automated external defibrillator, for our parish. St Mary’s Parish is joining the town of Shrewsbury, as we become a heart safe community with a standardized emergency response. St Mary School is working with the town to implement an AED program that will provide a defibrillator and training that matches the equipment and training provided at our town hall, senior center, public schools and other public centers in Shrewsbury.
The automated external defibrillator is a medical device that can recognize a rapid non-productive heart beat, fibrillation, which often occurs in sudden cardiac arrest. The AED determines whether defibrillation should be performed, and instructs the operator/rescue person in the steps needed to deliver an appropriate electrical impulse to the victim’s heart to restore a more normal heart beat.
The sooner defibrillation is provided, the better the victims chance of survival. The AED program requires the administration of CPR, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, before shock is administered, between shock when indicated by the AED, and after the application of the shock from the AED.
Any person willing to provide care to a cardiac victim must be trained in CPR and AED use. Training that conforms to American Heart Association Standards will be provided as the AED program is implemented.
Trading Spaces and Places
During trading spaces and places, parents donated funds in a bid to become Principal for a day and students bid to trade places with teachers, staff and other students. On January 26th, Mr. Stephen Black became Principal for the day. Mr. Black displayed great energy and enthusiasm in dealing with the day’s events. The next day, student’s traded places with teachers and staff for one hour in the morning and then traded spaces with students in other grades in the afternoon. Fun was had by all as we raised money for this very important program.
Get Connected!
How “connected” are you to other St. Mary School graduates? Try these brainteasers and you might discover a fellow alumnus. St. Mary’s graduates are everywhere!
- Which St. Mary’s graduate is a state representative?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate has illustrated eight children’s books?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate was the assistant soccer coach for the Assumption Women’s Soccer Team?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate owns a business in Shrewsbury center?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate plays the bass for the MIT Symphony?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate is a member of the Shrewsbury Police Department?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate is studying at the Harvard Divinity School?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate was a recent National Merit Finalist?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate is the New England Patriots Cheerleader of the Year?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate can be seen on WBZ on the weekends?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate is the proud mother of triplets?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate was a local hero when he rescued a drowning victim from Sewall Pond?
- Which St. Mary’s graduate has been ordained as a priest?
Check out your answers below and see how you did! (scroll page down to see answers)
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Answers:
- Karen Polito
- Ralph Masiello
- Ellen Daly
- Neil Casey
- Sarah Hudson
- James Hurley
- Matthew Sherman
- Kristina Lukach
- Kristin Gauvin
- Paula (Blute) Ebban
- Karen (CGleason) Breault
- Michael Lyon
- Stephen Concordia
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