“All areas of faith are welcome to attend,” St. Mary's Catholic School Board President Kristen Sawruk said to kick-off National Catholic Schools Week. “Some parents choose us for our rigorous academic program. Our kids score high on standardized tests.”
St. Mary's Catholic School students, families, staff, and clergy members have spent the week celebrating the school's private education.
The student body learned all about securing their nation’s international borders on Monday, when US Customs and Border Protection brought its canine unit into the school. Cloverland Electric Cooperative employees also conducted presentations on electricity and safety. Many little hands raised high in the air to ask questions.
Older students dressed up and learned all they could about their favorite historical figures during “wax presentations” Wednesday and Thursday.
Students engaged in Thursday morning mass, participating in the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ (Candlemas). Fr. Brad Sjoquist of Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Fr. Allen Mott of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, and Sister Peggy Fornicola held a Q&A with students after mass.
Movies, popcorn, and hot chocolate are scheduled for Friday. Everyone was set to go sledding down Brady Park hill on Tuesday afternoon. The outing was canceled due to windchill. Students stayed warm indoors and played games. Sledding will be rescheduled.
"National Catholic Schools Week is a national celebration of Catholic education and an opportunity to recognize the importance, values, and contributions of Catholic education to the Church and community," Sawruk explained. "It is sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association. The events of the week showcase and celebrate the rich traditions and the incredible value of Catholic education on both a local and national level."
Marcae Stackpoole is the proud parent of two St. Mary’s students, happy with the values demonstrated by faculty and the one-on-one education provided.
“I feel our kids are not bullied, cared about, and safe,” Stackpoole said. “My concerns are always heard by the principal and teachers.”
Principal Timothy Vail added that St. Mary’s Catholic School students consistently perform well in public high school, maintaining the private school’s long-lasting reputation of “producing excellence.”
"This year, Sault High National Honors Society had a very high percentage of children that attended St. Mary’s Catholic School," Sawruck said. "Quite frequently, the top 10% students in any given graduating class has many students that attended St. Mary's. In addition to high representation in areas of academia, St. Mary's students are represented in other social activities, such as homecoming court, volunteer committees, and athletics."
Magdalene Bauer, daughter of Ray and St. Mary’s teacher Joan Bauer, was last year’s Sault Area High School valedictorian with a GPA of 4.095.
During Bauer’s high school career, she earned the Mathematics Department Award, United States Marine Corps Musical Excellence Award, Bertha V. Knox Memorial Scholarship, and the John Philip Sousa Band Award. Bauer presently attends Central Michigan University.
President Sawruk said she is currently focused on increasing student enrollment, volunteerism, and staffing.
“Our enrollment is low, and I would like to see over 100 students," Sawruk said, listing off a few pros to Catholic education. "A Catholic education means a rigorous curriculum. According to two studies released last spring from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Catholic schools have outperformed public schools on standardized tests, including reading, math, science, literacy, geography, and history over the past 20 years. Additionally, Catholic schools produce a higher percentage of high school graduates who go on to attend four-year colleges."
She added that Catholic schools tend to have smaller classroom sizes.
"The current ratio at St. Mary's is eight students to one teacher," said Sawruk. "Smaller classes allow more teacher involvement to promote learning. If your student is excelling in a particular subject, they are challenged and moved up a grade for that particular area of study. Similarly, if they are struggling in an area, additional resources and help is immediately provided."
In Sawruk's words, "The goal of a Catholic education is to help children mature into Christ-like people. Students are encouraged to recognize the presence of Christ in themselves and others."
A barrier Sawruk often hears from community members is that they cannot afford to send their children to a private school, like St. Mary's Catholic School.
"First child parishioner rates average out to be $16 per day for 180 days of an academic calendar year," Sawruck said. "There are other programs available, such as tuition assistance, monthly payment plans, and scholarships."
Enrollment for the 2023-2024 St. Mary's Catholic School year is now open. Student registration and scholarship information can be found here.
If interested in supporting St. Mary's Catholic School, its annual Jackpot Raffle drawing with a chance to win up to $10,000 will take place on Thursday, May 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now. Call St. Mary's Catholic School at 906-635-6141.
