Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
Excellence
community events, in addition to the annual Student Showcase and Open House held at the St. Mary Education Center. Media arts students designed the school yearbook and other printed materials, giving them the opportunity to see their ideas manifest to tangible, finished products.
In the performing arts department, music is a staple, with instruction in singing, dancing and instrumentals. Choir and band introduce the students to the world of performance arts, while the annual plays, spring musicals and dinner theaters provide in-depth exposure to live performances.
Christmas of 2021 brought the return of many treasured holiday traditions. Both student choirs, Cherubim and Seraphim, accompanied the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies for St. Mary Parish and
Upper Salford Township. The Seraphim Choir shared their vocal talents with the seniors of St. Philip Neri during their annual Christmas luncheon.
The entire school, parish, and community enjoyed the annual Christmas pageant as each grade participated. Seventh- and eighth-grade students put on a production of “Twas the Opening Night Before Christmas” to complete the Christmas season.
The spring musical, “Disney’s Aladdin,” allowed students to continue to expand their performing skills. Their performance season was completed with “The Emerald Heist,” a fun and interactive mystery that had the audience asking “who done it?” until the very last moment.
Physical education is also an essential element at St. Mary. The campus sits on 23 acres, complete with walking trails, an outdoor classroom and plenty of room for children to play. While phys ed class is preferred to be held outside,
there is an indoor option when weather doesn’t cooperate. Hedge Hall contains a basketball court where class can be held when it rains, snows or is exceptionally cold.
Many Catholic Youth Organization teams hold games, tournaments and competitions there throughout the year.
Technology is a considerable part of the curriculum. Beginning in kindergarten, students utilize desktop computers in the computer lab, starting with the basics to acclimate themselves with mice and fullsize keyboards and how to properly handle equipment. As they progress, they learn how to efficiently and safely use the internet; create presentations, fonts and websites; and use editing, illustration and programming software.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) was a natural progression for the school, with the 2021-2022 year showing a growing love for STEAM among the
students. Whether it was building natural forts to see how they would fare through the winter, challenging how to improve the world’s transportation systems or designing and constructing fun and creative miniature golf courses; the students embraced an outstanding STEAM program and took advantage of every opportunity.
Fifth-through-eighthgrade students participate in the annual STEM Fair, developing an experiment of their choosing and by following the scientific method presenting their findings to the school and the community. Seventhand eighth-graders participated in the Montgomery County Science Research Competition at Germantown Academy, earning over 18 awards in their first regional science fair.
While the outstanding academic environment is a highlight, there is nothing more important than the grounded, Christ-centered foundation that children need to navigate the
world. St. Mary Catholic School encourages students to build a close relationship with God, providing them with a strong moral compass and teaching them to act with compassion and humility throughout their lives. The students, faculty and staff consistently practice
kindness and courtesy to foster respect.
Now is the time to see if St. Mary Catholic School is the perfect fit for your family. Contact Genevieve to schedule a tour by calling 610.287.7787, ext.244, or email ggiampa@smsk-8. org.