Weekly Newsletter – December 6, 2024
Dear Parents,
This month we are emphasizing being DISCIPLES in support of our School-Wide Learning Expectation (SLEs). St. Mary’s students work to follow the teachings and behaviors of Jesus. This is a tall order and very difficult to do. During the month, we will try to find real ways we can all emulate the life of Christ in how we treat others, ourselves and the world around us.
Please be sure to check the calendar regularly. We will be very busy between now and Christmas break.
St. Mary’s is always looking for new students and families – Things at St. Mary’s are going great. We are not perfect, but perfect is boring. We are a constant work in progress as we are making huge strides in creating a wonderful, challenging, and safe community to learn and grow. With all that is going well, we need more students. There are many ways to attract new students and families, but the most effective is word of mouth. Linked is a document we will be inserting in the parish bulletin during Advent and Christmas. Page 2 includes a description of many of the great things happening at the school. Please take a moment to read through it, share it with your neighbors, friends, or strangers who are soon to be friends.
School Counselor – As you are aware, we do not have a school counselor this year. This was not the long term plan, but a short term decision to help the school progress forward. After time and reflection, we have identified not only the need but a possible solution for the remainder of the year. St. Joseph’s has agreed to help us by lending St. Mary’s their counselor. Brooke Marrit will begin coming to St. Mary’s every other Friday afternoon to be a resource for our students and classes. We are very grateful to St. Joseph’s and Brooke for their thoughtful generosity.
Idaho Tax Credit – The week before Thanksgiving parishioners spoke from the pulpit about the Idaho Tax Credit. The Idaho Tax Credit allows for up to a 50% credit for money contributed to a qualifying education institution. These are links to the Introduction letter and the tax credit flyer shared at Mass. After reviewing the linked information, please be sure to consult with your tax advisor.
Included in the tax credit flyer is a QR code if you would like to make a donation electronically.
Our Lady of Guadalupe – Experiencing the Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Mary’s is incredible. The Hispanic members of the parish start at 5:00 am with Las Mananitas. This is followed by Mass at 6:00 am and celebration breakfast in the school cafeteria. There is entertainment including singing and dancing. The school will have a special performance at 8:00 am following Prayer Square. Later that evening, St. Mary’s School’s Mexican dancers perform at JUMP at a citywide celebration. All are welcome
Angel Tree – There is an Angel Tree in the lobby of the school. We still have 9 tags left on the tree. If you have the ability to purchase a gift, we would greatly appreciate your generosity. Gifts and the tags are asked to be back at the school on December 6th.
Festival of Trees – Diamonds and Denim – Thank you to everyone who donated to our diamonds and denim cause. Miss Hailey spearheaded a tremendous effort and represented St. Mary’s incredibly well. In addition to our magnificent tree, our students performed as a choir and our Mexican Dancers. We were the only Catholic school who performed. Thank you to Mr. Peters, and Mrs. Gloria Munoz for their leadership with our students. Go Spartans!
Thank you – DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces – St. Mary’s School is grateful for long-time supporters like @georgia wells-white for hosting a fundraising centerpiece party at @boise at its best for over a decade. St. Mary’s moms, grandmas, and friends had a wonderful time and took home spectacular unique creations for their Thanksgiving dinner tables.
Please mark your calendars for important dates:
- December 6 – Reconciliation
- December 9 – Holy Day – Feast of Immaculate Conception – Mass Dress ⛪
- December 10 – Christmas Music Program 🎶6:00 pm
- December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe – See above
- December 13 – Middle School (7th and 8th Graders) Dance at Sacred Heart 💃
- December 18 – Pastorella @ 2:00
- December 19 – Last Day of School before Christmas Break🌲
- January 7, 2025 – Back to School
- February 8 – Diamonds and Denim – St. Mary’s Gala 💎
Other Important Announcements and Events:
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- Nurse News – This is an article from the nursing staff for December.
- Partnership Page – St. Mary’s community is full of many terrific individuals who contribute to our greater community and St. Mary’s through their businesses and careers. It is our objective to provide support and awareness to the families that support us. If you are shopping for products or services, I encourage you to check our partnership page first. I would recommend you to mark the page as a favorite and check back often. If you are interested in having your business highlighted, please submit your information to Ms. Mandy @ amcampanella@stmarys-boise.org
- St. Mary’s & Niche – St. Mary’s continues to use various vehicles to let people know about the best kept secret in town. We have used Niche for the past year. As we approach the middle of the school year, we would love for you to take a moment and leave a review of St. Mary’s. In addition, each month Niche has a $1000 sweepstakes to families, alumni, or students willing to complete a survey of the school. Click here to leave a review and enter the sweepstakes.
- Boisemom.com – St. Mary’s is including information about the school and community in a recently created platform for Boise moms. Please take a look at their Guide to Boise Area Private Schools.
- Calling all Alumni – We want to keep our alumni invited and informed of all happenings around St. Mary’s. If you are an alumni or know any alumni, please fill out the form – St. Mary’s Alumni Information
God bless.
Kevan Grant
St. Mary’s Catholic School- Principal
Other Items of Interest
- Bishop Kelly Athletics – Bishop Kelly has a plethora of athletics happening throughout the Fall. The BK website has a link to team pages with game schedules. Whether you enjoy soccer, volleyball, cross country, there is something for everyone. Home football games are an experience.
- Get your Uniforms and Spirit Wear from Educational Outfitters