Leading by example has remained a core value since our founding in 1948. The responsibility and empowerment of a leadership position contributes to your child’s poise and confidence.
Buddies
Instilling a sense of kindness and compassion in our children is one of our Core Values at St. Mary’s. In this spirit, each year we pair an older student with a younger one as Buddies and each year we rotate the Buddies. For example, kindergartners will have a buddy in 5th grade, 1st graders will have a buddy in 8th, and so on. Every year provides a new pairing.
As a buddy, the older students learn to lead. Whether on the playground teaching the rules of kickball or setting an example for decorum in Mass, the older student learns compassion, patience, accountability, and how to mentor.
The younger buddy gains valuable socialization skills and confidence from having an older sibling-like companion. From day one, younger students gain comfort knowing an older student on campus is there for them, pulling for them to succeed, and helping them when they need it. This gives the younger student a great sense of belonging.
Public Speaking
Poise and confidence are critical characteristics of successful students and adults. St. Mary’s students in all grades are given many opportunities to hone their public speaking skills. Children begin presenting in their classrooms as early as first grade. Our student’s also take on roles during Mass, speaking in front of the congregation and delivering readings in both English and Spanish. In Mass, they learn public speaking skills as they represent their fellow students. Our 7th and 8th grade students give campus tours to prospective families. As tour guides, these students demonstrate self-confidence as they lead adults through our campus and answer their questions. We invite you to take our Three-Lenses-Tour and see for yourself the poise and confidence of a St. Mary’s School student.
Students in grades five through eight compete in speech contests at the local level. Our community partner, Modern Woodmen, provides materials needed to run this contest, including the topic, judging guidelines, and participation awards.
Creating poised and confident children is an important part of our charter. We are always looking for ways to help them become leaders in all of our programs.
Student Council
As students move up the grades, there are more opportunities for leadership. In 5th through 8th grades, students may participate in School Council, representing their class and taking on the roles and responsibilities of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Our Student Council helps with fundraising for the school and collaborates with the Principal to organize school events.
Teamwork
Being a good teammate is as important as being a good leader. Students learn to collaborate and work with others in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities, such as the Science Olympiad, the Academic Pentathlon, and as members of organized athletic teams.