Homecoming/Spirit Day, Lindsey Meyer Pumpkin Run, Catholic Schools Week, Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Dodge ball Tournament, Fashion Show, A Murder is Announced (Fall play), Junior/Senior Prom, Camelot (Spring musical), Student/Faculty Talent Show, Red Ribbon Week was celebrated, a new events for Cultural Day were incorporated, and who can forget the inspiring Fall and Winter Sport Rallies.
Several academic changes were introduced this past year. Many of the school's curricula were revised or rewritten to meet the changing educational challenges of the 21th Century. Each classroom was equipped with white boards, and Smartboards were purchased to introduce a new style of "teaching outside the box" that engages students actively in their learning. We will be constructing a new Physics lab in September, 2009. In addition, an SAT course was scheduled for the Juniors, which coincided with the scheduled SAT test that Saturday. It allows students to also hone their skills throughout the 2010 school year by accessing the SAT prep link.
Keynote speakers were presented during the morning assembly programs to broaden the learning experiences for the students. Student workshops in Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Cyber bullying, and Josten's Leadership Program were both instructional and entertaining. The teaching staff also attended a variety of important workshops on the Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on The Brain, Cyber bullying, Smartboard training, Differentiated instruction, and the Holocaust-Teaching Tolerance, in addition to other individual workshops. We are also proud of the students who took on their civil responsibility to sign petitions to keep the murder of Sheriff's Officer Joseph Rybka (graduate of St. Mary High School) in jail. A presentation was given to the student body by his wife and Bergen County Sheriff McGuire.
This has been a very productive, challenging and interesting school year! Sadly, it has also been a year in which we have witnessed the tragic and unexpected death of Junior Paul Celmer and our custodian Mr. Marc Specchio, the passing of Ms. Helen Johns, a popular and caring teacher, and Dr. Pat Aiell lost his wife this past week. I know I speak for the faculty and students, in extending our prayers and support of the family in this time of mourning.
As I thought of an appropriate way to thank the St. Mary High School PTA for their dedication and their continuing support of the students and staff at the high school, I remembered a quote of John Anello, founder of the Florentine Opera in Milwaukee. He once said, "Service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy in the world." This certainly describes our PTA! Without their focused assistance, St. Mary High School would not enjoy the success and growth we have today. Who could forget the many and long hours that these members devoted to fundraising, providing refreshments for the Open Houses, selling items at the football games, promoting the successful calendar raffle and fashion show. These are but a small part of the contributions the PTA has provided for the betterment of the school.
On behalf of the faculty and student body, a special "Thank You" to Mrs. Sancilio, PTA President, and to the entire organization for the "rent" they paid this past school year. This has been a rewarding, memorable journey for all of us. I am proud to be part of our rich heritage.
Best wishes for a restful, relaxing summer vacation! See you in September.
Mr. Roy J. Corso
Principal