The School Day at a Glance
The morning bell rings at 8:50 a.m. for entry and class begins at 8:55 a.m.. A large literacy and numeracy block is ensured in the morning. Recesses are from 10:35 - 10:50 a.m. and 1:55- 2:10 p.m.. Dismissal is at 3:10 p.m. Lunch is from 11:50 until 12:35 p.m. Students eat from 11:50 until approximately 12:15 when they have an outdoor recess..

Attendance/Safe Arrival
Whenever your child is ill or will not be attending classes, please call the school at 858-2431 as soon as possible to let us know. When you will be picking up your child, please call us in advance. The teacher will have your child ready to leave when you arrive. You must also let us know in writing should someone other than yourself (the parent) come to pick up your child.

Mission Statement
St. Mary Catholic School is an open, friendly and welcoming school where we live our Christian faith in words as well as deeds. We provide a safe haven for our children, instilling a sense of pride and respect for themselves, others, and for their environment. Our children are continuously encouraged to strive to achieve their own personal potential in every aspect of their spiritual, academic, social and physical growth.

Vision Statement
St. Mary School is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment in which all learners can develop their spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, physical and creative potential in preparation for life-long learning and success.

We are a living faith community where Christ is the ever present Teacher and Model for the inspiration of all.

Student Insurance
Please visit the school board’s insurance page for important information on Student Accident Insurance.

Kindergarten Program
For information about the Kindergarten program, please visit
http://www.scdsb.edu.on.ca/programs/jksk.php

Math Challenge
Students in grades 5 and 6 can participate in Math Challenge. These children, in groups of three, need to work cooperatively in order to solve challenging math problems. The teams then compete against many other schools within our Board. Teams will have five challenges starting in October and ending by May. The top three teams are announced by June of each year.

Track and Field
All students participate in school wide track and field events. The top athletes from grades 3 to 6 can participate in the school board wide event in late May or early June. All events take place during school hours.

Early Reading Intervention Program
Early Success is an early reading intervention program that focuses on both word recognition and comprehension strategies delivered to groups of six or less Grade 1 Regular Program students. Student selection is based on early reading achievement data provided by the Senior Kindergarten teachers along with data collected through the program's Assessment Tasks of Grade 1 students. As the program progresses, an "I can read" attitude quickly develops.

Goals for Growth
Our elementary panel has introduced an Ontario produced program entitled 'Goals for Growth' from Grades 1 - 3. The program teaches children to set goals which in turn empowers children to be responsible for their own learning. Goals for Growth is an early years component of 'Choice into Action', a guidance and career education program that students are involved in from Grade 1 through Grade 12.

Dearness Conservation
Dearness Conservation (DC) is a practical, student-driven, activity-based program that brings environmental education alive in our schools. A cooperative team of students, teachers, principals, custodians and parents work together with Dearness Conservation partners in a multi-year program designed to increase sustainability by helping schools conserve resources and protect the environment.

Rainbows
Rainbows is a not-for-profit international organization that provides training and curricula for establishing peer support groups to individuals of all ages who have experienced a death, divorce or other painful transition in the family. Rainbows goals include facilitating a healthy acceptance of the changes that have taken place in the lives of these individuals.

Snack Programs
Better Beginnings/Better Futures and The Human League make it possible to provide nutritious snacks three times a week for all students. Our wonderful parent volunteers work very hard to ensure that all children have a healthy snack at recess time.

Learning with Laptops
Grade 4/5/6 Writing Literacy Program incorporates the use of the Apple iBook. This program greatly enhances student skills and provides them with the latest in mobile technology. Thousands of students in more than 400 schools across Canada and the United States are using Apple learning solutions to reinforce the fundamentals and develop 21st century learning skills. They and their teachers have learned to use technology as the foundation of learning, research, collaboration, communication, and creative self-expression. Learning is enhanced with the use of Smartboards. An eMac, a technological tool to promote literacy and numeracy and to enhance student learning is designed specifically for the Kindergarten program. St. Mary is extremely pleased to be part of this exciting and innovative program.

Other Activities
St. Mary students are also involved in the following: Holy Childhood Living Rosary, Student of the Month Character Building, Book Fair, Daily Physical Activity, Science North excursions, visits to local theatre productions, pizza and hot dog days, Spirit Days, Science Fair, Spelling Bee, Oral Communications, visits to the Capreol Public Library, Intramural Sports, Skating at the Capreol Arena, School Barbeques, Operation Christmas Child, Carolling, The Capreol Annual Santa Claus Parade, Winter Fun Day, Literacy/Numeracy Days, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Jump Rope for Heart, and of course, various contests held throughout the year.