St. Mary's School Student Handbook

Our Patron

St. Mary, the Mother of God.

St. Mary is our patron.  St. Mary was the Mother of God.  According to tradition, Mary was born in Jerusalem to St. Anne and Joachim.  The angel Gabriel announced her Immaculate Conception (Luke 1:26-38). Her cousin Elizabeth called her the Mother of God.  Mary replied with the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem where the baby Jesus was born.  Little is said in the Bible about Mary after the birth of Jesus.  She visited the Temple of Jerusalem and was instrumental in Jesus’ first recorded miracle at the wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1-5).  She was present at the Crucifixion (John 19:26-27) and was with the disciples before Pentecost (Act 1:14).  Tradition holds that she was present at the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.

 We pray to St. Mary to act on our behalf to God.  The most popular devotion to Mary is the rosary, a prayer emphasized during May, the month of Mary.

 Religious Focus

Our Faith

The gospel of Jesus Christ inspires our Catholic education and guides our school in every dimension of the day. The faith of Christ is permeated in not only what we teach but what we say, do and believe.  Our authentic Catholic education allows us to share the good news of Jesus Christ freely.  Each month our school focuses on one of 10 social teachings of the Church to build a sense of solidarity and work toward the common good.We are committed to instilling values Jesus taught us, to love freely, forgive easily, to reconcile willingly following the path of Jesus.  We are one, we are many and we are blessed to share our faith with children, families and colleagues throughout each and every day. 

Celebrations and Masses

We have many school-based Masses (Liturgies) and celebrations at our school.  We also attend Whole School and Grade level Masses at St. James Church.  Our St. Mary’s Way Committee, in consultation with our Priest, determines dates, themes and readings. 

Prayer

Prayer is an integral part of our school day.  We routinely pray to start and end our day but more importantly we teach children to pray in times of joy, sorrow, of disappointment, celebration, difficulty and success.  Through this rhythm of daily prayer, students come to understand that prayer is not just a routine, but a vital way to build a personal relationship with God. In learning to speak to Him, listen for Him, and walk with Him, our children grow in faith and in the knowledge that they are never alone. 

Beginning and End of Day Blessing

A tradition at our school is to start and depart the day with a blessing.  

To start the day we prayer our St. Mary’s Way Creed.

At the end of each day we recite together a common prayer:

“May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.  May the Lord look upon you with favour and grant you peace.”

 Service Projects

At St. Mary’s, we are proud to follow the call of our School Board in encouraging every student to participate in meaningful service that enhances our community. Whether it’s singing at Sandstone Lodge, cleaning up our local river parks, gathering donations for charities, or preparing food hampers for families in need—students across all grades engage in acts of service that reflect Christ’s love in action.

Our staff also embraces this commitment by participating in at least one service project each year, modeling what it means to lead with compassion. We believe that our time, talent, and treasure are gifts from God, entrusted to us to be shared generously. Through service, we live out our faith, honour God, and show kindness to those who need it most.

 Faith Focus Area in Classroom

At St. Mary’s, each homeroom class is entrusted with a unique faith focus area that invites daily reflection and anchors us in prayer throughout the day. These focus areas serve as gentle reminders of God’s presence in our lives and help guide our school-wide spiritual journey. Our teachers go beyond teaching religion as a subject—they weave faith into every aspect of learning, conversation, and classroom life. Here, faith is not confined to a single class or time of day; it is a way of thinking, living, and being that shapes the heart of our school community.

 Retreats

Our classes are involved in retreats, a time for prayer and reflection and an opportunity for our students to experience the richness of our faith.  For lower Elementary students, the Retreats usually are a half-day and for upper Elementary students for a full day.

 Sacrament Preparation

Generally, students prepare for First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation in Grade 2 as they need to be 7 years old to register and Confirmation is done in Grade 6.  These preparations are coordinated through our parish.  The school feels very strongly that these students should be recognized for their fulfillment of such important sacraments. For information on the sacraments please contact the St. James parish office at 403-938-3122.

St. James Parish 403 938-3122

At St. Mary’s, we recognize the profound strength found in the triune partnership of home, parish, and school. Together, we nurture the hearts, minds, and spirits of our students—embracing the diocesean mission, You are CALLED, you MATTER, you BELONG. This sacred collaboration forms the foundation of a faith-filled learning community rooted in love, trust, and shared purpose.

A Christ-Centered Approach to Student Behaviour

At St. Mary’s, we expect all students to act in a Christian manner, treating others with kindness, dignity, and respect. We encourage students to apply themselves diligently in their studies and to live out the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives. Inspired by our school motto, we welcome one another “With Open Arms.”

Our school community is committed to fostering a safe, caring, and inclusive environment. We guide students to become self-disciplined, reflective individuals who understand the impact of their choices on themselves and others. Our approach to discipline is rooted in virtue and guided by our Catholic faith—every student is a unique gift from God and deserves to be treated with honour, compassion, and love.

Teachers address behaviour concerns promptly, and more serious or ongoing concerns may be referred to school administration.

Parental involvement is a critical component of our behaviour support process. Consequences are progressive in nature and may include restorative practices, counselling, or in severe cases, in-school suspension. Our goal is always to restore relationships and support positive behavioural change.

We take a strong stand against bullying, following CTR Catholic’s Administrative Procedure STU #03. Bullying is defined as repeated hostile or demeaning behaviour intended to cause harm—physically, emotionally, or reputationally. In contrast, conflicts or one-time incidents are treated as relationship breakdowns, not bullying. Regardless of where or how the incident occurs (in person or electronically), the school will intervene when a student’s ability to learn is impacted. Early reporting is essential—students and parents are encouraged to contact the school immediately with concerns.

NOTIFY THE SCHOOL

As educators entrusted with the care of your children in loco parentis, it is vital that we know the whereabouts of every student during the school day.

Please notify the school if your child will be absent. Our automated attendance line is available 24/7 at 403-938-8048 . In the case of an unexplained absence, our Administrative Assistant will contact the family directly.

If a child must leave school during the day (e.g., for appointments), they must sign out at the office. Parents are asked to send a note indicating the time and reason for departure.

If a student becomes ill, they may contact a parent or guardian. Sick students should remain at home for rest and recovery.

Attendance Matters

For the 2025 – 2026 school year, CTR Catholic is reemphasizing the significance of daily attendance, which is crucial for student success. Homework, Google Classroom, and making up for missed class time do not replace the interactive and engaging teaching and learning experiences that take place during class. Students must be in class daily. Please see a LETTER from CTR Catholic’s Attendance Officer.

Administration reviews attendance and families will be notified if absences are affecting student learning, with the goal of supporting improved attendance.

Tardiness

Being on time is a life skill that fosters responsibility and respect for others. Chronic lateness disrupts learning and will be addressed by school administration in partnership with families.

Leaving School Grounds

For safety reasons, students must remain on school grounds during the day. All students must sign out at the office when leaving.

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are expected to dress appropriately and modestly for school, reflecting the values of our Catholic community.

Clothing should:

• Not have inappropriate slogans/images
• Not expose undergarments, midriffs, or shoulders
• Include sleeveless shirts with straps wide enough to cover undergarments
• Include shorts and skirts no shorter than mid-thigh
• Exclude pajamas except on theme days

Students must have indoor shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Hats and outdoor wear are to be removed upon entering the school.

Students may be asked to change or cover up, and repeat offences may lead to disciplinary follow-up.

Students are discouraged from bringing valuable items such as iPods, cell phones, and electronics. If needed for learning, these items must be used only under teacher direction and are the student’s responsibility.

Personal Mobile Device and Social Media

We will work in conjunction with families to help students examine the impact that personal mobile devices have on their relationship with God and each other with an overarching personal wellness focus. Our focus on responsible digital citizenship will be guided by the Administrative Procedure STU#39. Cell phones will remain in student backpacks throughout the school day. The main form of communication for a parent to contact their child will be to contact the office. If a student feels they need to check their phone for any reason during the day, they are to ask their teacher for permission. Field trips, extra curricular, and social events also fall under the guidelines of our Administrative Procedure.

If students have their personal mobile device out during class time, transition times, or non-instructional times they will be given a reminder of the policy and parents may be contacted. Future infractions will lead to escalating consequences. Students who do not adhere to the cell phone and social media policy are subject to the Student Conduct and Discipline Process. Restorative practices and supports will be put in place as needed.

St. Mary’s Students may not access social media on school networks or on school devices. CTR Catholic restricts access to sites that are deemed inappropriate and those that fall under the social media definition.

We take your child’s safety seriously and follow comprehensive emergency procedures including fire drills, lockdowns, shelter-in-place, evacuations, and drop-cover-hold drills. These are practiced regularly so students and staff can respond calmly in real situations.

Emergency Evacuations: Our primary evacuation site is St. John Paul II Collegiate. Parents will be notified by email in the event of an evacuation.

Visitor Protocol: All visitors must enter through the main entrance, sign in at the office, and wear a visitor badge.

Supervision is provided from 8:15 a.m. until the last bus departs.

ALLERGY ALERT

Several students at St. Mary’s have severe medical conditions, including life-threatening allergies to nuts, citrus, shellfish, and bee stings. For their safety, our school is a nut-restricted environment. Please do not send nut products in your child’s lunch.

Allergy-awareness also includes sensitivity to scents and animals. We ask for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.

STEPS FOR NOTIFICATION OF MEDICAL NEEDS

Parents of students with medical needs must:

• Notify the school of their child’s condition
• Provide any required emergency medications (e.g., EpiPen)
• Complete necessary medical forms through the school office

Administering Medication

The administration of medication during school hours must follow Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools’ procedures. If your child requires medication:

• Provide a completed Parent and Physician Request Form
• Supply clearly labeled medication to the school office
• Ensure dosage, timing, and emergency instructions are documented

Volunteers

We welcome volunteers “With Open Arms”! Whether assisting in classrooms or helping at events, your involvement enriches our school community. All volunteers must:

• Check in at the office
• Wear a volunteer badge
• Attend a volunteer orientation or meet with the principal

Parent Council

Our Parent Council meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and plays an advisory role in school decision-making, school spirit building, and parent engagement—not just fundraising.

At St. Mary’s School, we do our best to reunite students with lost belongings—but as with all schools, the Lost and Found tends to grow quickly! Most misplaced items are placed in designated bins outside the gymnasium (west side of the school). Valuables such as jewelry, calculators, books, or electronics are taken directly to the office for safekeeping.

Lost and Found items will be displayed a few times throughout the school year—we invite families to check the display tables and are welcome to look through the bins at any time.

To help reduce lost items, we kindly ask families to clearly label clothing, lunch kits, backpacks, and water bottles. Items with names are quickly returned to their rightful owners.

Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities. Notification for items being donated will come via social media and will occur every few months to prevent accumulation of items.

We kindly ask all families to:

• Properly use the designated drop-off loop—it is designed for student safety and traffic flow.
• Avoid parking in restricted areas or near resident’s driveways
• Avoid dropping students off on the road in the street or the drop off loop road.
• Refrain from using the staff parking lot—this area is not designed for student drop-off or pick-up.
• Ensure children cross at the crosswalk instead of running across the street.
• Plan for adequate time to follow these safety procedures without rushing.
• Establish a consistent pick-up/drop off location with your child for efficiency and safety
• Enter and exit through your appropriate designated doors.
• Parents needing to enter the building must use the front entrance.
• Please do not use the bus loop between 8:10–8:50 a.m. and 2:00–3:30 p.m. This area is reserved strictly for bus traffic.

We recognize that mornings and afternoons can be busy, and we truly appreciate your efforts in keeping your (the) children safe. By working together and following these guidelines, we can ensure a safe and smooth process for everyone. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued partnership in making our school a safe environment for all.

As we work together to ensure a safe and smooth drop-off and pick-up process, we also ask for your cooperation in respecting the residents in our school community.

Please do not park in or block driveways of homes near the school. Residents need clear access to their properties at all times, and unauthorized parking causes unnecessary disruptions. Thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe and respectful.

Walkers and Cyclists

• Students walking or biking should:
• Use sidewalks and cross safely at designated crosswalks
• Park bikes at the bike racks on the northwest end of the playground
• Not ride bikes, scooters, or skateboards on sidewalks or near buses

Important Reminders:

• Helmets are required by law for all cyclists
• Bikes, scooters, skateboards, and heelies are not permitted during recess or on school property during the day
• The school cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen property; we strongly encourage students to lock up their bicycles and secure personal belongings."

STM Bus Procedures

Morning Drop-Off

Buses arrive at the front of the school. Staff supervisors are on duty to ensure student safety. Students are expected to exit the bus promptly and head directly to their designated door or the playground.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Buses line up in front of the school and after end of day dismissal, supervisors support students in boarding their appropriate bus. If your child will not be taking the bus on a particular day, please notify the school office at 403-938-8048 or email. Without this communication, students will be placed on the bus for safety reasons. If a child is unaccounted for at dismissal and we have not been informed that they are not taking the bus, families will be contacted to confirm their whereabouts and plan.

Student Behaviour on the Bus

Maintaining a respectful and safe bus environment is essential. While drivers oversee daily bus conduct, concerns about behaviour should first be discussed with the bus driver directly, as they know the details of the incident best.

If necessary, bus drivers will complete a misconduct report and notify school administration. Continued or serious infractions may result in temporary or permanent suspension from bus service.

Bus Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Follow the driver’s instructions at all times
• Treat others with respect
• Speak quietly and keep noise levels low
• Keep heads and arms inside the bus
• Remain seated while the bus is moving

Consequences may include:

• Verbal warnings
• Assigned seating
• Reports to administration
• Suspension from bus privileges (for repeated or serious infractions)

Positive behaviours are also recognized by drivers and shared with the Principal.

Bus Cancellations

In hazardous weather conditions, Christ the Redeemer may cancel bus service, typically aligning with Foothills School Division decisions. In such cases:

• Announcements will be made via CTR’s website, Facebook, Stopfinder App, and local radio stations
• The school remains open. Parents are responsible for student transportation on these days
• If early dismissal becomes necessary, every effort will be made to notify parents via email and phone