St. Mary’s S.T.A.R.S. are a core set of foundational values for all members of the school community. At St. Mary’s, we believe that our mission extends beyond the classroom – it’s about forming both hearts and minds rooted in faith, self-respect, excellence, and more. These values are a way of life that reflects our Catholic identity and our commitment to living as followers of Christ and His teachings.
When we carry these values with us into our classrooms, playgrounds, neighborhoods, and more, we show the world the love, respect, and integrity that come from living in God’s grace and being a representative of the St. Mary’s beloved community. Together, we will continue to create a culture where every action, big or small, is an opportunity to live our faith and make a positive difference for ourselves and each other.
Being a Community of St. Mary’s S.T.A.R.S.
S is for Service
We are called to live as the Blessed Virgin St. Mary did, by serving others with faith, compassion, patience, and generosity. The value of service means using our time, talents, and gifts to help those in need, both within our school and in the wider community. We encourage you to see service not as an obligation, but as a joyful way to share God’s love with the world.
T is for Truth
As followers of Christ, we seek the truth and speak the truth in all circumstances. The value of truth builds a trusting relationship with ourselves, with God, with the Blessed Virgin St. Mary and other saints who intervene for us, and with each other. Truth fosters integrity and strengthens all of our relationships. We strive to teach each other to be honest in our words and actions, to stand up for what is right (even if we’re standing alone), and to live with moral courage, even when it is difficult.
A is for Academic Excellence
Everyone in the St. Mary’s School community strives for excellence in all types of learning as a way to honor the gifts God has given all of us. The value of academic excellence is not just about getting the highest grades: it is about curiosity, perseverance, and the desire to use our knowledge to serve God and others, and foster our goals (big or small). We encourage all students to approach every subject matter with the goals of excellence, dedication, and a growth mindset.
R is for Respect
Respect means recognizing the dignity of every person as a child of God. At St. Mary’s, we model kindness, empathy, and good manners in all of our words and actions. The value of respect extends to our classmates, teachers, families, ourselves, and our environment. This helps to create a beloved community where all feel brave, safe, valued, and loved.
S is for Spiritual Growth
Our journey of faith is truly lifelong. The value of spiritual growth means deepening our relationship with God through service, prayer, worship, and reflection. We nurture the gifts of the Holy Spirit in all of our students, helping them to understand and live their faith each day. We encourage families to join us in fostering this growth at home and in the parish.
