Friday, May 29, 2026
Dear Parents & Families:
Congratulations to our preschool and 8th grade graduates! We are so proud of these students and grateful to celebrate these special milestones with our school community. Please keep our graduates in your prayers as they begin their next chapter.
As we wrap up another wonderful school year, thank you for your partnership, support, and dedication to St. Mary’s School. We are grateful for an incredible year filled with faith, growth, learning, and community.
While graduation celebrations have begun, we still have one more exciting week together filled with field day, field trips, special activities, and plenty of FUN as we make lasting memories together before summer break!
Please continue to be on the lookout for our St. Mary’s Summer Scoop newsletters throughout the summer for important updates, reminders, and exciting news as we prepare for another great year ahead.
Wishing your family a joyful, safe, and blessed summer!
As we wrap up another wonderful school year, thank you for your partnership, support, and dedication to St. Mary’s School. We are grateful for an incredible year filled with faith, growth, learning, and community.
While graduation celebrations have begun, we still have one more exciting week together filled with field day, field trips, special activities, and plenty of FUN as we make lasting memories together before summer break!
Please continue to be on the lookout for our St. Mary’s Summer Scoop newsletters throughout the summer for important updates, reminders, and exciting news as we prepare for another great year ahead.
Wishing your family a joyful, safe, and blessed summer!
Maureen Turner, Principal
Notable Dates
- May 28-31 - Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit - Details Below
- May 28: 8th Grade Graduation @ 6:30p
- May 29: Preschool Graduation
- June 1: Field Day at Central Park and Color Day
- June 5: Last Day of School. Students should wear their Mass uniforms for our 9:00 a.m. Mass, followed by the annual flag-lowering ceremony. This is a half day of school, with dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
- August 10: St. Mary's School's 21st Annual Tri-Cities Unity Golf Classic Scramble at the Spring Lake Country Club. SAVE THE DATE - Details and sign up coming soon!
- September 12: Parish Festival
Uniform Closet Donations
Thank you for donating gently used uniforms to our no-charge Uniform Closet!When donating, if possible, please place items in a bag and label:
✔️ Boy/Girl
✔️ Approximate Size(s)
That’s it — it really helps keep our closet organized and welcoming for everyone!
A BIG thank you to Teesie for helping organize the closet and creating these convenient donation forms to help make sorting easier during this busy drop-off season.
Band Program Update for 2026–2027
We are excited to continue growing the St. Mary's School band program!
Under the direction of Miss Pryer, band instruction will be offered twice each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the 2026–2027 school year. Sessions will take place before school, beginning at 8:00 a.m.
This year, St. Mary’s School was able to cover the cost of band instruction as we introduced and expanded the program. As we continue planning for next year, we are working to responsibly balance our school budget while still providing meaningful extracurricular opportunities for students. Because band is an optional enrichment program held outside of the regular school day, families will be responsible for the cost associated with participation moving forward.
We are excited about the opportunity to continue growing our music program and provide students with additional experiences in the arts. More information regarding scheduling, pricing, and registration will be shared soon.
Exhibit Hours This Weekend
Come check it out!
Stop by St. Mary’s to experience the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit and learn more about these powerful signs of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.
Our St. Mary’s students were blessed to experience the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit today — right here at St. Mary’s — a beautiful reminder of the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Thank you to Anielka Olson, Sharon Amaya, and all the volunteers who helped bring this exhibit to St. Mary’s for our parish and school community.
Congratulations 8th Grade Class of 2026!
What a beautiful evening celebrating our graduates and all they have accomplished during their years at St. Mary's School. Our Graduation Mass was truly special.Thank you to Mrs. Winterrowd, Music Director; Mrs. Murray, accompanist; Miss Bevins, cantor; and the school, parish, and alumni choir members who helped make the music such a beautiful part of the celebration.
Thank you to Fr. Bill and Seminarian Jeff for serving as our celebrants. Having two faith leaders our students know so well - from Masses, classrooms, and even recess - made this celebration especially meaningful.
The student speeches by Max Eadie, Crosby Weiss, and Paige Lilley offered heartfelt tributes to classmates, teachers, and parents while reflecting on the friendships, faith, and memories that have shaped their years at St. Mary's.
Mrs. Turner reminded graduates that while their education has given them knowledge, their faith gives them purpose. Mr. Celano challenged students to live for God and His Truth as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
A special thank you to Mr. Bryan Celano for another outstanding graduation celebration. The care, dedication, and countless hours invested in making the 8th-grade experience meaningful are a gift to every student and family.
Thank you also to Mr. Wiedenhoeft and our 7th graders for creating a fun and thoughtful video tribute honoring the Class of 2026, and to our 7th-grade students and families for hosting a wonderful reception following commencement.
Congratulations to our award recipients:
Michigan America & Me Essay Contest:
• 3rd Place – Julian Flemming
• 2nd Place – Paige Lilley
• 1st Place – Crosby Weiss
Academic Excellence Award (Highest Average GPA for All Three Trimesters) Paige Lilley, Simeon Hamilton, and Crosby Weiss (3.95 GPA)
Holy Spirit Award: Maxwell Eadie
Congratulations to our graduates:
Cameren James Francis Bantjes
Maxwell Charles Sebastian Eadie
Julian Anthony Carlo Flemming
Simeon Buck Raphael Hamilton
Paige Ryan Anthony Lilley
Zachary Aaron Paul Raguse
Crosby Michael Peter Weiss
May God continue to guide your path, strengthen your faith, and bless you in all that lies ahead.
REMINDER: If your student(s) utilize our meal program, please check their accounts. Any negative balances need to be paid off by Friday, May 29th.
All positive balances will be applied to the 2026-2027 school year. Thank you.
All positive balances will be applied to the 2026-2027 school year. Thank you.
SO CLOSE!
Woo Hoo! Donations keep trickling in, and St. Mary's School is now just $671 away from reaching our $35,000 Race for Education goal!
Woo Hoo! Donations keep trickling in, and St. Mary's School is now just $671 away from reaching our $35,000 Race for Education goal!
Thank you for supporting our students and our mission.
Every gift makes a difference!
Every gift makes a difference!
- Spring cleaning? We'd love to take any new or gently used outdoor play items off your hands to restock our recess closets. Sport balls (basketball, football, soccer), jump ropes, hula hoops, chalk, etc. are all appreciated.
- Unfortunately, due to a lack of volunteers for the head coordinator position as well as assistance, the 6/5 Aquastar event has been cancelled. We remain so grateful to the Aquastar team for the generous offer to sponsor this event!
- Volunteer Opportunity - 5/30, 5/31, 6/4: Last can drive of this school year! While the sign up is full, if you've got extra time, feel free to show up and help - many hands make light work: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AAAA923A7F9C25-62646906-slstm#/
Events Coming Up:
LET'S PLAN AHEAD!
St. Mary’s School is excited to once again be part of the Ferrysburg 4th of July Parade! This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as our nation marks America’s 250th Anniversary.Our St. Mary’s float will feature a special patriotic message with a festive red, white, and blue theme. We invite St. Mary’s families, students, and friends to walk alongside us in the parade and celebrate our faith, community, and country together!
If you are in need of volunteer hours and/or would like to participate, please contact Sue Hunt (sue@huntmkt.com) or Sue Burr (susannah.burr@gmail.com) for additional details.
As we approach the end of the school year, this is a friendly reminder to log your volunteer hours in accordance with our St. Mary’s School policy.
Please click on the link below to view any remaining opportunities and be sure to record your time. If you have any missing hours, be sure to record them.
-- Thank you for your continued support of our school community! --
Please click on the link below to view any remaining opportunities and be sure to record your time. If you have any missing hours, be sure to record them.
-- Thank you for your continued support of our school community! --
Save the Date!
The St. Mary’s Parish Festival returns Saturday, September 12, celebrating the 102nd year of gathering together as a parish, school, and community!
Event proceeds help support St. Mary’s School.
Please check your child’s backpack tonight! PARISH RAFFLE TICKETS will be coming home today.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Laura Alexandria, Festival Chair, at TWILIGHTSLEEP@ATT.NET
The St. Mary’s Parish Festival returns Saturday, September 12, celebrating the 102nd year of gathering together as a parish, school, and community!
Event proceeds help support St. Mary’s School.
Please check your child’s backpack tonight! PARISH RAFFLE TICKETS will be coming home today.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Laura Alexandria, Festival Chair, at TWILIGHTSLEEP@ATT.NET
2025-2026 SCHOOL & PARISH RETURNABLE CAN/BOTTLE DRIVE
Start saving those returnables and help support St. Mary's CHAMPS by donating your returnable cans and bottles during the following times:
NEW TIMES & DAYS!
Morning School Drop-Off & After Weekend Masses 5/30, 5/31, 6/4
NEW TIMES & DAYS!
Morning School Drop-Off & After Weekend Masses 5/30, 5/31, 6/4
Volunteers Needed!
We’re looking for extra hands to help return cans and bottles — these efforts directly support fun community events like Trunk or Treat, the Father-Daughter Dance, Muffins with Mom, Family Lumberjacks Night, and so much more!
We’re looking for extra hands to help return cans and bottles — these efforts directly support fun community events like Trunk or Treat, the Father-Daughter Dance, Muffins with Mom, Family Lumberjacks Night, and so much more!
Financial Aid Applications Are Open!
Scan the QR code below to access the application, and visit our website for more details on this important first step in the financial aid process: https://stmarysl.org/school/financial-aid/
Father Bill and Mrs. Turner welcome conversations with any family seeking support — ensuring that no child misses out on a St. Mary’s education because of financial need. Questions? Contact Mary Peel at mpeel@slstm.org or 842-1282 ext. 202
Father Bill and Mrs. Turner welcome conversations with any family seeking support — ensuring that no child misses out on a St. Mary’s education because of financial need. Questions? Contact Mary Peel at mpeel@slstm.org or 842-1282 ext. 202
WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY!
Thank you Danton Cole!
-- Please share!
Thank you Danton Cole!
-- Please share!
Thank you, Marie Wiedenhoeft, for supporting St. Mary’s School and our students through this generous support. -- Please share!
Leave a legacy of love and faith. Consider including St. Mary's School in your Will or Trust.
- St. Mary’s School endowment was started in 1992 by Rev. Anthony Vainavicz (Father Tony) to ensure Catholic education would be financially sustainable and affordable into the future.
- The endowment is managed by the Catholic Foundation in a fiscally responsible manner consistent with our Catholic faith, serving as a dependable force for good regardless of market fluctuations.
- Honoring the legacy of past St. Mary’s leaders. Each year, the school uses the endowment distribution to support innovative projects that enhance the pursuit of our mission.
Contributions to the Endowment can be sent to St. Mary’s Parish or School. If you would like to speak to someone to learn more about the St. Mary’s School Endowment, contact the St. Mary’s Parish office at 616-842-1702 and someone will reach out to you.
It's open every day all year long!
Community Paper Recycling - Right here on our St. Mary's campus!
Refer a new family to St. Mary's School K-8 grade and receive $1000!
We invite all current St. Mary's School families to help support our enrollment growth by referring your family and friends to join St. Mary's School.
Personal recommendations and sharing your positive school experiences with the community is the best form of marketing. We encourage you to partner with us and receive a $1000 incentive, redeemable through tuition credit.
Looking for a unique way to celebrate someone special?
Add their name to our beautiful brick walkway at the north entrance of the Education Center and School! Whether it’s in honor of a loved one, in memory, celebrating a graduate, or highlighting your business, a custom-engraved brick is a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy.
- Each 4x8 brick is $150 —Up to 3 lines, 14 uppercase characters per line (& symbol allowed)
- Pick up a flyer in the school office, gathering space, or contact the school office at 616-842-1282 or email: schooloffice@slstm.org
