Friday, September 4, 2026
Dear Parents & Families:
As we head into Labor Day weekend, we want to wish you and your family a restful and enjoyable weekend together! It has been such a joy to have our students back in the building. We have truly enjoyed getting to know our students, seeing their smiles, and beginning another wonderful school year together.
As we head into Labor Day weekend, we want to wish you and your family a restful and enjoyable weekend together! It has been such a joy to have our students back in the building. We have truly enjoyed getting to know our students, seeing their smiles, and beginning another wonderful school year together.
We are also excited to welcome you and your family to our Parish Festival on Saturday, September 12, from 12:00–4:00 p.m.! We hope you will join us for an afternoon of fellowship, fun, and celebrating our wonderful parish community.
If you would like a Parish Festival yard sign to help spread the word, please stop by the school office to pick one up.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Act Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.
Blessings,
Maureen Turner, Principal
Notable Dates
- September 4th - 7th: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
- September 12th: Parish Festival
- September 14th: Student Council elections
- September 16th: NO SCHOOL - Parish & School Staff Retreat
- September 25th: New Family Preschool Night
- October 8th: Parent Teacher Conferences 4 - 6pm
- October 9th: Parent Teacher Conferences 12 - 4pm
Fall Conferences
Conferences will be October 8th & October 9th.
October 8: 4 - 6pm
October 9: 12 - 4pm
Band Program Update for 2026–2027
Students will learn how to play together as a band in a fun and supportive environment. Whether your child is brand new to music or has previous experience, this will be a wonderful opportunity to develop their musical skills and learn something new.
Program Details:
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning September 8th
Time: 8:00 – 8:35 a.m.
Cost: $40 per month, per student through Music Everyday
Materials: Each student will need to provide their own instrument and the Sound Innovations, Book 1 band book.
We are excited to offer this opportunity to our students and look forward to seeing them grow in confidence and musical ability! If you have any additional questions, then please reach out to Mary Pryer marygpryer@gmail.com or call Music Everyday (616) 843-5998.
FALL TESTING SNACKS!
The students begin fall testing next week. Therefore, CHAMPS gathers donations for snacks to keep the students fueled during their tests. Please click the link below to sign up to contribute snacks!
Fuel our teachers and students!
Stock the Lounge for our teachers Provide Testing Snacks for our students
UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS, EVENTS, & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTIES
- NOW through 9/10: Mums Sale
- 9/17: Dad's Night Out, 8pm @ Booyah's
- 9/20: School Families Host Coffee and Donuts @ St. Mary's - sign up to help here: Coffee & Donuts
- 9/25: Friday Family Night, 5:15pm @ St. Mary's - dinner and childcare provided! RSVP at link on flyer below. Sign up to help here: Friday Family Night
ROOM PARENTS NEEDED!
We are still in need of at least one room parent for all grades except 1st and 5th! Please email Dudas.annamarie@gmail.com to sign up. Thank you!
We are still in need of at least one room parent for all grades except 1st and 5th! Please email Dudas.annamarie@gmail.com to sign up. Thank you!
A letter from the Spring Lake District Library about after school.
Festival yard signs available for pick up in the school office!
Events Coming Up:
Table Leaders & Childcare Supervisors Needed!
Alpha is looking for more volunteers to become table leaders or childcare supervisors.
The table leader will assist in guiding the conversation among those at the table. You don't have to be a theological expert. All conversation pieces and information will be provided to the table leaders.
If you're someone who can lead a discussion, reign in the conversation when it gets off task and want to be part of something.
Alpha is also looking for individuals who would be willing to watch children during the meetings. To make it easier for busy families, our Wednesday evening Alpha session includes childcare with a meal for your children, so you can participate knowing your children are being cared for in a safe and welcoming environment.
Join us!
Time: 10am-12pm Tuesday or 6pm-8pm Wednesday
Date: Weekly starting September 8th & 9th
Location: St. Mary's Catholic Church
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
