Student Support Services

Student Support Services at St. Mary's are provided to assist students in reaching their full developmental and academic potential. The individual needs and learning style of each boy is considered while acknowledging that boys learn at different rates and in different ways. The goal is to ensure that each student has equal access to the curriculum in a caring, supportive environment. Every student is encouraged to be a creative and critical thinker as a member of the school and the global community. Our teachers maintain a school environment that values all learners and fosters academic success. Student Support Services personnel work in collaboration to serve the whole school community.

Academic Support

St. Mary's does not have the facilities to serve children who have serious learning, emotional or physical disabilities and all students are enrolled in mainstream classes. Students must be able to learn in the mainstream classes with a minimum of special assistance. Academic support classes provide mainstream curriculum reinforcement for 7th through 10th graders. Elective writing classes are offered for any boys who may need additional reinforcement of writing skills. High School students are available to act as tutors for younger students in a program supervised by the Learning Support Coordinator.

ESL Support

St. Mary's International School recognizes that language is an essential tool for communication and academic excellence and, therefore, strives to provide its students with a rich, child-centered English language program. The St. Mary's ESL program aims to enable students for whom English is not their first language to overcome language-related difficulties while also supporting their academic and social development. The goal is to assist the students' full integration into the mainstream classes. ESL classes are offered for students in Grades 1-10.

Campus Minister

The St. Mary's Campus Minister is available for spiritual counseling to school community members of all religious denominations. As a Roman Catholic priest, he presides over school prayer services and Masses, as well as celebrating Eucharist each weekday and Sunday with the worshipping community of St. Mary's Chapel. The Campus Minister provides sacramental preparation such as the First Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Reconciliation and Baptism. Spiritual assistance is also offered at non-denominational services such as memorial services and funerals.

School Counselors

Two full-time Counselors are available to help RP - Grade12 students, parents and teachers. They provide students with personal counseling and coordinate with other specialists to help with developmental and academic needs. All elementary students participate in regularly scheduled classroom visits with the Counselor to discuss topics such as interpersonal communication and relationships. The School Counselors are also involved in admissions, new student orientations, parenting presentations and informal discussion groups. They offer referrals and help families coordinate with services outside of St. Mary's when the need arises.

Guidance Counselor

The best preparation for higher education is a solid high school background. The High School Guidance Counselor provides support for a program that prepares boys to enter and succeed in post-secondary education. With virtually 100% of St. Mary's graduates going on to college and university, guidance emphasis is on making realistic, educational choices. The Guidance Counselor supports the students, parents, and teachers in that endeavor.

Learning Support Coordinator

By working with parents and faculty, the Learning Support Coordinator guides caregivers regarding learning-related matters. The primary role of our Learning Support Coordinator is to support boys who may not be performing to grade level expectations and/or are experiencing learning difficulties. This support can include any of the following: academic screening, observation of the student in different learning environments, meetings with parents and teachers regarding recommendations to help the student, consultation regarding strategies and modifications, discussion of student work and referrals to external services. The Learning Support Coordinator recruits and advises high school boys who tutor younger students. The Learning Support Coordinator is also involved in admissions screening for RP and Grade 1 and consults with principals at all levels as needed for admissions.

School Nurse

The school aims to provide an environment conducive to the promotion and maintenance of good health. A full-time Nurse is available during the school day and care is provided for any health-related condition which impairs learning. The Nurse provides liaison among the school, home, community agencies, physicians and other medical personnel.