Student Support Services

By working with parents and faculty, the Learning Support Coordinators guide caregivers regarding learning-related matters. The primary role of our Learning Support Coordinators 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 to make recommendations to help the student, consultation regarding strategies and modifications, discussion of student work and referrals to external services. The Learning Support Coordinators recruit and advise High School boys who tutor younger students. The Learning Support Coordinators are also involved in admissions screening for RP and Grade 1, and consult with principals at all levels as needed for admissions.

Academic support classes provide mainstream curriculum reinforcement for Grades 6 to 12. Elective writing classes are offered for students who need additional reinforcement of writing skills. If a student’s academic English language skills are not at grade level, the World Language class will be replaced by English Language academic support.

St. Mary’s does not have the facilities or resources 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.

The St. Mary’s ESL program aims to enable students whose first language is not English 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 from RP through Grade 8.

St. Mary’s 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 a liaison among the school, home, community agencies, physicians and other medical personnel.

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.