Celebrating the First 100 Days at St. Mary’s School
The first 100 days of school are always something special — and this year at St. Mary’s, they have been nothing short of extraordinary.
From the very first days of August through the heart of winter, our campus has been filled with learning, laughter, faith, service, and connection. These first months reflect the heart of St. Mary’s: a close-knit Catholic community where students are supported academically, spiritually, and socially.
A Joyful Start to the School Year
We kicked off the year with our Back to School Festival, welcoming families with jumpies, games, music, food, and even a dunk tank — a fun and festive way to start the year together.
Our community spirit continued with St. Mary’s Day at the Giants Game, where two full rows of St. Mary’s families cheered side by side, and First Responders’ Day, when local heroes visited campus to share their experiences and inspire our students.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Students and families came together for Book Night at Mendocino Book Company, supporting a local business while fostering a love of reading. Our choir students traveled to Santa Rosa to participate in the Diocesan Choir Festival, representing St. Mary’s with talent and pride.
Service at the Heart of St. Mary’s
Service remains a cornerstone of our school. This fall, our students and families supported neighbors in need through our Winter Coat Drive, ensuring warm jackets reached members of our community during the colder months. We also proudly participated in the Plowshares Food Drive, reinforcing our commitment to serving others with compassion and faith.
One of the highlights of the year was our Harvest Run, which became the most successful in school history, raising over $20,000 to directly support our students and programs.
Celebrating the Christmas Season
The Christmas season brought our community together in meaningful ways. Volunteers gathered for Christmas Campus Decorating Day, transforming the school with festive cheer before students returned from Thanksgiving break.
St. Mary’s proudly participated in the Trucker’s Light Parade with our first-ever float — and we’re already dreaming bigger for next year. Our Christmas Bazaar at Barra Winery showcased creative class projects and generous donations, while Toys for Tots Movie Night filled the gym and collected two overflowing bins of toys for local children.
Families gathered again for a Christmas Family Potluck Dinner, complete with Santa photos and shared dishes, before closing the year with a beautiful Christmas Program led by Mr. Kircher in the church — a truly special moment for all who attended.
Catholic Schools Week & School Pride
We began the new year celebrating Catholic Schools Week, welcoming alumni back to campus and honoring loved ones during Special Person’s Day.
Our athletic programs continue to thrive, with strong seasons in volleyball and basketball. St. Mary’s remains the only CSL school that also competes in a public school league — a testament to our students’ dedication and sportsmanship. A special congratulations to our 8th grade girls teams, who remain undefeated in both volleyball and basketball this year.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we reflect on these first 100 days, one thing is clear: St. Mary’s is a place where faith, learning, and community come together every day. Our teachers bring passion and enthusiasm into their classrooms, our families show incredible support, and our students continue to grow into confident, compassionate young leaders.
Thank you for being part of the St. Mary’s family. We are excited for all that lies ahead.
