By Mary Owen
In September, St. Mary Catholic School started its 85th year of providing education to students in the greater Stayton area.
“This is an important year to look back, reflect and appreciate the great strides this school community has made,” said Rick Schindler, who enters his 10th year as St. Mary’s principal. “This community is very supportive of Catholic education here and greatly appreciates having the school.”
St. Mary opened in 1929 in Stayton, dedicated to providing a challenging academic environment centered on faith, learning and service. The school offers before- and after-school care, full-time music and physical education, technology instruction, hot lunches, school sports, outdoor school, education field trips, leadership team, chess club and other enrichment programs. The school’s philosophy includes educating the whole child academically, emotionally, socially and spiritually, taking into account each child’s needs and abilities.
When Schindler started in the summer of 2005, St. Mary’s classrooms had no Internet.
“They weren’t even wired,” he said. “Teachers didn’t even have a computer 10 years ago.”
A year later, Schindler had the campus wired for Internet access, improving technology.
“Today, we have a high-speed, wireless environment, where teachers – or students – can work from their device in one room, carry it down the hall, maintain a connection and keep working,” Schindler said. “The opportunities and productivity is incredible!”
A decade ago, the school also had no librarian and no library instruction. In 2007, a campaign raised $100,000 to upgrade the St. Mary Library.
“We now keep our books up-to-date and have a librarian providing library skills instruction,” Schindler said.
Recently, two aging, wooden structures were replaced with expansive, modern play equipment. Additionally, the playground was resurfaced with asphalt, and upgraded with brightly colored additions including a four-square court, hopscotch and a world map.
“This gives the students more options outside that are educational, fun, and encourage imaginative play,” Schindler said.
The biggest highlights for Schindler, he said, are “the incredible teachers and staff I have been lucky enough to hire over the last 10 years – really fantastic and talented people!”
Challenges include incorporating Common Core Curriculum Standards and other changes, second-grade teacher Debbi Murray said.
“It’s exciting just the same though, as we use these standards to better prepare our students for their futures,” she added.
For Murray, a highlight is being able to teach about the Catholic faith, incorporating it in all aspects of education.
“With Faith, Learning and Service as our mission, it is successful,” she said. “I also greatly appreciate the support of our parents. It is such a valuable asset to our school.”
“This is an amazing community to be a part of,” said Sarah Woodley, who teaches fourth grade. “St. Mary feels like a second home to me. Our teachers and families are invested in this school and the opportunities it provides to the students, both spiritually and academically. I feel a deep sense of pride when I walk in the front door of St. Mary, and I know our students and families do, too.”
Schindler hopes St. Mary will become a “destination school” for families. “Meaning people will move or travel from distances to become a part of this great experience,” he said. “The school will thrive and continue to offer more and more dynamic programs and opportunities for its students.”
No formal celebrations have been planned yet, he said.
St. Mary operates through revenue generated by an endowment fund, charitable donations, parish subsidies, grant funds and tuition income. Enrollment is 217 students in pre-school through eighth grade for the 2104-15 academic year.
For more information on St. Mary Catholic School, call 503-769-2718 or visit .
