Mission Statement

St. Mary’s Academy provides an education within the Catholic tradition, nurturing the potential of each person, while teaching respect and responsibility for all God’s creation.

Philosophy

In cooperation with family, St. Mary’s Academy is a faith community within the Catholic tradition. Our belief in God and in the teachings of Jesus acknowledge the worth and dignity in which every person’s potential may be discovered and developed. We believe in developing the values of service and stewardship.

St. Mary’s Academy

1112 Cherry Heights Road

The Dalles, Oregon 97058

(541) 296-6004

www.stmarysacademythedalles.org

Principal’s Letter

Dear Family and Friends of St. Mary’s Academy,

I am so grateful for the opportunity to work here at St. Mary’s.

When I began this vocation at the beginning of July, there was a great deal of concern regarding finances. The spirit of generosity we have received is a powerful witness of the Lord’s goodness. Not only were the bathrooms finished below budget, but we had sufficient funds to pay for the counters and tables necessary for our library computer lab.

We are pleased that this year we have been able to provide Spanish instruction for our first through third grade classes. We are now able to provide PE for all ten grades (Pre-K through 8^th.) Every class has structured library time and will have technology instruction before the end of the first semester. Our religious education instructors and Father Todd help us to truly understand what it means to have a heart for Jesus.

I am personally thankful for our incredible staff of professionals. As I walk down the hallways or visit the classrooms, it is wonderful to watch students mastering difficult concepts.

Your continued support means a great deal to all of us. Please keep us in your prayers that every child entrusted to us will truly be a reflection of Christ’s love. Thank you.

Mary Beth Thouvenel

Pastor’s Letter

Dear Family and Friends of St. Mary’s Academy,

As we begin the 2006-07 school year we have much to look forward to. Our enrollment is holding steady and the middle school has a good enrollment of students. One of the great values of St. Mary’s is that we are still able to keep our class sizes at or below 24 students. With this level we are able to provide more individual care to each student.

We have a new Principal, Mary Beth Thouvenel. She was a long time teacher in the public school in The Dalles. With her she brings much history. In past years her children, husband, Bob, and mother-in-law, Betty attended St. Mary’s, as did her grandmother-in-law who attended in the late 1800’s. Mary Beth also brings with her a rich background of school spirit and educational knowledge. We have added four new teachers to our staff. Jim Mullen in 3^rd grade, Lise Larsen in 2^nd grade, Lena Macnab in 5^th grade and Paula Subia in Library/Technology. And that’s not all.

Our building is 50 years old and is showing its age in many places. The school community is starting to freshen up the school and the first place was the restrooms. Over the summer we remodeled the restrooms and made them handicap accessible. It has really made a great psychological boost to the whole school.

As we begin our 142^nd year of continuous operation, I know that it will be a great year. We have another wonderful combination of staff, principal, teachers, aides and families. Each year is special unto itself. This year will be no exception.

Thank you for being a part of St. Mary’s Academy and allowing our school and community to affect your lives.

Fr. Todd Unger, St. Peter’s Catholic Church

School Board Chair’s Letter

Dear Friends of St. Mary’s Academy,

As we start this new school year, we are very thankful for all the blessings we have received. Some of the gifts are tangible. We have new bathrooms with beautiful tiles on the walls. We have received numerous contributions including donated bathroom furnishings, computers, and hours and hours of donated labor. We have new computer software and programs. We have a librarian and of course, wonderful competent teachers. We have the gift of a loving, firm principal and a marvelous administrative staff.

While these tangible gifts are important and appreciated, there is indeed more. At St. Mary’s, we have received many blessings that elude the touch and can only be felt with the heart. These gifts include prayers, emotional support, and goodwill. These gifts include the creation of “St. Mary’s Families” where our children are encouraged to care for one another and to lead one another. Our children are called to be good scholars and also to practice self-control, patience, and gentleness. We at St. Mary’s are blessed with joy and hope.

As a representative of the St. Mary’s Academy School Board, I want to thank you for your emotional, spiritual, and financial support. As parents, grandparents, friends and family members, you allow our students to flourish and to grow in countless ways. We will continue to strive to be worthy of your support.

Pamela Miller

Board Chair 2006-2007

Operating Budget

REVENUE 2005-06

Tuition $616,296.00

Subsidies/Pledges $ 28,000.00

Fundraisers $109,000.00

Third Source Income $ 48,300.00

Income Total $801,596.00

EXPENSES

Lay professional, classified, personnel and

instructional materials $476,966.00

Administration expenses $ 85,684.00

Operation/maintenance of facilities $ 64,068.00

Fixed charges $148,086.00

Other $ 26,700.00

Expense Total $801,504.00

Difference $ 92.00

Annual Report

St. Mary's Academy’s Family Auction and Super Auction bring out the best in our school and community. This year marks our 32^nd consecutive year, and planning is well under way. Our theme for this year is, “A Harvest of Blessings”.

Our Family Auction is an event for the entire family and showcases many of our student’s work and talents. As usual we will have the kitchen open serving dinner, with beer and wine available. “Kids only” activities have proven very successful over the last couple of years and are being planned again for this year’s family auction. Scrip will be sold to purchase food and beverages as well as tickets for special purchases and “kids only” activities. Admission to this event is free and open to the community.

Our Super Auction is a featured event in the community and brings our community together for the benefit of our children. We are also bringing this event back “home”, to St. Mary’s Academy Gymnasium. By purchasing tickets to this event you can support our school and have a wonderful evening out, including; dinner, drinks, drawings, a silent auction, and oral auction and enjoy the company of family and friends.

While this event marks the largest fundraiser for the school, we consider it a community event honoring our school families, alumni and community supporters.

We look forward to seeing you at our 32^nd Family Auction on Friday, January 26, 2007 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm and/or our 32^nd Super Auction on Saturday, February 3, 2007!

St. Mary’s Academy “Cherry of A Ride”:

St. Mary's Academy’s will hold its 3^rd Annual “Cherry of a Ride” Bike Event in April 2007. This relatively new event has been well received by those who have participated as well as St. Mary's Academy and our other local sponsors. This event is promoted throughout the Mid-Columbia and Portland/Vancouver area as a kick off to the bicycling season and in conjunction with the local Cherry Festival. The event pulls in riders from as far away as Corvallis, Oregon to Seattle and Omak, Washington areas. Over 60% of the riders come from outside of The Dalles and approximately 50% have no previous affiliation with St. Mary's Academy.

This new and exciting fundraiser for SMA offers something for every level of rider. The entire family can participate in one of our scenic rides offering views of the Columbia River and the gorge area. Ride choices include; a 34-mile course, 60-mile course or 100-mile course.

April 2007 will mark our 3^rd Annual “Cherry of A Ride”. We look forward to more continued success as we gear up for this Bike Event coming April 22, 2007!

04/26/08