Summer vacation with the Lord, not from the Lord

As summer quickly approaches, most of our students will be enjoying a wonderful vacation from school and academics--even if the rest of the family must continue to work. Amidst the trips to the beach, camping, travel to special destinations, and visiting family and relatives, there is also likely to be some boredom, family disagreements, and exhaustion from running around trying to make it the perfect summer.

Something that I would like to encourage in the midst of all of the ups and downs of summer is to take time to remember God’s presence. Remember that even when we leave home, God is there with us. Even when we might be disappointed in someone’s behavior, God is still there with us. Take some time to simply “be present” to our Creator God that is always with us. Look at the people, places and things you encounter this summer and intentionally watch for God. When travelling with your family, you can even make a game of it. During that lunch stop on the road or at dinner at the end of the day, ask everyone to share where they saw God in the events of the day. Perhaps as you are driving or flying to some exotic destination, ask everyone to “watch for God” in the scenery and the people and scenes you pass along the way. And it’s okay to laugh at some of those moments.I can just hear someone say “Oh, I saw God peaking out from behind that tree” or “I think God’s stuck in the back of this line of traffic”. Laugh, then think about it.

 Most importantly, take some time to recognize that God is the God of Summer as well. Enjoy!

Important, Important, Important
The 150th Eucharistic Liturgy date and location have changed.The Eucharistic Liturgy of Thanks and Praise celebrating 150 years of education in the Pacific Northwest for the Sisters of the Holy Names and St. Mary’s Academy will be Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 10:30 AM at the University of Portland Chiles Center. A reception will follow. Those wishing to attend can RSVP by phone at 503-721-7752, by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or online at www.stmaryspdx.org/150th.

Dragon Boats
The SMA Dragon Boat paddlers competed in the False Creek Women’s Dragon Boat Regatta in Vancouver, BC on May 23. The Blues raced 40 other teams and placed 17th overall. According to head coach, Tom Crowder, “In the last race we had a time of 2:20, that was the 15th fastest time at the Regatta and the fastest time ever by an SMA group.” Up next for the paddlers are the Rose Festival Races on June 6 & 7 at Waterfront Park.Check the Portland Rose Festival website for more information: http://www.rosefestival.org/events/dragonboatrace/

Attendance Adjustment for next year
Please be aware of a small change that will be taking place next school year regarding tardies. Students will be allowed three excused tardies for traffic reasons per quarter with a note from a parent. After that, tardies may be considered unexcused. We realize that traffic can be a challenge, and we will continue to be alert to  traffic situations, but with this change we hope to spur your daughters to do their part to be ready to go in the morning and help you get on the road to school.

Calendar Preview, 2009-2010

Here are a few dates that may help you in your planning for the next school year, please feel free to contact Sister Linda by phone or email with questions about the calendar for the next academic year.

August 2009

24 Fall Sport begin: Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball

31 Faculty/staff retreat

September 2009

1-3 Faculty/staff in-service

8 First Day for freshmen, 7:55-2:55/ Transfer students 7:55-1:00

9 First Day of Classes for all Students, 7:55-2:55

22 School Photos, during the day

    Back to School Night, 6PM

25-6 Frosh Lock-in, 8PM-7AM

30 School Photos, during the day

October 2009

4 Father Daughter Dinner Dance, 4:30-10PM @ Jantzen Beach Red Lion

8 Blues Bridge Walk, Student Fundraiser

***18  150^th Eucharistic Celebration @ the Chiles Center, 10:30AM (Moved from Oct. 25, @ Convention Center)

21 In 1859 the Twelve Sisters of the Holy Names who founded St. Mary’s Academy arrived in Portland

21-2 Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:30-8PM

***23-25 Fall Theater Production 7:30PM Friday, Saturday,2& 7:30PM, 2PM Sunday

November 2009

6 Happy Birthday, St. Mary’s Academy! In 1859 the school opened and welcomed six students.

8 Open House, 1-4PM

11 Veterans’ Day, No School

14 Autumn Dance, 8-11PM

19-21 Junior Encounter, (Retreat experience for juniors, optional)*

26-7 Thanksgiving Holidays

December 2009

11-12 Christmas Theater

13 Christmas Concert, 2PM

15 Christmas Concert, 7PM

21-31 Christmas Break

January 2010

4 Classes resume

25-28 Semester Exams

February 2010

18-20 Junior Encounter (Retreat experience for juniors, optional)*

26-28 Spring Musical

March 2010

1 Rose Festival Assembly, speeches and voting

3 Rose Festival Ambassador Announcement Assembly

5-7 Spring Musical

17 Sophomore Awakening, 7:55-2:55, retreat day for sophomores

22-26 Spring Break

April 2010

2 Good Friday, No School

4 Easter

5 Easter Monday, No School, Teacher in-service

10 SMA Auction @ Convention Center

***15-17 Senior Metanoia Retreat @ Camp Yamhill

May 2010

15 Mother Daughter Beach Day, Seaside

17 &19 Spring Concerts, 7PM

June 2010

1-3 Senior’s final Exams

4 Baccalaureate, 7PM, @ St. Mary’s Academy

5 Graduation, Noon, @ University of Portland

15-18 Final exams, grades 9-11

***Change from original  date.

*We encourage juniors to attend one of these retreats. Please have students look at their involvement in extracurricular activities to pick the retreat that fits in their schedule.

Thank you for a wonderful year with your daughters. They are delightful, interesting, kind, generous, smart, and creative and a host of other good things. May your summer give you time to slow down, relax a bit and enjoy them—each of your daughters is a treasure.

Blessings on your summer, be safe, see you in September.

Sister Linda Patrick, Assistant Principal, Student Life