A N N U A L R E P O R T T O T H E C O M M U N I T Y 2 0 0 7 - 2 0 0 8

Our PhilosophyAs builders of the faith community of Saint Mary’s School, we believe

learning is the process of acquiring and applying knowledge, thinking

critically to solve problems, and stimulating curiosity through inquiry

and discovery. We encourage learning through a multi-sensory approach

that encompasses basic skills acquisition, higher level thinking, and

collaboration within an integrated curriculum.

We recognize diverse learning styles among our students and strive to

differentiate instruction so that creativity is fostered and individual needs

are addressed.

Our Christ-centered approach to learning encourages responsibility,

accountability, respect, and above all, compassion for one another. We

endeavor to instill within the child and the community a life-long love of

learning rooted in Catholic values and the conviction to follow them.

P H I L O S O P H Y & M I S S I O N

School MissionSaint Mary’s School is a community founded in Catholic tradition and

committed to creating a Christ-centered learning environment in which we

share in the Eucharist, proclaim the Word of God, and model the gospel values

through our actions, service and the way we live our lives.

Finally, all of you, be

of one mind, sympathetic,

loving toward one another,

compassionate, humble.

1 Peter 3:8

Saint Mary’s was authorized in

July 2008 as an International

Baccalaureate (IB) World School

offering the Middle Years Programme

(MYP), and was the first Catholic school in the nation

to offer this program.

Awarded by the U.S. Department

of Education, Saint Mary’s

received the prestigious Blue

Ribbon School award for scoring in

the top 10 percent of private schools in the nation

based on its standardized test scores.

International Baccalaureate World School

Zach Anliker Benedictine High School

Meredith Berry St. Gertrude High School

Austin Bosher Blue Ridge Governor’s School Goochland

Rachel Cisek Trinity High School

Khanh Dao St. Gertrude High School

Davis Durrett Godwin High School

Nikolaus Grimsley Benedictine High School

Jordan Hodges Goochland High School

Christina Howard Tucker High School

Connor Lewis Benedictine High School

Mookie Loomis Godwin High School

Caleb Marchetti Benedictine High School

Ramzi Mograbi Freeman High School

Devin Plaskett Godwin High School

Nick Wright Deep Run High School

Danielle Zuccaro St. Gertrude High School

Graduating Students

O U R A C H I E V E M E N T S

Awards and RecognitionU.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School

Dear Saint Mary’s families,

You may have heard me define education as “How we pass

on our culture.” I’d like to thank you and your children

for giving Saint Mary’s, our teachers, our staff, and me

the opportunity to participate in helping you pass on our

Catholic culture.

The 2007-2008 school year culminated when we received

our authorization letter from the International Baccalau-

reate Organization in Geneva Switzer-

land. Saint Mary’s is the first Catholic

school in the United States to offer

the IB Middle Years Programme. Our

quest for authorization began in 2004-

2005 when a small group of committed parents and fac-

ulty met with the goal of strengthening the experience

for students in the middle school. Today, all middle school

students at Saint Mary’s benefit from the enhancements

the IB programme brings to Saint Mary’s School.

2008 was an Olympic year and Saint Mary’s marked the

celebration of the 2008 Olympic games with a “faster,

stronger, higher” field day at the University of Richmond.

Our community once again showed what happens when

someone with a good idea joins forces with our amazing

A Letter from the Principal

O U R L E A D E R S

parents. Countless hours by volunteers created what many

thought was our best field day ever. Congratulations to

England (Mrs. Harris’ 1st grade class) for taking the gold,

and to all our athletes for making the day a success and

demonstrating genuine Olympic spirit.

As proud as we are of the successes of Saint Mary’s

children, we also know their first educators are parents

and we are thankful, as always, that you’ve entrusted

your children to us. Our gratitude extends not only to

our parents, but also to our teachers who are committed

to excellence in academics as well as Christian values.

Finally, to our volunteers and supporters who generously

share their time, talent and treasure, we take seriously

our responsibility to be good stewards of your gifts and

thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Thank you for a wonderful year.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. Dertinger, Ed.D.

Principal

our community so our students can serve more fully

as adults.

St. Mary’s parents know their children are involved

in a community where they can learn and live Chris-

tian values, actively participate in liturgy, prayer and

service. I witness this firsthand when I walk the halls

and visit classrooms; faith and a commitment to the

message of Christ is seen daily.

The students of Saint Mary’s are truly blessed! Blessed

by the energy and commitment of our parishioners,

our parents, our teachers and staff. Without this sup-

port, our education ministry would not produce such

amazing students who succeed in high school and be-

yond.

May God continue to bless you for your decision to

both choose and support Catholic education.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Walter G. Lewis

A Letter from the PastorDear Saint Mary’s Community,

Education has been a cornerstone since this commu-

nity’s first gathering in 1962. Each year I see Christ

working in our students, teachers, and parents. It is an

inspiration to all members of our parish and a minis-

try we are blessed to embrace.

During the 2007-2008 school year we opened new

doors for our children, quite literally, with the new

Early Childhood Development Cen-

ter. We are grateful to all who have

supported St. Mary’s building cam-

paign which made both the worship

space and 5 new classrooms in the

lower level of the new church available. Every day

the parish staff and I are reminded how important

our service to Christ is when we see the future of our

country and Church in these classrooms.

At our summer meeting, the school board debates a

school theme for the upcoming year. I’m continually

impressed by their selections and encouraged when

we as a community seek models of behavior and

character from the Scripture. This is just one small

example of our efforts to model Christian values in

The values inherent in a Catholic education are

experienced daily - in the classrooms, hallways, lunchroom,

and playground, and monthly at Mass. And these values

are activated through living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Schooldays and meals begin with prayers; the crucifix

is reverently displayed throughout the school. Religion

classes teach the New Testament, the Sacraments, Bible

and church history, and respect for one another. Service

projects strengthen and personalize these lessons as the

children hold bake sale fundraisers for the Little Sisters

of the Poor, schools in Haiti, and Richmond children.

The classical curriculum (used throughout the Catholic

Diocese of Richmond) has been approved by the Southern

Association of Colleges and

Schools and augmented by the

Saint Mary’s teaching staff

to best serve our children.

Art, music, field trips, and

technology enhance learning

with meaningful, hands-

on experiences for the students. Foreign language is

introduced in kindergarten.

Today’s Catholic schools may look different and no longer

invoke memories of favorite nuns and the Baltimore

Catechism, but the tradition continues through families

and educators who value the Catholic difference.

Please call us at

(804) 740-1048 to

discuss enrollment

opportunities for

your children or visit

saintmary.org

A C A D E M I C S

Catholic education is thriving at Saint Mary’s School in Richmond’s West End. We

have much to celebrate as a community: a parish that cares about its children, teachers

committed to their vocations, and parents dedicated to their children’s academic, spiritual,

and personal development coalesced to enjoy another year of accomplishment.

The Catholic Difference

Saint Mary’s was authorized in July 2008 as an Inter-

national Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the

Middle Years Programme (MYP). At the time of

certification, St. Mary’s was the only Catholic school in

Virginia to offer an IB program and the first Catholic school in the Unit-

ed States to offer the Middle Years Programme.

Our school offers Diocesan-based instruction that incorporates the phi-

losophy, curriculum guides and instructional materials of the MYP.

Three fundamental concepts guide the MYP: holistic learning, intercul-

tural awareness, and communication. Saint Mary’s is excited to have this

new certification to strengthen an already excellent middle school expe-

rience which prepares our students for their future academic success.

As an IB World School Saint Mary’s not only preserves but strengthens

its Catholic identity. Our goal is to be a Catholic school of excellence of-

fering the best possible opportunities for all students to grow spiritually,

academically, and personally. For more information on the IB MYP please

see: www.ibo.org/myp.

THE FIVE AREAS OF INTERACTION OF THE IB PROGRAMME

Approaches to Learning (ATL)

Students are enabled to take respon-

sibility for their own learning.

Community & Service

Students take an active part in the

communities in which they live,

thereby encouraging responsible

citizenship.

Homo faber

Students learn to appreciate and

develop in themselves the human

capacity to influence, transform, en-

joy and improve the quality of life.

Environment

Students become aware of their

interdependence with the environ-

ment so that they understand and

accept their responsibilities.

Health & Social Education

This area deals with physical,

social and emotional health and

intelligence—key aspects of

development leading to complete

and healthy lives.

“We love International Baccalaureate

students! The IB program fully prepares

students for college. Some of our most

curious learners and most engaged leaders

come to us from IB programs.”

Kristen Binette MarshallAssistant Director of Admission, University of Richmond

An International Baccalaureate World School

Blue Ribbon Society(Gifts of $2000 and above)

Mr. Doug Dabson & Dr. Diane BiskobingMr. & Mrs. Robert & Michele BuschMr. & Mrs. William & Joanne DieterMr. & Mrs. James & Lindsay GouldMr. & Mrs. James & Mary Lynn GrampMr. & Mrs. John & Lisa HerrmannMr. & Mrs. Donald & Murside JeanMr. & Mrs. John & Mary Ann KeoghDr. & Mrs. Edward & Shelley LargoMrs. Sarah A. McMahonMr. & Mrs. Samuel & Jennifer ParkerMrs. Andrea NashMr. & Mrs. Michael & Charlene RichesonMr. & Mrs. James & Hilary Riedy

St. Mary’s Society(Gifts of $1000-1999)

Mr. & Mrs. Dan & Sherry DoodyMr. & Mrs. Marshall & Angie JettMr. & Mrs. Charles & Kathryn JohnstonMr. & Mrs. Paul McFaddenMr. & Mrs. Theodore & Caroline PuchalskiMr. & Mrs. William & Annetta RileyMr. & Mrs. Robert & Lori SchattnerMr. & Mrs. Frank WallmeyerMr. & Mrs. Art & Sondra Washburn

The Principal’s Society(Gifts of $500-999)

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Alyson BanksDr. Jeffrey Tessier & Dr. Therese DuaneMs. Mary GillDr. & Mrs. Kyle & Meghan Gunnerson

Ms. Ann KhanMr. & Mrs. Timothy & Suly LaytonMr. Abraham Opstelten & Mrs. Dana LascuMrs. Cecelia McEnteeMr. & Mrs. Paul & Kim McNamaraMr. & Mrs. Drew & Sharon MugfordMr. & Mrs. Kevin & Ellen O’LearyMr. & Mrs. Edmund PolonitzaMr. & Mrs. Michael & Karen SpineMr. Sridhar Mahadevan & Mrs. Gayathri SridharMs. Shannon Hennesey & Kirk SteppMr. & Mrs. Pablo & Eileen TalamanteMr. Jerome Maddock & Dr. Elizabeth WaterhouseMr. & Mrs. Eddie & Mary-Alice Whitlock

The Scholar’s Club(Gifts of $225-499)

Mr. & Mrs. John & Lisa AndersonMr. & Mrs. Erol & Nina AydarMr. & Mrs. Farhad & Esmat AzariMr. & Mrs. Douglas & Jennifer BenduraDr. & Mrs. Stephen & AnneLeigh BiseseMr. & Mrs. Ed & Angela BlumbergDr. & Dr. Robert Castellucci & Judy BrannenMs. Jeanne CathellMr. & Mrs. Thomas & Denise ClarkMr. & Mrs. Robert & Melissa CurleyMr. & Mrs. Dave & Penny DurrettMr. & Mrs. Phillip & Mary GibrallDr. & Dr. Mark & KellyJo GottschalkMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey & Christa HudallaMr. & Mrs. Robert & Elizabeth JonesMr. & Mrs. August & Amanda Keller, IIIMr. Donatas Kraskauskas & Mrs. Vita KraskauskieneMr. & Mrs. David & Paula KupstasMr. & Mrs. John & Stephanie MaurerMr. & Mrs. Michael & Michele McGarryMr. & Mrs. Scott & MaryVirginia Merithew

A N N U A L G I V I N G

Why an Annual School Fund?Tuition covers only 85% of the cost of sending your child to Saint Mary’s. This gap equates to $700 per child.

Annual Giving funds help provide furnishings, library books, textbooks, AR tests, instructional materials,

and cover operating costs. With your Annual Giving gift, you may wish to specify an area of interest for your

contribution or make an unrestricted gift to the school. Please contact Dr. Dertinger at 740-1048 to learn more.

Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Sharon MulvihillMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey & Susan NicholsMr. & Mrs. Sam RichesonMr. & Mrs. Richard & Amy RobertsonMr. Robert N. RosbaughMr. & Mrs. Wayne & Nicole SawyerMr. & Mrs. Timo & Christina SelvarajMr. & Mrs. Keith & DiAnne SloaneDr. & Mrs. Gary & Danielle TyeMr. & Mrs. Mark & TerryAnne VitaMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey & Lisa WalkoMr. Hao Tran & Mrs. Wan IongMr. & Mrs. John & Rose WoodburnMr. & Mrs. Paul & Susan Zamecnik

The Honors Club(Gifts of $100-224)

Mr. & Mrs. Ramon & Josephine AbalosMr. Matthew Arnone & Mrs. Ushan Govender-ArnoneMr. & Mrs. Michael & Dianne BarrMr. & Mrs. Richard & Victoria Beach, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. John & Patricia BentonMr. & Mrs. Cliff & Maria BerryLara S. BoggsMr. Minho Kang & Mrs. Yeanjin ChoMr. & Mrs. John & Maryanne CollinsonMr. & Mrs. Christopher & Pamela CoplanMr. Leonel Del Rio Cobos & Mrs. Maria Gutierrez De Del RioBrigette DieterMr. & Mrs. Thomas & Suzanne DrummMr. & Mrs. Scott & Jody FloegelMr. Andrei Rodin & Mrs. Stacy FreemanMr. John Hanky, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Charles HaugMr. & Mrs. John & Greta IppolitoMrs. Ann LairdMs. M. C. LaymanMr. & Mrs. Thomas & Delilah O’LearyMr. Thomas Antal & Ms. Mary-Ann ParmentierMr. & Mrs. Ty & Brenda PeppersMr. & Mrs. David & Cyndi PowersMr. & Mrs. Kevin & Nancy PriceSister Pat McCarthyMr. & Mrs. Roger McDonaldMr. & Mrs. Jeff & Beverly McInnisMr. & Mrs. Michael & Krystina McDonoughMr. & Mrs. Paul & Cheryl MunroMr. & Mrs. Michael & Laura MullinsDr. & Mrs. Roger & Catherine Rathbone

Ms. Jocelyn RossDr. & Mrs. Vipal & Jeanette SabharwalMrs. Joseph StautnerMr. & Mrs. Carl & Agata SchoenbornMr. & Mrs. Michael & Elizabeth SkrovanekMr. & Mrs. Duane & Melissa SmithMrs. Kathleen SteegerMr. & Mrs. Charles & Patricia Thompson, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Gregory & Kimberly TuckerMr. & Mrs. Peter & Meredith WallsMr. & Mrs. Rodney & Kathryn WrightMr. Mark Yeager

Contributors(Gifts of $99 or less)

Ms. Frances ChanceyMr. & Mrs. David & Janis GriffithMr. & Mrs. Ken & Jackie HarveyVirginia LewisMr. & Mrs. Bryan & Robin MorrisonMr. Christopher Williams & Ms. Mary NovakMr. & Mrs. David & Martha NovakMr. & Mrs. Ian & Maria ParongMr. & Mrs. Stuart & Vicki PeytonMr. & Mrs. Michael & Doreen PlaskettMr. & Mrs. Michael & Helen PooleMr. & Mrs. Wayne & Kathleen SanchezMr. & Mrs. Charles & Merle SneadMr. Charles ThompsonMr. & Mrs. Eric & Susan TroutMr. & Mrs. Henry & Jonelle WallmeyerDr. & Mrs. Mike & Siobhan Zuccaro

Corporate Gifts

Dominion FoundationExxonMobil FoundationGeneral Mills CorporationGenworth FoundationMarkel CorporationMary Morton Parsons FoundationPfizer FoundationPhillipMorrisUSARegions Morgan Keegan TrustReidy FoundationSuntrust Mid-Atlantic FoundationTarget CorporationVerizon FoundationWachovia FoundationWellpoint Foundation

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is comprised of

parent volunteers and teacher representatives who strive

to create a warm and Christian faith environment for our

children and their families through fellowship, stewardship

and fund-raising. Saint Mary’s School is very fortunate to

have such a committed volunteer base that is so vital to the

support of its PTO events. We encourage events that will

build a strong sense of community. When a family attends

Saint Mary’s School, it is also part of a Christian Community

which makes all the difference in the world.

F O R P A R E N T S

WHAT WE DO

Family• Welcome dinner

• Ice cream socials

• Kickoff Cookout

Fun• Hoe Down

• Basketball pep rally

• Basketball Sports Banquet

• Musical Revue

Fundraising• Annual Gala 2008, “An

Evening Aboard the Ori-

ent Express” raised over

$45,000 through live &

silent auctions – dinner

and dance

• St. Mary’s Marketplace

Parent Teacher Organization

Recent GraduateSuccessesCameron Brammer

Salutatorian, Benedictine (2006)

Michael Praught

Valedictorian, Deep Run (2006)

Kate Rhyner

Valedictorian, Goochland (2006)

Rebecca Sopher

Salutatorian, Goochland (2006)

Enrollment 436 students

Staff• 27 faculty• 9 administration and

support• 1 full time chef• 4 after school care

specialists Class sizesKindergarten: 20:1 plus teacher aidePrimary (grades 1 – 5): 21:1Middle School (grades 6-8): 19:1 Accreditations• Southern Area Colleges

and School (SACS)• Virginia Catholic Educa-

tion Association (VCEA)• International Bacca-

laureate Organization’s authorization to offer the Middle Year’s Programme

• U.S. Dept. of Educa-tion’s Blue Ribbon School Award for 2004

Extracurricular activities• After School Care

Program• Student Government

Association• Safety Patrol• Yearbook• Craft Club• Band / Piano Lessons• Scouting• Basketball• Ad Hoc Sports (Soccer,

Volleyball, etc.)• Science Fair Student awards• Scholarship for Middle

School• Citizenship Awards• Honor Rolls• National French Awards

(Middle School)• Local Spelling Bee

O U R S T U D E N T S

Fast Facts

Please call us at

(804) 740-1048 to

discuss enrollment

opportunities for

your children or visit

saintmary.org

•

(804) 740-1048saintmary.org

Our apologies if we’ve made any errors or omissions; please contact the school and we’ll make the changes.

9501 Gayton RoadRichmond, Virginia 23229