Dear parents and prospective student,

First of all, I want to thank you for considering St. Mary Parish Catholic School. We are a PK – 8 Catholic school and we have a long tradition of academic excellence and faith formation. As you learn about our school you will find, like most Catholic schools in the Wichita diocese, we have excellent test scores on the Kansas State Assessments and on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. On the State Assessments we have reached the Standard of Excellence (highest score a class can score) on at least one test each of the last five years and in the Spring of 2003 reached that honor on all eight tests given (one of only three schools in the state to do this).

Our middle school students can participate in athletics, band, choir, scholar bowl, Religion Bowl, Optimist Speech Contest, and numerous other academic/fine art contests. Our enrollment of 260 students allows us the opportunity to provide a personalized approach to education.

Academic challenge and extra-curricular activities are wonderful to have, but what makes St. Mary’s special is the teaching of the Catholic faith. Students attend mass twice a week and Prayer Service once per week. We pray before school, after school, around meals, and before class. During Lent we have a special Stations of the Cross for the school and the 8th graders lead the parish Stations of the Cross. There are many opportunities for the students to practice stewardship and grow in their practical application of their faith.

Our Lord said, “Let the children come to me.” The words are on a mosaic in our building and is what we feel is our mission—working with parents in leading children to Christ. The St. Mary’s community is a growing, exciting community with plans for building a new church and school. We invite you to come and visit us.

If you are interested in applying for admissions to our school, there are three simple steps to take:

• Register in your parish.

1. If you live within the Derby-Rose Hill boundaries—register at St. Mary’s.
2. If you live outside the Derby boundaries—register within your community parish and ask for sponsorship to St. Mary Parish School.

• Complete and return an Admission Packet with the registration fee.
• Meet with your parish stewardship director. At St. Mary’s, contact Andrea Eastman at 788-5525.

Thank you for your interest. May God continue to bless you as you discern His Will.

Sincerely in Christ,
Richard M. Montgomery
Principal