"Throughout the Called To Be One planning process, and now the beginnings of Stella Maris Academy, I have been blessed with many opportunities to visit with families and staff members discussing the future of Catholic school education in Duluth. Admittedly, some of the conversations are more challenging than others, yet throughout, one thing is sure, Catholic school education is dearly loved in our community. Our school families are experiencing a time of great change which naturally brings a multitude of feelings such as anxiousness, grief, anticipation, and wonder. Over time, as I have listened intently, the conversations have turned from anxiousness and concern to expressions of hope and the trust, respect and faith in our school and those leading Stella Maris Academy to a bright and thriving future. My epiphany of sorts...witnessing the tide turning- clearly God's love is stronger than the struggle.

 

I recently ran into a friend who had been working through a big decision- would their child continue on with Stella Maris Academy for middle school or would they decide on another option. This is a priority topic for families who are right now still discerning where they want their child to attend. Much comes into play while making these decisions and I empathize with the struggle. I feel for the families who may still feel stuck in this decision and may have not had their epiphany yet - indecision is a hard place to be.

 

We are blessed with many options to educate our children in Duluth, however, we have one choice for Catholic school education. As families weigh their options, they identify key determining factors as well as opportunity costs. An option other than Stella Maris Academy might be satisfactory, and the kids will be "just fine" no matter where they go.  However, after much reflection on the many blessings and experiences of being a part of Catholic school community, my friends determined that "just fine" was not acceptable. They want more for their child, and Catholic school education was the only choice, because they know it will be exemplary. I believe my friends experienced an epiphany when they decided to continue with Stella Maris Academy middle school. Thanks be to God.

 

May the light of Christ in Stella Maris Academy continue to shine bright on our families and community, and I offer my prayers for those who are still deciding!"

~submitted by Mrs. Hilaire Hauer, Vice Chair Stella Maris Academy Board 

The school colors have been selected by the Stella Maris Academy Board of Directors. The new school colors are Marian Blue, Black and Silver pictured here:

 

This unique color combination is a balanced light and dark combination and unduplicated by another school in our area. Black balances this vivid blue and serves a representation of the night sky, while silver or light grey will be used as an accent color. Each c olor complements the name Stella Maris through star and sea representative coloring, as well Marian blue being a tone of the color celeste, named for its use with the Virgin Mary. It is an expression of devotion and glorification to swathe the Virgin in gowns of blue.

 

Watch for announcements about the spirit wear being developed and possible additions to the uniforms for the start of the school year! 

A unique feature of our Catholic Schools in Duluth was the availability of private music lessons (piano, band, strings) for our families.Stella Maris is happy to announce that all three campus will have teachers available to arrange private lessons during the school day for piano, band and strings. Mrs. Lisa Forsell will continue to accept piano students at the Holy Rosary campus,Ms. Elena Knezevich will continue to accept piano students at the St. James campus and Mrs. Kathleen Daly will begin accepting piano students at the St. John's campus.

 

Mrs. Jennifer Osborne will continue to instruct private lessons on the St. James site. Mrs. Michelle Gribbon (strings) will continue to instruct private strings lesson at both the St. John's and Holy Rosary campuses. Mr. Eric Cyr will continue to accept band students at the St. John's campus and due to the growing number of students in band, we are in the process of recruiting one more musician to begin the teaching and directing the young students at Holy Rosary School.

 

These teachers will be in contact with the families on their campus with their availability and their rates for instruction. If you have specific questions for them, please contact the school office to get their contact information.

The feedback is in. Students and parents have openly shared their desires for next year's middle school programming. Take a look at the following plan to implement programming at the new Stella Maris middle schools. Programs that are not currently available at one site will be evaluated to be duplicated or offered at the other site in the upcoming years. Keep an eye out for a survey of interest (electives registration) for the St. John's site to assist with staffing elective options. Read more about middle school programming