Volume 3 | October 2020
The Compass
Community News for SMS Alumni, Partners, Parents and Friends
St. Mary's School students, families, teachers and parish are united to provide a Catholic education in a Christ-centered environment, dedicated to academic excellence and promoting truth and charity in service to God and others.
70th Annual St. Mary's Fall Festival Kick Off
In light of the pandemic, this year's Saint Mary's Parish Fall Festival features a series of events that kicked off on Friday, September 25th with a Drive-Thru Dinner and Online Auction, with proceeds benefitting SMS. The Knights of Columbus cooked up dinners for over 500 people, with desserts made with love by the ladies of the Council of Catholic Women. Table-top flower arrangements were donated by Motts Floral Design. Our Dominican Sisters and Volunteers offered efficient and friendly service to all our Drive-Thru patrons. Through the generosity of our community, all of our Teachers, Sisters, and Priests had their dinners sponsored, as well as our local Oak Ridge Police Officers and Firefighters. It was a beautiful day of fellowship and fundraising! This year's Fall Festival Committee has a series of exciting events to look forward to throughout the fall:
visit here to learn more.
October is National Principal's Month!
October is National Principals Month! National Principals Month seeks to honor principals for their significant impact on the success and well-being of our nationโ€™s students. Through her visionary leadership and tireless pursuit of success for each student, Sister Marie Blanchette guides and supports SMS in ways large and small every day๐Ÿ’™. We are so grateful to have such a dedicated and loving Principal! 
Recently our world changed seemingly overnight due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We realize that our St. Mary's School families are facing many challenges, including job loss or income reduction for some. In these uncertain times, we support our community and assist those who are struggling financially. As a result, we have fewer tuition dollars coming in this year creating a larger gap than usual between the cost of a SMS education and our actual income from tuition.

In response, we have established the SMS Bridge Fund and are seeking donations from our community. The Bridge Fund will help to fill the gap incurred by offering additional tuition assistance for families who have suffered income loss.

For so many families, St. Mary's is an integral part of their daily lives, and our school has become a second home for their children. Knowing that some of our current families were afraid that they might have to leave our school, due to events well beyond their control, was heartbreaking. Please join us in our support of our students and their families by giving to the SMS Bridge Fund!

Sincerely in Christ,
Sister Marie Blanchette, O.P.
SMS Alumni: Connect!
It's been 30 years, Class of 1990! We hope that you-along with all of our alumni-have been able to share some laughs and memories this year with each other, despite these strange times.
Did you know that SMS has created a group on Facebook just to help our alumni connect?! Join and post pictures, reach out for virtual reunions, exchange information, reunite with an old friend: St. Mary's Alumni group is currently 187 members strong-you can join here if you haven't already.
Congratulations
SMS Student Council Officers for 2020-2021!
Our students created original posters and gave thoughtful speeches. The campaigning process was positive and voting streamlined-and everyone is in support of our new leadership team. -The future looks bright!
SMS Student Art
2nd Grade Shaving Cream Leaf
Pre-K Leaf Pressing
Kindergarten Painted Pumpkin