St. Mary's strives to help students develop lifelong social interaction and leadership skills through organized activities and clubs. Learn more about St. Mary's activity and club opportunities by reviewing the list below.
In addition to the many activities and clubs listed, St. Mary's young women extend their hand to others in need throughout the year by choosing to participate in a variety of community service opportunities such as Portland Plunge, Hands Full of Heart, Los Embajadores, St. Andrew's Nativity School, Friends Across Generations, and St. Francis Dining Hall. These opportunities for involvement are organized through the school's Campus Ministry & Service Community Service Coordinator.
ACTIVITIES
Ambassadors Moderators: Julie Culp / Paula Muessle Description: Welcome prospective students and their parents to explore SMA through events such as Open House and full day visits. Meeting place and time: Check calendar outside Admissions Office. How to join: See Julie or Paula in the Admissions Office. Apply in the Spring. Watch for announcements.
Close Up Moderator: Joan Nyland Description: Tour US Capitol and Washington D.C. with national program in February. Students learn about government and congressional members at sites in D.C. Dinner theatre, tours, other activities with professional guides. Meeting place and time: Watch for announcements. How to join: Next trip February 2008- Requirements same as Outdoor School, cost of trip borne by students. Juniors/Seniors only.
CMS Team — Campus Ministry & Service Moderator: Randy Kollars / Carrie Swetonic / S. Linda Description: Members of the CMS Team earn .25 credit per semester as a religion elective. There are three teams within CMS: liturgy, service and Green Team. Meeting place and time: Study Block (B/D) How to join: Open to all students, of all faiths; Watch for announcements!
Doernbecher-Blues Making Miracles Moderator: Sonia Marie Leikam Description: This group plans SMA's annual Doernbecher Week. Over the last five years, St. Mary's has raised over $60,000 in support of the children's hospital. A little competition doesn't hurt either, as the annual fundraiser is a chance to go up against Central Catholic High School to see which school can raise the most money. In the end, "It's for the kids!" Meeting place and time: Watch for announcements How to join: Watch for announcements in late November.
Dragon Boat Racing Moderator: Michael Bojorquez Description: Two boats of SMA Cruisers (one with freshmen/sophomores, one with juniors/seniors) paddle in the annual Dragon Boat Race during the Rose Festival. Practice begins after Spring Break and finishes with the much anticipated race at the Waterfront. Meeting place and time: Practices at Waterfront Park-Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 3:45-5:00pm How to join: Watch for announcements in February. Practice early April to June!
Encounter Leadership Moderator: Randy Kollars Description: Encounter Leaders plan and lead the two Jr. Encounters, November and February. They are spiritual leaders at SMA. Meeting place and time: Established once leadership is selected. How to join: Any senior who has attended Encounter is invited to apply in late September for fall or spring Encounter.
GAPP — German American Partnership Program Moderator: Maritta Roesinger Description: G.A.P.P. is a biannual exchange program and anyone can participate by 1) being willing to host a German student for 3 weeks and 2) filling out a profile and paying airfare to Germany for the 3 week stay there. Meeting place and time: Watch for announcements. How to join: Contact Maritta Roesinger to participate.
LINK Crew Moderator: Sonia Marie Leikam Description: LINK Crew is the freshman orientation program that pairs incoming students with trained mentors.
Meeting place and time: Watch for announcements. How to join: Open to sophomores and juniors
Mock Trial Moderator: Alyssa Tormala Description: Learn about legal process, discuss case strategies, compete against other teams in competitions, lots of work but lots of fun. Meeting place and time: TBA How to join: Open to all grades. Requirements: mandatory attendance; fee: $30.Earn .5 Social Studies credit. Watch for announcements in the fall.
MUN — Model United Nations Moderator: Patty Gorman Description: MUN is a .5 credit course. Students are assigned a country and research topics facing the real UN. This is an independent study course that culminates during a Thursday conference at U of O in April. Meeting place and time: Meeting times vary How to join: Open to Soph/Jrs only. Students must be selected in order to participate. Watch for announcements.
NHS — National Honor Society Moderators: Patty Gorman Description: NHS is an organization that Juniors are invited to join if thay have an accum. GPA of 3.6, leadership, character, and service. NHS students tutor students, run SMA blood drive, hostess SMA events and do service projects. Meeting place and time: Room 201, Monthly on a TBA Friday How to join: If invited, apply to join in 2nd semester of junior year.
Outdoor School Moderator: S. Linda Patrick Description: Spend a week in the fall or spring as a camp counselor at Outdoor School for 6th graders. Great fun! Earn .25 credit.
Meeting place and time: Watch for announcements. How to join: Apply in Sept. for Fall and in Jan/Feb for spring. Criteria; 2:75 Cum, current C average, good attendance and good behavior.
Poverty Awareness Day Moderator: Carrie Swetonic Description: Plan and organize Poverty Awareness Day (April 9), promoting awareness and understanding of poverty issues in our city, our country, and our world. Meeting place and time: All are welcome. Watch for announcements in December or January. How to join: Weekly meetings in the Terrace Room. See Ms. Swetonic for details.
Portland Rose Festival Ambassador Moderator: Linda Patrick, SNJM Description: The Ambassador will represent St. Mary's, Portland, and the Rose Festival in appearances throughout Oregon as a member of the Rose Festival court. Meeting place and time: The time for an informational meeting for parents and seniors is TBA. Ambassador selection occurs at St. Mary's on March 4. How to join: Open to current seniors who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a current semester grade of 3.0. The student must also have good attendance and citizenship.
Student Government/Student Council Moderator: Sonia Marie Leikam Description: St. Mary's student council is comprised of elected ASB officers, class officers and TA senators. Class officers and ASB officers are elected in the spring before the school year of their term. Ninth grade class officers are elected in November. TA senators are elected by their TA at the beginning of each school year. The student council, which is led by the ASB officers, meets once a quarter. St. Mary's operates its student council in a uniquue way, with Class officers and ASB officers functioning as an executive council rather than with designated titles. ASB officers for the Class of 1991 initiated this change which allows for greater leadership opportunities and the collaborative environment we strive to have. Meeting place and time: See postings outside Student Activities office for time and place of meetings. How to join: Run for class officer! Elections in Spring/ Frosh in November. Watch for signs.
TIES — Teaching, Integrating, and Exploring Science Moderator: Maureen Daschel/Kirsten Thiel Description: Students mentor 5th grade girls, introducing them to the excitement and challenge of “doing” sciences through teaching topics, coordinating activities, guest speakers and field trips. Meeting place and time: Thursdays, 211 3:15-4:15 -MentorsMeetings with 5th graders scheduled in the fall. How to join: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors can apply to be mentors. Frosh can be helpers.
CLUBS
Archery Club Moderator: Janet Robertson Description: Archery club allows students to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow and enjoy the fellowship of others. Meeting place and time: Room G-12, Fridays, 1st/3rd Lunch How to join: Open to all students. Please join us. No experience necessary.
Art Club Moderator: Kathy Mitchell Description: The Art Club supports the visual arts with hands-on activity that offers fun projects and explores different media, often relating to holidays and seasons. Meeting place and time: Art Room (G2), schedule D, Activity Block (morning) How to join: Come to the Art Room at Activity Block. Students may bring artwork to share. Open to all.
Comedy Club Moderator:Maron Faulkner Description: Comedy Club provides SMA students with a chance to relax and have fun, all while watching and participating in funny sketches, impromptu dialogues, and games. Meeting place and time: Room G7, Fridays, Lunch How to join: Open to all students. Come to a meeting.
Crew Club Moderator: Linda Brumder Description: Experience rowing! Inform students about the sport of rowing, meet new people, and learn about the many benefits the sport of crew has to offer. Meeting place and time: Room 105, Tuesdays, Lunch How to join: Everyone is welcome anytime.
Dance Club Moderator: Lauren Kawa Description: The club provides a space for students to collaborate and choreograph dances. We will touch on mnay dance forms, but will focus on hip-hop and jazz for assembly performances. Meeting place and time: Gym, Tuesdays, B Actvity Block How to join: Open to all students. Come to a meeting.
Earth Club Moderator: Jim Haster Description: Earth Club helps promote and inform SMA about ecological issues and concerns. Meeting place and time: Room 302, Fridays, Lunch How to join: Any student may join.
Escribe Maria Literary Club Moderators: Nicole Foran Description: Escribe Maria members select pieces of poetry, short fiction, and art/photography for inclusion in St. Mary's literary magazine of the same name, Escribe Maria. These works are produced by students. In addition to selecting student works, the group plays literary games, watches literary films, reads published poetry and prose, and fundraises. The year culminates each spring with the publication of Escribe Maria. Meeting place and time: Room 104, Fridays, Lunch How to join: Membership is open to all; come to a meeting in the fall.
Fashion Club Moderators: Erica McGuire Description: Fashion Club creates an environment where fashion-forward students can collaborate with others while working on design projects, discussing trends and designers, watching fashion shows or, even listening to a guest speaker who is involved in the local fashion scene. Our goal is to encourage self-expression, creativity and confidence through fashion. Meeting place and time: Room 213, Tuesdays, Lunch How to join: All are welcome; come to a meeting.
German Breakfast Club Moderator: Maritta Roesinger Descrition: The club meets for breakfast on the first morning activity block of each month, and plans the activities for the month. Activities include going out to dinner or to the pastry shop, watching a movie, shopping at a German deli, celebrating holidays and the SMA International Week. Meeting place and time: G-10, 1st Thursday, Activity Block How to join: Knowing the language is nor necessary. Come to a meeting
Historical Society Moderator: Joan Nyland Description: Historical Club is for those who love history. We watch historial, (but fun) films, share books, and websites, and host the occasional guest speaker on tour. Meeting place and time: Room 205, Thursdays, Lunch How to join: Come to a meeting
International Club Moderator(s): Dena Stock-Marquez, Kim Klingele, Jennifer Brigham, Art Rojas Description: Come experience the cultures of the French, Spanish, and German speaking worlds. Meeting place and time: Room G4, Wednesdays, Lunch How to join: Anyone is welcome
Knitting for Fun Moderator: Anne Hagge / Chris Moller Description: Come learn to knit or bring your knitting and just hang out and knit. Meeting place and time: Counseling Lounge, Tuesdays, Lunch How to join: Come join us. No experience necessary.
Latin Club Moderator: Michael Reinbold Description: Have fun learning Latin! Meeting place and time: Room 303, Schedule D Activity block How to join: Everyone welcome.
Math Club Moderator: Susan Melvin/Cynthia Heller Description: Fun math activities, prepare for math contests, plan PI day Meeting place and time: Room 301, Mondays, Lunch How to join: Everyone welcome anytime.
Novel Club Moderator: Carrie Housley Description: The Novel Club is for those who love to read and share their literary finds with others; we exchange book reviews and watch "Books on Film" during lunch. Meeting place and time: Room 201, Wednesdays, Lunch on C Block Days, How to join: Everyone welcome anytime.
OSSOM Club — Oregon Students for Safety on the Move Moderator: Rhonda Haag Description: OSSOM exists to educate and prevent drug, alcohol, and tobacco use and abuse. OSSOM participates in Red Ribbon Week and does teen outreach to 4th/5th graders- drug/alcohol/tobacco prevention skills. Meeting place and time: Room G-12, 2nd/4th Mondays, Lunch How to join: Come to a meeting.
Peace Club Moderator:Steve Colley Description: A student group dedicated to bringing peace and justice into everyday life, eliminating ignorance, and forming a communcity of concerned and active individuals. Meeting place and time: Room G-7, B Activity Block, Tuesdays How to join: Everyone is welcome.
Politics Without Borders Moderator: Donald Housley Description: The purpose of this club is to encourage understanding and dialogue among various political perspectives while discussing current political issues. Meeting place and time: Room 206, Tuesdays, Lunch How to join: Everyone welcome anytime
SADD Club — Students Against Destructive Decisions Moderator: Janet Robertson Description: SADD Club educates the student body on effects of alcohol and drugs, participates in Breast Cancer Awareness, Lee Denim Day Fundraisers, Grim Reaper Day and Spring SADD assembly. Meeting place and time: Room G-12, 1st/3rd Mondays, Lunch How to join: All are welcome. Please join us.
Sci-Fi Fantasy Club Moderator: Matt Vannelli Description: Club members meet to discuss the latest Sci-Fi trends, news, events, and movies. Create and share original Sci-Fi literature and art. Meeting place and time: Room 206, Mondays, Lunch How to join: Everyone is welcome to join.
Science Club Moderator: Maureen Daschel/Kirsten Thiel Description: Science Club encourages and fosters student interest and involvement in the sciences both within the building and in the community. Have fun exploring science interests outside the class; guest speakers, contests, videos, fieldtrips, etc. Meeting place and time: Room 208, Tuesdays, Lunch How to join: Any student may join.
Speech & Debate Club Moderator: Corby Ward Description: The purpose of this club is to expand on the goal of excellence in debate and forensics at St. Mary's Academy. We do this through teaching and practicing methods of speech such as impromptu and oratory and debate such as parliamentary and Lincoln Douglas. Meeting place and time: Room 103, Tuesdays, B Activity Block How to join: Any student may join.
Theatre Club Moderator: Shannon More Description: Theatre Club gives students the opportunity to experience the many facets of theatre from production to spectatorship. Theatre Club brings students together for a variety of theatre and non-theatre related activities. Meeting place and time: Auditorium, Thursdays, Lunch How to join: Anyone may join.
Thespian Club Moderator: Shannon More Description: International Thespian Troupe 5277 membership is granted for the performance of meritorious work in theatre arts that meets ETA's general guidelines; this group directs the activities of the SMA theatre club and works with the club and school to strengthen theatre arts in the SMA community. Meeting place and time: Auditorium, Thursdays, Lunch How to join: Thespians = point system through theatre work (production)
Writers' Group Moderator: Sara Salvi Description: Writing Club students share and critique their writing and learn from fellow writers, and support students interested in pursuing their creative writing outside of class. Meeting place and time: Room 101, Wednesdays, Lunch How to join: Everyone welcome. Come to a meeting.
Yoga Club Moderator: Kathy Briggs Description: Yoga Club allows students to rejuvenate themselves in the middle of the week in a restorative and relaxing yoga class while strengthening their muscles and increasing flexibility. Each practice concludes with meditation and relaxation to help students take a break from the stresses of life. Meeting place and time: Terrace Room, Wednesdays, 3:00-4:15
Student Activities Sister Linda Patrick
Assistant Principal Student Life
(503) 228-8306
