School News

Students Give Heartfelt Thanks to TriMet Workers

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, nearly 50 percent of St. Mary’s Academy’s students rely on public transportation to get to and from school each day. As part of the invitation from TriMet to celebrate Transit Driver Appreciation Day on March 17, St. Mary’s students came together to create and gift their local transit drivers with thank you buttons and signs in addition to their usual display of gratitude.

Out of the Snow and Into the Woods

Despite an unpredictable snowstorm that postponed opening night, our performing arts students showed their dedication and skills to not only pull off an incredible production, but also do so with grace and grit. Although the snowstorm was an obstacle, this production was well worth the wait!

St. Mary’s Students Become Global Citizens at the US/Mexico Border

Last month, 13 St. Mary’s students brought our mission and values to life in a real-world setting at the US/Mexico border. This opportunity, to observe first-hand the intricacies of immigration policy and learn the impact directly from those affected, is an inspiring part of our Campus Ministry. “The trip gave me a more nuanced understanding of all the different factors involved in migration while also increasing my feelings of sympathy, care, and compassion,” said SMA senior Ella Kirshbaum.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Portlander to Portlander – SMA Christmas Families Program

A longstanding 40+ year tradition continues! This holiday season our SMA community members joined forces with Portland Public Schools Head Start to provide 35 local families with, not only necessities, but also gifts for the whole family to enjoy.

Our commitment to serving women and children, one of our shared SNJM values, led us to partner a second year with Leslie Woodhouse ’90 of PPS Head Start. Head Start specifically centers their services to Portland families with children ages 3–4 years of age. Their mission to serve these children, along with their siblings and parents, has now become part of SMA’s annual Christmas Family Program (formerly Christmas Baskets).

Young Women are Powerful

Over the summer some of our ground floor spaces had a significant remodel, with the new spaces opened to students and teachers over the fall semester. The weight room and cardio room have all new equipment for students to safely and effectively use the spaces for a strong workout.

“I love being able to track my progress and get stronger!” A second-time strength & conditioning student shared her experience in the new facility between lifting sets.

St. Mary’s Academy students are showing up in a big way – Coach Gabbert has a full house at each strength & conditioning block, along with open-gym after school.

Fall Athletics Wrap Up

The fall season of athletics has come to a close, and all three of our fall sports saw athletes competing at the state championship level. We are so proud of all our Blues athletes who worked hard this season. Varsity soccer and varsity volleyball both took their teams to the second round of OSAA 6A State Championship playoffs in their respective sports, and two of our cross-country runners, senior Sadie Drucker and sophomore Rocky Flores, represented St. Mary’s at the OSAA 6A Cross Country State Championships. We are also proud to celebrate the following athletes and coaches who are Three Rivers League All League.

Founders' Day 2022 - Celebrating 163 Years

Last month the SMA community celebrated Founders’ Day. October 21 marked the 163^rd anniversary of the twelve Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary’s arrival in Portland. This year, for the first time since 2019, we were able to celebrate Founders’ Day in our traditional way; inviting alumnae celebrating their 50-year reunions (including the classes of 1970, 1971, as well as 1972) to campus for an all-school Mass in the Auditorium, and a special luncheon.

A Tribute to Beloved Teacher Mr. Hatton

Ava L. '24 Attends Prestigious Brown University Summer Leadership Institute