September 2, 2019

St. Mary High School kicks off a new year

REGIONAL
Staff report

Students at St. Mary High School in Westfield settle in for another academic year. Last month, Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski designated the high school as a diocesan-run school.

WESTFIELD – A new school year is underway at St. Mary High School in Westfield. Faculty and staff welcomed new freshman and transfer students on Thursday, Aug. 29 and grades 10-12 on Friday Aug. 30. Father John Salatino celebrated Mass Friday morning for high school students in the upper church.

“The kids spent some time getting to know their classmates through some ice breaker activities, were introduced to all of the teachers that they will have throughout the year, and learned a  lot about student life here,” said Matthew J. Collins, St. Mary High School principal. “The students were greeted at the doors by some of the staff, had an all-school assembly, and then began their daily schedule,” he said.

Last month, Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski announced St. Mary High School will become a diocesan school. His decision was based on a new report, “Pathways to Faith” which looked at Catholic education in the Diocese of Springfield. A new Board of Limited Jurisdiction will be named for St. Mary High School, the last parish-run high school in the diocese. The parish school board will remain in place to oversee the elementary school, which will remain parish-run.

In March of 2018, parish leadership announced the closing of the high school because of low enrollment and a financial deficit. After meeting with families, Bishop Rozanski allocated funding to keep the school open, as a long term solution was worked out.

“The buzz around here with the high school becoming a diocesan school is extremely positive. We are all appreciative of everything the Diocese of Springfield has done for us over the past year, and we are excited to see what the future has to bring us during this partnership,” Collins said.

“The future of St. Mary’s is certainly bright, especially since our enrollment has increased by 7 students over the enrollment last year. That is a 10% increase and I believe we have the largest enrollment increase for the high school in the diocese,” he said.

Currently, there are 77 students enrolled in grades nine-12, with 188 students in preschool through grade 8.

Collins said the unique value of a Catholic school is the ability to introduce faith throughout the day.

“I believe the biggest benefit of attending a Catholic high school is the presence of Christ in all that we do. The students at St. Mary’s have our Lord present with them through the learning process,” Collins explained.

“They are able to pray in school and express their love for God as well as their love for all mankind. In a Catholic school, the students and teachers are able to infuse the teachings of Christ in everything we do. That to me is what is most special about being here.”