About St. Mary's Catholic Independent School
St. Mary’s is a K-6 Elementary School located in the heart of Cranbrook, BC, on over five acres of land. Established in the 1960’s, St Mary’s has been newly renovated after a fire destroyed much of the original building. Our school has a rich history of Catholic education. Students lead and celebrate a monthly school-based mass. Students participate in various religious celebrations as they occur throughout the liturgical calendar.
School Visits and Tours
Families are welcome to visit the School. To request a tour of the school, please contact our school to schedule a date.
Principal's Message
St. Mary’s Catholic Independent School is a wonderful community in which to learn and grow. Students at our school develop academically, spiritually, and emotionally in an atmosphere that both challenges them and provides them with extensive leadership opportunities. |
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The community of St. Mary’s is networked with two catholic churches, St. Mary’s and Christ the Servant, an extensive parent community that is an integral part of the school, as well as the larger educational community in Cranbrook. Traditionally, our students go on to graduate from the public system in Cranbrook and perform exceedingly well academically. St. Mary’s, a registered charity and a school of approximately 165 students, is a place where students are truly nurtured in a safe, caring learning community. St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School welcomes non-Catholic students. In fact, from its inception at the turn of the century, the school has welcomed students from all faiths.
Giving your child the gift of an education at St. Mary’s is truly something that will last a lifetime.
Jerelynn MacNeil
Principal |
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Vision Statement
To be a flourishing Catholic school, fully integrated with the community of Cranbrook, to serve all children with excellence in Catholic education and a strong social conscience.
Core Value Statement
Through effective communication and Christian values, we will work together as a supportive, innovative school community operating in a fiscally responsible manner.
Mission Statement
To provide every child with an excellent Catholic education in a safe, fun and caring environment.
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Our Staff
St. Mary’s is staffed by a team of highly, experienced Catholic teachers. Our teachers belong to either the BC College of Teachers or are certified by the Independent Schools Association of BC. Our staff participate in professional development in their subject areas and also participate in spiritual development workshops throughout the year.
The school currently has a teaching staff of 13 teachers. We have specialty teachers for Core French, Special Education, Band, and Computers.
The school has a full-time secretary who is an integral part of our school community. We also have a daytime custodian and a nighttime custodian who do excellent work in keeping the school very clean and in good repair. The school also has a huge library.
St. Mary’s School belongs to the Diocese of Nelson, but has its own school council that oversees the business of the school. St. Mary's Cathloic School council is composed of 8-10 elected members who belong to our parishes. For more information please visit the parent page.
History
Original St. Mary's School
Although known by a number of different names over the years the present day "Four Square Gospel Church' on Norbury (10th) Ave. served its longest tenure as Cranbrook's High School. Originally a smaller, wooden-clad structure of somewhat similar appearance it was erected in 1913 as St. Mary's Catholic School and remained as such until 1916. It was purchased in 1918 by the Cranbrook School Board and became the city's first High School.
In the late 1920's additional classrooms were added and the building was re-faced in brick resulting in the appearance in the photo c. 1930's. The gymnasium was added to the south |
Four Square Gospel
Church 2005 |
end of the building much later replacing outdoor tennis courts. It was phased out in 1951 with the opening of Mt. Baker Junior/Senior High School but continued as 10th Ave. Elementary School into the 1990's until it's present day use as a Church.
(compiled by Jim Cameron and Mark Paron. Black & white photographs courtesy of the Cranbrook Historical Archives of the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel With additional thanks to Cranbrook and District Key City Chronicles.) |
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