Principal's Message
St. Mary Catholic School is the home of the Choir and Orchestra Program for the London District Catholic School Board. The school draws children from across the District and our students enter at the Grade 5 level, remaining at St. Mary until the end of their Grade 8 year. The Choir and Orchestra Program was established in 1967 and was originally housed at St. Peter Catholic School in downtown London. St. Mary is very proud to continue on with the original mandate of the program: to train students to be active members of their Catholic parishes throughout our District, serving in music ministry as choristers and/or cantors. Because of this, our program is to be accessible to all students of our School District entering Grade 5, based upon their ability to demonstrate a strong aptitude in vocal music and their strengths in academics and learning skills.
Choirs and orchestra are also actively involved in liturgical celebrations at St. Mary's Church, St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica, as well as various parishes within the Diocese of London. All students learn to play a string instrument beginning in Grade 5. School choirs perform at concerts, in musical productions, in community events and in music festivals. Both the string and choral program include liturgical and secular repertoire.
St. Mary Choir and Orchestra School is an official "feeder" school of Catholic Central High School. The Grade 8 Graduates of St. Mary Choir and Orchestra School are strongly encouraged to continue their vocal and string studies in the Music Extension Program at Catholic Central High School. The extension program is unique to CCH.
St. Mary Choir and Orchestra School is a vibrant and welcoming learning community. Our hardworking and dedicated staff enrich the lives of our students, not only through academics, but also through our music and integrated arts programs and our extra-curricular and athletic activities. Our parents and volunteers are an integral part of our school community and greatly enhance the positive climate of involvement in all aspects of our school life.
Our community is committed to providing an educational atmosphere that is Christ-centered and fosters the development of each student as a responsible Catholic Citizen. I look forward to working with you and your child on our journey towards excellence in Catholic education.