Saint Mary's Academy, Dominica

Saint Mary's Academy
Location
Roseau Dominica
Information
Type	Private Catholic School
Motto	Ora Et Labora
Established	1932
Principal	Brother James (acting principal)
Staff	approximately 30 (2008)
Website	http://www.da-academy.org/sma.html

Saint Mary's Academy - Dominica (abbreviated as SMA) is an all-boy Catholic secondary school in Roseau, Dominica. SMA offers First Form through Fifth Form, which is generally followed by two years of non-compulsory further education – often at a Sixth Form College.

History

The founder of the school is Blessed Edmund Rice. Blessed Edmund Rice was given the Grace to respond to the call of Jesus by identifying with Christ in the poor. His example evoked a deep awareness of God's loving presence in all with whom he came in contact. He awakened within them consciousness of their dignity as children of God. He invited his followers to share his Gospel insight, and empowered them to reach out to the needy, especially the materially poor. The life of blessed Edmund Rice - businessman, husband, father, widower, religious brother, teacher and founder - challenges all involved in Christian Brother Education to live and teach Gospel values in today's world. His charisma inspired the essential elements of a Christian Brother Education.

Mission statement

(For the St. Mary's Academy and all other Catholic Schools in Dominica).

1.To give priority to education in a living faith whereby students grow to appreciate the life and mission of Jesus Christ with a view to being committed to the world as he was.

2.To have special concern for the poor and the under-privileged.

3.To develop a curriculum which promotes the harmonious development of the whole person.

The Catholic School, S.M.A, works at forming a community composed of students, teachers, parents, management and other staff. This community:

• seeks to live by the Gospel values.
• recognizes the dignity of each individual.
• contributes to the building up of the local community.
• works for peace and justice in society.

Uniform

The Academy's uniform consists of a white shirt jack with the school's crest pinned to the breast pocket however the student desires. Brown khaki pants are worn, except for special occasions, like church masses, where black pants are worn.

Student Council

At the beginning of every school year that commences in September, student councils are chosen by the pupils. The party normally consists of a President, a Vice-President, a public relations officer (chief communications officer), treasurer, and a secretary.

Buildings

The S.M.A. compound consists of two main buildings, the Old Wing, and the New Wing (Brother Germain Wing). The Principal's office is located on the bottom floor of the Old Wing, and there are two staff rooms, one on the Old Wing, and another on the New Wing.

The Old Wing has only two floors. It is the main building of the school. On the bottom floor is the principal's office, the room's 101 to 105 and an old lab which is used for building technology. On the top floor is the staff room, then rooms 201 to 206. (All rooms respective from right to left.)

The New Wing is the latest addition to the compound. It was built in 1998, and was named after a past principal, Bro. Germain. The New Wing has three floors. The bottom floor has a library, the councilor's office, and a science lab. On the second floor is the lowest level class-room, WA5. Next, the New Staff-Room, then the computer lab. On the third floor is WA1, WA2, WA3, and WA4. (All rooms are respective from left to right.)