Message from the President

Ms. Michelle Klus
President
mklus@smamb.ca

Welcome to the 2026-2027 Academic Year!

I hope that you and your families have enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating summer. As we begin another school year together, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the opportunities that await us as a community.

On behalf of everyone at St. Mary's Academy, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all of our new students and families. We are delighted that you have chosen SMA and look forward to accompanying you on this journey of faith, learning, leadership, and service. To our returning students and families, welcome back. Your presence, commitment, and partnership continue to enrich our school community and make SMA the special place it is.

Our theme for the 2026-2027 school year is "Who Am I? You Are God's Work of Art", Ephesians 2:10. Throughout the year, we will invite our students to reflect deeply on their identity and discover the truth that they are wonderfully created by God, each with unique gifts, talents, and purpose.

In a world that often encourages young people to define themselves by achievement, appearance, or the expectations of others, we are called to something greater. As a Catholic school, we seek to help our students understand that their identity is rooted first and foremost in being beloved children of God. Ephesians reminds us that we are God's handiwork, created with intention and care. Our hope is that every student who walks through our doors comes to recognize her inherent dignity, embrace her God-given gifts, and develop the confidence to share those gifts in service to others.

I am especially pleased to welcome our new Principal, Mrs. Jeannine Pistawka (Barnabé ’88), back to St. Mary’s Academy in this important leadership role. I am also delighted to welcome the following new faculty and staff to our SMA community:

  • Serenity Amante: English Language Arts Teacher
  • Martin Bilodeau: French Teacher
  • Christina Carriere: English Language Arts Teacher
  • Angelina Clemente: Math and Science Teacher
  • Luke Liekum: French Teacher
  • Christiaan Poortenaar: Math Teacher
  • Lauren Sawchuk: Home Economics and Textiles Teacher
  • Neil Fraser: IT Support Technician
  • Christy Leachman (Wright ’13): Alumnae Engagement Officer

Throughout the summer months, our Facilities and Operations team worked diligently to complete a number of projects designed to enhance the experience of our students, families, staff, and visitors. Significant improvements were made across the campus, including road widening to improve student safety and support a smoother flow of traffic, the addition of a new gravel walkway, extensive landscaping and grounds enhancements, and the installation of new signage to create a more welcoming and accessible environment. Work also included a new fence and electrical upgrades in the west teacher parking lot, a new HVAC unit and controls for the theatre, infrastructure upgrades to support our new phone system, restoration work on the building and stone grotto in the Rose Garden, and a comprehensive deep cleaning of the entire school, along with annual life-safety inspections.

These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for our students, staff, and families. As we encourage our students to discover how they are uniquely created as God's work of art, we continue to invest in the spaces where they learn, grow, pray, and build meaningful relationships within our community.

I am continually inspired by the generosity and dedication of our families, alumnae, staff, volunteers, and supporters. The strength of SMA has always been found in its people. Together, we help our students discover who they are and who God is calling them to become. I invite each of you to become involved in the life of the school, whether through volunteering, attending events, supporting student activities, or simply sharing in the spirit of community that defines St. Mary's Academy.

At this time, we hold the St. Paul’s High School community in our hearts and prayers following the sudden passing of their Principal, Mr. Jeff Laping. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Laping’s family, friends, colleagues, students and the entire St. Paul’s community. May all who are grieving find strength and comfort in the love and support that surrounds them. We pray that Mr. Laping rests in the eternal peace of our Heavenly Father.

As we embark on this new academic year, may we embrace the question, "Who Am I?" with openness and curiosity, confident in the knowledge that we are each God's work of art, created with purpose and called to make a difference in the world. I look forward to connecting with our students and families in the months ahead and to witnessing the many ways they will grow, learn, lead, and flourish.

May God bless you and your family, and may the year ahead be filled with faith, friendship, discovery, and joy.

Michelle Klus
President

 

Message from the Principal

Mrs. Jeannine Pistawka (Barnabé ’88)
Principal
jpistawka@smamb.ca

On behalf of the entire staff, I am pleased to welcome the St. Mary’s Academy community to a new school year. The beginning of a school year is a time of renewed energy and possibility — a time to reconnect, welcome new people to our community, and embrace opportunities to grow together through learning, service, and faith.

For me, returning to St. Mary’s Academy is particularly meaningful. As a graduate and former teacher of 16 years, this community has been an important part of my own journey. It is a privilege to return and to share in the important work of supporting and educating the young women of the Academy alongside an exceptional faculty and staff.

At St. Mary’s Academy, we believe the formation of young women extends beyond the classroom. Rooted in our Catholic identity and inspired by the charism of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), we strive to educate the whole person and to ensure every young woman is known, valued, challenged, and supported as she discovers her God-given gifts and uses them in service of others.

This year, our community is invited to reflect on the question "Who am I?" This may initially seem like a simple question, but it invites us into an exploration of identity, purpose, faith, and relationship. Who am I as a friend, a daughter, a student, a leader, and a member of my community? Who am I called to become? And, most importantly, who am I in the eyes of God?

The question "Who am I?" also reminds us that identity is shaped within community. We do not journey alone. Our students are surrounded by educators who inspire and challenge them, families who support and encourage them, and peers who share the experiences that make their years here so meaningful. Together, we have the chance to create a community where belonging matters, differences are respected, and each person is encouraged to become the best version of themselves.

There is much to be proud of at St. Mary’s Academy. We are blessed with an exceptional group of educators and staff whose dedication to our students is evident in all that they do. We are equally blessed by students who bring creativity and enthusiasm to our community each day. Through academics, athletics, the arts, leadership, faith formation, service, clubs, and countless other opportunities, our students are invited to discover not only what they can accomplish, but also who they are becoming.

As we begin this school year, may we embrace the question "Who am I?" with curiosity, courage, and faith. May it lead our students to recognize their inherent dignity, discover their gifts, deepen their relationship with God and others, and understand the responsibility that comes with those gifts.

May this be a year filled with learning, friendships, joy, and opportunities to serve. Most of all, may we continue to grow together as a community grounded in faith, committed to excellence, and inspired to make a difference in the world.

Welcome to a new year at St. Mary’s Academy. May God bless our students, our families, our faculty and staff, and the journey we will share together.

Vice-Principals

Mrs. Christine Dado (Aaron ’00)
Vice-Principal, Grades 9-10
cdado@smamb.ca

Ms. Joan Trimble
Vice-Principal, Grades 7-8
jtrimble@smamb.ca

Theme for the 2026 - 2027 School Year

Who am I?

You are God's work of art. - Ephesians 2:10

At St. Mary’s Academy, we are grounded in our Catholic faith, recognizing that a strong spiritual foundation guides us to know ourselves better and live with kindness, grace, curiosity, and resilience, while inspiring us to grow, serve others, and make a meaningful impact in the world. Each school year we embrace a guiding theme, rooted in faith and expressed as a question. This year we ask: Who am I? Our theme is accompanied by scripture drawn from the book of Ephesians: "You are God's work of art" (Ephesians 2:10). Across school-wide liturgies, Religion classes, activities, service, and community life, students will deepen their understanding of who they are, whose they are, and how they are called to use their gifts.

 

Drop-off, Pick-up and Traffic Flow

To improve student safety and support a smoother flow of traffic, St. Mary's Academy has introduced an updated Campus Drop-off, Pick-up, and Traffic Flow plan for the 2026-2027 school year. The updated traffic flow includes:

  • a newly widened lane for drop-off and pick-up near the Stafford Street entrance. Only use this zone if your daughter is entering the school through the Alumnae Hall doors.
  • drop-off and pick-up are on the left side of the lane throughout our entire campus.

Before the first day of school, please take a few minutes to review the instructions and campus map (below and attached) so you're familiar with the traffic flow and designated Drop-off and Pick-up Zones.

Know Before You Arrive

Decide the entrance door your daughter will use. 

  • If your daughter is entering the school through the Alumnae Hall entrance: Merge into the new Drop-off and Pick-up Lane at the Stafford Zone (far left lane). Students will walk to the Alumnae Hall entrance via the new walkway.
  • If your daughter is entering the school through the Inner Courtyard or Academy Road entrances: Remain in the Through Lane until you reach your chosen Drop-off and Pick-up Zone, then merge into the Drop-off and Pick-up Lane.

Driving to a parking lot? Student drivers and faculty/staff should remain in the Through Lane and proceed directly to their designated parking lot. Watch for pedestrians.

Golden Rules

  • Use the left lane only for drop-off and pick-up.
  • Pull forward as far as possible before stopping.
  • Students should be ready to enter or exit vehicle promptly.
  • Watch carefully for students, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

New Student Orientation Session

Wednesday, September 9

Students from grades 7 to 12 who are new to St. Mary’s Academy will participate in the orientation session. Orientation begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 12:30 PM. Students are asked to enter at the Alumnae Hall entrance, where they will be greeted by students and faculty, provided name tags and directed to their seats in Alumnae Hall. Uniforms are not required. Please do not bring school supplies.


Agenda

8:40 AM to 9:00 AM: Arrival and sign-in. Students enter through Alumnae Hall doors.
9:00 AM: Welcome in Alumnae Hall.
9:15 AM: Students meet with their teachers.
10:00 AM to 12:30 PM: Students participate in orientation tours and a Mission and Charism Community session.
12:30 PM: All students dismissed. Students will exit through Alumnae Hall doors. Parents, please ensure you arrange pick-up in accordance with the 12:30 PM dismissal.

First Days of Classes

Thursday, September 10 

  • Students will find their homeroom allocation posted in the Sheila Chipman Atrium (posted at 7:30 AM)
  • Opening exercises begin in homerooms at 8:35 AM
  • The first two days will have a specialized schedule to meet the needs at each grade level. Students will receive that schedule on Thursday.
  • Scheduled subject-specific classes will begin on Monday, September 14, Day 1 on the school day calendar.

SMA Handbook

Click here for our handbook with important information about our policies and protocols, academic programming, assessments, evaluations and reporting, and school life. This handbook is also found in the front section of the Student Agenda.

Student Agenda, Lockers and Locks

The student agenda, lockers and locks will be distributed on the first day of classes. The agenda includes the school calendar, general school information, policies and protocols, and student information. All student locks are issued by the school. If returning students have lost their lock and require a new one, the cost for a lock is $9 and can be purchased from Mrs. Audrey Ross (located on the 2nd floor close to the school office) at the 10:30 AM break during the first week of classes. Students should not be sharing their locker combination so as to best protect their personal items. In the event of an emergency, the office has a record of all combinations.

School Supply List

Click here for SMA’s School Supply list. The list is also available from the home page of our website (scroll halfway down the page to locate the list) www.smamb.ca.

Textbooks

Teachers assign textbooks to students and each assigned textbook is the responsibility of the student. In June 2027, students are responsible for returning assigned textbooks. In the event a textbook is not returned, a replacement fee is required. If a textbook is returned damaged, the damage will be assessed and a corresponding dollar amount will be charged.

Regulation Uniform Reminder

Perhaps the greatest symbol of our unity at SMA is our uniform and more specifically, our kilt. The plaid of the kilt is unique to SMA and incorporates the colours of all previous uniforms since 1869. It represents the fabric of our community: past, present and generations yet to come.

SMA needs the support of parents and to ensure that students meet all uniform regulations. In particular, we stress that all students' kilts or skirts are to be worn at a maximum of 6 centimeters above the knee. As we strive to instill an awareness of business appropriate attire, we appreciate working together to improve the students' responsibility in meeting and maintaining this requirement.

Should your daughter require a new uniform item to ensure she meets all uniform regulations, all items can be purchased online from our provider at www.topmarks.ca

Important General Information

Contact SMA

Call SMA’s Reception office at 204-477-0244. A complete list of faculty and staff is found on our website at www.smamb.ca/contact.

Reception and School Office Hours

Reception Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
School Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

School Calendar

The school calendar is found on our website at www.smamb.ca/events/calendar. The calendar lists assessments, exams, deadlines, activities, events etc. for students and parents. It also shows the day of the school day cycle. The calendar is downloadable to smart devices.

Campus Map

Browse our online campus map at the following address, www.smamb.ca/about/campus. Hover over the red areas for an explanation of the location.

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is our online student information system for attendance, assignments and marks. On Orientation Day on September 9, all new students will receive a letter with login information (both student and parent login information). A link to PowerSchool is located along the top red bar of our website www.smamb.ca. During the school year, if you need assistance logging in, please contact Mrs. Bev Henry via email at bhenry@smamb.ca or call 204-477-0244.

Weekly Communiqué

Throughout the school year, SMA emails a Communiqué to parents and students on the last day of each school week. Important timely information is published in the Communiqué. Be sure to check your email and if you do not receive the Communiqué, contact Mrs. Jill Boulet at jboulet@smamb.ca or call 204-477-0244.

Purchasing SMA’s Uniform

SMA’s student uniform is sold online at www.topmarks.ca. Find out more information about online ordering on our website at www.smamb.ca/student-life/school-uniform. Our Corner Store sells gently used uniforms. During the school year, should you need any assistance with ordering instructions, or our SMA specific password, please contact Ms. Leah Boughen at smaregistration@smamb.ca or phone 204-478-6030.

Academy Bistro

Academy Bistro provides SMA’s cafeteria service. Academy Bistro will be open on the first day of classes. Menu and online ordering are available at www.academybistro.ca. Students are encouraged to pre-order their lunch online to guarantee items. Hours of operation are 9 AM to 1:30 PM every school day. Please contact Academy Bistro at info@academybistro.ca if you have any questions or would like to purchase a gift card.

SMA on Social Media

Follow SMA on social media for highlights of school life.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/smawinnipeg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/smawinnipeg
YouTube: www.youtube.com/smawinnipeg

Important Upcoming Dates

Celebration of the New School Year

Friday, September 11 at 2:00 PM in Alumnae Hall
Our school community will gather to celebrate the new school year with Mass of the Holy Spirit. Attendance is mandatory and regulation uniform is required.

Picture Day

Tuesday, September 15

Parent Welcome and Information Session

Thursday, September 17 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Further details will be published in the weekly Communiqué.

Grade 12 Reflection Day

Tuesday, September 22
Details will be emailed to grade 12 families.

Grade 7 Camp

September 23 to 24, Grade 7 - No Classes on Sept 25

Walk for Cancer

Thursday, September 24

Grade 9 Community Event

Friday, September 25

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Wednesday, September 30
No Classes

Bring Your Own Device

Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, SMA implemented a BYOD policy in September 2023 for grades 7 and 8. The policy has grown over the last few years, and this year, the policy will be extended to include grade 11. This policy allows students to use their own laptops or tablets to enhance their learning experience through interactive and collaborative methods. The BYOD policy successfully enabled students to interact with various Learning Management Systems, promoting comfort with technology, increased classroom participation, and student-driven learning through the Microsoft 365 and other online platforms. Building on this success, we look forward to continuing to enhance and expand our BYOD initiative.

In September, teachers will communicate guidelines and policies to grade 7 to grade 11 students regarding the use of devices in the classroom to ensure they are being used for educational purposes. SMA will provide training to students to ensure that devices are used effectively to enhance the learning experience. SMA’s Information Technology department will be available to provide advice or assistance on any technology issue related to BYOD onboarding, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and Office 365 accounts. However, the IT department will not be responsible for troubleshooting or repairing hardware issues.

Tuition Payments

For families who chose Plan A (one payment) or Plan B (two payments), please remember your next payment will be processed on or after September 1, 2026.

The 2026-2027 payment plans can be found here: www.smamb.ca/admissions/tuition

Athletics

Flames High School Hockey

Tryouts for our High School Hockey team will begin the first full week of school. Tryout dates are listed below:

  • Monday, September 14, from 4:20 PM to 5:20 PM
  • Friday, September 18, from 4:25 PM to 5:25 PM
  • Monday, September 21, from 4:25 PM to 5:25 PM

All tryouts will be held at the Hockey for All Centre, 3969 Portage Avenue.

Please contact Ms. Sydney Maurice at smaurice@smamb.ca, if you have any questions.

Cross Country

Flames Cross Country is open to all students from grade 7 to 12 regardless of experience or skill level. Please go to the following webpage for information about the team and to access a summer training guide smamb.ca/student-life/athletics/crosscountry. All interested students are welcome to participate. Anyone with questions is asked to contact Mr. Demetro Danyluk at ddanyluk@smamb.ca.

Dramatic Arts Theatrical Production

Announcing our 2026-2027 Musical: Disney's The Little Mermaid

We are pleased to announce our grades 7 to 12 Dramatic Arts production is Disney's The Little Mermaid. The musical will be on stage from December 3 to 5, 2026. Auditions will take place in September - details will be provided to students in school and also watch the communiqué for information. We look forward to witnessing our students embrace roles on-stage and behind-the-scenes, and we look forward to welcoming you to the show in December! 

International Day

Save the Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026

SMA's Parents’ Guild is delighted to host International Day on October 25. Established in 1975, International Day brings the SMA community together in celebration of the rich cultural diversity of our families. Over fifty years later, the event remains a cherished tradition that is filled with the vibrancy of many wonderful cultures, and continues to offer a meaningful opportunity to build community.

International Day Includes Mass, pavilions serving ethnic food, cultural entertainment, and raffle draws. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.

Details coming soon: smamb.ca/events/international-day.

Music Lessons

SMA is pleased to be in our third year of offering a partnership program with the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts (MCMA). This partnership provides an opportunity for SMA students to receive individual music lessons from highly qualified MCMA instructors conveniently on our school campus.

How does it work?

  • Individual lessons are available for voice, violin, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and piano from beginner to advanced levels. Instruments will be available based on a minimum threshold of 2 students per discipline. Other instruments may be added if there is interest, email info@mcma.ca with your request.
  • Lessons are scheduled in 30-minute intervals on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons after school.
  • Lessons run from September 14, 2026 until May 25, 2027. No lessons will be scheduled during Christmas Break, Spring Break or SMA student related events.
  • Lessons take place on St. Mary’s Academy campus delivered by the MCMA.
  • MCMA supports and encourages performances for students at recitals and in the community through their Music Equals program, the outreach arm of the MCMA. SMA students are invited to participate in their performance opportunities. To learn more, talk to your MCMA teacher or email Student Services Manager at info@mcma.ca.
  • MCMA will manage the registration process.
  • Registrations may be accepted throughout the academic year according to availability.

Click here to find out more information and to see the registration link.

Homecoming: All Are Welcome

SMA families are warmly invited to join us for Homecoming 2026 celebrated the third weekend in September! This joyful open-house style celebration is a wonderful opportunity for students, new and returning, to show their loved ones around the school and share what makes St. Mary’s Academy special to them. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and family members are all welcome.

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the entire SMA community will gather for our cherished tradition of Mass, followed by touring and tea. We hope you will join us to experience the spirit of Homecoming, the joy of community, and the inspiration of seeing generations of women who have walked these halls. Tickets are not required for the Sunday events.

For those in our parent community who call SMA their alma mater, please note that alumnae celebrating a special reunion are also invited to a Commemorative Years Reception on Saturday, September 19, 2026. SMA welcomes and celebrates the following classes for commemorative years' reunions this year: 2016, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1986, 1976, 1971 and all alumnae from the class of 1966 and earlier. Tickets are available online until September 11, 2026.

Whether you are new to the SMA community or have been part of it for years, Homecoming is a wonderful way to celebrate the connections, traditions, and spirit that unite us. We hope you and your loved ones will join us for this special weekend and experience the warmth of the SMA Sisterhood firsthand.