News & Announcements

On October 1, 2025, Virginia's Department of Education voted to (again) award STM a Purple Star for its support of military families! The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. There are several schools in Northern Virginia who have received a Purple Star; we are unaware of any who have been awarded TWO! STM would like to thank the military families who have trusted us with the education of their children, the servicemen and women who came in uniform for our flag raising in January, the military families who sent in pictures in April (Month of the Military Child), and parents who had their children wear purple on Purple Up Day in April. All of these events were included in our application. Next National Purple Up Day: April 15, 2026

What an amazing Race for Education (RFE)! The weather was beautiful and the smiles were bright, as the students raced their hearts out! We are thrilled to have passed $51,000! A number of classes also earned OUDs. Even though the race is over, we are leaving the donation portal open thru October 31 (Fri). See which classes earned OUDs, who is leading for the donut party, and which class is only $92 away from an OUD!

To learn about Diocesan high schools, 6th - 8th grade families are encouraged to attend one of their open houses. Below are the dates, links to apply or shadow, etc.

PTO will conduct its Fall Used Uniform Sale on October 31 (Fri) from 7:30am - 9am. Please consider signing-up to volunteer below. Come for used uniforms; stay for Mass!

PTO is hosting a screening of "Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age" on November 6 (Thr) at 6:30pm in Burke Hall (Cathedral's basement) for parents and teachers.  This Elementary School version of the documentary looks at the struggles parents are facing with social media, video games, internet addiction, and the impact of screen time on children’s development.  The film offers thoughtful insights from parenting experts, neuroscientists, and the students themselves, providing valuable strategies for navigating the digital world in a healthy way.  The screening will be followed by a discussion where families and faculty can share experiences and discuss strategies.

Bishop Ireton High School, which has one of the premier high school theater programs in the area, performs Jane Austen's "Emma" starting November 14 (Fri) for 2 weekends. Play summary: the clever, but meddlesome Emma Woodhouse believes she is a master matchmaker - for everyone but herself. The beautiful, rich, and confident young woman gleefully interferes in her neighbors' love lives, causing delightful social chaos. Show times and links with additional info are below.

On November 21, 22, and 23 (Fri-Sun) step through the wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia at Bishop O'Connell High School's production of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". The Deep Magic comes alive on stage in this immersive adaptation of C.S. Lewis's classic Christian allegory. Travel from the lamppost to the Stone Table to Cair Paravel with familiar characters like Lucy (played by STM Alum "Ellie" Rimicci !), Mr. Tumnus, and Aslan himself. O'Connell students are free; other students are only $10. Show times and links with additional info are below.

Mark your calendars for Breakfast with Santa on December 6 (Sat) from 9am-11am! Information about signing-up, crafts, donating to Toys for Tots, Pictures with Santa, breakfast, etc. will be forthcoming, but the link to volunteer is below. Parents who volunteer on Dec 6 (Sat) will get head-of-the-line privileges for Pictures with Santa! There are only 24 volunteer spots, so sign up soon.

When asked how prospective families hear about STM, nearly all say they first heard great things from a current family. To thank you, STM gives a $250 credit per new student. Several families received $250 credits this year; one family received $500 off tuition, because they referred a family who brought 2 children! Upcoming Open Houses and how a family can schedule a tour are below. Please forward to friends and neighbors as you see fit.

Mrs. Parente and Mr. Biehler are inviting 2nd - 8th graders to attend Homework Hour (Mon-Thr, 3:20pm - 4:20pm) for $20 a session. Sessions are designed to provide students an opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification, and receive guidance on homework.  (These are not tutoring sessions. Those may be arranged with other teachers.) Link to register, POCs, and additional info are below.