Steve DeGurse, Principal
St. Michael Roman Catholic School is located in a small suburban community along the southern shores of Lake Huron known as Brights Grove. We are one of two Catholic schools which are located within the parish of St. Michael.
The school offers a wide variety of programs in an effort to address the needs of the students in a holistic sense. Our catholicity serves as a basis for all of our undertakings. As well as a thrust towards providing the best possible core subject programs, there is a special strength provided through the staff in the area of music and drama. The students access a comprehensive integrated program opportunity in the utilization of computer technology across the curriculum. We are proud of our efforts to work in partnership with the students and parents in the delivery of inclusive Special Education support. Early literacy and reading improvement are major undertakings as witnessed by the commitment to staff development and resources across the grade levels. As well, our school’s aims and objectives currently include an emphasis on integrating literacy skills into other areas of the curriculum. Other aspects of the curriculum are enriched by accessing resources in the community such as VIP, Junior Achievement, Rebound programs, Lawrence House program for the Arts, dance and fitness programs, along with numerous parent volunteers who bring their expertise to the classroom.
A strong sense of “community” is prevalent at St. Michael. Our School Council, which represents a strong parent commitment to the growth of our Catholic education community in concert with the school and parish staff, makes a significant contribution to the improvement and success of St. Michael School. Parents also serve on many committees and assist in numerous functions where their expertise and support are valued. Hot lunches are offered on a regularly scheduled basis on the initiative of parent volunteers. Fundraising ventures, including Bingo and a magazine drive, add significantly to our operating budget. A garden project, science equipment, computer hardware and software, physical education equipment, replacement of playground equipment and classroom resources are but some of the projects supported in the past and continue to be funded.
The St. Michael’s parish priest and pastoral minister are a vital connection in celebrating our Catholic faith and enhancing our sense of community. Special events, para-liturgies and prayer services are celebrated at the church in accordance with the liturgical seasons. The pastoral team, along with community organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul Society, Rayjon, CWL, Knight’s of Columbus, Bluewater Optimist Club and others, work with our students to promote a sense of mission, social justice and global awareness.
Together, we work to improve and promote the quality of our educational environment for the children we serve.