St Mary's/St Dominic's is a small private school, jointly operated by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Sisters, Servents of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (SSIHM). The Jesuits and the SSIHM are both reknowned for their excellence in educational programs around the world. The staff is multicultural, with instructors from all over the world. 75% of the school's staff are ordained clergy. The school's primary focus is academics, with lesser focus on physical education and religious instruction.

While it is not necessary for students to belong to the Catholic faith, they are encouraged to take advantage of our classes in religion and to attend chapel if they are so inclined. St. Mary's/St Dominic's is located in the heart of Little Italy, with easy access to subway and bus routes.

Please take note of the following school rules.
1. Uniforms

Girls:
Dark green jacket with school emblem
white blouse
black tie
Black Watch tartan pattern kilt,
white or black knee socks,
Oxford-style shoes or penny loafers in black or brown.

Jackets, kilts and ties are available at the school store, located next to the Headmaster's Office.

a. Fighting. There is a no-tolerance policy for violence on school property. Any student who strikes another, or verbalizes an intent to do so, or threatens physical harm to another in any way, written, verbal or other, will be suspended pending an investigation into the incident by the school administration. If the alleged incident has taken place, then the student who has committed or expressed a desire to commit such an act will be expelled from the school.

c. Honor system. Students are expected to deport themselves appropriately at all times, showing respect to school staff and administration, as well as to their fellow students. Name-calling, provocation of arguments unrelated to academic topics, insubordination to instructors and other staff, and other inappropriate behavior will be dealt with as strictly as the situation requires, to include expulsion if the incident is severe enough to require it.

d. Academic performance. All students must maintain a grade of C or above. Any student who does not meet this level of performance for one quarter will be placed on academic probation. Students failing to meet this criterion for two quarters in a row shall meet with an Academic Review Board of instructors and administrators, to determine what action should be taken by the school and the student in question. Options include remedial classes, individualized instruction, peer-tutoring, and, if none of the above improves the situation, expulsion from the school.

e. Chapel. All students who do not wish to attend chapel for religious or other reasons must have a waiver in their file, signed by their parent or their guardian(s). CHapel is held every Wednesday (confession) and Friday (full mass, afternoon). Students with waivers will be expected to use this time to catch up on coursework, and also have the option of community service for the several charities operated by the school and the Orders running it, if they so desire. If they do service, they may earn credit for it, based on the recommendation of their supervisor(s) at the charity in question. These charities include the Palermo Soup Kitchen and Marymount Clinic.

f. Extracurricular activities. All students are expected to take part in at least one extracurricular activity or sport. These include the Word (student newspaper), basketball, baseball, softball, and any academic or prestige clubs available. Credit is not awarded for these activities.

3. Staff

Father Eliphas Mbutu, DD

Father Mbutu has been the headmaster of St Dom's/St Mary's for nearly twenty years. Originally from Nigeria, Fr Mbutu has focused on education and youth programs for the majority of his 40 years in service to his Order. He has twice turned down appointments to a higher position within the Church, citing his desire to continue the work at hand at the school.



Sister Mary Leondra, DD, PhD

Sister Mary Leondra has been the Dean of Academics at St Mary's/St Dom's for seven years. Originally hailing from Petersburg, MI, she studied philosophy at the University of Michigan, and divinity at St John's. She is fluent in seven languages and among her other duties, is the head of the school's outstanding ESL program. She will be with the school for at least another three years, pending reassignment by her Order.

Ewan McIntyre, MS

Mr. McIntyre has replaced Dr Lars Jackson as Guardian Liaison to the school. He is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and has resided in the metropolitan area for the past 5 years. Please treat him with as much respect as any other member of the school staff.