Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question or concern, do not hesitate to contact the school office at  705-324-3113.

Some frequently asked questions and their answers appear below.

When does the school day begin? What are the bell times?

Our school day schedule can be found here.

The bell rings at the beginning and end of each recess and lunch.

When do buses arrive and leave the school each day?

The bus arrives at our school at 8:45 a.m. and leaves at 3:30 p.m. each day. You can visit our Transportation page for more information on busing.

How do I know if buses are delayed or cancelled due to weather?

You can listen to your local radio station, BOB FM 91.9 or visit the Trillium Lakelands District School Board website in the morning for bus delays or cancellations. Remember that if a bus is cancelled in the morning, it will not run in the afternoon. You can also follow our Facebook page (St. Mary Catholic Elementary School, Lindsay). 

What is the best way to get in touch with a teacher?

Parents/guardians are encouraged to write notes to classroom teachers concerning any important changes in routines, schedules and other pertinent information.  Parents can also call the school and leave a message for the teacher to contact them. A message is taken if the phone call is made during class time.

What do I do if my child is sick and cannot come to school?

If your child is sick, please do not send him/her to school. Children who are too sick to go outside for recess should be kept at home until they are able to participate fully in the school day. Please call the school at 705-324-3113 before 8:30 a.m. to inform us that your child will be absent. The school's answering machine is on 24/7 so you can leave a message at your convenience.

In which grades do students receive their sacraments?

Preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation are part of the Religion and Family Life Curriculum. Students prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist in Grade 2. Students prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation in Grade 8. To receive a sacrament, the student must be baptized Catholic.  This year all of the parishes of the Diocese are offering a parish based Sacramental preparation that will be consistent in form and content. This initiative will help to coordinate the home, parish and school in nurturing the faith of your child and preparing him/her to receive the Sacraments.

Your child in Grade 2 is a potential candidate for receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (confession) and First Communion this year.  Please contact St. Mary Parish to register you and your child for their sacraments. 

In the Fall, there will be four sessions for parents to help you prepare your child for First Reconciliation. At least one parent must attend all sessions with their child.

For those who have completed the preparation and wish to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the celebration of First Reconciliation will be at St. Mary’s Church.  

The same format for First Communion will take place in the winter and spring of 2021 beginning in February.

There will be a fee of $25 for each Sacramental Preparation Program totaling $50 over the year to help offset the cost of the materials. If you need assistance with this, please let St. Mary Parish know.

The school community and parish community is looking forward to supporting your child in prayer as they prepare to receive the sacraments and celebrating this time of God’s grace with your child and your family.