Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates High School Counseling

“Catholic schools are called to be places of evangelization, dialogue and encounter.” 

 – Pope Francis, address to Italian Catholic School Teachers

Just a year ago, on Easter Monday, Pope Francis passed away.  The Papacy of Francis demonstrated personal humility, intellectual and cultural curiosity, and solidarity with the world’s marginalized, especially migrants.  

Many of his official writings and teachings emphasized that morality is always in relationship to mercy.  In other words, when we act with mercy, we are moral people.   He asked Catholics and people of all faith traditions to consider how they are showing mercy in their words and actions.  He affirmed that ‘just societies’ are those whose policies evidence mercy and offer hope. 

Among his many contributions, Pope Francis was a passionate advocate for Catholic education. He consistently reminded us that schools are not only centers of learning but also sacred spaces for forming the whole person. He encouraged educators to shape both intellect and heart, forming young people into individuals of faith, compassion, and action.

As a lifelong Catholic educator I have long been inspired by this vision.  It affirms the distinct and vital mission of Catholic schools: to proclaim the Gospel while forming both the minds and hearts of young people in truth and love.   It continues to be a privilege to serve alongside colleagues, parents and students on the Ledge who are committed to advancing the Gospel of Jesus by embracing truth in lessons, actively serving others, and by building a beloved community of trust where faith, hope, love, and mercy are reflected in positive decisions and relationships. 

We are grateful for Pope Francis and the Universal Church for the many inspiring examples of how to live a life that is faithful to Jesus.  At SMSA, we strive to do our part to advance the Good News, and enable encounters with the Good Lord for our Ledgers.  Your prayers for our success in this mission is important – and appreciated.  

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us. 

Eamonn O’Keeffe

Principal, High School

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Tickets will be sold at lunch on April 21, 22, 23, 27 & 28.

Anyone interested in participating in football in the upcoming 2026 season, there will be four meeting options to attend.

Wednesday, April 22nd
– 6:00pm-7:00pm
– 7:00pm-8:00pm

Sunday, April 26th
– 6:00pm-7:00pm
– 7:00pm-8:00pm

Click Here to Read the Spring Safety & Wellness Newsletter

The 20th annual MACC Fund Invitational is a high school golf championship held at Erin Hills and The Club at Lac La Belle, hosted by Arrowhead High School, to fight childhood cancer and related blood disorders!

Since 2007, the MACC Fund Invitational has raised over $1.2 MILLION dollars for childhood cancer and related blood disorders research, thanks to generous folks like YOU!

This year our team is honored to participate in this special event, not only to compete against some of the best high school golf teams in Wisconsin, but most importantly, to make a BIG impact on the lives of kids battling cancer and related blood disorders.

Your support of our team helps the MACC Fund continue the critically important mission of finding a CURE for childhood cancer and related blood disorders by providing funding for RESEARCH! Research is the only path to finding a cure, and your support, large or small, will play a large roll in furthering their work.

To show your support, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/st-marys-springs-academy-6?newPage=true

Thank you for your support and generosity!

Planning is well underway for our SMSA Staff Appreciation Week, May 4 -8, 2026 and we are in need of our SMSA Families help! We will once again be having a special staff luncheon during this week to show our appreciation for our amazing SMSA Staff. We are looking for families to contribute monetarily towards this meal and other items for the week. If you would like to help with this, you can either send cash/check (payable to Andrea Nuss) in a sealed envelope with Staff Appreciation/Andrea Nuss on it or Venmo @Jeff-Nuss-3 (4355 – last four digits). All contributions will be due by Friday, May 1st. If you have any questions, please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net. Please watch for more details in the eLedger regarding Staff Appreciation Week at the end of April. Thank you so much for your help in making this week extra special for our SMSA Staff!

Staff Appreciation Committee

The LAST monthly meeting of the school year for the PPA is on May 13th at 6pm in the Conference Room off of the cafeteria. All are welcome!

Learn how you can get involved. Contact PPA@smsacademy.org to learn more!

Are you looking to get more involved at SMSA? If so, join our Parent Connectors Group!! We organize events for our SMSA families & show our appreciation towards our amazing SMSA Staff throughout the year!! Please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net if you are interested. Thank you so much!!

Did you know? You can Refer-A-Family and receive tuition credit!

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May 25, 2026 – No School – Memorial Day

May 29, 2026 – Last Day of Classes

May 31, 2026 – Class of 2026 Graduation

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May Mental Health Awareness Month
Contest Overview:
Fond du Lac Area YScreen is hosting a Youth Mental Health Art Contest for Mental Health Awareness Month.
Theme: “What does mental health mean to you?”
Students are invited to express themselves creatively and raise awareness.
Prize – $50 Target Gift Card, Featured on YScreen social media and website & Opportunity for design to be printed on YScreen t-shirts

The scholarship website has now moved to Naviance! Please remind your senior to check their Naviance account regularly for the latest scholarship updates. The Counseling Department will continue adding new opportunities as they arrive.

These state and local scholarships are specifically available to Springs students. To view them, students can log into Naviance and navigate to: Colleges → Scholarships & Money → Scholarship Search. There, they’ll find an up to date list of scholarships curated by SMSA counselors.
Please reach out to counseling with any questions!

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