We welcome the opportunity to showcase the unique aspects of Mater Dei on a more personal level! Therefore, we invite families to schedule a day for their child to shadow a knight, to tour campus as a family, or both!
Detailed information for both our Shadow a Knight program and family tours are provided below. Please note that dates for these events are scheduled to meet the individual needs of each family.
For additional information or to schedule a shadow day or a family tour, please contact Mrs. Maria Zurliene, Assistant Principal.
Maria Zurliene, Assistant Principal
work: 618-526-7216, ext. 105
email: mzurliene@materdeiknights.org
In order to truly experience the unique environment of Mater Dei, students enrolled in grades 7 and 8 are invited to join us for a day of school! By shadowing a knight, which includes attending classes, enjoying lunch, touring the campus, and receiving a shirt, prospective students gain valuable insight into life at Mater Dei.
We hope you accept our invitation to enjoy a day with the Mater Dei family!
Select the following link for a PDF of the information provided below: 2024-2025 Shadow a Knight Invitation
IN THE WORDS OF OUR STUDENTS
“For each of us, our shadow day was a key factor in our decision to attend Mater Dei! Throughout the day, in the classes and the halls, the faculty and the students made us feel welcome and comfortable. We also appreciated meeting one-on-one with Mrs. Zurliene after the tour to discuss our questions and concerns. We agree that when we left, we felt like we were already a part of the Mater Dei family!”
Lane Kohrmann (Germantown) and Kayden Barriger (St. Rose), Class of 2027
“Although I planned to attend Mater Dei, shadowing a knight was still beneficial! Experiencing a day in the life of Mater Dei calmed my nerves and erased my fears. I also felt a sense of belonging, which made me more confident in my ability to transition from grade school. I strongly recommend shadowing a knight!”
Avery Wuebbels (Albers), Class of 2025
SCHEDULING YOUR VISIT
To schedule a day to shadow a knight, please contact Assistant Principal Mrs. Maria Zurliene (618-526-7216 or mzurliene@materdeiknights.org).
Note that we do not schedule shadows on the following days during the 2024–2025 school year (due to no school, early dismissal, or semester exams): September 2; October 11, 14, and 25; November 11, 27, 28, and 29; December 16 through 31; January 1, 2, 3, 17, and 20; February 14 and 17; March 14 and 17; April 11, 16, 17, 18, and 21; May 2; and after May 9.
PLANNING FOR YOUR VISIT
Selection of a Knight You may shadow a knight of your choice or request the selection of a knight with similar interests.
Transportation You are welcome to arrange transportation to and/or from Mater Dei or to ride the applicable bus to and/or from Mater Dei. Students living outside the Central Community High School district are welcome to ride the Mater Dei bus that serves their area. We provide free bus transportation to the following locations:
- east to Posey—Hoffmann—Centralia—Sandoval—Carlyle
- north to Highland
- west to O’Fallon—Lebanon—New Baden—Trenton
(The O’Fallon location is the park ‘n ride near I-64/Air Mobility Drive.)
Dress Code Our students wear polo shirts or sweatshirts with a Mater logo and black, khaki, or navy pants. Therefore, we kindly request that you do not wear jeans, if possible. (Please do not purchase specific pants for only the visit.)
Schedule Our school day begins at 8:10 a.m. Please arrive at the main office at 8:00 a.m. to meet your knight. In addition to observing classes and enjoying lunch, you will receive a personal tour of our campus. Our school day ends at 2:50 p.m.
Lunch Lunch is on us! Our daily selection includes a “traditional” lunch that varies daily, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, nachos, salads, fruit, chips, dessert snacks, ice cream, milk, lemonade, soda, and water. (For chips, dessert snacks, and ice cream, please bring $2.) In addition, a microwave is available if you choose to bring your lunch.
Reading Material In case you observe a class during which our school-wide study hall occurs or in which students complete an assignment, quiz, or test, please bring assignments or a book or an electronic device with reading material.
Water Bottle You are welcome to bring a personal water bottle and to utilize the filling stations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information regarding the Shadow a Knight program, please contact Mrs. Maria Zurliene, Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Maria Zurliene, Assistant Principal
work: 618-526-7216, ext. 105
email: mzurliene@materdeiknights.org
We invite families to schedule a personal family tour, as we welcome the opportunity to simultaneously share information and showcase our campus!
Specifically, we will guide our guests to the following locations: chapel, student center, media center, one of the four computer labs, one of the three science labs, art room, band room, woodworking shop, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classroom, both gymnasiums, College Placement Office, Campus Ministry Office, and school counselor/psychologist office. In addition, during the tour, we will share information related to our spiritual, academic, and extracurricular programs. Finally, we will conclude with a brief question-and-answer session to ensure we have fully addressed our guests' questions.
Recognizing the hectic nature of family schedules, tours are "by appointment" for individual families and available during the school day or in the evening.
We hope to see you soon!
For additional information or to schedule a family tour, please contact Mrs. Maria Zurliene, Director of Enrollment.
Mrs. Maria Zurliene, Director of Enrollment
work: 618-526-7216, ext. 105
email: mzurliene@materdeiknights.org
