Dear HFCS Families and Friends,
We pray that October is a month filled with good news, blessings, growth, new opportunities, healing, love, and God’s favor. Amen!
We are quickly approaching the end of October, a time when orange lights and uniquely carved pumpkins decorate our neighborhoods. While we are inundated with the commercially advertised “pagan” holiday aspect, in truth, its origins are in the Catholic faith. There are a number of articles on the web with regard to an all but forgotten triduum of Allhallowtide. I encourage you to explore this season. Here’s a short reminder from the Irish Catholic:
“However, what is certain is that Hallowe’en as we know it developed in relation to a feast which is definitely Catholic – the Solemnity of All Saints celebrated on November 1. There are more than 10,000 canonized saints in the Church, which means that not all of them can be recognized on a calendar of 365 days: All Saints Day commemorates all saints, canonized and otherwise.
This feast was first officially established by Pope Boniface IV in 615 as the “Feast of All Martyrs.” In 840, the title changed to the “Feast of All Saints” as saints other than the martyrs were added..”
A few reminders:
- Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 25th, is both School Pictures and Mass Day – students should come to school in their uniform – NO FREE DRESS passes may be used tomorrow.
- Tuesday, October 31st, students may dress in costume – we encourage “Heros of the Faith” – however, other costumes are fine as well. Please see specific classroom newsletters below for more information on class themes or requirements for costumes.
- Grades for 4th through 8th may be checked online through the SIS FACTS Parent Portal – Please check grades weekly. If you need help with the Portal, please reach out.
- The Trimester ends November 17th. Parent-Teacher Conferences are the week of November 29th, primarily Thursday and Friday. Opportunities to sign up for conferences will be provided starting next week.
- We are entering the cold and flu season. Please keep your child home if he/she is not feeling well/ill. Children should be symptom-free and have no fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications) before returning to school. Handwashing, cleaning, and sanitizing are priorities.
Have a great week!
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.
Principal