Blog – Gratitude and Reflection

Dear HFCS Families & Friends,

I would like to begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to all the families who helped make last week truly special. On Wednesday, we celebrated a moving Veterans Day Mass, beautifully celebrated by Fr. Mariusz. Jackson Smith’s 6th grade class did a wonderful job serving as hosts, and our Student Council members enhanced the celebration with thoughtful hallway decorations. A special thank you to Mrs. Flowers for your assistance with decorating and preparing our reception following Mass.

A Season of Remembrance and Preparation

This November calls us to special remembrance—honoring our Saints, praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, remembering departed family and friends, recognizing our Veterans, and reflecting on the many blessings for which we are grateful. As the Church teaches us, this is a preparatory time, drawing us ever closer to the sacred season of Advent when we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ anew.

This season invites us to reflect on our past while planning for our future, always ensuring that faith in God remains at the very center of all we do. As we approach Thanksgiving, may we cultivate grateful hearts for the gift of our faith, our families, and our beloved school community.

Important Dates and Reminders

No School Next Week Please note that there is no school scheduled for the week of November 24-29. However, the school office will be open on Monday, November 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon for scrip purchases and any other needs.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Our dedicated faculty looks forward to meeting with you during our upcoming parent-teacher conferences. If you haven’t already done so, please check your email for Calendly links to schedule your appointments. All reservations must be completed by Thursday, November 21st.

Elementary Conferences (Preschool-Grade 5)

Parents may schedule conferences directly with teachers through the Calendly app provided via email. Please contact the office if you need assistance.

Middle School Conferences (Grades 6-8)

Middle school core and specialist teachers are available to meet upon request. We encourage students to attend these conferences alongside their parents to discuss their academic and spiritual growth.

Middle School Conference Options:

  • Thursday, December 11th: Drop-in visits in individual homerooms from 12:30–6:00 p.m. (limited to 15-minute conferences) – no appointment required
  • Friday, December 12th: Scheduled appointments via Calendly from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (some teachers may offer earlier time slots)

Schedule Changes for Conference Week:

  • Thursday, December 11th: Early dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
  • Friday, December 12th: No school

A Grateful Heart

As we enter this season of thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for our Holy Family Catholic School community. Our school is richly steeped in traditions that bind us together as one family in Christ. May your November be filled with love, peace, and thanksgiving.

I encourage you to find special time to pray together as a family during these weeks—perhaps beginning an Advent wreath tradition or praying a daily family rosary—remembering what matters most and preparing your hearts for the coming of our Lord.

Please know that my door is always open. If you ever have questions, concerns, or ideas about how we can make Holy Family Catholic School even better, I welcome you to contact the office to schedule a time to speak with me.

May God bless you and your families abundantly this Thanksgiving season.

Pax et bonum,

Sue Styren, M.Ed.