Dear Families, Parishioners, and Friends,
As we enter the first week of Advent, our hearts turn to Hope—that profound gift Christ brings to our lives. Hope is what carries us through our darkest moments. It allows us to muster our GRIT and move forward even when circumstances appear insurmountable. It is the foundation of our belief that Jesus is coming into our hearts and into the world, and that darkness will not prevail—the light of Christ will overcome it.
Winter Weather
As we cultivate hope in our spiritual lives, we also place our hope and trust in God’s providence in the everyday rhythms of life—including the unpredictable winter weather that is part of our Idaho reality. Many of you have been checking weather apps, wondering when snow and ice might arrive. Our maintenance team and volunteers stand ready, prepared to clear lots and walkways in the early morning hours, trusting that God will provide what we need for each day. If you are willing to help with this effort, please reach out to Jason Chavez who is coordinating our sidewalk safety during the winter months, jc*****@******da.org.
We operate with hopeful expectation that school will proceed as usual, but we also trust in wisdom and prudence. Any decision to close or delay school is made with the safety of our students and staff as the primary consideration, following the guidance of Coeur d’Alene Public Schools after they assess road conditions before dawn. We reserve the right to call a “snow day” even if CDA Schools does not. In that event, notifications will be posted on social media and text messages sent out. Please make sure that your contact information is correct on FACTS.
Please know that if you believe conditions are unsafe for your family’s travel, we trust your judgment. Contact the school office to excuse any weather-related absence—we understand that hope does not mean ignoring practical realities, but rather trusting God’s guidance in our decision-making.
Weather Communication: You’ll receive notifications via email, text, our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), or through the CDA Public Schools app and closure hotline (208-667-0784). If you hear nothing, we’re open and ready to welcome your children!
Hope Expressed in Celebration
This Friday, December 5th, our community will gather in joyful hope as we celebrate the Annual Holy Family Catholic School Christmas Concert at St. Pius Parish, beginning at 6:00 PM. What a beautiful way to prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth—through the voices of our children raised in song!
This concert represents countless hours of dedication from Mr. D’Angelo, our talented students, and many volunteers. Each note they sing will be an offering of hope and praise, a proclamation that the Light is coming into the world.
Concert Details:
- Students in grades 3-8 arrive by 5:30 PM
- Students in grades PreK-2 arrive by 5:45 PM
- Dress code: Sunday or Christmas best (following free dress guidelines)
- After the 1st grade performance, PreK-1st grade families may proceed to the Santa area in the Hospitality Room
- Following the concert, PIE invites all families for Cookies and Milk with Santa—a wonderful moment of fellowship and community joy
Heavenly Father, as we begin this Advent, give light to our eyes and peace to our hearts. May the Lord find us watching and waiting in hope when He comes. Help us to be beacons of hope for one another—in times of sorrow and celebration, in daily challenges and moments of joy, as we prepare together for the coming of Your Son.
May this Advent season bring peace, hope, and joy to your families.
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.