Dear HFCS Families & Friends,
As we journey through this blessed week together, I am moved to express my deepest gratitude to the many people who make our school community such a vibrant witness to Christ’s love.
First, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated student-athletes and volunteer coaches who led our Volleyball and Cross Country teams this season. Your commitment, sportsmanship, and perseverance have been exemplary, and you are a true credit to Holy Family Catholic School. Your witness to teamwork and dedication reflects the values we hold dear. Congratulations to our Girls Volleyball Team and Coach for their amazing work this past weekend. Our girls brought home the trophy for 3rd place – they remain 1st place in my book!
I am profoundly grateful for our HFCS families and our extended family throughout the many parishes here in Northern Idaho. We are truly blessed by God’s providence to be able to work, learn, and worship together in this sacred community. What a gift it is to share in this mission of Catholic education! Thank you to all the volunteers that showed up for our Fall School Work Party Saturday.
As we navigate the busyness of this week, let us remember that finding rest and reflection in Christ is essential for our souls. I warmly invite you to pause in our chapel during pick-up or drop-off and spend a quiet moment in the presence of Our Lord. He awaits us there with open arms. The latest addition to the chapel, Stations of the Cross, have now been installed – we hope you will join us in prayer and reflection.
Our Moms in Prayer group began meeting this week, and it is a beautiful opportunity to unite your heart with other parents in intercessory prayer. If your schedule permits, please join us on Wednesdays immediately following mass as we lift up our school and HFCS families in prayer. As Scripture reminds us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Your heart will truly find respite in God.
The Missoula Children’s Theater production of Little Red Riding Hood began yesterday and promises to be another delightful performance! Thank you to our Parents in Education group for making this musical theater experience possible for our children, and to the many parents and staff who support this wonderful project. We hope you will join us for one of the shows: Friday at 6:00 PM or Saturday at 2:00 PM. The story’s themes—listening to parental guidance, exercising caution with strangers, and trusting our God-given instincts—provide excellent opportunities to engage our children in meaningful conversation about wisdom, discernment, and safety.
Carline Safety Reminders
As each school day concludes, there is such joy watching our students rush out to reunite with their families and share the blessings of their day! To ensure the safety of all our precious children during this exciting time, we ask for your cooperation with these important procedures:
- Please place your Family Name Card visibly in your front windshield
- Students will enter vehicles only from the curbside
- Parents, please do NOT exit your vehicle
- Students entering vehicles from in front of the school will do so only with staff supervision
- Please be keenly aware of other vehicles and pedestrians—parking lot speed should be less than 5 miles per hour
If other family members will be picking up your children, please share these guidelines with them as well.
Upcoming Faith Community Events
Please plan to join us for our Eucharistic Procession and Rosary on Wednesday, October 29th, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. This beautiful devotion allows us to honor Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament together as a community. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Additional faith-enriching opportunities next week include:
- 8th Grade Saints Wax Museum in the HFCS gym
- The Relic Project in the HFCS music room
- both can be accessed through the gym on Friday, October 31st, from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
We hope you will join us for these opportunities for faith formation and community building.
Please note: Early dismissal at 11:30 AM on Friday, October 31st.
Important Reminder: Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit – All Parents Should Apply
We want to ensure every family in our school community is aware of and prepared to take advantage of the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit. This program represents a significant support for Catholic education, providing up to $5,000 per eligible student (or $7,500 for students with qualifying disabilities) to help offset education-related expenses.
What You Need to Know:
Eligible Expenses Include: Tuition, textbooks, tutoring, transportation, and other qualifying education costs
Who Qualifies: Idaho resident families with students enrolled in Catholic/private schools
Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per student ($7,500 for students with qualifying disabilities)
Your Action Timeline:
By November 1, 2025
File your 2024 Idaho Tax Return (Form 40)
By December 1, 2025
Register or verify your Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) account
Throughout 2025
Carefully save all receipts for qualifying education expenses
January 15 – March 15, 2026
Submit your application online during the application window
Please note: Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
April 15, 2026
Receive notification of your award and update your 2025 tax return as needed
Additional Resources:
For detailed information, frequently asked questions, and step-by-step guidance, please visit:
We strongly encourage you to mark these important dates on your calendar now. The Diocese of Boise Office of Catholic Schools is committed to supporting families through this process. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you have questions.
May God continue to bless our Holy Family Catholic School community abundantly.
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.