Principal’s Blog – Happy Valentine’s Day

As we journey through this season of growth and preparation, I am filled with gratitude for our vibrant school community. Your continued support and dedication to Catholic education inspire us daily, and I am pleased to share several important updates and opportunities with you.

8th Grade Graduation – Date Change

Please note that our 8th Grade Graduation ceremony has been moved to Thursday, June 4th, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle. This change allows us to honor the Deacon Ordination scheduled in Boise on June 5th. We deeply appreciate your flexibility with this adjustment and pray that it does not create any undue burden for your families. This celebration will be a beautiful testament to the faith formation and academic excellence our graduates have achieved.

Re-Enrollment Now Open

Planning for the 2026-2027 school year is well underway! Re-enrollment information has been emailed to all current families. Please review this important communication carefully, as it contains crucial dates and instructions. If you did not receive this email, please check your spam folder or contact Allie Linscott at al*******@******da.org.

Important: If you are planning not to re-enroll your student for any reason, please notify the office in writing by February 25, 2026, via email to of****@******da.org. This helps us plan effectively for the coming year and serve all families well. We have wait lists for a number of grades and would like to be able to register those interested parties where there is room.

Havana Nights Gala & Auction – Friday, May 1, 2026

Our Annual Gala and Auction returns this spring with a festive Havana Nights theme! Join us Friday, May 1, 2026, at Prairie Falls Golf Club in Post Falls for an evening of fellowship, celebration, and support for our beloved school. This event is not only a wonderful opportunity for parents to connect and enjoy time together, but it also provides vital support for our educational mission. We are deeply grateful to all the families who have already begun contributing their time and talents to make this event a success. We hope to see you there!

Staff Safety Training

Following dismissal on Friday, our dedicated staff, volunteers, and safety committee will participate in an important Reunification workshop. Partnering with CDA Schools Safety & Security Director, Thomas Gandy, we will implement the iloveuguys.org Standard Reunification Method and Standard Response Protocol. This comprehensive training ensures we are prepared to respond confidently and effectively to any crisis, always keeping the safety of your children as our highest priority.

100th Day of School – February 19th

We will celebrate our 100th Day of School on February 19th! Please check your child’s homeroom teacher’s newsletter for special dress opportunities and activities planned for this milestone day.

Encounter Regional Conference – April 16-18, Boise

If your calendar allows, I encourage you to consider attending the Encounter Regional Conference in Boise, April 16th through 18th. This is a remarkable opportunity to spend Spirit-filled days in prayer, worship, and growth in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Such experiences deepen our faith and renew our commitment to living as disciples. For more information, please visit: encounterministries.us/boise.

Parental Choice Tax Credit – Great News!

Praise God! The Idaho Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Idaho State Tax Commission, and the Parental Choice Tax Credit will remain in effect! This is a tremendous victory for educational freedom and Catholic education in Idaho. We encourage ALL HFCS families to apply for this great tax opportunity – whether or not you meet the 300% of poverty level ceiling.

Updated information from the Mountain States Policy Center shows strong early engagement:

  • 5,056 family applications submitted
  • 9,341 students represented
  • Approximately 1.85 students per family

These encouraging numbers reflect the growing interest since applications opened on January 15th.

A Valentine’s Reflection

As we approach Valentine’s Day, may your hearts overflow with God’s endless love and grace. In every act of service and kindness within our school community, we reflect His love to others. Let us remember that love is not merely a feeling, but a choice—a choice to serve, to sacrifice, and to see Christ in one another.

Dear Lord, on this day of love and affection, we come before you with grateful hearts. Thank you for the gift of love that you have bestowed upon us, both in our relationships with others and in our relationship with you. Help us to cherish and nurture the love we share with our partners, family, and friends, always seeking to reflect your love in our words and actions. Amen.

Thank you for your continued partnership in Catholic education. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions or concerns.

Pax et bonum,

Sue Styren, M.Ed.