Dear Holy Family Catholic School Families and Friends,
As we journey together through this sacred season of Lent — a time of prayerful reflection, renewal, and community — I find my heart overflowing with gratitude for the extraordinary spirit of faith and love that defines our school family. Truly, as Scripture reminds us, “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20), and that presence is felt deeply in all that we do together.
A Day of Fun and School Spirit
We extend a heartfelt thank you to James Sarkis, our Principal-for-the-Day, for bringing such joy and energy to our campus with his wonderful sports-themed celebration. Students delighted in wearing their favorite jerseys, team apparel, and cheer costumes in honor of James’s special day. His enthusiasm was contagious — visiting each classroom to build excitement and team spirit ahead of our final home game of the season for both our boys and girls teams. What a gift it is to see our young people come alive in community!
A Partnership Rooted in Love and Commitment
Our recent Parent-Teacher Conferences were a beautiful testament to the strong and sacred partnership between our families and educators. In the spirit of service that defines our Catholic community, the Parents in Education (PIE) went above and beyond — providing nourishing meals and heartfelt encouragement to our teachers, who gave so generously of their time during these important meetings. Your dedication to your children’s academic, personal, and spiritual formation is a true witness to the vocation of parenthood, and we are deeply grateful.
Celebrating Our Student Athletes
Our young scholars continue to shine, both on and off the court! Please join us in congratulating our basketball teams on a season marked by determination, teamwork, and grace. This evening holds a special place in our hearts as we celebrate our graduating 8th grade student-athletes during their final home game of the season — a milestone worthy of our warmest recognition and prayers as they prepare for the next chapter of their journey.
We are immensely grateful to our dedicated coaches: Ed Ross, Head Boys Basketball Coach, and Erin Sundholm, Assistant Coach, for their tireless commitment and mentorship throughout the season. A sincere thank you as well to Allie Linscott, Head Girls Basketball Coach, for leading her team with excellence and heart. And a special thank you to Mr. Turner for serving as our Master of Ceremonies this evening to honor these remarkable young people.
Nurturing Curious Minds: The K–5 Science Fair
A special note of recognition goes to Dr. Emily Gussenhoven for her exceptional work in organizing our annual K–5 Science Fair. The creativity, curiosity, and hard work our students brought to their projects were truly inspiring — a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is itself a form of glorifying God’s magnificent creation.
The Gift of Reconciliation
Perhaps most importantly, we wish to express our profound gratitude to our beloved parish priests — Fr. Len, Fr. Mariusz, Fr. Sleeva, and Fr. Bruno — for graciously coming to campus both last Thursday and this Thursday to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation to our students. What a beautiful and formative gift during this Lenten season, as our children are invited to experience God’s boundless mercy and grace.
Looking Ahead: Healthy Hawks Week & An Important Community Presentation
As we look forward with hope to the weeks following Easter, we are thrilled to share that our Wellness Committee — along with their wonderful team of dedicated volunteers — has organized Healthy Hawks Week, the week of April 13th. This enriching week promises to nurture our students’ well-being in mind, body, and spirit, and we are deeply grateful to all who have given their time and talent to make it possible.
As a meaningful capstone to Healthy Hawks Week, we invite all parents and guardians to join us on Thursday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m. here at the school for an important community presentation. Julian Covella, in partnership with the Sheriff’s Department, will be sharing vital information to help our families navigate the very real challenges that substance use poses to young people in our region. As parents and guardians — the primary educators of your children, as our Catholic tradition reminds us — staying informed is one of the most loving and proactive steps we can take to protect and guide our children. This is an evening not to be missed.
Please mark your calendars for both Healthy Hawks Week (April 13th) and the parent presentation on April 16th at 6:30 p.m. Together, we can keep our families safe, healthy, and rooted in faith.
As we continue walking this Lenten path together, let us hold one another up in prayer, nurture the growth of our children in faith and wisdom, and live out our call to love as Christ loved — with open hands, generous hearts, and a spirit of true community.
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.