Dear HFCS Families & Friends,
As we enter the second week of our Lenten journey, we are reminded of Christ’s 40 days in the desert and the opportunity this liturgical season presents for spiritual renewal. During this sacred time, we are called not only to deepen our own faith but also to model the core values of our Catholic tradition for our young students.
Through our daily interactions, we can demonstrate the true meaning of forgiveness—showing our children that, like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, we embrace reconciliation with open arms. Our prayer life, both personal and communal, invites our students to develop their own relationship with God, teaching them that He is always present to hear their joys and concerns.
In these weeks of Lent, let us also remember Christ’s call to charity. As St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us, “Christ has no body now but yours.” Through simple acts of kindness and generosity, we show our children how to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world today.
Finally, as we reflect on sacrifice during this season, we can help our students understand that small offerings made with great love can transform both their hearts and the world around them. In the words of Pope Francis, “Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.”
Professional Development
We had a wonderful opportunity on Friday last week for professional development for all of our teachers. Kerri Lorhan Lewis led a great workshop on Primitive Reflexes, signs of retention, exercises to help integration, and how they can affect learning and development for our students. It was a great opportunity to grow and share together in community. Thank you Kerri for a great morning!
Tuesday Morning Celebrations
Tuesday morning openings are special for our students, and you may not know that we celebrate all the birthdays and half-birthdays that will happen that week. We call the birthday boys and girls to the front of the gym and pray for them as well as share in a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday to you,” followed by an opportunity for the birthday children to receive a gift from the treasure box or a free dress pass. It’s always a happy time to give thanks to God for our friends celebrating another milestone.
Upcoming Events
Please don’t forget this weekend, PIE will be hosting the Mother Son Dance this Saturday evening. If it is anything like the Father Daughter Dance from a few weeks ago – it is sure to be a hit! Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help make this evening a special weekend treat for Moms and Sons. Looking to fulfill some of your volunteer hours – they still need people to help setup and cleanup.
Spring Parent Teacher Conferences
Please don’t forget to sign up for the Spring Parent Teacher Conferences if you are interested. Please note that while Fall Conferences are necessary for all parents to attend, Spring Conferences are on an as-needed basis. All parents are welcome to make an appointment if needed or desired; however, please do not feel obligated.
May this Lenten season be a blessed time of growth for our entire school family as we journey together toward Easter.
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.