Holy Family School Newsletter
September 2022
Welcome Back! - A Note From Ms. Otte
As we Walk in Faith this year students will hear a lot about spontaneous prayer and what it means, and have opportunities to practice doing it. We know about planned prayer and tend to be comfortable with it, but spontaneous prayer is just as important. Spontaneous prayer is simply an impromptu conversation with God. Spontaneous prayer happens in the moment when you are with someone. Both planned prayer and spontaneous prayer are important in our lives.
I know that things may look different this year as I transition into this position, and I ask for your continued grace as we work through some of the changes and hiccups we may experience along the way. I will do my best to communicate important happenings to you and I will be sending out a monthly newsletter with updates, information, and important dates throughout the school year.
I want you to know what a blessing your children are to Holy Family School! One of God's greatest gifts is a child, and every time I walk into the classroom or throughout the school and see their smiling faces I am extremely grateful!
A Note from Fr. Theis
Welcome back families!
On behalf of Fr. Greg and Fr. Botzet, I would like to welcome all of you to HFS. We are very excited for another great year for all of your children.
I am happy to share with you that we priests will be able to be more present to the students and staff this year with very intentional goals. In addition to spending time on the playground and visits to the classrooms, I will be having lunch with small groups of students (upper grades for starters) in order to continue to build relationships and provide any support to help them be the boys and girls God calls them to be.
We will also see the return of the chapel in the school where we will be offering opportunities for quiet prayer, group prayer, adoration, and other related activities meant to inspire and cultivate the desire to know, love, and serve the Lord.
Please keep in your prayers all those who make HFS possible as we will continue to pray for all of you and your families.
God bless,
Fr .Theis
Annual Workathon Fundraiser
Our first major fundraiser is to participate in the annual nationwide Workathon for non-public education. On September 30th, each grade level will be doing a service project that will assist the community or the elderly in some way. Donations are generated through letters sent to relatives or friends, and by students collecting pledges. All letters will be written at school.
Today was our Workathon kickoff where the students gathered in the gym to learn about the projects they will be doing. Students will come home today with a Workathon flyer and a pledge sheet that includes more detailed information. You may also click on the Workathon Flyer button below to view an electronic copy.
Please note, they we need your help with this fundraiser by sending in 3 stamped AND addressed envelopes with each of your children. The flyer will give you more information but we are asking for these envelopes to be sent to school no later than Friday, September 16th.
Monthly Character Traits
This year Holy Family School is implementing monthly student assemblies that focus on a new character trait each month. There are a total of 8 character traits which we will be teaching, modeling, and encouraging in our classes and school. You, as the most important adults in your children's lives, are the first and most influential character teachers they have. We hope to take what you have so diligently begun at home, and incorporate it into the school setting as well. Our school has always emphasized christian values and good character, but this year we are going to be intentional with the traits and christian values. This crucial teaching will be even more obvious and overt in the school setting, and we will work to promote and reinforce positive character qualities and development in our students. Since we are partners in teaching your children we look forward to your support and help in implementing these important traits this year.
Please click on the button below for a copy of the monthly character traits we will be focusing on each month. As part of our character traits program, we will have monthly assemblies where students will learn school-wide behavior expectations with common language used among the staff. Each classroom teacher will identify the one student who stood out modeling the character trait of the month. Students will be recognized at the assembly with the "Little World Changer" certificate and trophy (see picture below). The trophy will remain at school and will be placed in the respective classroom in a location chosen by the recipient. Parents of the students being recognized each month will be notified by the teacher and are invited to attend the assembly. We ask that parents not tell their child if they are selected as it is a surprise that is announced at the assembly. The goal is to spread this opportunity to as many students as possible throughout the year. Our theme song for the assemblies is titled "My God Is Big".
My goal for the future, is to continue building a positive school culture by implementing a student-led positive morning intercom announcement, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance.
We look forward to partnering with you as we work to promote and reinforce positive character qualities and development in our students.
Welcome Back Assembly
A tremendous "Thank You" to DJ Pete for supplying us with music in the park, the Sauk Centre Fire Department for freezies at the end of the day, local law enforcement and school patrol, and Mrs. Polipnick for leading us in song.Thank you to the Minnesota National Bank for a fabulous breakfast during Teacher Workshop Week! It was amazing and greatly appreciated!
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
September 21
2-hour Late Start
School will begin at 10:15
Students should not arrive before 9:55
September 28
Monthly Student Assembly
Will be held in the gym from 2:00-2:30.
September 30
Workathon
Students will participate in their service projects.
September 30
CAP (Caring About People) Day
On CAP days (marked on the monthly calendar), students will be allowed to wear a hat/cap during the school day if they pay at least $1.
All proceeds earned during these CAP days will go to a local family in need.
September 30
Mid-Quarter 1
Reports will be published on School Speak.
October 3
No School
Teacher Workshop/Training Day
Walk In Faith Assembly
Holy Family School
Email: admin@holyfamilysc.org
Website: www.holyfamilysc.org
Location: 231 Sinclair Lewis Avenue, Sauk Centre, MN, USA
Phone: (320) 352-6535