The HCS Scoop
January 2017

Happy New Year from the HCS Office
Most of our various Catholic schools have a motto or “tagline.” But, it is not a simple matter to develop a memorable phrase that sums up all the diverse Catholic schools here in Hawaii. Our schools are located on four different islands. They range from Early Learning Centers to High Schools. They include private and parochial institutions. Enrollment numbers range from a few dozen students to over 1200. When you add in Chaminade University to the mix, the diversity is even more pronounced.
However, regardless of the location, type, or size of our schools, we are all “Inspiring Minds. Sharing Faith.” That is not just a dramatic marketing or advertising slogan. Due to you, our dedicated pastors, administrators, faculty and staff, it is lived out every school day.
In Christ,
Michael Rockers, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS
Advent and Family Day Both the school and parish community at St. Joseph in Waipahu were invited to a morning Advent recollection. The day continued with faith, fun and fellowship, as well as SNOW! Read more... | Keiki Kalikimaka Six students from several schools had their artwork published throughout December in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Ornament Design Contest. Read more... | Give Back to Give Thanks Holy Family Catholic Academy kindergarteners became penpals with a Senior Living Community on the mainland, sending kindness and greetings through art and handwritten messages. Read more... |
Advent and Family Day
Keiki Kalikimaka
Give Back to Give Thanks
Congrats to Mrs. Lovey Ann DeRego for her 10 Years of Service!
“Among us, who is above must be in service of the others. This doesn’t mean we have to wash each other’s feet everyday, but we must help one another.”
- Pope Francis
"Over the past ten years, I have looked at my work as one of service to our schools, in carrying out the mission of Catholic education. Being able to serve in this capacity has been a great joy for me," said Lovey Ann DeRego, Assistant Superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools.
DeRego was recognized on December 22, 2016 for her selfless dedication to HCS for the past decade. We are so lucky to have her on our team!
Presenting the Catholic Educational Leadership Cohort

Michael Paekukui leads talks at National Conferences
Michael Paekukui is scheduled to speak on Personalized Learning at the National Catholic Educational Association's Convention in St. Louis, Missouri in April 2017. Recently, the St. Louis School's Director of Academics, Class of '84, was featured as a Keynote Speaker and breakout session facilitator at the 2016 School Improvement Network's Innovation Summit in Salt Lake City, September 26th-28th.
The national conference invites top innovators in education to share their wealth of experience and knowledge in the areas of personalized learning, project-based learning and best practices for teachers using digital tools to assist with students working at their own pace, assessments and teacher professional learning. Pa'ekukui shared his experiences at Cathedral Catholic Academy, the 1st Catholic Project-Based school in Hawaii, and the growth and change he now brings to St. Louis School.
2017 Epiphany Card Design Contest
See the runner-up designs here.


Reminders for Principals
Upcoming Dates
- March for Life | 1/19 | State Capitol | 4:00pm
- Catholic Schools Week | 1/29 - 2/4
- Annual Conference for Catholic School Educators | 2/3 | Sacred Hearts Academy | 8:30am - 12:30pm
- Accreditation at St. Anthony School | 2/21 - 2/24 | Kailua
- Accreditation at St. Michael School | 2/27 | Waialua
- Accreditation at St. John Vianney School | 2/27 - 3/3 | Kailua
Openings for 2017-18
- Head of School - St. Anthony PreK – 12th Grade – Wailuku, Maui
- Principal - Holy Family Catholic Academy, Honolulu
- Principal - St. Catherine Catholic School – Kapaa, Kauai
More information on these positions will be posted on http://catholichawaii.org/about-us/careers/