Oct 10, 2024

Dear Families of Holy Name,

This has been a full week. I was able to attend the Pregnancy Services banquet and the Life Chain event along the highway. It is such an important mission to not only speak for the babies, but also to support women and families in need. Holy Name was well represented at both events.

It has been a fun week at Holy Name with the homecoming activities. A big thank you to Tony Derkos for the outstanding pep rally. The twins’ day was phenomenal. So creative. I was so impressed with the classes getting together and coming up with fun ideas. I hope we can post some of them on facebook soon.

The 8th grade neon dance was super creative and fun. A big shout out to our girls basketball teams. They have had a great season. First off, I saw them working together and having fun. I also saw great defense, hustle, jump balls, nice jump shots and layups. The 8th grade closes out their season with a tourney next week. They can wear their jerseys during school for game
day.

Reminder: The Homecoming Dance for 6th, 7th & 8th Graders is Friday, October 11th from 7pm to 9pm in the Multipurpose Room.

You may have noticed that our staff is delving more deeply into classical pedagogy. Picture study presents a beautiful work of art and students have an opportunity to take time to explore, learn and appreciate the beauty. Inevitably, a student begins to understand the story in the painting. I heard from several classes how well this is going. One teacher used a painting of St. Peter getting the keys from Jesus. The students intuitively guessed quickly because of the integrated experience here at Holy Name. For the next painting, the teacher split the painting into 3 different sections. The students began to inquire and try to put the pieces of this puzzle together. It created a tremendous sense of wonder. As all the pieces were revealed, the students gained a fuller understanding. This process solidifies the memory and it becomes a bedrock foundation for new learning.

I would like to go more in depth regarding narration in a later edition of the weekly Crusader. I would just like to share that one teacher has been impressed with the long term remembering of concepts and details taught since the beginning of the year. She is seeing tangible changes in her students’ skills using narration. That is an expected outcome and is very encouraging.

This week the fourth grade went on a field trip and toured a mine and they experienced the rich history of this region. Ask your child what they learned. If their answer is too short, ask them to tell you more. You will solidify that experience for them.

The Holy Name High School had the opportunity to hear a powerful testimony from one of our St. Anne’s parishioners. It was a witness to the power of the Holy Name of Jesus. Ask them about it. As we wrap up homecoming week, we will continue with a fun and inspiring concert next Tuesday. We have the privilege of hearing Tony Melendez at Holy Name at 1:30pm. You are welcome to attend. Tony was born without arms and performs by playing guitar with his feet. Tony performed for the late great St. Pope John Paul II. Tony brings great energy and hope. He promotes the dignity of each and every one of us as children of our Heavenly Father.

I hope to see you all at the show. Have a blessed rest of your week.

Peace and Joy,

Nathan Vande Hey
Principal