The Crusader

Dear Families of Holy Name Catholic School,

Grandparents and special person day is coming on April 10, 2025. Please use the link below to RSVP for the event and let us know who is attending. This step helps us prepare and provide a positive experience for all our guests.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepDOh-WaFLiBYrr5gUTWfXi38wOGtFAZvsaxhqVkjczIJXgQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

I had the opportunity to observe a number of classes over the past week. I witnessed many moments of learning, but I want to tell you about an exchange which really impressed me. In grade 5, the students began the lesson by recounting, without notes and in great detail, the dynamics of the states during the development of the U.S. Constitution. The conversation in class was civil and direct. The students continued to add onto each other’s ideas. When one student discussed the “Virginia Plan” and another added
information about the “Connecticut Compromise,” I smiled as the richness of classical education unfolded before my eyes. These 10 and 11 year old students did this all from memory. We are training their brains and helping them develop as thinkers. I was struck by the contrast of some people in the culture who cannot even identify Connecticut or Virginia as states, let alone discuss their contributions to our country’s constitution.

I had the opportunity to visit my old school in Wisconsin this past weekend to see my niece in their school play. I would like to share about two students who joined as freshmen and never had the benefit of a previous classical education like we have at Holy Name. One student has autism and barely spoke a word in her freshman year. As a sophomore she produced the beautiful sets for the play, but would not consider being on stage. Her junior year she helped with sets, but accepted a small role and had some lines. This past weekend I was floored to see her with many lines, acting, dancing, and truly finding her voice. The other student had a lead role and did it with incredible flair. Neither student was likely on a college track, but both are now planning to attend college after graduation, one to the University of Mary in North Dakota, and the other to study sacred art in Florence, Italy.

The parents of these students could not have anticipated their high school education would have ended this way. In fact, we shed tears of joy during the play’s intermission as we reflected on the journey. There is something amazing about classical education. Students find their voice and their authentic selves. At Holy Name, we will continue to share the good, true, and beautiful with your children. They will be afforded many opportunities to grow, share, and delve into something deeper than the modern culture has to offer. It is a path less traveled, but one worth taking as they will find true joy, happiness, and peace.

Finally, a teaser… we are close to officially announcing the people who will be taking the unfilled positions. God is good. Look for those names in a special announcement soon.

Peace and joy,

Nathan Vande Hey – Principal