From the Principal's Desk 4.15

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Friends,

As expected I have been thinking about the big game; perhaps you know of what I speak? Two sides diametrically opposed to the other line themselves up face to face quivering with excitement and anticipation and at the proper moment, charge the line with all their might and skill.  Clearly no player will be holding back, resting for the next play and at the end of the contest, no matter how close a finish, one side will leave elated and one side dejected.

Clearly this is an unreasonable view of life but some lessons can be learned.  The game is played only once.  After it ends nothing can be done to change it.  While the game goes on there are a lot of options but as time draws to a close the options become more limited and finally no single individual can win the game, but a single individual could lose it.

Life occurs but once, we must use the time well for when it is over, it is over.  As we get older we find that our choices, good and bad, will affect what we can and cannot do later in life.  Choosing wisely, with God's assistance puts us in a good position later in life when our options begin to dwindle.   If we choose poorly when we are young, do badly in school, destroy our family relationships, ignore our faith, we will find later in life we must spend our time trying to repair this breach leaving little time for other important items.   If we choose well, study diligently, work on keeping our relationships healthy and keep in touch with God we will find out later in life we have energy and ability to live a good life.   Finally there is a corporate nature to life, each of us succeeds because many help, but the damage one person can do, either through inaction or deliberate action can be devastating.  Let us make certain we are forces for good for that is our destiny, let us strive each day to enrich our lives and others.  When we falter, let us pick ourselves up, seek pardon and forgiveness and move on.   God's mercy is amazing so let us take advantage of it.  (Father graciously offers mass daily and confession weekly)

God bless,

Timothy Gallic

Principal, Holy Family High School

From the Principals Desk 4.13

 

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Friends,

By now you should have seen the new tuition rates and I would like to take a moment to explain how we arrived at that amount.  Tuition is determined by setting our operating budget. This is the money we spend each year keeping the school in good repair, paying our teachers, heating and cooling the building, paying our insurance and other items like this.  We subtract from the budget what money we can raise through fund raising and gifts, (this generally averages about $2,000 per student) and then we take the number left and divide it by our expected student population.  This sets our tuition.   Tuition does not pay for sports, that is separately fund raised; it does not pay for material improvements such as scoreboards or theater renovation or ball fields.  All of these are separately fundraised which is why they are sometimes built and sometimes we have to wait.

We are fortunate in that we have also been able to offer financial aid and I urge you to look into it if you feel you need it.  While quite large, the fund is not limitless, so don't delay!

Catholic education may be a cost; it is also a great investment.  This school teaches much more than just the subjects; we help you develop the character of your child. By seeing each child as God does we teach mutual respect and demand from them the responsibility that will make them successful.   High School years are exciting times. I thank you for sharing your child's years with us.

God bless,

Timothy Gallic

Principal, Holy Family High School

From the Principal's Desk 4.14

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Friends,

When I was a young boy I received for Christmas a rock tumbler.  Eagerly gazing at the glossy pictures of wondrous jewels that could be formed from ordinary rock I rushed into my backyard and scooped up some likely looking small stones.  Placing them in the tumbler I added the polishing compound and started the process. (In truth, I first forgot the water, then failed to seal the container, then had to clean the mess up, then did it correctly.) The machine started with a very disturbing sound. Grinding and crushing emanated from it filling the kitchen with an undesirable noise.   After a very long time, in reality probably 30 minutes, I took the machine apart and saw nothing had changed.  Moving it to the garage I turned it back on and left it for the recommended time.   I noticed as I went through the various level grinding powders the sound got less distressing and finally after quite a long time the stones were done and they looked quite good. 

High school, indeed all of life, resembles a rock tumbler.  Placed in close proximity with others we jostle and bump into each other, our interactions not always being the smoothest.  Often we find irritation with others, our assignments, the weather etc., and while some of that can be avoided most cannot.  These events are not for naught, they can, if we let them, help smooth our rough edges turning us from crass stone to desirable jewels.  The tendency when we find such a challenge is to flee from it and while that is sometimes prudent policy, what to do if you cannot run from it?  If it is a test or project, or the student you see in math class, or the teacher who is making you work then you must address the situation.  This is where training and God's grace comes in.  When we err, in a comment to a colleague, or on an assignment, fixing that failing might be difficult but will help us in the long run.

Training is like the polishing compound, initially it can be a bit rough, but given time it becomes softer, if we learn our lessons well future challenges are very doable.  If we seek to never put ourselves or our children in difficult and challenging circumstances how will they ever be polished?  I know of several individuals who while in high school were very rough characters, not necessarily tough but definitely rough.  A few bruising years of life later I have met them and found to my amazement how they have changed.  Sirach 2  

states "For in fire Gold is tested and the worthy one in the crucible of humiliation."  When God sends us trials embrace them, they will make you a better person.

Quo Vadis?

Timothy Gallic

Principal, Holy Family High School

303-410-1411

Sirach 2 entire https://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Sir&ch=2&bv1=1&ev1=11