From the Principal's Desk 5.11

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Friends,

As some of you know I wear corrective lenses. I first got them in 4th grade when I went down to the nurse's office for my annual eye exam and sitting on the wooden bench, I gazed out the window.  I remember thinking it odd that I couldn't see the small branches at the top of the tree which I had noticed the year before, and sure enough, a few days later I was getting my first pair of glasses.   When I put them on suddenly I could see the world more clearly which made navigating the world so much easier.

Often in life we find our perspective changes, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly, until we can no longer see the world correctly, but rather we view it in a warped fashion.  When we are tired we may find our family irritating, we may react poorly because we are stressed, we may judge a statement harshly because we are ill, or confused.  All too often we allow circumstances to interfere with our ability to see situations clearly.  This remains a favorite tactic of Satan. He cannot take over our will, but he can confuse us.  For this reason he is called the father of lies.   The lies of evil masquerade as good, yet they are not, although in the heat of the moment they may seem so.

How does one keep clear focus?  By eliminating or minimizing that which affects us.  Getting a good night sleep, eating well, exercising, following a schedule; these all help, but the most important is to have a relationship with God.  He is the Divine optician who corrects our eyes so that we may see what is true, lovely and beautiful.  He is the one who lights our path so we do not stumble; His is the hand that holds ours to prevent our falling.

Today is Election Day and it is no accident that I write about confusion and lies today.  Politicians all too often dissemble and obfuscate when they ought to be speaking clearly and acting honestly.  So we as Christians must pray for the elected representatives, we must do our best to elect worthy individuals and we must insist that they do their jobs well.  

We are blessed to be in a free country and while our ultimate goal is heaven, I, for one, am glad to be an American.

Timothy Gallic

Principal, Holy Family High School

303-410-1411 

From the Principal's Desk 5.10

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite memories of childhood centers around trick-or-treating on a lovely fall night, where the air was crisp, the leaves fallen underfoot, a gentle breeze blew and hordes of costumed children paraded up and down our street.  My bag grew heavy with each house and the culmination of the evening came with the required counting and sorting of candies, as we, like pirates of old counting loot,  tallied and ate until our parents, full of the wisdom that age and parenting brings, had us put the treasures away for the evening. (We then were strongly instructed to brush our teeth like mad before bed!)

So what makes the night so memorable? The feeling of contentment.  Contentment may be a smaller virtue but like a spice, just a little of it can go a long way.  To be content is to be grateful with where you are and pleased with what you are doing.  More than some others virtues, it exists in time, affecting how one addresses every changing circumstance.   Ultimately it is found when we say to God, thy will be done. 

One can be content with the acquisition of knowledge, the pursuit of athletic success or the mastering of an instrument,  one can be content with recovering from illness or performing a necessary task,  but one should not be content with evil, with sloppy careless work, with the failure to fulfil ones duty.  For contentment, if focused on God, aids our conscience to determine what is good. It aids in our discernment both of what is happening and how we are responding to it.

So tonight as the hubbub of activity descends upon your home, with the return of children from school and parents from work and worldly cares, as dinner is consumed and homework is attacked, as charges are made and bills paid, I challenge you, ask yourself, am I content with this? God's love for us comes in many different packages and different ways but if we can see it, then all is good.   For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you! (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Timothy Gallic

Principal, Holy Family High School

303-410-1411 

From the Principal's Desk 5.9

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK Dear Friends, There is an old poem by Myra Brooks Welch entitled, "The Touch of the Master's Hand" which tells the story of an old violin being auctioned for a few dollars, when from the back of the room comes a grey haired old man, who picking up the bow, adjusting it, plays a melody, "As sweet as the angels sing".  When he is done the violin promptly sells for thousands of dollars. Why? Because the master touched it and revealed its value. Each of us is like that violin; fearfully and wonderfully made, yet we are dirty and out of tune, we may even be damaged by our actions and by others but if we let the master touch us, and we cooperate with him, it can all change.  Forgiveness stands at the center of our faith, forgiveness of others, certainly, for we can be forgiven, as we forgive.  God's forgiveness of us restores our humanity.  It makes us who we were meant to be and as often as we sin, God will forgive us.  Never do we need to say we cannot be saved, for even in the darkest moment, God is there. When God interacts with us we change and become wonderful. Yet, how do we stay that way? What stops us from falling back into the vices, laziness, lust, pride, etc.?   There is an old saying which helps us at this point. Sow a thought, reap an action, Sow an action, reap a habit, Sow a habit, reap a lifestyle St. John Paul II told us 'actions both determine and reveal who we are' thus, if we want to 'stay in tune' we need to act accordingly.  If I want to be patient, I must act patiently, even if I don't 'feel' it.  For if I do, I will become patient.  If I want to be kind, then I must act kindly, etc. Ultimately, that which allows us to stay strong is Jesus Christ.  For he is the one who is with us always, even to the end of the world.  So most of all, first and last, at the beginning of your day, and throughout it, and at the end, cast yourself into the loving arms of Christ.  We are safest in the master's hands. God bless, Timothy Gallic Principal, Holy Family High School 303-410-1411

From the Principal's Desk 5.8

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Friends,

The other night I decided to replace the faucet in my kitchen sink.  Having done this sort of thing many times before I approached it without any tribulation and got out my tools to change it.  Alas, the best laid plans of mice and men so often go astray- Robert Frost.   Two hours later I surveyed the kitchen, the hacksaw, the pry bar, the hammer, the screw gun, several wrenches, a heap of paper towels and a pair of scissors, all laying haphazardly, with the clear signs of having been recently used, were in clear view. (Footnote- I did manage to get the new faucet in place and it looks great)  Looking at the scene, several principles came to mind:     You should not start a job if you do not mean to finish it,    It is a good idea to have extra resources before starting a project,   You will pass a point of no return if you hope to succeed and luck seldom, if ever, plays a part in it.

These principles, and others, apply to many things in life but most of all we should note that only by preparing and planning do we hope to succeed.  One of the hardest things to teach a young person is the need to bring extra resources and to realize that one decision will inevitably affect other things.  For this reason we want our students to learn all they can; they never know exactly what tool they will need, and we want them to be able to move with confidence when the time for action comes.

If we don't take these risks, if we don't venture forward, then we are stuck where we are.  Only by risking defeat can we ever win.  God calls us to be bold in His service, to prepare carefully and commit fully.  We are not supposed to often rush blindly into something, though we seldom know exactly what we are getting into.   Life serving Christ is exciting, challenging, difficult and rewarding, it's a fast ski down a steep hill, a parachute jump out of a perfectly good plane,  and it's all I want to do.

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Timothy Gallic

Principal, Holy Family High School

303-410-1411

From the Principals Desk 5.7

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK Dear Friends, In our lives there appear choices to make; often a time for choosing appears before us.  Some of these choices seem to run to the trivial; what am I to order for lunch, what suit will I wear today, should I take one route or another, and yet the consequences of an action lie outside our control.  As humans we have power only over our own actions, not anyone else, although we are affected by other's actions.  Therefore the only thing I can change in a situation is myself. For students this means that how their classes go, what grades they get, etc., depends on their actions, namely how they interact with their fellow students and with their teacher.   For teachers, the only way their class can perform well depends on how the teacher acts.  It is by working together that learning is accomplished and the goal of education is reached.  If I wait for the teacher to do their job before I do mine, or as a teacher I wait for the students to get their act together, in all likelihood nothing will happen.  Only by both parties participating can success be achieved.  St. John Paul II would call this a mutually revelatory experience where, because actions both reveal and determine who we are, both sides reveal their true selves.   This is not to say we shouldn't encourage and correct, actually this is an argument for encouragement and correction.  Still one cannot forget the only 'actor' for whom I have control and responsibility is myself and on the day of Judgment we shall be called upon to give an account of our actions,  only ours. The best part of everyone working together is the result.  If you have ever rowed a boat with someone else you know how much faster and further you go when all are pulling in the same direction.  We are pledged here to work with your student for their success and we thank you for trusting us with your child. God bless, Timothy Gallic Principal, Holy Family High School 303-410-1411

From the Principal's Desk 5.6

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK Dear Friends, The pace of school nears its zenith and our students may be showing signs of struggle.  In all of life we find that many difficult things are done for simply one reason, we believe they do us well.  Consider 'healthy food', some claim that all healthy food tastes bad, but could that be true? In actuality we eat healthy food often but the only reason we eat less than delectable food, is because we believe it to be good for us.  Hence the statement put correctly would be, "One often only eats gross food when it is healthy."   A farmer in the dead of winter might be tempted to use next year's seed for food but if he did, there would be no seed to sow for next year's crop.  A student may have to sacrifice taking a nap today and work instead so that when bed time comes they can sleep the night through. In fact, we must often decide to put off current pleasure for long term benefit. This stands as one of the most beneficial lessons we could ever teach our students, for its application extends to all areas of life; It is Far cheaper and easier to give up a little now so as to benefit largely later on. This lesson, while critical, generally takes a while to learn and we must patiently encourage our students as they learn it.   So tonight when they are burning the midnight oil finishing up their assignments, let us encourage them, for it is all for good. We never know all that God will ask us to do, so whatever he sends us must be there to get us ready for the next task. Pax et Bonum! Timothy Gallic Principal, Holy Family High School 303-410-1411 p.s. Thank you to all who have sent us questions,  comments, cares or concerns, please don't stop!

From the Principal's Desk 5.5

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK Dear Friends, The fall is a time to harvest and to celebrate the good work of the spring and summer.  Where I grew up the fall meant apple picking, cider and fresh donuts, typically eaten by a rushing stream in some forest of colorful falling leaves. It is a time to celebrate in a special way the good that has been done, however mindful we are not finished working, for so much good goes on around us which we miss. The beauty of the sunrise, the blueness of the sky, the smell of fresh coffee, the life in our children, and so much more goes around us practically unseen.  It needn't be this way; we can recognize the great qualities of our teachers and classes, the wonder of young faces learning so much more if we decided to take note.  There is always room to criticize and complain and there is always room to praise and bless.  Which will we choose today? It has been often stated to the students that they are precious and special because they are God's children.  During Spirit week we get a unique chance to see just how awesome they are and how much we are blessed by them.  For while nothing on this earth lasts forever, the good that we do can keep blessing us for an eternity. For the beauty of the earth, For the beauty of the skies, For the Love which from our birth Over and around us lies: Christ, our God, to Thee we raise This our Sacrifice of Praise. For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree and flower, Sun and moon and stars of light: Christ, our God, to Thee we raise This our Sacrifice of Praise. How does such an idea affect teaching?  Simply put, students who learn in a positive, grateful environment with very real challenges and productive feedback have the greatest chance of success in life. Thank you once again for all the support you give us here and for sending your students to us.  We promise to be worthy of such trust. Pax et Bonum! Timothy Gallic Principal, Holy Family High School 303-410-1411 p.s. we always welcome cares, comments, concerns, criticisms and complaints, please let us know what you are thinking.

From the Principal's Desk 5.4

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK Dear Friends, Last Saturday we laid to rest the mortal remains of our dear friend Joseph Domko.   As we finished the funeral mass and departed it came to mind the words we hear every Ash Wednesday, 'Remember man, that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.'  We are all called upon to one day die and then give an account of our lives.  In many ways this is like taking an exam or a test; We are instructed, asked to do problems demonstrating and helping us build mastery and then we are called upon to prove that mastery.  So in that sense school helps us prepare for life. Of Joe's great traits honesty, hard work, courage and charity were hallmarks.   Imagine a school in which we work diligently and honestly, with courage we accept what God sends us, and show charity to all.  This would be a school we would all want to part of, and we can.  We can have all of these wonderful traits and more, if we only ask in faith and then act in faith. Finally, as your students start getting grades in classes please remember to check PowerSchool often and be quick to contact the teacher if you see something you want to discuss.  Education works best when there is communication going on, for learning is a dynamic process. May God be with all of you and bless your week, Timothy Gallic Principal/President Holy Family High School 303-410-1411

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK 5.3

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Friends,

As the school year now moves into high gear your students better can apprehend the requirements of their classes and determine the appropriate responses.  Knowledge, not merely of the subject matter, but also of the instructor, changes the outlook of many a class.  As the old phrase states, 'Knowledge is Power'.

For this reason, the Oracle of Delphi famously commanded, 'Know thyself' and Socrates told the world, 'The unexamined life is not worth living', for in examining who we are and knowing who we are we emerge better equipped to know how to approach the world. We can examine our lives with every assignment we complete, or don't, with every task we do, with every essay we write or through conversations with others.  Our actions both determine and reveal who we are, as St. John Paul the Great told us.   High school is all about learning who we are and changing it as needed so that we become the best versions of ourselves.   

What is most critical is where we start, for if we know who we are as God's children, so special that when we had a debt so large that only God could pay it, He did.  Our children and ourselves are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139); In so many ways they excel and surpass. Our task, both as parents and teachers is to aid our students so that one day they will fully stand alongside us making this a better world.  From what I can see we are moving in the right direction.  Thank you for your trust in us.  It is our pleasure to serve all of you.

Pax et Bonum!

  

Timothy Gallic

Principal/President Holy Family High School

From the Principal's Desk 5.2

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK Dear Friends, Ordinarily in this space I write about an educational topic and this week will be no different despite as it may first appear.   Saturday, a dear friend and long term teacher died.  Joseph Domko, (1945-2014) passed from this world as a man who impacted many lives of students and fellow faculty members.  As hard as it proves to sum up so many talents in a few short words, let me first state he was a man of God.  Christ inspired his teaching, his coaching and his life and I will say that in all the years I have been involved with education, Joe Domko was one of the finest men I have ever seen.   To walk into his class and see the memento's to a life of wrestling, he was our head wrestling coach, to his military service, he bravely served in Vietnam, to see images of his family, whom he loved dearly, and so much more paints a picture of a man who knew himself and his God.   Those who have been in his class, who learned at the feet of the master, will know what I mean when I say, WOW!   To Joe's family I must say thank you, for all the years and time he spent here, blessing us with his counsel, his knowledge and his charity.  He arrives at the Pearly Gates not empty handed. All of us are to be called one day before the Lord to give account of ourselves, may we be as ready as our friend and brother, Joseph Domko. Requiescat in pace   God bless, Timothy Gallic Principal, Holy Family High School 303-410-1411

From the Principal's Desk 5-1

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Parents and Friends,

The new school year starts with great expectation and excitement, but it does so in a world filled with the dissonant cries of pain.  There is war in the Ukraine, there is ISIS wreaking evil unimaginable throughout the Middle East, there is Ebola and Gaza, and so much more.  In the face of a world that sits upon a precipice, God calls us not to be idle, but to act.  So the inevitable question now arises, in what way should we act?

At the outset of the Second World War, C.S. Lewis gave a talk entitled Learning in Wartime,
https://www.cslewis.com/blog/learning-in-war-time/. In it, he states the following:

"Never, in peace or war, commit your virtue or your happiness to the future. Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment "as to the Lord". It is only our daily bread that we are encouraged to ask for. The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received."

So for us, we are called this year to work on our studies, to accomplish those tasks we are called to do.  There is no better time than now to learn about Math, or Science, or English, or Social Studies; there is no better time to practice ones faith!; Or to act in a play, or to join a team.  For in doing so we fulfill God's purpose for us this year and help turn back the tide of evil, for we should focus our attention on what is good, not ignoring evil, but rather putting it in its proper context, for one learns about beauty by studying beauty.

This ties in nicely with the theme of the school year,

"Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom."  Psalm 145.

Only by sharing what is good can others find it out.  We see what good has been done at the school, and we tell others about it and invite them to see it.   There is a tremendous amount of good and worthy things going on at Holy Family, from retreats, to sports, to academics, to ceremonies.  We are going to do our best to share it with as many as possible, we invite you to help!

In this world there is either room for good or for evil.  Let us do our part in sharing the Good News, and let evil flee.  Just look at what has happened with the Ice Bucket Challenge, (Personal Note- My Father died of ALS) where people of every walk have embraced cold water and donated money for the defeat of a truly horrible disease.  (I would suggest donating to  the JP II Medical Research Institute  http://www.jp2mri.org/ ). Over 51 million dollars have been raised and I am certain that those who suffer this disease are encouraged to hear others support them.   This is a good example of how the good displaces evil.

This year will be a great one for Holy Family, we have only to join together to make it so.  Thank you so very much for partnering with us, for allowing us to teach your most precious children. 

God bless,

Timothy Gallic

Principal, Holy Family High School