Holy Family Alumni News

Volume 3, Issue 2 October, 2000

I hope you made the best of a soggy summer and found time for golf, vacationing, rest and renewal or whatever. Here at Holy Family, things were humming along. Our custodians, along with the inmate program from Gowanda Correctional Facility, made tremendous progress in our school building. Six classrooms were painted, the principal's office painted and delightfully decorated and the stage floor was sanded and refinished (first time since ??) and the back stage freshly painted. I hope that you will be able to enjoy all the improvements when you join us for the "All Class Reunion" on Friday evening, November 17, 2000.

During the summer days, I have met a number of our fellow graduates at weddings, funerals and other gatherings. It is always an inspiration and a joy to hear told the great memories of Holy Family School that continually enrich our lives. Our tuition-free years at Holy Family School with the "good sisters and great classmates" are a great gift to all of us. My thanks to all of you who helped fund a tuition assistance program for people who need help this year. (Our tuition is $850 for the first child). Here are some examples: a married couple - both HFS grads and there are many HFS couples, have pledged an annual gift to the fund; We raffled an autographed Goo Goo Dolls Guitar on the internet and raised $4000 for the fund (Mama Goo, Kathy Dietzel Takac "54 arranged this); a modest donation in memory of one of our deceased principals. Thanks one and all for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

The tradition continues at Holy Family. I am grateful to Sister Patricia Collins, our principal, our dedicated teaching and support staff, and the folks involved in our Development effort, for all they do for our children in this new Millennium. Please continue to hold us in your prayers and know that you are always in the prayers of our community at Holy Family.

Tom Brinkworth, class of '49, has agreed to Chair the event again and is looking for alumni to serve on the committee. Give Tom a call at 823-3936, if you can help out.

Over 200 alumni from all different classes attended the first reunion and the memories, laughs and renewing of old friendships filled the hall. We expect an even bigger crowd to attend this year and we don't want anyone to miss out.

While our alumni mailing list is growing, we need you to help "spread the word". Call your classmates. Make your reservations early

The 2000-2001 school year is off to a good start. We welcomed 176 students September 6, 2000. Small number compared to what Holy Family had years ago! However, we are working hard and our children get the best.

Friday, September 15th, our Opening Liturgy was held in Holy Family Church at 1:15pm. As usual, Father Bill had a beautiful Mass. Our class of 2001 participated as readers, gift bearers. We all felt our liturgy was a perfect way to begin our new school year.

Parents' Guild held an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, September 17th. Several families were in attendance. All enjoyed their ice cream on a windy day.

Pot Luck Supper and Meet the Teachers was held on Tuesday September 19th. There was a very good turn out and parents seemed satisfied.

Our school looks very nice. Yes the inmates from Gowanda were here again and painted many rooms. My office was painted and I now have a new blue carpet. Come and visit sometime!

As far as our faculty, we have the best. I had to hire a new Physical Education teacher, Spanish teacher, Music and Art Teacher. Part-time faculty is hard to find.

At the present time we are having a Candy Bar sale. Seems to be going well.

Thank you for all your support! Holy Family School is alive and well. Sincerely,

Sister Patricia Collins

Every little bit helps: Save your Tops Tapes, Box tops from General Mills products for Education, labels from Campbell soup products .... send them to Fr. Bill at the Rectory. The school will benefit greatly!

A recent questionaire to the teachers for this publication reveals this so aptly. One teacher says. "I have the freedom to teach in a Christ-centered atmosphere." Another remarks, "I really love the students. They have so much energy and enthusiasm for life. HFS provides an atmosphere where the entire life of the child is addressed: spiritual, intellectual and emotional."

Still another says, "Smaller class size enables our students to receive more individualized attention. I enjoy watching the students grow. Their smiles make me smile."

Some of the present staff have been teaching at HFS for over 20 years and with newer staff members they continue to grow and offer the best to all their students. We salute all members of the faculty and staff of HFS.

No doubt you have memories of that "Special Teacher" whose experience and dedication helped you prepare for the challenges of the world. We would like to feature them in this column. Who was your favorite teacher? Why? Teachers, alums, and students would love to hear about them!

WISH LIST VOLUNTEER HELP IN THE LIBRARY RELIGIOUS VIDEOS & FILMSTRIPS FILM PROJECTOR MICROSCOPES/ROCK SAMPLES

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW CAN DONATE OR HELP, PLEASE, CALL THE RECTORY, 716 822-0308. THANKS

The committee continues to search and research ways to encourage community, parent and alumni support of HFS. Some members of the faculty have joined the committee to help broaden the perspective of the needs and atmosphere of the school. As Father Bill mentioned in his column, your support has been most encouraging and one of the initial goals, "tuition assistance", is off and running. A survey was sent out to the parents at the end of the school year and the response was excellent and informative. Right now the committee is participating in a "strategic planning" process, being led by Mr. Mike Reilly, and a future "Capital Campaign" is being considered. The uniqueness of a Development Committee on the grammar school level has sparked the interest of other diocesan grammar schools and with the support of Larry Carroll, Diocesan Development Director. The committee has been sharing its growth and development. Your support is making things happen!

Always Searching

Don't worry about duplicating what we already have. We will check each form that comes in against the current data base..

Graduates currently living out of town are particularly hard to find.

Thanks again for all your help!

HOLY FAMILY GRADUATES
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