Dear St. Joseph Hill Academy Families, Alumni, Associates and Friends,
We have completed our first two full weeks of school, and I am delighted to extend a warm and joy‑filled welcome back to each of you and to all our new families. The opening of this new school year has been marked by enthusiasm, cooperation, and a beautiful school spirit of unity and cooperation among our Hilltoppers. Their readiness to learn and their kindness toward one another have made these early days a true blessing for our entire Hill community.
Throughout the building, routines are becoming established, classroom expectations are being embraced, and a spirit of respect and responsibility is evident. Our students are settling in with confidence, and their teachers are deeply proud of the focus and growth they see each day. Each Marvelous Monday brings fewer tears from our youngest students and more joyful faces as students greet their classmates at the Golden Doors, gather in the Auditorium or climb the hill to the high school to begin their day.
We also began the year gathered around the altar of the Lord for our first school Masses last Monday, September 21st. The participation of our students was prayerful and sincere, and it is our hope that each celebration of the Eucharist will deepen their love for Jesus and strengthen our unity as a school family. Together, we will continue shaping our auditorium into a truly sacred space where our students learn to worship with reverence, listen with open hearts, and respond generously to God’s grace.
This year, we are guided by our school‑wide spiritual theme: “Rooted in Charity, Growing in Grace.”
To be rooted in charity means that everything begins in love—Christ’s love—expressed through kindness, forgiveness, service, and compassion. Charity is the soil in which our students grow strong, and it reflects the very heart of our Congregation’s mission.
To be growing in grace means allowing God to shape us, guide us, and transform us. Grace is His presence in our joys and challenges, His peace in our worries, and His strength in our efforts. As our students grow in grace, they become more fully the young people God created them to be.
This week, our Hill community has the joy of honoring several beloved saints whose lives reflect our theme. On September 29, we celebrate the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, heavenly protectors and messengers of God who remind our students of courage, guidance, and healing. October is dedicated to our Blessed Mother and the Holy Rosary. I encourage your family to pray the Rosary together, drawing your children closer to Jesus through its mysteries and offering your prayers for all those entrusted to our care, for peace in the world and for the intentions and safety of our Holy Father Pope Leo as he visits France. We honor St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the Little Flower, on October 1st whose “little way” teaches us that small acts done with great love transform the world. On October 2nd we celebrate our Guardian Angels, thanking God for His constant care and asking their protection over our students each day. On October 4th we rejoice in the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a model of peace, simplicity, and charity whose love for all creation inspires us to treat one another with gentleness and respect. These feast days offer our students beautiful examples of holiness lived through kindness, courage, prayer, and service.
We also give thanks for a historic moment in the life of the Church: the beatification of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, celebrated this past week in St. Louis, Missouri. Bishop Sheen’s powerful witness of evangelization, prayer, and love for the Eucharist continues to inspire Catholics across the world. His example encourages our students to use their gifts boldly, to speak truth with charity, and to let Christ’s light shine through their lives.
A successful school year depends on clear, consistent, and open communication. Please know that I am here—working closely with Mr. Hansen, Dr. Sherwood, and our dedicated faculty and staff—to make God’s love visible each day. Together, we strive to prepare our students from Pre-K 3 through High School to be strong in their faith, confident in their learning, and committed to serving others. We teach them to treat one another with respect by following Jesus’ great commandment: to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbor as themselves.
I am also delighted to share wonderful news from our Elementary School's Boosterthon. Thanks to your generosity and encouragement, we reached our initial goal of $45,000—and then surpassed it beyond our expectations. Your support strengthens our programs, enhances student experiences, and reflects your deep commitment to our mission. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your participation in this important endeavor. Congratulations everyone.
As we move forward, I kindly ask for your partnership in helping our students take responsibility for their personal belongings. Last year, our Lost and Found grew significantly, and many items were never claimed. In just these first two weeks, we have already collected numerous articles of clothing and supplies. Please label all items—including clothing, water bottles, lunch boxes, bookbags, sweatshirts, computer sleeves, and even winter coats. Clear labeling helps us return belongings quickly and teaches our children the importance of being responsible and caring for their belongings in and outside of the classroom.
Thank you for entrusting your children to us and for walking with us in faith, charity, and grace. May this year be one of growth, joy, and deepening love for God and one another. The Sisters and I remember you in our prayers and Mass intentions each week.
Know that Jesus loves you and never forgets you; He knows each of you by name and calls you to live His Gospel message of love— “Rooted in Charity, Growing in Grace.”
St. Joseph our patron and guide watch over us.
With gratitude, love and the promise of prayers,
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.
President, St. Joseph Hill Academy
Superior, Daughters of Divine Charity