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March 5, 2026

“Saints look at everything with God’s eyes; they measure their existence in God’s light; they do not give into confusion because they live in the reality of truth.” Venerable Cardinal Van Thuan

Dear Parents,

As we begin the month of March, we conclude the third quarter this Friday. As the spring arrives, there are many exciting things happening this month. We hope you will join us for our community events! Here are a few of the important events happening this month:

· March 6: Coffee and Community at 7:30 a.m.
· March 6: Family movie night at 6:30 p.m.
· March 10: STEM Night at 5:00 p.m.
· March 12: Parent Education Series: Middle School Course Review at 8:15 a.m.
· March 12 and 13: Sound in Motion at 2:00 p.m.
· March 16-20: Spring Break
· March 27: Full day of classes due to ice storm
· March 27: Pins and Wheels Spirit Night
· March 30: MAP window opens

I am happy to share that our calendar for the 26/27 school year has been approved. It can be viewed here.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

Feburary 26, 2026

“More than anything else, I want to console our Lord.” St. Francisco Marto

Dear Parents,

It has been a busy week for our Holy Family students!

Last weekend, 28 middle school students presented their History Day projects at the Regional History Day competition. One student documentary and one group website will be advancing to the state competition in April. This is the first year that our middle school students have participated in the History Day competition, and it has been wonderful to see the school level competition and celebrate our students who are advancing to the state competition.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to witness the cast and crew of Oz perform in the PSIA District One Act Play Competition. Sitting the auditorium, I was struck by how much fun the middle school students were having during their performance. It was contagious to see these young men and women take to the stage and perform with such passion. The performance was excellent, and I look forward to cheering them on at the state competition on March 13!

This Saturday, many of our students in grades 1-8 will represent Holy Family at the PSIA District Competition as well. These students will compete in competitions ranging from writing and math to listening skills and speaking events. Since last semester, parent and faculty volunteers have coached the teams of students and helped prepare them for their specific events. As our students compete, I look forward to seeing these children do their best throughout the day. Go Angels!

Beginning March 9, our school community will pray a novena for all Dads. On the last day of our novena, Fathers and Father-figures are all invited to a Father’s Retreat on March 26 from 8:00-11:00. We hope you will join us for a morning of faith, fellowship, and food. The retreat will end with our school Mass at 10:00 where you will receive a special blessing.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

February 19, 2026

“We were burning in that light which is God, and we were not consumed. What is God Like? It is impossible to say. In fact, we will never be able to tell people.” St. Francisco Marto

Dear Parents,

Yesterday, our school began the season of Lent with Mass at 2:00 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Chris Downey, who is currently the administrator at St. Vincent de Paul. During his homily, he invited all of us to prayerfully consider how we might pray, fast, and give alms throughout this Lenten season.

I believe Lent is an invitation for each of us to take a step closer to Jesus. As I reflected on the ways He is calling me to grow in my own faith journey, I spent time praying with the Litany of Humility. Over the years, I’ve returned to this litany often, and each time a new phrase speaks to my heart. Humility stands in contrast to the values of the world, and I often find it challenging to let go of the desire for self-reliance or recognition, and instead allow my words, actions, and thoughts to flow from the Lord.

This Lent, I feel the Lord inviting me to spend more intentional time with Him in prayer. Today, I take another step on this Lenten path. During this holy season, how is the Lord inviting you to draw closer to Him? I hope you will journey with me as together we discern where the Lord is calling us to holiness and joyfully say “yes.”

Tomorrow, we will gather for Adoration at 10:00 a.m. in the church as we spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It is a beautiful gift to rest with Him and to offer gratitude for the many blessings in our lives.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

February 12, 2026

“More than anything else, I want to console our Lord.” St. Francisco Marto

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow, there will be no classes for students. Our faculty and staff will be engaged in a full day of professional learning. The faculties of Holy Family and Savio will come together for a joint professional development day. We will begin with Mass, followed by two keynote sessions with Dr. Brett Salkeld, author of Educating for Eternity: A Teacher’s Companion for Making Every Class Catholic. Faculty will also participate in two workshops designed to help them bring the day’s learning to life in their classrooms.

Students will also be off on Monday in observance of President’s Day. We hope your family enjoys the long weekend together!

The season of Lent begins on February 18. Our Ash Wednesday Mass will take place at 2:00 p.m. this week.

Calendar Update: Due to the two ice days in January, we will be adjusting the school calendar to recover the instructional minutes that were missed. The Superintendent has waived one day, so we are required to make up the second day. Yesterday, the Diocese of Austin approved our updated calendar. Originally, both March 27 and April 2 were scheduled as early dismissal days; these will now be regular dismissal days. I will share additional information soon regarding opportunities for faculty and parents to connect for conferences. In the meantime, if you have concerns about your child’s academic progress, you are always welcome to reach out to your child’s teacher.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

February 5, 2026

“More than anything else, I want to console our Lord.” St. Francisco Marto

Dear Parents,

Over 100 years ago, three children were together when a beautiful lady appeared to them and asked them to return to the same spot on the 13th of each month for the next six months. She encouraged the children to learn to read and to pray the rosary for an end to the war and the gift of peace. Today, we know this apparition of Mary to the three children as Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Francisco Marto was one of the children whom Mary visited.

St. Francisco was unable to hear Mary’s message, so his sister, St. Jacinta, lovingly shared Our Blessed Mother’s words with him. During the months when Mary appeared to St. Francisco, St. Jacinta, and their cousin Lucia, the children endured great suffering in order to remain faithful to Mary’s mission. St. Francisco died of influenza only a few years later, offering his illness and pain with faith and devotion.

If you would like to learn more about the children of Fatima and Our Lady of Fatima, please visit these resources:

· Saint Summary and Reflection

· Our Lady of Fatima Radio Show

This week, I am pleased to announce that registration for Kid’s College is now open! Please mark your calendars for Kid’s College 2026, which will take place June 1–5 and June 8–12. Sessions are open to students entering preschool through 8th grade.

Students do not need to be enrolled at Holy Family, so feel free to invite a friend! Children can look forward to engaging sessions ranging from STEM and problem-solving to music and more. Additional details can be found in the e-newsletter. We hope to see you there!

God Bless,
Erin Vu

January 29, 2026

“To love is to will the good of the other,”  St. Thomas Aquinas

Dear Parents,

Thank you.

As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I have spent time reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

I have been especially struck by the call to give thanks in all circumstances. Life is messy, filled with both joyful moments and difficult days. Giving thanks on the good days comes easily; the real challenge is thanking God and recognizing His gifts during the hard ones.

Last week, our home was filled with illness. I was sick, some of my children were sick, and my husband had to manage the rest of our schedule on his own while I was quarantined in an effort to limit the spread of germs. As I lay in bed, it was difficult to see reasons for gratitude. Yet God was present, gently inviting me to notice moments of grace. I am grateful for the time to rest and heal, and I am especially thankful to be back on campus this week.

Catholic Schools Week is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the people who make our school such a wonderful place to be. This week, I am especially grateful for our families, students, faculty, and staff. Thank you for your partnership and collaboration as we walk together and support our students on the path to holiness.

Without all of you, Holy Family would simply be an address with empty buildings. Holy Family Catholic School is a vibrant, faith-filled community because of the people God has called to be here. I am deeply thankful for each person who has said “yes” to being part of our community.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

January 22, 2026

“We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject, for both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it.” St. Thomas Aquinas

Dear Parents,

Catholic Schools Week is a special time when Catholic schools across the country come together to celebrate the many people who support and enrich our school communities. At Holy Family, we will spend the week recognizing the individuals who make our school an amazing place to learn and grow.

Each day, we will focus on a different group of people who contribute to our campus. In addition to prayer, students will enjoy special dress days and meaningful activities throughout the week.

Sunday: Celebrating Our Parishes

· Students are invited to wear their school uniform to Sunday Mass.

· Students are encouraged to thank their parish priest and take a picture with him.

Monday: Celebrating Our Nation

· Students may wear red, white, and blue. Jean pants are permitted.

· Students will write letters to first responders.

Tuesday: Celebrating Faculty, Staff, and Volunteers

· Students may dress like a teacher.

· Students will write a positive note to a teacher.

Wednesday: Celebrating Our Families

· Students may dress as their parents dressed when they were their age. Jean pants are permitted.

· Family Code Night at 6:00 p.m. in the Savio Gym. Families will come together, have pizza, and enjoy a great evening drafting their family mission or “code.” Please see below for more information.

· Students are encouraged to help their families by completing an extra chore at home.

Thursday: Celebrating Our Priests and Sisters

· Students will wear their Mass uniform.

· Students will write thank-you letters to a priest.

Friday: Celebrating Our Students

· Students should dress according to a theme determined by their advisory or homeroom.

· Students will participate in a spirit rally.

In addition to Catholic Schools Week, we are closely monitoring the weather. Please look for a special message tomorrow regarding our procedures for any potential school delays or closures on Monday due to inclement weather.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

January 15, 2026

“Wonder is the desire for knowledge.” St. Thomas Aquinas

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow, students in grades 1–8 will bring home their NWEA MAP scores from the winter testing window. These reports show your child’s current achievement and, if applicable, their growth since previous tests. This is a snapshot of your child’s progress at this point in the year. If you have questions about your child’s MAP data, please contact their teacher.

Data Terms Used During MAP Review

· Mean: The average score for a group of students.

· Median: The middle score when all scores are arranged from lowest to highest.

· Growth Percentile: Shows how much a student has grown compared to other students with similar starting points.

School-wide Median Data

Our students continue to perform very well on the MAP test. The median percentile shows how our students compare nationally. For example, a median percentile of 82% means our students scored better than 82% of students across the country in that subject.

Math Median Percentile - 72%

Reading Median Percentile - 78%

Language Median Percentile - 83%

Science Median Percentile - 82%

School-wide Median Growth Data

Growth percentiles measure progress from fall to winter. When achievement scores are already high, growth percentiles typically fall in the average range (41–60%). Our school’s growth percentiles are:

Math Median Growth Percentile from Winter 2025-2026 - 48%

Reading Median Growth Percentile from Winter 2025-2026 - 58%

Language Median Growth Percentile from Winter 2025-2026 - 59%

Science Median Growth Percentile from Winter 2025-2026 - 61%

MAP Mean Winter 2025/2026 Data

When comparing each grade level to students in the diocese and nationwide, our students scored above average in every subject. For detailed mean scores by grade and subject, click the link below.

Impact of MAP Data

This semester, our teachers have implemented new strategies to support learning:

· Small-group instruction in English Language Arts

· What I Need Now (WINN) sessions in elementary math

· Monthly math professional development for teachers by Dr. Patrick Kirkland

We reviewed MAP data as a faculty in January to evaluate these initiatives and plan next steps for spring.

The next MAP testing window begins March 30.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

January 8, 2026

“The Eucharist is the sacrament of love: It signifies love, it produces love. The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life.” St. Thomas Aquinas

Dear Parents,

We hope you had a joyful holiday season. It has been a busy and exciting start to the second semester, and we’re thrilled to share what’s happening in our community.

This month, our Friend for the Journey is St. Thomas Aquinas. He lived in Italy from 1226–1274 and was a Dominican preacher and Doctor of the Church. His feast day is celebrated on January 28.

St. Thomas Aquinas wrote beautiful hymns about the Eucharist, including O Salutaris Hostia, which we sing during Adoration. He is also known for his profound writings on the Catholic faith, especially his final work, The Summa Theologiae.

Did you know? St. Thomas was friends with St. Bonaventure, who is also a Doctor of the Church!

If you would like to learn more at St. Thomas, please check out the resources below:

· St. Thomas Aquinas Biography

· St. Thomas Aquinas Radio Show

Tomorrow, report cards will be sent electronically for the second quarter.

Families in grades 1-8 will receive MAP scores next week on Friday, January 16.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

December 11, 2025

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoiced in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46

Dear Parents,

As we enter the third week of Advent, our focus turns to joy! At Mass this Sunday, you’ll notice the priest wearing rose, and we will light three candles on the Advent wreath.

At home, our family lights the Advent wreath during dinner. When the third candle is lit, the room glows a little brighter as a reminder that Christmas is drawing near. The anticipation at our dinner table is truly palpable as we await the celebration of Christ’s birth.

This season of waiting invites us to pause and seek moments of stillness amidst the busyness of our calendars.

As we prepare for the final week before break, I want to wish all our middle school students the best of luck on their midterm exams next week.

Next Friday, December 19, will be our last school day before Christmas break.

· PK–1 students may wear pajamas to school on Friday.

· Grades 2–8 are invited to wear jeans paired with a Christmas shirt or sweater on Friday. Spirit wear shirts are also welcome.

Thank you for helping us make this Advent season meaningful and joyful for our students and families.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

December 4, 2025

“Do whatever He tells you.” John 2:5

Dear Parents,

This month, our friend for the journey is our Blessed Mother. She has many titles, but one of her titles is Mother of the Eucharist. As the mother of God, Mary knew Jesus before the rest of the world. As she carried Him in her womb, she would have felt His little kicks long before she gazed into His eyes.

Mary’s friend for the journey is St. Joseph. Together, they formed the Holy Family. Both Mary and Joseph carried the joys and sorrows of life together. As a couple, they experienced the challenge of traveling to Bethlehem shortly before Jesus was born.

Our families are called to be holy families. We are called to model the life of the Holy Family by trusting the Lord who loves us. When trials come, we are invited to follow the model of the Holy Family and say “yes” to God. Mary said “yes” to the Angel Gabriel to become the mother of God. Joseph said “yes” to being the earthly father for Jesus. They were both called to leave everything and flee to another country to protect their Son shortly after His birth. These are just a few of the many ways that they modeled total trust in the Lord by saying "yes" to the will of the Father.

How is God calling our families to deepen our trust in Him this advent season?

This season of Advent, all families are invited to spend time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at 9:30 on December 13 at the Mingle at the Manger event. This time will be an opportunity for families to come together and pray. Bring your burdens and joys to the foot of the altar. The Lord is inviting everyone to model the Holy Family and place all our trust in Him.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

November 20, 2025

“In serving others, we serve God.” St. Martin de Porres

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow, we are excited to welcome Grandparents and Grandfriends to campus! We will conclude the day with a middle school pep rally. This week has been full of wonderful activities, including the Book Fair and a visit from Mrs. Poe, our Superintendent of Catholic Schools. As the week wraps up, we will send all our students home for a well-deserved Thanksgiving break.

Whether you are staying close to home or traveling far, I hope you and your family enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving filled with faith, family, and friends.

When we return, the season of Advent will be upon us, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent on November 30. As we light the first candle, we enter a new liturgical year and reflect on the theme of hope.

As you prepare for this special season, consider ways your family can grow in holiness together. This might include setting aside intentional prayer time, exploring Scripture through the Jesse Tree, sharing stories, baking, playing games, or performing random acts of kindness. Let’s embrace Advent with hearts full of hope as we await the coming of Jesus.

Looking ahead to December, the second MAP testing window will open for students in grades 1–8. We will also celebrate with Christmas concerts and family events. Please check our school calendar for details: Calendar - Holy Family Catholic School

Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday!

God Bless,
Erin Vu

November 14, 2025

"Do not complain, that shows discontent with the will of God in the present moment. That is also proof of impatience.” St. Martin de Porres

Dear Parents,

This month, we reflect on St. Martin de Porres as our Friend for the Journey. Born in Peru in 1579, Martin’s life was marked by humility and service. His mother was a former slave, and his father abandoned the family when Martin was very young. Despite these hardships, Martin apprenticed as a barber-surgeon and later became a lay Dominican.

Eventually, the Dominican community invited him to profess vows.

St. Martin saw every person as a beloved child of God. He ministered to anyone in need regardless of race, color, or social status. Each day, he spent time caring for the poor and the sick, and each night he devoted his time to prayer.

Above all, St. Martin had a profound love for Jesus in the Eucharist. His life reminds us of the power of seeing each person as a child of God.

If you would like to learn more about St. Martin de Porres, please visit:

Saint Martin de Porres | Franciscan Media
St. Martin de Porres - Feast Days, Prayers, Patronage, Quotes and More – Hallow
 

God Bless,
Erin Vu

November 6, 2025

“Always consider others as more holy and more worthy than you, at the same time strive to be as holy as you can be.” St. Martin de Porres

Dear Parents,

On Monday, a kindergarten student came running across the courtyard with the biggest smile on her face. As I greeted her, she joyfully exclaimed, “I just got to visit Jesus!” She went on to share that her teacher had taken the class to the new Oratory of the Holy Angels for a visit.

Moments like this have been happening all week, as students from various grades have stopped by to spend time with Jesus. Whether it was after Spanish class, before a math test, or simply “just because,” our students have been taking time for quiet prayer in the Oratory.

We are truly blessed to have Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament on our campus. Thanks to the time, talent, and treasure of our entire community, we now have a sacred space where students can encounter Christ in a personal and meaningful way.

This week, we also celebrate Vocations Awareness Week. Let us take time to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We are especially grateful for the presence of Fr. Lijo, Fr. Roopesh, Fr. Tom, Sister Mary Avila, Sister Chiara Luce, Sister Rene Noel, and Sister Maria Miguel here at Holy Family. Please join us in lifting them up in prayer, along with the priests and sisters who serve in our parishes.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

October 30, 2025

“Let us love, since our hearts are made for nothing else.” St. Thérèse de Lisieux

Dear Parents,

This week, our students learned about their own brain development. They learned about the “gas pedal” in the brain known as the limbic system and the “break pedal” in the brain known as the frontal lobe. They also learned about how some apps and technology companies use their knowledge of the brain to create products that are designed for people to want to use them more and more.

The student presentation was different from the parent presentation earlier this month; however, if you would like to learn more about brain development and technology, please feel welcome to review the recorded parent presentation from earlier this month: Smart Families Presentation Recording

As we prepare for the start of November, there are few important dates that I would like to draw to your attention:

· November 7: Last day to register for Grandparents and Grandfriends Day

· November 13: Parent Education Series at 8:15 a.m.

· November 13: Humanities Night at 5:00 pm

· November 17-21: Book Fair

· November 21: Grandparents and Grandfriends Day

· November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break, No Classes Scheduled

For more information, please visit the school calendar: Calendar - Holy Family Catholic School

God Bless,
Erin Vu

October 23, 2025

“I take refuge, then, in prayer, and turn to Mary, and our Lord always triumphs.” St. Thérèse de Lisieux

Dear Parents,

It’s hard to believe we’re already approaching the end of October!

We’re excited to invite all our families to the Eat-N-Treat event on Thursday, October 30 hosted by our Parent Association. Come dressed in your Halloween costumes and enjoy an evening of dinner, games, and community fun! To help us ensure we have food and treats for everyone, please RSVP using the link in this newsletter. This is a free event, and we’d love to see you there.

Friday, October 31 will be a very special day as we celebrate the opening of our Oratory of the Holy Angels. Students may wear their spirit shirts and uniform bottoms. That morning, our 6th-grade students will present their Saint Projects at the pavilion. Each student has researched a saint and prepared an oral biography to share. We invite students and parents to stop by and learn more about these holy men and women.

At 10:00 AM, we will gather at St. Vincent de Paul for a special Adoration, followed by a Eucharistic Procession. The procession will conclude with the placement of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle of our new Oratory.

We are so excited to welcome Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to the Oratory of the Holy Angels. Over the past few weeks, many students have shared how excited they are to have a place where they can stop by and visit Jesus during the school day.

We owe a special thank you to Bishop Vásquez, Fr. Tom Reitmeyer, Fr. Paul-Michael Piega, the Dominican Sisters at Holy Family, our Liturgy Committee, Benefactors, Artists, Board, Parent Association, and our dedicated Faculty and Students. The support of our whole community has made it possible to bring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to our school!

God Bless,
Erin Vu

October 16, 2025

“Let us love, since our hearts are made for nothing else.” St. Thérèse de Lisieux

Dear Parents,

As you prepare for tomorrow’s student-led conferences, I’d like to share a summary of the school-wide NWEA MAP data for Holy Family.

Below are the median percentile achievement scores for all students who took the NWEA MAP assessment this fall. The median percentile represents the middle score when all student percentiles are ordered from the lowest to highest. These scores are categorized into quintiles based on NWEA normative data:

  • 1st–20th percentile: Low
  • 21st–40th percentile: Low Average
  • 41st–60th percentile: Average
  • 61st–80th percentile: High Average
  • Above 80th percentile: High

This year, the assessment has been re-normed. Because of this change, I will not be sharing growth data at this time, as the fall test was the first administration using the new norms. Growth data will be shared as the year progresses.

Overall, our students performed well on the MAP test this fall. If you have specific questions about your child’s performance, please feel free to speak with your child’s teacher during the student-led conferences. This is a great opportunity to review your child’s progress both on the assessment and in the classroom.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

October 9, 2025

“God would never inspire me with desires which cannot be realized; so in spite of my littleness, I can hope to be a saint.” St. Thérèse de Lisieux

Dear Parents,

As the first quarter concludes today, we want to thank you for your continued support and partnership. Report cards will be sent electronically on Thursday, October 16, and we look forward to seeing you at the student-led conferences on Friday, October 17.

This quarter has been full of meaningful events, including the State of the School address and the Smart Families Presentation by Dr. Collier. For families who were unable to attend, we’ve made recordings available so you can stay informed and engaged. Please use the links below to view:

State of the School Recording
Smart Families Presentation Recording


We hope you enjoy the upcoming long weekend! There will be no classes from October 10–13, providing a great opportunity to spend quality time together as a family.

Thank you for choosing Holy Family. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful students and families in our community.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

October 2, 2025

"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word: always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” St. Therese of Lisieux

Dear Parents,

Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. She lived from 1873-1897, and she was a Carmelite Nun who practiced “the little way.” During her short life, she wrote an autobiography Story of a Soul which is still read today, and she is one of four female saints who has been declared a Doctor of the Church.

This month, as we reflect on St. Therese, I think it is also important for us to remember that this beautiful saint came from a family. In fact, this month, we are recognizing her parents Saints Louis and Zelie as well. As a couple, they showed their daughters how to love Jesus and love one another.

As a mom, I love seeing the witness of St. Therese and her parents. This is a gentle reminder that our family is called to holiness as we love Jesus and one another. This afternoon, as I wash the dishes and fold the laundry, I will consider how these little acts of service done with love help our family walk in holiness together.

If you would like to learn more about St. Therese or her parents this month, please check out the following resources:

· St. Therese of Lisieux radio show

· Biography of St. Therese of Lisieux

· Saints Louis and Zelie radio show

God Bless,
Erin Vu

September 25, 2025

“The only thing we have to ask God for, in prayer, is the desire to be holy.” Saint Carlo Acutis
Dear Parents,

The heat in the morning is less intense, and it is a reminder that fall is finally here. As we prepare to conclude the month of September, I would like to highlight a few important events and dates that are on the horizon:

MAP Scores sent home on September 26

Jeans Day Fundraiser for the Feast of the Archangels on September 29:
This is a day that students are welcome to wear jean pants and a t-shirt to school. Families are invited to offer a donation for the completion of the Oratory of the Holy Angels. These donations will provide funding for some of the last items for this phase of the Oratory project such as the lighting. We look forward to welcoming Jesus to Campus soon!

Picture Day on October 2
Students are expected to wear their Mass uniform and smile big!

Smart Families Presentations for Families on October 7 or If you plan to attend, please RSVP here.
 
Family Social Night on October 9
Bring the family for a Sock Hop, food, dancing, and fun!

1st Quarter Ends on October 9

No Classes on October 10 and 13

Student-led Conferences on October 17
Signups will be available next week for families to sign up. There are no scheduled classes on this day.

Health Screening on October 21-22

Smart Families Student Presentations on October 28-29
More information will be shared about the presentations in a few weeks.

Eat and Treat on October 30

For more information about upcoming events, please visit the school website.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

September 18, 2025

“Jesus, make yourself at home! Live within me as if it were your own dwelling!” Saint Carlo Acutis

Dear Parents,

Today, we welcome our new bishop to the Diocese of Austin. This afternoon, Bishop Daniel Garcia is being installed as the 6th bishop in our diocese. We welcome Bishop Garcia back to the Diocese of Austin where he has previously served as a priest. Over the next few weeks, I hope that you will join me in praying for Bishop Garcia as he begins his ministry as our shepherd. For more information about Bishop Garcia, please visit the Diocese of Austin website.

In a few weeks, we will have our parent session from Smart Families called Unveiling the Impact of Technology on Child Development by

Dr. Crystal Collier We hope that all families will join us for this informative session on October 7 at either 8:15 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. In order to ensure that we have enough seating for both sessions, we are asking that parents RSVP.

There will be childcare available for the evening session, and more information will be shared about the childcare soon. Based on feedback from Smart Families, this is a session that is geared toward parents. There will be sessions for the students later in the year, and more information will be shared before those events.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

September 11, 2025

“The Eucharist is the highway to heaven.” Saint Carlo Acutis

Dear Parents,

Today is a day that invites us to pause and reflect.

Twenty-four years ago, I was a student at a Catholic high school in Florida. During band class, we received the shocking news that one of the Twin Towers had been hit by a plane. We turned on the television and watched in disbelief as live footage showed the second plane crashing into the other tower. Later, we witnessed the towers fall.

The rest of the day felt surreal. Students were picked up early. Teachers wept. People prayed. Even now, those moments remain etched in my memory.

While most teachers kept the news coverage running throughout the day, my math teacher, Mrs. Randall, chose a different path. She welcomed us into her classroom and shared her story. As a teenager, she had fled Cuba with her sisters and never saw her parents again. She looked at us and said, “Sometimes the best thing we can do is keep going.” Then she opened our math book and began the lesson. I don’t remember what we learned that day, but I do remember the comfort of that one normal hour.

As human beings, we process both challenges and celebrations in community. Today is a day to remember and to pray.

Our 7th and 8th grade students have been interviewing people to hear their stories about September 11, 2001. Through this project, they are learning about oral history and the value of primary accounts. If a middle schooler approaches you and asks, “Where were you on September 11, 2001?” I hope you’ll take a moment to share your story.

God Bless,
Erin Vu

September 4, 2025

“To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.” Blessed Carlo Acutis

Dear Parents,

God is so good! Today, our PK and Kindergarten students joined with the rest of our student body for Mass. It was a joyous moment to welcome our youngest students into our community for the Sacrifice of the Mass.

I would like to especially thank Fr. Tom for celebrating Mass with us today. We are truly blessed to have such a supportive and faith-filled pastor walking alongside our school.

This month, we are focusing on Blessed Carlo Acutis as our Friend for the Journey, and we invite all families to join in celebrating his canonization this weekend! Coverage begins today, with the canonization Mass on EWTN.

Live Broadcast: Sunday, September 7 at 2:00 a.m. Central
Encore Presentation: Sunday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m. Central

We encourage you and your family to share this special moment together.

Throughout the month, here are a few important dates that I would like to draw to your attention:

  • September 8-12: Week of Giving, more information below
  • September 11: Parent Education Series: Everything 8th Grade
  • September 18: Mother’s Retreat, more information below
  • September 19: Teacher Inservice, no classes scheduled
  • September 25: Parent Education Series: Building Flourishing Parent/Child Relationship
  • September 26: MAP scores sent home grades 1-8

For more information, please visit the school website!

God Bless,
Erin Vu

August 28, 2025

“Love Him totally, who gave Himself totally for your love.” St. Clare of Assisi

Dear Parents,

Yesterday was the Feast of St. Monica, and today is the Feast of St. Augustine of Hippo. During these two feasts, I think it is important to focus on the power of prayer. St. Monica is the mother of St. Augustine. Throughout much of St. Augustine’s young life, he filled his time with the things of the world spending his time focused on the pleasures of the world. During this time, St. Monica prayed and fasted. She never quit praying for her son and the conversion of his heart.

Eventually, St. Augustine became a student under St. Ambrose who baptized St. Augustine in 387. Upon his conversion, St. Augustine was a man of faith who eventually became a priest and bishop. He is one of the Doctors of the Church, and his writings are still read today including “Confessions” which is an autobiographical piece.

Today, we are still processing the events at Annunciation Catholic School. Our hearts are heavy for the families and the community. As we reflect on these two saints, I think it is important to note that we are called to pray and fast. Whether things are in my control or outside my control, we always have the opportunity to pray and fast. Today, at our school Mass, we joined together to pray. During that time, we had security presence from both security officers as the students moved to and from the Church. They were present on both sides of the Church during the Mass as well.

Let’s bring our prayers and intentions to our Heavenly Father who hears our prayers. To quote St. Augustine, “Our hearts are restless till they find rest in You.” St. Monica, pray for us! St. Augustine, pray for us!

Tonight is the Back to School Night for grades 5-8 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Next week, the State of the School Address will be on Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

God Bless,
Erin Vu

August 21, 2025

“Love God, serve God: everything is in that.” St. Clare of Assisi

Dear Parents,

This month, we reflect on St. Clare of Assisi. I have been drawn to the story of how she followed God even when the world did not understand her decisions. Similar to her friend St. Francis, St. Clare was from a wealthy family. She had all the comforts of the world, and there was an expectation that she would make certain life decisions. It was shocking to her family when she left her old life and became a religious sister.

St. Clare trusted the Lord wholeheartedly. She eventually founded a religious order now known as the Poor Clares, who are dedicated to simplicity, prayer, and complete reliance on God. Her example continues to challenge and inspire us today.

In my own reflections, I’ve found myself asking: Am I truly relying on the Lord in every area of my life? Trusting God isn’t always easy, and I know I’m still a work in progress. Recently, I’ve adopted a simple prayer posture with my hands open and facing upward as a reminder that I can do nothing without the Lord. 

So today, let us pray together: Jesus, I trust in You.

We hope to see all our families at the Back-to-School nights next week. Families should have received the schedule from Mrs. Morley in grades Pk-4 and Mr. Castillo in grades 5-8. If you need childcare for the evening, please reach out to Mr. Fred at the Hive. More information can be found in this edition of the E-Newsletter.

God Bless,
Erin Vu