This past week, our campus was bustling with excitement as our teachers, students, parents, and families officially returned to Holy Cross. After months of preparation, there is truly nothing better than seeing our hallways filled once again with the people who make our school community so special.
On Monday, students from Pre K through eighth grade came to campus to meet their teachers, drop off supplies, and get a first look at their classrooms. This is always such a joyful day as students reconnect with friends, families greet one another, and our newest Crusaders begin to experience what it means to be part of our Holy Cross family. The excitement throughout the building was a wonderful reminder of all that God has in store for us this school year.
Monday evening, we welcomed our Pre K 3 and Pre K 4 families for Early Learning Center Back to School Night. Hosting this event before the first day of school gives our youngest Crusaders and their families an opportunity to become comfortable with their classrooms, meet their teachers, ask questions, and learn more about life at Holy Cross. Our Early Learning Center teachers and our new Early Learning Center Director enjoyed meeting and reconnecting with so many families as we prepared for a wonderful year ahead.
On Tuesday, our faculty and staff traveled to St. Mark’s High School to gather with fellow Catholic educators from across the Diocese of Wilmington for a day of prayer, reflection, and preparation. These diocesan gatherings are always meaningful because they remind us that we are part of something much greater than our individual school. Together, we share the important mission of Catholic education and the responsibility of helping our students grow academically while developing a deeper relationship with Christ.
During the gathering, several Holy Cross educators were recognized for milestones in Catholic education. Congratulations to Mrs. Arndt for 5 years, Mrs. Speed for 15 years, Mrs. Peek for 30 years, Mrs. Holzinger for 10 years, Mrs. Borden for 25 years, and Ms. Traynor for 5 years of service to Catholic education. We are incredibly blessed by their dedication to our students, families, and Catholic faith.
On Wednesday, our faculty and staff gathered once more to make final preparations for the arrival of our students. We took time to pray together, share a snack, connect as a team, and ensure that everything was ready for a successful first day.
Then came Thursday, the moment we had all been waiting for! We officially welcomed our Kindergarten through eighth grade students for the first day of the 2026 to 2027 school year. From morning arrival through afternoon dismissal, our campus was filled with smiles, excitement, and positive energy. On Friday, our preschool students joined us, and our Holy Cross family was finally complete.
Our hearts are full as we begin another year together. We hope everyone had a wonderful and restful summer, but school is officially back in session!
Next week, we look forward to our first full week of school and our Back to School Prayer Service as we ask God to bless and guide our students, families, faculty, and staff throughout the year ahead.
Please stay connected with us throughout the school year. We have so much to look forward to, and we cannot wait to see what God has in store for our Crusader family!
God Bless,
Mrs. O’Mara
