2019-2020 Parish Theme:
Live by the Spirit, Walk by the Spirit
Be Safe Tonight!
It was great to see our students have so much fun with our dress down day today. They did a great job of following our dress down day guidelines. This makes me excited to offer other dress down days this year. We will provide totals for our towel donation and fundraiser for Brisben Center after everything has been tabulated.

The weather looks ominous towards the end of trick-or-treat time tonight. Please keep an extra close eye on your young ghosts and goblins!
Holy Cross Academy Book Fair Has Begun
Our Holy Cross Academy Book Fair is about to begin. Please follow the link to the flyer below for more information. The book fair will close Friday, November 8th.

Coffee Chat Tomorrow 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Fr. Mosimann and I would like to invite any interested parents to a Coffee Chat tomorrow, November 1st before Mass starting at 7:15 a.m. in the Conference Room. It is an informal chance to talk with parents and to report on some exciting things happening on campus. We'll have a Keurig machine warmed up and donuts available.

In particular, I would love to gain parent feedback on our communication efforts and what has worked and not worked in that area. Mrs. Appleton will be a guest speaker talking about the 6th grade Chromebook initiative and her after school Science Squad.
Winter Dress Code Begins Tomorrow
A reminder that our winter dress code begins tomorrow, November 1st. Students should be in full winter uniform, including their school sweater that day.

The only change made to the winter uniform this year is that HCA sweater vests were added as an option for middle school students.
Chocolate Going Home with Students Tomorrow

Chocolate Sales After Mass
Below is a Sign Up Genius Link for anyone who would like to sell chocolate after Masses this weekend and next weekend. You must be signed up with Sign Up Genius to sell following mass. Chocolate sellers are asked to stand near the curb to allow parishioners to make there way out of church (they will find you!)

All Saints Day and Parade Info - November 1
A reminder that All Saints Day (Friday) is a Holy Day of Obligation. As always, parents are invited to join us for our 8:15 a.m. school Mass.

Students in grades K to 5 participate in our All Saints Parade on Nov. 1 in the afternoon. We encourage the children to research a saint they do not yet know much about, and to dress in a very simple costume depicting this saint. Students should come to school in their regular uniform and will dress before the parade at 2:30. Consider a costume that can be worn over their uniform to make it easy for them to dress themselves. Parents are welcome to attend and encourage all our little saints!
Nurse Notes
We have had a few reports of head lice this week in various classrooms. Please check your child and treat if necessary. Head lice is common among children attending child care and elementary school. Remind your children to avoid head-to-head contact during play and other activities and avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, combs, brushes, hats, scarves, barrettes, helmets, or towels.

See the attachment under health and wellness on our website for more information.

Please call Mrs. Richardson if you have any questions or concerns.
Open House at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School 
There will be an Open House at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School on  Sunday, November 3rd from 1:00pm to 4:00pm . All are welcome to tour campus, experience the house system, clubs, and sports. Meet the administrative team, teachers, coaches, current students and families of John Paul! 
John Paul's accredited college-preparatory curriculum under the leadership of the Nashville Dominican Sisters is a rigorous course of study, featuring a unique formation in Bioethics. John Paul is also proud to offer Special Services, which includes an inclusive Options Program: a special education program for students with moderate intellectual or cognitive disabilities. 
Location: 1770 Dominican Drive, Potomac Shores, VA 22026. 

Please register at  www.jpthegreat.org  

Contact the school for more information:  admissions@jpthegreat.org  or 703.445.0218
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Picture Day - November 4th
A reminder that school picture day is Monday, November 4th. All students will wear their full winter uniform. Picture order forms went home with students last week.

Parents can also order school pictures online at:


4th Grade Mini Mall - November 7th
Our 4th grade students will be holding their famous mini mall on Thursday, November 7th. Items are for purchase that day for students only. Each grade will be given an opportunity to shop in the mini mall that day. All items are handmade by our 4th graders and are just 50 cents each. Parents may stop in prior to 8:45 a.m. to help set up and to see the creativity of our students.

Proceeds from the mini mall sales will benefit Catholic Charities.
Chick Fil A Fundraiser for Crusader Athletics
We are looking forward to our upcoming Spirit Lunch on Thursday, November 7 th , 11am-2pm.   This is an early dismissal day at HCA. Please let Chick Fil A staff know that you are placing your order to support the Holy Cross Academy Spirit Day. Thank you in advance for your support with this initiative.
Conference Days Next Week
A reminder that Thursday, November 7th is a half day and there is no school on Friday, November 8th. These times are set aside for parents to have conferences with their child's teacher.

Please see the E-blast from October 29th with links to sign up for conferences.
Square 1 Art: Order Forms Go Home November 7th
Coming up is a chance to buy original artwork from your child printed onto a number of different products from Square 1. Just in time for the holidays!
Stafford County International Baccalaureate Night
Stafford County Schools will hold an information night for its International Baccalaureate program on Thursday, November 7 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Brooke Point High School. It is a great chance to learn more about this rigorous high school program.
Donuts with Dad!
Join us on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11 from 7:30am- 8:00am in Father Brisson Hall. Enjoy a special morning with coffee, juice and yummy donuts to celebrate our Holy Cross Academy Dads! We hope to see you there!!

Volunteer to Help
WE NEED YOU to help make this event a success. Let's show our HCA dads how much they are appreciated! Please click on the link below to view the Donuts with Dad Sign Up Genius.

Drama Production News - Try Outs Nov 17
Now that the calendar is about to flip to November, it’s time to prepare for Drama Club. We have exciting things in the works! Try outs and our mandatory parent meeting is Sunday, November 17th from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Please follow the links below for more information and to RSVP.




Paint and Sip Fundraiser
Grab your friends (children 8 and over welcome) and come to our paint and sip fundraiser sponsored by Painting With A Twist! Come get some art and wine therapy (wine and/or soft drink provided) all while supporting the Drama Club! 
Sign up directly here ——> Paint and Sip Registration

Looking for a Music Director
We are seeking a talented music director. If you have any questions please contact Marty Ferraioli 
Mass with Bishop Burbidge - 9:00 a.m. on November 19
Our school is blessed to have a visit from Bishop Burbidge on Tuesday, November 19. We just received additional information regarding Bishop's visit to campus.

Mass that day will be at 9:00 a.m. After Mass, Bishop Burbidge will spend time with students in their classrooms.

Noon Dismissal November 19
Bishop Burbidge would like to conclude his visit to Holy Cross Academy with a visit and lunch with our outstanding faculty and staff. We will have a special dismissal time of 12:00 on November 19.

Afternoon Aviat Care will be in session that afternoon.

Parents, please make note of this noon dismissal on November 19.
Looking Ahead - HCA Sports + Important Dates
November
1: Coffee Chat 7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
1: All Saints Day, Mass 8:15 a.m
1: All Saints Parade, 2:30 p.m.
1: Winter Uniforms Begin
2: Confirmation Retreat
3: Open House at St. John Paul the Great HS
4: Picture Day at HCA
5: 8th Grade Field Trip to John Paul the Great High School
6: All County Chorus
7: Early Dismissal - Conferences begin 12:30 p.m.
7: 4th Grade Mini Mall
7: Chick Fil-a Spirit Day, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
7: Stafford County IB Info Night 6:30-8:30 at Brooke Point HS
8: No School - Conference Day
9: Confirmation Retreat
11: Doughnuts with Dad, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
12: Open House at HCA, 9:00 a.m.
14: Transition to High School Night @ HCA 7:00 p.m.
15: Paint and Sip Fundraiser for Drama Club
15: School Mass, 8:15 a.m.
17: HCA Choir to perform at 12:30 p.m. Mass at St. Mary's Parish
17: Drama Auditions, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
18: Girls Basketball @ Aquinas, JV Early Dismissal at 2:30 p.m.
18: Boys Basketball vs. Aquinas
19: Visit from Bishop Burbidge - Mass 9:00 a.m. Mass, 12:00 p.m. dismissal
20: Boys Basketball vs St. Patrick
20: Girls Basketball @ St. Patrick
21: PTO Board Meeting
25: Boys Basketball @ SWOY, Varsity Only, Early Dismissal at 2:50pm
25: Girls Basketball vs. SWOY, Vasity Only
27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

December
3: Girls Basketball @ Holy Family, Early Dismissal @ 2:30 p.m.
3: Boys Basketball vs. Holy Family
5: High School Placement Test, grade 8
6: 1st Trimester Report Cards
6: School Mass, 8:15 a.m.
Mission Statement

At Holy Cross Academy, we are guided by the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales as we dedicate ourselves to: 

  • Create an atmosphere of prayer and reliance on our heavenly Father;
  • Spread the message of Jesus in our families and our community by treating all persons with respect and showing reverence for the gift of God in each one;
  • Build up the Spirit-filled faith community within Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish;
  • Serve those in need in our local community and in the Missions through an awareness of our global responsibility to all humanity;
  • Develop the whole child: spiritually, emotionally, academically and physically;
  • Promote academic excellence by challenging all our students to recognize their gifts and fulfill their God-given potential.

It's About the Children
Holy Cross Academy
250 Stafford Lakes Parkway  
Fredericksburg, VA 22406
540-286-1600 
St. Mary Preschool
1009 Stafford Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-373-7553