November 7, 2025

Dear Holy Name Families,

This week Student Council has been defining gratitude and its importance during morning assembly as our focus shifts to this trait in Character Strong. In their classrooms, students have been reflecting on aspects of their life for which they're grateful. They've even done this in Spanish class practicing their vocabulary along the way.

Many fall themed projects adorn our hallways. Second graders wrote poems capturing the sights, sounds, and colors of fall. What a fall image their words create. While there were many great poems, one caught my attention and reads:

"Fall"

Colorful Leaves.

Cinnamon.

A Chill.

Sweet Apple Cider.

Chirps.

Thank you to our second graders for sharing their poetic talents with us.

In observance of Veterans Day, students are also taking the time to thank and honor our Veterans. Holy Name thanks all those who have served in our armed forces.

Enjoy the weekend.

Best regards,

Mr. Chisholm

Announcements and Reminders

• There is no school on Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans' Day.
• Holy Name is organizing a Food Drive through November 20th to benefit children at the Chittick School. Click here for more details.
• Thank you to everyone who helped with our Lawn Sign Campaign. Please return lawn signs to the foyer at the main door.
• We are looking for some parent volunteers to assist with some decorating next Friday afternoon. Please email Mr. Chisholm if interested for additional details.
• This month students are learning about gratitude in Character Strong. Click here for a family letter including conversation starters to discuss gratitude at home.
• Fr. Macdonald's Installation Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Sunday, November 16th. A reception will follow in Parish Hall. Please click here to register for the reception.

6th Grade Fundraiser at West on Centre - Nov. 17

The sixth-grade class at Holy Name Parish School will spend four days and three nights in May at Eisner Camp (in Great Barrington, MA, approximately 140 miles west of Boston.

Eisner Camp offers a tech-free environment, encouraging students to develop new skills in athletics, the arts, and outdoor adventures. Activities include outdoor living skills, cooperative games, drama, environmental awareness, and orienteering. This camp provides a fun and supportive setting where our sixth graders can explore interests, challenge themselves, and nurture their passions.

To help cover some trip costs, West on Centre is hosting a Neighborhood Night at their restaurant. On Monday, November 17, when you dine-in or order take-out and present this coupon, West on Centre will donate 10% of the bill to the sixth-grade trip.

Please consider dining or ordering from West on Centre on Monday, November 17, and present this coupon to support the sixth-grade class at Holy Name Parish School.

• November 11th: No School - Veterans Day
• November 17th: 5th and 6th Grade Math Fair
• November 25th: Mass of Thanksgiving, 8:45 am
• November 26th - 28th: Thanksgiving Break

EAGLE AWARDS

Congratulations to 2-4 for being recognized with an Eagle for Kindness. The following students also earned Eagles this week:

• Michael M., K1-3 (Responsibility)
• Donata T. K1-3 (Kindness)
• Mikey M., 1-1 (Responsibility)
• Anthony D., 1-2 (Responsibility)
• Gavin F., 4-7 (Responsibility)
• Rose H., 4-7 (Responsibility)
• Isabelle S., 5-10 (Responsibility)
• Lily Y., 5-10 (Responsibility)

Fourth-grade STEM students enjoyed a hands-on lesson about animal homes this week when Ms. Walsh brought in leaves, twigs, and other natural materials for the class to build model squirrel nests, called dreys. Working together, students learned how dreys are woven and lined to provide warmth and protection. Look in the trees you are sure to spot a large clump of leaves - very likely a drey!

Fifth- and sixth-grade math students rotated around the room this week, solving problems at stations in small groups. Using Thinking Math strategies, they focused on reasoning, and supported one another as they tackled challenging tasks. The collaborative format helped students deepen their understanding, practice mathematical discourse, and build confidence in explaining their thinking.

K1 students have been learning about 2D shapes and their attributes. Using squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles, they created vibrant mosaic cats and arranged them on a colorful bulletin board to showcase their work. Great job to K1-4 for putting this together - your creativity really shines!

The Holiday Marketplace and Tree Lighting planning committee will meet this coming Thursday, November 13th at 8 pm via Zoom. Anyone interested in helping is welcome to join. If you have any questions, please reach out to homeandschool@holynameparish.com. 

Home & School Association

Holy Name Parish School | West Roxbury, MA

Visit our website for more information