- Christmas letter to school from Father Colamaria February 11, 2026 - When I was growing up, this time of year was a time when all children would watch on television A Charlie Brown Christmas. It would only air for one night and the entire family would gather around the television to watch. It was a special tradition. The many storylines of the episode were true then as they are now. Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism surrounding the Christmas season. The characters of the show prepare to put on a Christmas pageant, just like we do here at Saint Helen Catholic Academy. Charlie Brown is tasked to get a Christmas tree which becomes famously tiny and barely can support one ornament. The episode reaches a pivotal point when Linus goes on stage and recites the Christmas Story from the Gospel of Luke. After he recites the gospel story he explains that this is the true meaning of Christmas. What is noticed only by a few, is that Linus when telling the gospel story, drops his security blanket as he speaks. The character of Linus is always shown as him carrying a blanket. It was his support, his security, or simply something that soothed him or made him feel good. The… Read more »
- Message from the Principal February 11, 2026 - Dear St. Helen Catholic Academy Students, As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, I want to take a moment to speak to each of you from my heart.These first few months as your principal have truly been a blessing. Every day, I see your smiles in the hallway, your hard work in the classroom, your kindness to one another, and your love for God shine through in big and small ways. You have welcomed me into this school family, and I am so grateful for each one of you.Christmas reminds us that Jesus, our greatest gift, came into the world in love and humility. I see that same spirit of love and generosity in you—when you help a classmate, include someone who is alone, pray together at Mass, or share your talents at school events. You are living examples of what it means to be children of God.As we get ready to celebrate with our families, I pray that your homes are filled with peace, joy, and laughter. Know that I am so proud of you—not just for your grades or your achievements, but for the wonderful, faith-filled students you are becoming.May the light of Christ guide your hearts this Christmas… Read more »
- Song and Scripture February 11, 2026 - Mr. Lauto, our venerated middle school music and religion teacher, has been at St. Helen for five years. His faith guided him to this school; “I have an interest in music, religion, and teaching for a reason, and so I just followed the interest I already had in these topics, and God opened doors for me through the people I love and trust friends and family.”Mr. Lauto has a deep fervor for music and religion—he believes music is a universal language that God has blessed us with. The idea of being a conduit for God’s love intrigued him, which led to Mr. Lauto working here.He constantly tries to set an example for his students, applying the values taught during class: “I am, of course nowhere near perfect, but I hope the environment I build in the classroom is one that makes them feel comfortable with talking to God and those they love and trust.”Mr. Lauto is zealous when it comes to teaching; he loves spreading both knowledge and comfort: “Anytime a student feels comfortable in my class and isn’t afraid to ask questions about something they might be curious about in the faith, or when a student tells me they… Read more »
- Leading with Patience February 11, 2026 - Ms. Smith, our vice principal who has served at St. Helen for 24 years, has brought the community together with genuine love and care: “Our students, families, and staff support one another in a way that makes the building feel like a second home.” Each day, she strives to create a safe and faith-filled environment, with a goal for every child to thrive.Ms. Smith’s passion for education was found early in life when she learned the effect a teacher could have on a student. “Early in my career, I experienced moments where students opened up, grew in confidence, and discovered their strengths—and I knew I wanted to be part of that journey for as many students as possible.” Ms. Smith has shown that value continuously through her support and compassion. She is proud of how St. Helen students and staff have shown what it means to truly live the Gospel of God.Celebrating Christmas here reminds her of the spirit of the season: love, generosity, and faith. Our community comes together each year. “Through prayer services, classroom activities, nativity reenactments, Advent reflections, and acts of charity, students learn that Christmas is not just about receiving gifts, but about celebrating Jesus’ love… Read more »
- From the Editor February 11, 2026 - As we enter the month of December, we remember the story of Christmas. It begins with an angel appearing to Joseph and Mary, telling them that Mary would bear the Son of God. He would be named Jesus, and He was born in Bethlehem.King Herod heard of His birth and sent three wise men to search for Jesus. They followed a star pointing in His direction and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.An angel appeared again, warning Mary and Joseph that Herod would come to destroy the child. They fled to Egypt so that the prophecy would be fulfilled: “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”Herod was furious and ordered all children in Bethlehem two years old and younger to be killed. When Herod eventually died, an angel appeared to Joseph once more, telling him it was safe to return to Israel.Jesus grew up in Nazareth, where He performed miracles and changed lives. Christmas marks the day Jesus was born. Although the exact date is not known, it is the closest we have to the real date. Read more »
- Saint Lucy February 11, 2026 - Saint Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and those with eye illnesses. She was born to wealthy parents, but her father died when she was only five years old. Lucy was a Christian from a young age, though the Romans at that time viewed Christianity as a crime.As she grew older, her mother suffered from a serious illness that caused her chronic pain. Wanting to see Lucy married, her mother arranged a marriage for her. When her mother’s health worsened, Lucy convinced her to visit St. Agatha’s shrine and pray. They stayed in prayer through the night. During that time, Lucy had a vision in which St. Agatha told her that her mother would be healed and that Lucy would bring glory to Syracuse.Her mother recovered, converted to Christianity, and allowed Lucy to give her wealth to the poor.When Lucy’s fiancé learned that she no longer planned to marry and that she had given her dowry away, he became angry and reported her faith to the governor. Lucy was offered a chance to deny her faith, but she refused. The guards attempted to drag her away to be punished publicly, but Lucy stood firm, strengthened by the Holy… Read more »
- Student Council February 11, 2026 - As Christmas approaches, our Student Council has been busy finding ways to help those in need. St. Helen has already planned several fundraisers, donation drives, and fun events for the season, with more on the way.Student Council Cafe during Parent-Teacher Conference raised $729 for the school. We are very proud of their dedication and hard work. Be prepared for upcoming events led by the council! Read more »
- Student Spotlight February 11, 2026 - Winter - by Clara Wierzbicki Snow fell on the concrete, covering the stained terrain.Without the joy, it is only inane.Scarlett ornaments hung from the tree.The leaves now flew after wanting to flee.Stars placed at the top of the green.Christmas made the joy be seen. Read more »
- Student Short Story February 11, 2026 - The Historic Battle - by Santino Ammirabile The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays are in the World Series! The Dodgers have been to the postseason 13 years in a row and won the World Series in 2024. This year in the Wild Card round, they swept the Cincinnati Reds two games to none; in the NLDS, they beat the Philadelphia Phillies three games to one; in the NLCS they swept the Milwaukee Brewers in 4 games. The MVP for the NLCS was Shohei Ohtani. On the pitching side, the Dodgers best pitchers are Blake Snell, Yoshinbou Yamamoto, Roki Saski, and Ohtani. On the hitting side, they have Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Will Smith, and Teoscar Hernandez. For the Toronto Blue Jays, this is their first time in the World Series since 1993. In the Wild Card round, they got a bye, which means they did not have to play in that series. In the ALDS, they beat the New York Yankees three games to one; and in the ALCS they beat the Seattle Mariners four games to three in a classic series. The MVP for the ALCS was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. On the pitching side the Blue… Read more »
December 2025
