Weekly Family Communication

Dear Holy Rosary Families,

As we approach this season of Thanksgiving, on behalf of our entire school staff, I want to express my deep gratitude for your tremendous partnership and support of our school community. We are truly blessed to walk with you as, together, we form disciples of Christ in our Catholic school. We are grateful for each and every one of you.

One of the central tenets of our Catholic faith is Catholic social teaching—our call to recognize and support those on the margins, especially the most vulnerable among us. Thank you for your generous participation in our school food drive. We will continue collecting items throughout November, and all donations go directly to individuals in need here in our West Seattle community through our parish St. Vincent de Paul outreach.

I am also delighted to share that our junior high leadership elective recently hosted a bake sale and raised nearly $700! These funds will be used to prepare Lunches of Love, which are distributed to people living on the streets in Seattle. This small act of bringing someone a meal is a profound way of saying they are seen and valued. Students have also written personal notes to accompany each lunch. Every grade level will have an opportunity this year to support this ministry, another meaningful way we help our students understand the importance of serving those on the margins.

When we return from Thanksgiving break, we will enter the season of Advent—hard to believe it’s already here! During Advent, our school will take up a special collection to support families in West Seattle through the parish PREPARES ministry, part of Catholic Community Services of Western Washington. Many families with young children are in great need of diapers and wipes. I would love to see us fill an entire hallway with donations—I believe this generous community can do it! The greatest need is for diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6, as well as pull-ups in sizes 5 and 6, though all sizes and disposable wipes are warmly welcomed.

Tomorrow we will celebrate our school’s Annual Fund success with a special all-school celebration, free dress for students (comfy and cozy—PJs welcome!), and a hot cocoa bar. A reminder that school dismisses at noon tomorrow so teachers can prepare for next week’s conferences.

Happy Thanksgiving!

In Christ,

Anna

Hello Families!

As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of how meaningful this season can be, not only for celebrating with loved ones, but for cultivating habits that strengthen our mental well-being. One of the most powerful tools we have is gratitude.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t require grand gestures. It can be as simple as noticing something kind a classmate did, appreciating a favorite teacher, or enjoying a warm meal at home. Research consistently shows that gratitude can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve resilience. For students, it can also help with emotional regulation, building stronger relationships, and creating a more positive school experience.

This month, I encourage families to take a moment to talk with kids about what they’re thankful for. Consider starting a simple tradition—sharing one good thing at dinner, writing a note of appreciation, or keeping a gratitude journal. These small, consistent practices can help children feel more grounded and supported.

Wishing you all a warm, restful, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving.

Kelly Dobelstein

November 23 is the Solemnity of Our Lord and the last Sunday in Ordinary time. This feast marks the end of the liturgical calendar. The new liturgical year begins the following Sunday (Nov 30) on the first week of Advent. On this day, we dwell on Christ’s supreme majesty before we begin our preparations to celebrate his humble stable birth. The Te Deum is traditionally recited on this feast day.

Ideas on ways to celebrate the King of the Universe in your home:

*Serve chicken a la King for dinner (since Jesus is our King).

*Make a Bundt-cake crown for dessert.

*Have your children decorate paper crowns.

• Nov 21st - Noon Dismissal
  
• Nov 23rd - Advent Celebration (9:30a-1p)
• Nov 24th-26th - Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
• Nov 27th-28th - No School, Thanksgiving Break
• Nov 28th - Tree Lot Opens
• Dec 12th - 1st Trimester Report Cards
• Dec 16th - Preschool Christmas Program (6:30pm)
• Dec 18th - K-8 Christmas Program (6pm)
• Dec 19th - Noon Dismissal

2025/26 School Calendars

Friday is Comfy Cozy Day. Wear comfy clothes or pajamas. No slippers please. Then enjoy the afternoon off. School will be dismissed at 12pm.

Holy Rosary is having a Book Fair in the school library during Fall Conferences hours. The Book Fair is a great place to find good books and even some holiday gifts. Come and support our school library and shop at the Book Fair, Nov. 24- 26.

MIssed the Book Fair? You can shop online at:https://www.scholastic.com/bf/holyrosaryschwseattle.

The online fair is open from 11/19- 12/1. Thank you for supporting the Book Fair.

Students in grades 4 and below must be accompanied by an adult while visiting the Scholastic Book Fair.
For the safety and support of our younger shoppers, we kindly ask that a parent, guardian, or approved adult attend the fair with them. Thank you for helping us create a fun and positive experience for all readers!

Advent Celebration, Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 9:30am-1:00pm, School Hall

All are welcome to our fun and festive Advent Celebration on Sunday, November 23, 2025 in the School Hall. Stop by after Mass or anytime between 9:30am-1:00pm for Advent activities and crafts for children and adults, Coffee and Donuts, decorating cookies and more! Come prepare for Advent and celebrate the "Reason for the Season"! For questions email Deyette at Dswegle@holyrosaryseattle.org.

Our Catholic faith calls us to remember and care for those in need, especially those living on the margins. As people of faith, we are invited to act with compassion and generosity toward others.

This November, our school will hold a food drive to help stock the shelves of our parish St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, which serves individuals and families in need right here in our West Seattle community.

Donations may be brought to school and placed in the collection boxes located at the school entrance. Please check expiration dates before donating.

Items most in need include:

Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Peanut Butter (16 oz.)
Canned Chili
Canned Pasta with meat
Boxed cereal
Boxed Oatmeal (instant packets)
Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables
Hearty Soups
Macaroni and Cheese
Rice a Roni
Rice Sides (Knorr)
Pasta Sides (Knorr)
Instant Mashed Potatoes

Holy Rosary School has the opportunity to join other local Catholic schools to host a Japanese exchange student for one week in March between their academic years, from March 21st - March 29th. Last year we had two students who were hosted by Holy Rosary families spend a week in our school. It was a wonderful experience for everyone! The students joining us will likely be in sixth, seventh or eighth grade, and families receive a small stipend to offset the expenses of hosting a student for the week. The students would then attend classes here at Holy Rosary School during the week. If you might be interested in learning more about this opportunity, and possibly hosting a student for the week, please email principal Anna Horton at ahorton@holyrosaryws.org.

For families in need of tuition assistance, financial aid application through FACTS are open for 2026/27. Information about tuition assistance can be found here. Applications are due by Dec. 15th.

AUCTION (March 7, 2026, Brockey Center, South Seattle College)

Our largest fundraiser of the year is the annual Auction. Last year we raised over $450,000. Each K-8 family is committed to procuring/donating a minimum of $225 in auction items or cash so the committee may build fantastic packages to be bid upon.

The donation portal is now live, so get a head start and enter your donation. You will not drop off your donation until January, watch the efc for additional details. Family donations must be entered into the portal by December 5.

* All donations entered by Sunday, November 30 will receive 1 FREE DRESS PASS per each K-8 child.

The day after Thanksgiving the TREE LOT opens to sell trees, wreaths and garland to the West Seattle community. In addition to raising over $170,000 for HRS, this fundraiser donates a portion of all sales to two local charities: Salvation Army Hickman House, and West Seattle Food Bank/Clothesline.

💛 🧥 🧤👖👚 🧣 💛 Donate new or gently used clothing items to those in need!

As the cold settles over Seattle, many of our neighbors are struggling just to stay warm. Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission is a donation based organization offering shelter, hot meals, and hope to those facing homelessness.

This season, you can make a difference in a simple, meaningful way. We’re collecting gently-used coats, hats, gloves, and sweatshirts to help keep men, women, and children warm through the winter months. Need more donation specifics/ideas? Look here.

Every item you give — and every act of kindness — brings warmth, comfort, and dignity to someone who needs it most. Together, we can show our neighbors they’re not forgotten.

✨Start collecting your gently used coats, hats, gloves from your homes for donation during the Christmas Tree Lot that runs from Nov 28- Dec 14. ✨

Please join us for the 4th annual Gator Bowl (21+)!!

• When: January 23, 2026
• Time: From 5-8pm
• Cost: $390 for a lane -- up to 6 bowlers ($65/bowler)
• What: 3 hours of bowling and shoe rental with the best community in Seattle
• Where: West Seattle Bowl
• Theme: Seattle Sports
• Why that theme: Because Seattle is kind of good at all sports right now!
• Proceeds: Go to Father Mallahan Scholarship
• How to Register -- click this link: https://holyrosaryws.org/giving/gator-bowl/

Business Procurement Team Member

Goal: Connect with local businesses to help secure funding to support the Holy Rosary Auction!

How: Become a procurement team member and run your own Neighborhood Zone. Send procurement letter, email, walk-in, etc. to local businesses asking for their support to donate to the HRS auction. Follow up and provide tax documentation to each business. Track progress and confirm procurement. Auction items can come in various forms i.e. gift cards, wine/beer/liquor, art, cooking classes, merchandise, etc.

When: Procurement will take place now – January.

Hours Earned: 10-20+ hours (Fundraising)

Contact: Bente Madtsen: (bente.madtsen@outlook.com) or Jenna Cohen: (jenna.cohen.jn@gmail.com)

Auction Grade Project

Are you creative and want to earn fundraising hours? Create a project to sell at the auction. Reach out to Jenny Bae (Franzen) Bae.Jungun@gmail.com if interested in additional details. If you don’t have an idea, there is a document with suggested projects that have sold well over the years.

The job consists of computer data entry, communicating with donors, collecting physical gift cards, and preparing them for distribution. Work usually begins in December and goes until the auction. It can mostly be done from home and is a very flexible way to complete volunteer hours. This job earns around 25-30 hours. It's detail oriented work. Contact Michelle Hunter 206-679-7148 or michellecapron@hotmail.com if you're interested or would like further information - training for this position could begin anytime in the next month or so with becoming the lead next year.

Take a few minutes to log into your Safe Env account and check your status. You may need a refresher course. Checking your status now will save staff time in contacting you before you can volunteer.

New families: Please complete your background checks and SE training before volunteering! If you haven't set up a volunteer log-in yet to record hours, here is the link! One parent must be the main account user, a 2nd parent can be added to the account as a sub-account. Instructions will be on the main account user’s page on how to add a sub-account.

New this school year, there is an extracurricular Ski Bus offering, led by Holy Rosary parents. Registration is due Nov. 21st, information will be emailed to 6th-8th grade families this afternoon.

Do you have a high schooler who misses playing CYO sports? Have them sign up for CYO high school basketball!

Please contact Athletic Director Brendan Kolding at cyo@holyrosaryseattle.org with any questions.

Volunteer Opportunities for Youth (6th grade-high school) & Adults at our Holy Rosary Advent Celebration

Looking for a fun way to volunteer? Need Youth or Adult Holy Rosary Volunteering Hours? Join us by volunteering at our festive Advent Celebration on November 23, 2025 in the School Hall. There are setup slots on Friday evening, November 21, 2025 as well as different time slots for helping with Advent activities and Coffee and Donuts on Sunday, November 23. For Signup use this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA5A82AA02-60168895-copy

Holy Rosary’s Advent Celebration on November 24, 2024

• Purchase Advent candle set for $5.00 and a Brass Advent wreath for $10.00.
• Advent candle set and wreath sold together or separate. Cash or Check only.
• Available for purchase at our Advent Celebration on Sunday, November 23, 2025 in the School Hall from 9:30am-1:00pm.

Advent Donations & Food Drive for St. Vincent de Paul along with Hygiene Donations for Westside Interfaith Network (WIN)--November 23, 2025

Help those in need in our West Seattle Community by donating non-perishable food for our St. Vincent de Paul Food pantry. You may also make a cash donation to assist with Emergency assistance for rent, paying a utility bill, car repair, etc. Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) needs donations of bars of soap, deodorant and men's warm socks. Drop-off donations at the Advent Celebration on Sunday, November 23, 2025, anytime between 9:30am-1:00pm in the School Hall. Thank you for your support to those in need in West Seattle!

If you are interested in having your child baptized at Holy Rosary, contact Deyette Swegle.

Are you interested in assisting us in our Soup Kitchen? Please contact Chris Dormaier.

https://holyrosaryseattle.org/rcia-for-older-children

See our Flyer for more information.

https://holyrosaryseattle.org/1st-reconciliation-1st-communion

srstella@holyrosaryseattle.org

https://holyrosaryseattle.org/rcia-adults.

We offer Children’s Liturgy of the Word year round at Sunday 10:30am Mass.

• Parish Children’s Choir YouthChoir! (Grades 3-6) | Holy Rosary Catholic Church | Seattle, WA (holyrosaryseattle.org)
• Altar Serving (5th -High school)–email Paul Dolejsi at Pdolejsi@holyrosaryseattle.org for more information.

https://holyrosaryseattle.org/confirmation

O’Dea has a Basketball Jersey Night coming up soon on December 3rd at 6:00 PM. This is a free event for students grades K-8 who show up wearing a jersey of some kind, though please note family members will need to purchase their own ticket. There will be prizes, food, and a fun chance to be on the court at halftime. We would love to see members of the Holy Rosary West Seattle community represent for this event! For more information click here.

The mission of Holy Rosary School is to help each child discover and fully develop their God-given talents. As a Catholic School community, we strive for excellence in our students’ spiritual, academic, physical, mental, aesthetic, and social-emotional growth. It is our intention that those who attend this institution mature into active citizens leading a committed faith life and reaching out to help others locally, nationally, and internationally with their wisdom, time, talent, and financial resources.