Dear Principals Mr. Lawrence Hansen and Dr. Kristin Sherwood, Administration, Faculty, Staff, Parents, and Students,
On behalf of the Daughters of Divine Charity, the founders of St. Joseph Hill Academy and our School Board, I warmly welcome you all as we begin the 2025-2026 school year. The start of a new school year brings forth many emotions: anticipation, excitement, and sometimes even a few tears. This is a very special time us. Whether you are new or returning, this time marks a fresh beginning for students, families, faculty and Sisters alike.
The administration, faculty and staff across the grade levels Pre-K, Elementary and High School have worked to prepare and organize their classrooms and materials to create a welcoming atmosphere. We encourage every student to engage in learning with enthusiasm, listen attentively, show mutual respect for everyone, to share their faith, gifts and talents, participate in school activities, accept their responsibilities and learn how to manage their time. Mutual respect, obeying the rules and responsibilities at home and at school form the foundation of a successful experience in this educational journey of lifelong learning.
In this month of September, we celebrate two notable Marian Feasts: the Birthday of Mary on September 8th and the Holy name of Mary on September 12th. May our Blessed Mother enfold you in her mantle of love and care guiding us with the same patience and trust in God with which she taught Jesus. Her gentle humility inspires us to serve others and reminds us that we are loved unconditionally. Let us work together in faith, building a partnership between home and school that nurtures, sustains, challenges, supports, strengthens and encourages every child to do their best at St. Joseph Hill Academy.
Our Foundress, Servant of God, Mother Franziska Lechner taught her Sisters the importance of educating the youth and preparing them for the future centered in God's love and the Eucharist. Since 1919, The Daughters of Divine Charity have carried out this educational mission at St. Joseph Hill Academy, helping students to deepen their Catholic faith, receive a strong education, and form lasting friendships and memories. This education is a priceless gift of love that cannot be measured with money or calculated by time—a valuable gift beyond measure.
Welcome to St. Joseph Hill Academy and an awesome year of growth spiritually, academically, physically and socially. Let us strive to make “God’s LOVE visible” every day by growing in Reverence, Respect and Responsibility.
I ask that you pray for new vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for peace in our world and an end to violence in our cities. Please know that the Sisters and I remember your intentions in our daily prayers.
May Jesus be our example of love and compassion,
Mary, our Mother, be our guide and watch over us,
St. Joseph, our patron, intercede for us,
Holy Spirit, inspire us and direct us,
St. Michael protect us. Amen.
United in prayer, as pilgrims of hope, we bring the light of Christ to others.
With love, prayer and gratitude,
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.
President – St. Joseph Hill Academy
Superior – Daughters of Divine Charity