Holy Family School provides quality, spiritual education

Holy Family School Principal Maria Elena Zavala helps second grader Gabriela Guerrero, 8, with a question about the Ten Commandments. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

The Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament founded Holy Family School in Corpus Christi in 1946. Today the school remains a vibrant institution providing a detailed curriculum that addresses every aspect of a child’s developmental needs: academic, spiritual, physical and social. The school serves 138 students from PreK3 to fifth grade.

The Catholic Church traditionally has dedicated February as a time to recall the Holy Family, a time focused on devotions honoring Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the model of virtue for Catholic families everywhere. This year, Holy Family School commemorates 68 years of serving the community’s families and their children with a quality, spiritual education.

“The legacy of the school has created a major impact with the thousands of students that have attended our school,” Maria Elena Zavala, principal at Holy Family School, said. “Now more than ever, you hear people talking highly of the difference Holy Family Catholic School made on their lives.”

Thomas Delagarza, 8, and Gabriella Garza, 7, read about the Ten Commandments. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

Holy Family School is committed to preparing and enabling students to use their God-given talents in making a positive contribution in the community. Today, the emphasis is on improving the quality of education through the use of technology. In the last two years, under the guidance of Father Patrick Donohoe–pastor at Holy Family Parish, the school has invested almost $100,000 in building, education and technology improvements.

Principal Zavala noted that teachers and staff instill the values of the Holy Family daily at the school. “We strive to live the Gospel values and create a safe and loving environment where students learn spiritually, academically, socially and physically in order to become lifelong learners,” she said.

She said living the school’s mission statement is accomplished by being role models for their students, as well as their parents and community as a whole.

Matthew Seagrave grew up in Corpus Christi and attended St. Pius X School for his last three years in elementary. Seagrave, who previously taught in Colorado and South Carolina, now teaches fourth grade at Holy Family School. He specializes in working with children with dyslexia and other learning differences.

“This is my first opportunity to teach in Catholic school and I am truly enjoying it,” he said. “It’s an amazing feeling to share my faith with my students. Being at Holy Family adds a special meaning to teaching for me. I realize I’m an important part of molding these young people, spiritually, as well as academically.”

Donna Metz, who has taught for three years at Holy Family School, said practicing her faith and sharing her experiences with her students has been rewarding.

“I teach what I live, believe and practice,” she said.

Donna Metz, talks with her student Olyvia Gonzalez, 7, during an instruction about the Ten Commandments. The class is learning about making a good reconciliation, in preparation of their First Communion this spring. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

Recently, her second graders were reviewing the Ten Commandments in preparation to making their First Communion.

“Of course, none of this would be possible without the support and attention of their parents,” she added. “Parents are the center of a child’s well-rounded education and really, their first teacher.”

“Together we strengthen our faith, and together we work to ensure our teachers set high standards of learning for all our students,” Zavala said. “Knowing who our students are, knowing our parents and being a part of the Holy Family community reflects our commitment to our school. I know each of the children’s names and they know me, as well. It’s important to make that connection.”