Flourishing: what comes to mind when you hear that term? According to Webster’s Dictionary flourishing is defined by vigorous and healthy growth: very active and successful. As parents and teachers, we want each of our unique children to flourish. My mind often considers conditions in order for flourishment to take place. When home, church and school are in concert loving and guiding children, we have conditions that are aligned for a child to flourish in God’s providential care. When our prayer life, consistent Biblical teaching and, particularly in our Forest, exploratory play and spiritual wonder are part of our children’s daily norms, we have conditions that are ripe for each child to flourish in God’s care.
In the forest, flourishing looks like muddy boots and thoughtful questions, careful hands and courageous steps. It looks like children learning to care for the land, for one another, and for themselves. Through unhurried time outdoors, meaningful relationships, and purposeful play, we nurture resilience, creativity, and a growing sense of responsibility.
Above all, flourishing is rooted in belonging–belonging to a community that values each child and belonging in God’s good creation. As we walk, explore, and learn together, we are grateful to partner with you, our families, and with our community churches in guiding children toward lives marked by joy, gratitude, and faithful stewardship.
Much love and joy,
Miska
Announcements
Preschool and Young Fives Admission Enhancements
HC has enhanced the application process for all currently enrolled 3’s preschool, 4’s preschool and young five students. Starting January 2026, currently enrolled preschool and young five students will no longer be required to re-apply for the following academic school year. Preschool is now a part of HC’s Continuous Enrollment. Instead, they will be asked to fill out a Commitment Countdown form. This Commitment Countdown form is a quick and easy way for currently enrolled preschool and young five families to let HC know what their hopes are for their child’s 26-27 enrollment. Completing it lets Admissions know their intentions, but it does not guarantee placement or availability. The information families share will help HC thoughtfully plan for class sizes, teacher placements, and learning spaces that support every child’s academic, faith, and character growth.
Enrollment for 26-27
New Student Applications will be open to the public on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 9am.
Note: Continuous enrollment means that once a student is enrolled at HC, they remain enrolled automatically each year until they graduate or formally withdraw. This includes ALL current kindergarteners.
Swimming Lessons
Our Holland Aquatic Center is providing swim lessons for us again this year! Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan, surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need but feel responsible to equip them. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of swimming lessons, please take a listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why for swim safety. HCAC Swim School welcome video will help you understand a bit about the logistics. Our 1st-2nd graders will be bused to the pool each day the weeks of January 5-16.
Unplugged Series–We’re Invited!
One of our local partners in education, Outdoor Discovery Center, is hosting a 4-part speaker series featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives. Please see the attached flyer to register for these free opportunities!
Gadgets for Christmas
Just in case a child receives a smart device or personal tech with connectivity, we want to remind you of our policy to uphold healthy learning spaces throughout HC to the best of our ability.
Personal Technology: Personal Technology is not necessary in a school setting and disrupts the learning environment. Personal Technology includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Cell Phones
- Smartwatches
- Headphones or Earbuds
- Personal Laptops
- MP3-Players
- Etc. (i.e. Any non-school issued personal technology)
If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send their student an email or call the office and get a note from the office. Personal Technology items are not allowed to be used or visible during the time a student enters school until the final bell rings. If a student needs to use their phone, they must receive direct permission from a staff person to do so.
Student Life and Discipleship (SLD) in the New Year
All of our students learn, practice and are celebrated in the way we learn to do life together. We teach students directly how to contribute to a safe ride on the bus, a worshipful posture during chapel and even how to respectfully hike through creation maintaining a sense of awe while celebrating relationships. When our students return from Christmas break, each class will reteach these norms so our students feel refreshed and renewed in our safe and respectful practices as we enjoy life together.
Save The Dates
- Spring Program is March 12 in the evening!
- Grandparents Day is May 1!
Food Services
Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s lunch account.
Elementary Handbook
The Elementary Handbook is a great resource for parents providing important details on things like our curriculum, discipline policy, etc.
Important Website Links
- School Calendar
- School Supply Lists
- Hot Lunch Information
- Medical Information & Forms
- School Transportation
- Before & After School Programs
Upcoming Dates:
View the full Holland Christian calendar
January:
- 1-4: No school: Christmas Vacation
- 5: Back to school!
- 17: K-5th report cards go live!
- 19: No school: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February:
- 13: No school: Staff PD
- 16: No school: Winter break