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High School Newsletter

High School Newsletter – October 2025

Dear HCHS Families,

This year’s theme, The Joy of the Lord, has been both a challenge and an invitation for us as a high school community. Psalm 16:11 reminds us that joy is not just a passing feeling, but rather a steady satisfaction that grows 

when we walk in God’s presence. Each day, I see glimpses of that joy lived out in our classrooms, hallways, fields, courts, pools, and stages, and it has shown up in the way students encourage each other before a competition, laugh together at lunch, or take the time to include someone who might be feeling left out.

One of the clearest examples of joy this month was our House Olympics, which is led by Mr. Koeman, our champion for fun. The competitive spirit was strong. Whether students were riding an air mattress across the gym, pulling with all their strength in tug-of-war, or cheering so loudly their voices were hoarse, there was joy at every turn. Teachers and staff also joined in the fun, refereeing, cheering, and dressing in very spirited colors. It was a reminder that joy multiplies when it’s shared in the presence of others. 

One of the key areas we have noticed the power of God’s presence is during chapel this year. During senior camp, this class expressed deep desires to follow Jesus not only during times of musical worship, but also in how they treat others this school year. In response, they set their guards down and praised God without thinking about what others thought about them. While these high moments at camp can tend to wane with time, this has not been the case for our students this year. I have seenmore students voluntarily come to the front to sing to God than I have these past four years, and more students have been actively participating than I have seen before.

While I love singing with these students, what has moved me the most so far this year has been the way students have practiced the joy of the Lord in their service and love for others. From service hours that bless our wider community to welcoming new people to their lunch tables, their actions have reminded me that the joy of the Lord isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves, but rather is

expressed fully together. My prayer is that our homes and our school continue to be places where joy is evident, contagious, and life-giving as we follow Jesus together.

With thanks,

Miles Colago

High School Principal

 

General Information

Urgent reminder: Senior Pictures!

Senior pictures were due September 22. Please email any late senior photos asap to footprints@hollandchristian.org. If you still have questions view the Senior picture guidelines & FAQs.

Parking Permit

All students who drive to school are required to display a parking permit on their vehicle. They are available in the office at no charge.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are in person and are scheduled for Thursday, October 2 from 5:30-8:30pm and Thursday, October 9 from 3:30-6:30pm. You should have received an email with instructions on how to register for conferences starting on September 22, and you can also find that information in the general newsletter introducing this high school newsletter. If you have questions regarding sign-up, please call the main office.

Picture Retakes

Picture retakes are Friday, October 10. If you have not taken a photo yet, please plan to do so. If you are unhappy with your school photo just return the package you purchased and a new photo will be taken.

High School Daily Announcements

Announcements are also posted daily on the website.

Attendance Reminder

All students need to sign in or out at the office when coming and going throughout the school day. Parents should notify the office ahead of time by phone at 616.820.2905, email kvaneerden@hollandchristian.org, or send a parent-written or doctor’s note upon arrival. Thank you for helping to keep all of our students safe and accounted for during our school day!

Food Services

Please be mindful of negative balances on your hot lunch account. We no longer allow students to purchase any ala carte items, (including an extra slice of pizza) if their balance is negative. Students may pay for ala carte items with cash or make a deposit at Family Portal We appreciate you keeping your balances in the positive!

Questions? Please email Sue Lambers

ditto Upscale Resale

Are you looking for part-time work? Would you like to join a team that has a mission for lowering tuition for Holland Christian and Zeeland Christian students and serving our community? ditto is hiring!  We are looking for a part-time Store Manager to work 2 full days, including evenings and rotating weekends.  This is a flexible position!  Please send your resume or interest to info@dittoresale.com for further information and a detailed job description.

Athletics Department

Winter Sports Tryouts

Scheduling/cancellations and game information can be found on the Athletics website.

Physicals

All athletes need an approved pre-participation physical form dated after 4/15/2025 uploaded to their Final Forms account and a completed registration on Final Forms. See the Athletics Registration page for complete details.

Champs Coupon Books

The 2026 Champs coupon book is now available, with coupons ready to use from when the book is purchased through December 31, 2026. In addition to the local restaurant, retail and recreation savings opportunities, there are also coupons for regional and national businesses in the greater Holland area. Each book comes with a free code for mobile app discounts across the country based on your location, including West Michigan. Pick up your CHAMPS coupon book at any HC or ZCS school office, Russ’, Quality Car Wash, or HC TRIP table.

Counselors Corner

Senior Meetings

We are currently meeting individually with each senior to make sure they have what they need to make decisions regarding next steps after high school. We are encouraging college-bound seniors to get their applications submitted by early November to have the best opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. We also assist non-college-bound seniors with career exploration, vocational opportunities, and job search skills.

Scholarships

Throughout the school year, various scholarship opportunities will be posted online through the Counseling Department. A listing of outside scholarships, both regional and national, is updated as we receive notices of scholarships. The Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland has a variety of scholarship opportunities for HC students. The CFHZ scholarship application opens in early December. Internal HC scholarships for full-time HC students are also available, and will be shared with students in late January. Check the Scholarship portion of the Counseling Page for more information.

College Visits, Fairs & Activities

The counseling department website has a complete listing of colleges visiting HCHS. College representative visits are also listed in the daily announcements.

Meeting with Juniors

We will be meeting with all juniors to talk about steps to take to prepare for both senior year and life after high school. We will also be offering the opportunity for parents to join with their student and his/her counselor for a junior + parent check-in meeting. Some of the information covered in the junior + parent meeting includes taking the ACT/SAT, preparing for senior year, and discussing future plans. Since this is an important and transitional time in your student’s life and you may have questions, too, we want to provide the option for parents to sit in on this meeting. Watch for more information to come about these meetings.

Testing Information

This year AP exam registration and payment will be done in the fall by Nov. 11, 2025. It is a two-step process, so be sure to complete both steps to register to take an AP test:

Step 2: join your teacher’s AP Classroom and indicate you are interested in taking the AP test. (Many students have already done this with their teacher in class.)

Both steps need to be completed by Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025 at 11:59pm. The cost of each exam is $105, which can be paid online or by check. If you have questions contact Alison Silva in the High School office.

Fine Arts

Festival of Fine Arts

Celebrate Holland Christian High School’s Festival of Fine Arts! From student drawings and paintings to movie music, choral anthems, and the deep sounds of the tuba, prepare to enjoy a rich diversity of the arts:

  • HS Choir Concert: Thursday, October 30 at 7:30pm in the HS Auditorium
  • HS Bands & Orchestra Concert: Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30pm in the HS Auditorium
  • Swingin’ the Night Away: Friday, November 14, 6:45-9pm in the HCHS cafeteria
  • The Fall Art Exhibition will be on the gallery wall (along the ramp) on Main Street October 30 – November 6.

Swingin’ The Night Away

The Holland Christian Jazz Bands and the Old Timer’s Jazz Band are proud to present “Swingin’ the Night Away” in the HCHS cafeteria Friday, November 14, from 6:45 – 9pm. Admission is $5, to support the HCHS music program. Dance (or not), socialize, eat desserts, and enjoy the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and more!

Fall Musical: Pride and Prejudice!

We are proud to present the brand new musical, Pride and Prejudice! Based on the beloved novel by Jane Austen, the story follows clever and headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and her family, who are facing mounting pressure to marry off five daughters before their estate is inherited by a distant cousin. The family’s situation is complicated by the arrival of two gentlemen in their town: charming and wealthy Mr. Bingley, who instantly forms a crush on the eldest Bennet sister, and Mr. Darcy, his pompous and cold friend who becomes Elizabeth’s nemesis after a disastrous first encounter. As Bingley and Jane’s romance keeps pulling them into each other’s orbits, Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves sparring over their ideas of love, freedom and happiness. Their fiery exchanges and mutual disdain only seem to deepen, but underneath it all, something more complicated stirs. Can their intense animosity evolve into something deeper, or will their pride and prejudice tear them apart forever?  Shows will be held at 7pm on November 20, 21, and 22 with an additional matinee at 2pm on the 22rd. Tickets available soon!

Important Dates

Holland Christian Schools 2025-26 Calendar 

October

  • 2: Parent-Teacher conferences (5:30-8:30pm)
  • 4: Tuition Grant Fund Auction & Dinner 6-9:30pm
  • 9: Parent-Teacher conferences (3:30-6:30pm)
  • 10: Picture retakes at HS
  • 22: No school, staff development
  • 23 & 24: CEA staff development (No school)
  • 22 – 24: All Tech Center students must attend Tech Center
  • 30: High School Choir Concert, 7:30pm

November

  • 4: High School Bands & Orchestra Concert, 7:30pm
  • 11: Veteran’s Day assembly, 9:30am
  • 14: Swingin’ The Night Away, 6:45pm
  • 21, 22, 23: Fall Musical, Pride and Prejudice
  • 26, 27, 28: Thanksgiving vacation, No school
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