Good Morning.  It is my honor to stand here today as the new Principal of Holy Family School.  My name is Dawn Sacco Paskalides and I would like to tell you a little bit about my plans and vision for our school.
 
When I received the news that I was chosen for this position I was very excited yet very humbled.  I was not prepared for all the miracles that would start happening around me.  Strangers from the town approached me with hugs and smiles.  Parents came into the school with offers of their time, their money, their assistance with anything we need. Crews of painters and locksmiths and construction showed up at our doors. Teachers and staff were opening their hearts with gifts and kind words to show their support.  But there was nothing more rewarding than to have all the children smiling at me, introducing themselves and sharing how happy they are to be a student at Holy Family and welcoming me with open arms. 
 
The school staff and Holy Family leadership has been helpful beyond words. The support of Father Thomas and Dennis Corcoran has been a godsend.  Our school secretary, Toni Fiori, has gone above and beyond helping me make this a smooth transition. Each teacher has been a positive contribution to my life. I am truly blessed and I am truly grateful.
 
I am committed to giving every ounce of my effort to Holy Family School, its teachers, staff, parents, children and the community of Florham Park.  Our work has already begun.  We’re painting, cleaning, organizing, staffing and doing so many other things to give this community a school they deserve.  This is a very special town with very special people.  I have known this as your neighbor living in Chatham for 17 years but have personally witnessed this over the past two  weeks as I have begun serving you.  The dedication and passion you have is contagious and so beautiful to witness. I am humbled to be a part of it now.
 
Holy Family School has a long history.  Thousands of students have walked through those doors and received an extraordinary education with Christ in their daily lives each day.  I want to continue that tradition and I am committed to having Holy Family Parish and Holy Family School live out its mission as one Church this year and in the years to come.  We want our children to make a contribution to this beautiful parish and we invite you to be part of your school. 
 
Creating the school we all want takes a lot of work.  We are inviting every member of Holy Family Parish to be a contributor any way he or she can - large or small.  When I drive by Holy Family Church the front looks as if it could be on a postcard.  The flowers and landscape are so inviting and it screams out “there are people who love and care for this parish”.  That’s what I wish to communicate about our school as well.  We will be actively posting our school’s wish list in the bulletin and on our website in the days and weeks to come. Whether it’s offering to sand, paint or clean something, donating resources needed, volunteering a few hours in our office or lunchroom, we welcome anything you are willing to contribute.
 
I know there are thousands of alumni and present families praying for our school.  We will move forward responsibly and be Christ for each other and model Christian Community. If you know of a family struggling with the current school for their children please let them know Holy family is not only open for business but committed to academic excellence and nurturing of every child to her/his full potential as a child of our God.
 
I will be outside after mass if you would like to introduce yourself.  If you would like to get in touch with me please reach out anytime at the school.  I look forward to the many families I will meet.  I pray for more miracles like the ones I have been experiencing this week at Holy Family School. Thank you and God Bless