HOLIDAY EVENTS

Halloween Trunk or Treat

The HSA oversees the organization of this super fun event. Students “trick or treat” around parked cars that have been decorated / dressed up for Halloween by parent volunteers.

Halloween Dance (5-8)

The HSA organizes this great event for the older grades.  Students come in their costumes and dance the night away.  The auditorium is decorated for Halloween and a DJ gets the party started.  Snacks and refreshments are provided.  The 8th grade typically comes in themed costumes and makes a grand entrance on the dance floor.
 

Christmas Fair 

The Christmas Fair is the HSA’s main fundraiser and a long-standing IHM tradition. The Christmas Fair is a community wide event and many IHM families and parishioners attend the Fair. It is an incredible day of fun, typically held on the second Friday of December.  It is held in the lower church Christmas wonderland.  The fair features a holiday boutique for students to purchase holiday gifts for their families, craft tables and many games for students to play and win prizes. The HSA organizes amazing raffles (thanks to donations from our families and local businesses) and an annual 50/50 prize.  Families may also donate items for a Bake Sale during the Fair. Santa makes an appearance to hear wish lists and take photos. Volunteers are needed to help setup and break down the fair as well as fill slots during the fair. 

Easter Bunny Breakfast (PreK-1st)*

Each year the Easter bunny comes to IHM to meet and greet our youngest students.  The bunny takes photos and provides them with a craft and some snacks.  It is a special start to the Easter holiday.

FAMILY FUN 

Back to School BBQ

Each year the HSA organizes a back-to-school bbq to welcome all our IHM families to a new school year.  Food, games and music are all part of this amazing annual event. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones!

New Parents Welcome Coffee

New parents are invited to a welcome coffee event hosted by the HSA in September.  Take a moment to meet fellow new parents as well as ask any questions you might have to our veteran HSA members.  Information about school events and opportunities to volunteer are shared.  

Parents Night Out 

The HSA organizes one or two nights out a year just for parents.  We arrange for a food and drink special at one of our local establishments for a night of connection and fun without the kids!

Catholic Schools Week Opening Mass Reception

The HSA provides coffee and donuts for all our students and families after mass at the start of Catholic Schools Week.  It is a great way to come together to celebrate our wonderful Catholic school at Mass and to socialize afterwards as a community.  

Eastchester St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Join our IHM family as we march in the annual Eastchester St. Patrick’s day parade.  Students and families wear green as we march (and ride on our decorated IHM float) behind the school banner.  It is a great opportunity to show off our IHM pride to our Eastchester community.  

Family Bowling Night 

Come spend a Friday night out with other IHM families and friends at Bowlero!  Food, drinks, shoes and unlimited play for 2 hours are included in this special night.  It is a great night out for the family!

End of Year Celebration

The HSA throws a spectacular end of the year bash each June for all IHM students and their families in the upper lot.  Food, drinks, music, games and the promise of summer vacation make this a great night for all!  

FUNDRAISERS 

IHM Christmas Fair 

In addition to the fun and building of Christmas and community spirit this day, the sale of game tickets and tickets for the raffles that are generously donated by our IHM families, HSA and local business for our annual Christmas Fair provide the HSA’s largest fundraising source each year. Multi-day volunteers are needed to help with set up, running of various stations during and  break down of the fair. 

Christmas Wreath Sale 

The Christmas Wreath sale is a fundraiser for the school. Wreaths are pre-ordered in November and then are available for pick up the first week of December. 

Valentines Candy-grams 

The HSA organizes the sale of Valentine's day candy-grams that parents can order to be delivered to the classrooms.  Candy Grams can be purchased for anyone in the school (your child, other students in the class, teachers and support staff) to show that Valentines love!

CULTURAL AND STEM ASSEMBLIES/EVENTS (differs each year)

Prismatic Magic Laser Light Show- Bullying Prevention

Set to a soundtrack of popular music and a visually engaging band of neon animations, children in grades K-8 were presented with an exciting laser light show.  Themes of bullying prevention, kindness, teamwork, and strength of character were reinforced to students.

New York Chinese Cultural Center- Chinese New Year Lion Dance

The NYCCC was welcomed into the IHM auditorium for an amazing display of Chinese culture and heritage.  Students in grades pre-K3 to 8 were treated to an authentic New Year Lion Dance complete with music and costumes.  An exhilarating interactive segment also had the children learning some Kung-Fu moves and the visually stunning “Red Ribbon Dance.”

Kevin Grace - Bagpiper

Experienced bagpiper, Kevin Grace, makes a traditional yearly visit to serenade students as they enter school close to Saint Patrick’s Day.  He then visits classrooms, giving children a closer look at the bagpipe and fills the hallways of IHM with traditional Irish music.

Multicultural Fair

Families were invited to “Travel Around the World With IHM.”  Traditional music, visually stunning displays, and mouthwatering smells from numerous different cultures filled the auditorium as members of our school community were invited to set up displays demonstrating their heritage.  Students and their families traveled from country to country participating in each exhibit and even received stamps in their passports!

SkyDome Lights Show

Students were treated to a journey through the universe in a portable, inflatable planetarium in the IHM auditorium.  Students go on a tour of the solar system and are introduced to Greek mythological characters in the stars.  Students witness the night sky in different seasons and global perspectives.  An amazing assembly loved by all!

MLK Jr. Assembly (3rd-8th)

IHM students learn about civil rights leader and hero, Martin Luther King Jr. through an amazing interactive assembly.  

Irish Dancing Cultural Celebration

Dancers (and some IHM students) from the Golding Dance Academy kick their way into IHM’s heart with an amazing show of traditional Irish step dancing.  

Mad Science

A fun STEM experience for all!  Students enjoy educational and entertaining science shows and fun stations for hands-on experiences are an IHM staple each spring!

OTHER HSA EVENTS DURING SCHOOL HOURS 

Uniform Swap Shop

The HSA organizes two swaps a year that precede the uniform changeover in the fall and spring. Volunteers to help are always welcome!   Parents with used uniforms that are clean and in good condition can drop them off to the office.  The swap shop offers the opportunity for parents to “shop” for used uniforms.  

HSA Sponsoring of Buses for Class Trips

HSA Pizza Sponsoring for Christmas movie night

 The HSA often sponsors trips or food for events in school to subsidize or negate any costs for parents.  This year we have contributed to the costs for buses for class trips as well as bought pizza for all those students at the PJs and Polar Express event.  More to come!
 

HSA CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS (2023-24)

IHM Buddy Benches and Planters*

The HSA purchased our much-loved buddy benches for students and families to enjoy next to our new planters and ivy-covered fence.  IHM is looking good!
 

Updated Hopscotch and Jumping Playground games* 

Thank you to our HSA volunteer painters who did an amazing job with a bright new hopscotch and jumping game in the parking lot.  We are hoping to expand the awesome artwork even more!

Water/Water Bottle Fountain in the Gym

Thirsty IHM students can benefit from the new water bottle fountain in the gym thanks to HSA funds.