As we step into the New Year, it’s a perfect time to reflect and look ahead. It’s also the season when your local gym sees an unsustainable boom in membership, and Google searches for the latest fad diet skyrocket. But instead of resolutions that fizzle by February, try intentions inspired by the Holy Child Goals — practical, meaningful, and aligned with what matters most.

These Goals offer a framework for personal growth, reflection, and meaningful action — helping students, families, and our school community approach 2026 with purpose, balance, and alignment with our values. By setting resolutions in connection with these Goals, we can ensure that our intentions are not only achievable but also enriching, fostering faith, compassion, curiosity, and a sense of belonging.

Here are seven resolutions — one for each Goal — that can guide students, families, and the entire Oak Knoll School community.

1. Deepen Your Faith

Take time each day to nurture your relationship with God — through prayer, reflection, or acts of service — and approach life’s challenges with faith and joy. (Goal 1: Faith)

2. Build Strong Community Connections

Reach out, participate, and collaborate. Whether in school, at home, or in your neighborhood, invest in relationships that strengthen the communities you belong to. (Goal 2: Community)

3. Embrace the Joy of Learning

Set a goal to explore new topics, ask questions, and challenge yourself academically – whether you’re a student or not, we should all strive to be lifelong learners after all. Cultivate curiosity and find excitement in discovery. (Goal 3: Love of Learning)

4. Act with Compassion

Let your actions reflect care for others. Look for ways to help, listen, and respond thoughtfully, living out the Cornelian axiom, “Actions, Not Words.” (Goal 4: Compassion)

5. Show Respect

Honor the dignity and uniqueness of everyone you meet. Do this by practicing empathy, patience, and understanding in your daily interactions. (Goal 5: Respect)

6. Commit to Personal Growth

 Set goals that foster self-improvement—mindfulness, healthy habits, creative expression, or skill development—and do not forget to celebrate your progress along the way. (Goal 6: Growth)

7. Uphold Tradition

Learn about, participate in, and carry forward the mission, philosophy, and history of Holy Child Schools. Be a steward of our community’s values and legacy. Also, honor other meaningful traditions—family, cultural, or personal—that enrich your life and the lives of those around you. (Goal 7: Tradition)

By keeping these resolutions in mind, we can approach the New Year with intention, purpose, and the guidance of the Holy Child Goals.

Happy 2026!