Our History
Holy Family Parish was established in 1950, with the groundbreaking ceremony for the church taking place on February 11. Later that year, Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley of the Diocese of Saint Augustine officially named the parish The Church of the Holy Family, and Monsignor Rowan Rastatter was appointed its first pastor.
The groundbreaking for Holy Family Catholic School took place on January 7, 1951, and the school welcomed its first students in September of that year. Under the leadership of the Benedictine Sisters of the Holy Name Convent, Holy Family opened with approximately 300 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, with Sister Mary Grace serving as the school's first principal.
The Benedictine Sisters continued to guide the school through its early years, including the celebration of Holy Family's first graduating class in 1956. In 1968, Mrs. Ruth Barbick was appointed principal, becoming the first lay principal in the Archdiocese of Miami. Holy Family was also among the first schools in the Archdiocese to employ both religious and lay faculty.
Under Mrs. Barbick's leadership, Holy Family became one of eight pilot schools in the Archdiocese of Miami to earn accreditation—an important milestone in the school's continued commitment to educational excellence.
Since opening its doors in 1951, Holy Family Catholic School has remained dedicated to providing an exceptional Catholic education rooted in faith, academic excellence, service, and integrity. Building upon the vision of those who came before us, Holy Family continues to form students who are prepared to lead with compassion, character, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a quality education rooted in the sacraments and the Gospel values. We aim to profess our Catholic faith through academic excellence, community service, and integrity so that our students become empowered to reach their ultimate potential.
Principal's Welcome
Dear Holy Family School Community,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! It is with great joy, gratitude, and excitement that I greet our students, families, faculty and staff, partners in education, and parishioners.
I am honored to begin this new journey as Principal of Holy Family Catholic School after serving in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for more than a decade. As a proud product of Catholic education, it is especially meaningful to return to a faith-filled school community where I can unite my passion for education with my love for Christ and His children. Serving as principal of Holy Family is truly a blessing and an opportunity to give back to a community that has poured so much into me throughout my life.
At Holy Family, we are committed to nurturing the whole child through an education rooted in our Catholic faith and traditions. Our mission is to inspire every student to pursue academic excellence while growing in faith, character, and service. This year, we will continue strengthening STEAM education, embracing data-driven and differentiated instruction, expanding project-based learning, and fostering innovation, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking throughout our classrooms.
To our dedicated faculty and staff, thank you for answering the call to educate with faith, excellence, and love. Your commitment to our students and your willingness to inspire, innovate, and lead make Holy Family a truly special place. I am grateful to serve alongside such a devoted team and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
To our families, thank you for welcoming me into the Holy Family community and for entrusting us with the education and formation of your children. I am excited to partner with you and our parish community as we begin this new chapter together.
May God bless each of you with a joyful, safe, and successful school year.
Together, let peace begin!
Blessings,
Ms. Yveta Brise
Principal
Holy Family Catholic School
