Dear Xavier Families,
This week, the Xavier community came alive with tradition, celebration, and promise.
On Tuesday, we gathered for the Feast of St. Francis Xavier Mass, a cornerstone of our Founders Week celebrations. It was a time for reflection and gratitude, honoring our Patron Saint and the legacy that guides our school. At the conclusion of the Mass, I had the distinct privilege of presenting the Theodore James Ryken Award to two extraordinary members of our community, administrative assistants Lisa Keereweer and Marie Braychak. Selected by their peers, they embody the Xaverian charism of education through their unwavering dedication and service. There are few people whose contributions to our school community are as profound and far-reaching as Mrs. Keereweer and Mrs. Braychak. As pillars of our community, they bring peace amidst the whirlwind of school life.
Wednesday brought a moment of pride for our athletics program as we honored three student-athletes who will continue their journeys at the NCAA Division I level. Charles Weidman, Jack Ouellette, and Owen Martin have spent years honing their craft, and their hard work has been rewarded. Charles will wrestle at West Point, Jack will run at Boston University, and Owen will run at Rutgers University. Later this year, we look forward to celebrating more of our athletes heading to compete at Division II and III schools.
Thursday evening, the Xavier campus buzzed with excitement as more than 50 prospective families joined us for a mini Open House. The halls were filled with curiosity and hope as families explored what it means to be part of the Xavier community. This busy admission season has been a testament to our school’s enduring reputation, and we are eagerly preparing to send out letters of acceptance to the Class of 2029 before Christmas.
Today marks the close of Founders Week, a cherished time for each of the 13 Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools. Together, we celebrated the legacy of Theodore James Ryken and St. Francis Xavier, connecting our daily lives to the values they championed. Each morning began with a reflection on a Xaverian value and a prayer from one of our Peer Ministers. Students and staff took time to recognize those among us who embody these values, with winners announced daily and celebrated for their contributions to our community.
During lunch, students shared thoughtful reflections on how they could practice the Xaverian value of the day in their own lives. Their responses reminded us all of the power of our mission.
This week was a vibrant reminder of what makes Xavier special, including our faith, our traditions, and our commitment to each other. Check our website next week for a full recap of Founders Week.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your son's education.
Here are this week's updates and announcements...
Important Upcoming Dates
- Saturday, Dec. 7: Freshmen / Sophomore Winter Semi-Formal (7 PM)
- Sunday, Dec. 8: Second Sunday of Advent
- Monday, Dec. 9: Christmas Prayer Service (9:10 AM)
- Tuesday, Dec. 10: Winter Concert / Art Show at Mercy (7 PM)
- Sunday, Dec. 15: Third Sunday of Advent
- Monday, Dec. 16: Midterm Exams Begin (Students in Secondary Dress)
- Sunday, Dec. 22: Fourth Sunday of Advent
- Tuesday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve (School & Offices Closed)
- Wednesday, Dec. 25: Christmas (School & Offices Closed)
- Friday, Dec. 27: Artie Kohs Classic (5:30 PM / 7:15 PM)
- Saturday, Dec. 28: Catholic Middle School Basketball Tournament (1:00 PM)
- Saturday, Dec. 28: Artie Kohs Classic (5:30 PM / 7:15 PM)
- Sunday, Dec. 29: Catholic Middle School Basketball Tournament (12:00 PM)
- Tuesday, Dec. 31: New Year's Eve (School & Offices Closed)
- Wednesday, Jan. 1: New Year’s Day (School & Offices Closed)
- Freshman & Sophomore Parents: The Freshman/Sophomore Winter Semi-Formal Dance will be held at Xavier on Saturday, December 7th from 7-10:30 pm. The boys are allowed to bring a female date from a school other than Mercy. Hot and cold appetizers and desserts will be served and a DJ will provide the music. Dress is semi-formal: shirt, tie, jacket. Please contract Mrs. Keereweer with any questions.
- Parents: Your sons have been reminded of our hair and grooming policy. If your son is in need of a haircut, please make sure he has it taken care this weekend. A reminder that burst fades are not allowed. Failure to do so will result in detention. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
- Midterm exams begin on Monday, December 16. They are scheduled to run from the 16th through December 19th. If we do not have a snow day during that time, Christmas break will begin at dismissal on the 19th. If there is a snow day and we miss a day of exams, they will be made up on December 20th with Christmas break beginning at dismissal that day. An informational memo regarding midterm exams was sent to families on Wednesday.
Please find the Christmas Store Hours below: Friday, December 20: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Monday, December 23: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Parents of Seniors: Please inform Ms. O’Connor of the schools you are applying to so she can ensure your materials are sent on time. Please note that first-quarter grades will accompany your son’s transcript and other college application materials. If you notice any documents missing from your college applications, promptly inform the School Counseling Office so we can address the issue.
- Junior Students & Parents: Please save the date for our Junior Parent & Student Night Thursday, January 9th at 6:30 pm.
- Our final mini Open House will be held on Thursday, Mar. 6, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Xavier! Registration is underway. Please share this link with family and friends!
- ASSE International is partnering with Xavier High School to welcome international high school exchange students, ages 15-18, into your family and create bonds that will last a lifetime. Hosting an international student offers a unique cultural exchange experience for both the student and your family. To learn more about hosting an international exchange student click here or contact Chris Sansone, Director of Enrollment.
Have a great weekend.
God Bless.
Nick Cerreta '01 Interim Head of School Xavier High School
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