Xavier High School Parent Weekly Newsletter - February 28

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Dear Xavier Families,
 
This week at Xavier, we had the privilege of welcoming a special guest speaker, Deacon Art Miller from the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence. Deacon Miller, who lived through and participated in the Civil Rights Movement, shared a profound and moving reflection with our students. His words were a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and the responsibility we all share in building a more just and compassionate world. This message was especially fitting during Black History Month.

Deacon Miller spoke passionately about what it truly means to be Christian, which is to love one another without exception. His reminder that we are all our brother’s keeper resonated deeply within our community. We are grateful to Mr. Braychak and the members of My Brother’s Keeper for organizing this important discussion and providing our students with such a meaningful opportunity for reflection.

On Wednesday evening, we held our Parent Teacher Conferences, and it was wonderful to see so many of you, both in person and virtually. Open and honest communication between faculty and parents is essential to the success of our students, and we greatly appreciate your partnership in their education. Your engagement and commitment to their growth make a real difference.

In continuing our cultural and diversity efforts, we are preparing for a Culture & Diversity Day on Friday, March 7. This special day will feature a two-part program designed to engage our students in meaningful discussions about social justice. In the first half of the day, students will break into small groups of fifteen to twenty with faculty and staff members to watch the film Just Mercy and participate in discussions. After lunch waves, we will welcome Pastor James Lane from the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence, who will speak to our community about the importance of social justice. We look forward to this opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow together.

Our winter sports teams have continued their tradition of excellence, bringing home more championship titles. Wrestling won their eighth straight Southern Connecticut Conference title and their fifth consecutive CIAC Class L state championship. Track and Field captured their fourth straight CIAC Class L state championship, with the team also finishing as the State Open runner-up. As wrestling prepares to compete in the State Open championships, we wish them the best of luck. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes and coaches for their dedication and success. The riflery team finished third in the state championships, just nine points away from the top spot

We also invite you to join us for the 33rd Annual Black and White Auction, hosted by the Home and School Association. This event is a vital part of ensuring the sustainability and progress of our school, and we hope you will consider attending or supporting in any way you can. Tickets are available now, and we encourage you to be part of this special evening celebrating and supporting Xavier.

As always, thank you for your support of Xavier.

Here are this week's updates and announcements...

Important Upcoming Dates
  • Friday, Feb. 28: Senior Service Hours Due
  • Monday, Mar. 3: AP Applications Assessments Week Begins
  • Tuesday, Mar. 4: Confessions (10:00 AM)
  • Tuesday, Mar. 4: Spring Freshman Leadership Day (11:55 AM)
  • Wednesday, Mar. 5: Ash Wednesday
  • Wednesday, Mar. 5: Ash Wednesday Mass (9:10 AM)
  • Wednesday, Mar. 5: HSA Meeting (5:45 PM)
  • Thursday, Mar. 6: Spring Open House (6:00 PM)
  • Friday, Mar. 7: Class of 2029 Course Registration Due
  • Friday, Mar. 7: Mercy / Xavier Spring Musical Opening Night
  • Friday, Mar. 7: Student AP Applications Due
  • Friday, Mar. 7: Stations of the Cross (2:40 PM)
  • Sunday, Mar. 9: First Sunday of Lent
- The 25k Cash Raffle is underway! Please click here for more details, and to purchase tickets. Only 800 tickets will be sold! 
 
- Orders for the 2025 Xavier Yearbook are now being taken. The link to our publisher is The cost of the yearbook is $75. SENIORS DO NOT HAVE TO PURCHASE A YEARBOOK. 
 
- On Saturday, 3/8 there will be an Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED training at Xavier from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. The course is open to all members of the Xavier & Mercy communities, including students, parents, siblings, etc. Designed for individuals of all experience levels, Xavier's First Aid/CPR program will teach participants how to respond confidently in emergencies. Participants will learn to recognize and manage common injuries, perform CPR for infants, children, and adults, and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) effectively. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certification in First Aid and CPR that meets national safety standards. Spots are limited so register ASAP. To register, please click HERE.

- Make the most of your summer with Xavier’s Summer Academic Programs, designed to help you strengthen key skills, get ahead in challenging subjects, or fulfill course requirements. Whether you're looking to refine your math and writing abilities, prepare for AP coursework, or even knock out a graduation requirement, our summer offerings provide the perfect opportunity to stay on track. Plus, register by May 2 to take advantage of early-bird discounts! Register here! 

- Tickets are on SALE NOW for the Xavier & Mercy spring production! Get your ticket for the Matilda by clicking here! Performances take place March 7, 8, and 9 at Mercy.
 
- Spring sports registration is live! If your son plans to play a spring sport, you can register him online by clicking here. The deadline for registration is Sunday, March 16. Please make sure our nurse has a copy of his most recent physical. Physicals are valid for 13 months from the date of the exam.
 
- The 33rd Xavier Annual Black & White Auction is 23 days away! The time has come to invite your family and friends and reserve your seats for this fun filled event! Please visit the Auction website  Link here  for One Stop Auction Shop.
 
- All Parents – Please save the date for the annual Mercy/Xavier College Fair to be held at Xavier on Thursday, April 10. More details will be coming soon!
 
- NCAA: If your student applies to the NCAA Eligibility Center, please inform Ms. O’Connor or Mr. Lambert, so they can upload a transcript.

- Senior Students & Parents: Please inform Ms. O’Connor of any additional colleges that you add to your list so she can ensure that your materials are sent on time. If you notice any documents missing from your college applications, promptly inform the School Counseling Office, so we can address the issue.
 
- Senior Students & Parents: Midyear reports have been sent to all colleges.
 
- Senior Students & Parents: Please click here to view important scholarship information from the School Counseling Office.

- 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!
 
- Do you own a small business? We’d love your help in spreading the word about Xavier’s exciting new summer camps! If you’d be willing to display a lawn sign or have postcards available at your business, we’d greatly appreciate it. Every sign placed and every card shared helps us reach more families and create memorable summer experiences for students.
If you're interested, please email Mr. Cunha at [email protected].

- 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. Families that host an exchange student will receive a $4,000 tuition discount. To learn more about hosting an international exchange student or contact Chris Sansone, Director of Enrollment.

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Have a great weekend.

God Bless.

Nick Cerreta ’01
President
Xavier High School