Xavier High School Parent Weekly Newsletter - January 24

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Dear Xavier Families,

As the calendar turns, our community looks forward to moments of rest and reflection, with several well-deserved breaks on the horizon. First, we’re thrilled to announce there will be no school on Monday, February 10, a reward for the incredible effort our students put into making this year’s Walk-A-Thon a success. Their dedication has inspired us all, and this extra day off is a well-deserved acknowledgment.

We’re also excited to share that Tuesday, February 18 will be a Head of School Holiday, giving families a brief February break when paired with Friday, February 14 (no school) and Monday, February 17 for President’s Day. Later in the semester, we’ll pause again on Friday, March 14, in honor of the Bishop’s Holiday that was given to the students by Father Peter Langevin at the conclusion of the Opening of School Mass. Mark your calendars and enjoy these opportunities to spend time with loved ones.

Today marks the end of the first semester, a moment for reflection and pride in what our students have accomplished. Earlier this week, a group of peer ministers, joined by students from Mercy, hosted a retreat at Corpus Christi School. Watching our students step into leadership roles and serve the broader community is a powerful reminder of what it means to live the Xavier mission. They carry the spirit of compassion and faith with them, wherever they go.

Next week, we begin Catholic Schools Week, a celebration of who we are as a community and what we stand for. Stay tuned for updates and content that highlights our students, our faith, and the enduring values of Catholic education. It’s going to be a great week.

Finally, a quick reminder: Financial Aid applications for the 2025-26 school year are open, with the deadline fast approaching January 31. You’ll find the application link below. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Finance Office.

Thank you for all that you do to support your sons and the Xavier community. It’s a privilege to work alongside such engaged and supportive families.

I wanted to share this passage from our XBSS Partners in Mission document:

“The Spirit is calling us, as Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools, to implement challenging academic and cocurricular programs that promote the development of the whole person. Faculty, staff, and parents work together to create a trusting environment where the gospel vibrantly lives, and students are appropriately challenged to be their fullest, most authentic selves.”

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

Important Upcoming Dates
  • Friday, Jan. 24: End of the First Semester
  • Saturday, Jan. 25: Sophomore Saturday #3 (8:00 AM)
  • Monday, Jan. 27: Start of Catholic Schools Week
  • Tuesday, Jan. 28: Junior Ring Mass Practice (2:30 PM)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 28: Freshmen Class Night (5:30 PM)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 29: Early Dismissal
  • Thursday, Jan. 30: Junior Ring Mass (6:00 PM)
  • Friday, Jan. 31: Financial Aid Applications Due
  • Friday, Jan. 31: Underclassmen Service Hours Due
  • Friday, Jan. 31: Last Day to Add/Drop Classes for Spring Semester
  • Friday, Jan. 31: Report Cards Posted Online (6:00 PM)
  • Sunday, Feb. 2: Sophomore Retreat #4 (8:00 AM)
  • Monday, Feb. 3: Blessing of the Throats – Feast of St. Blaise
  • Wednesday, Feb. 5: Home & School Association Meeting (5:45 PM)
  • Thursday, Feb. 6: Class of 2029 Parent Night (6:30 PM)
- Financial Aid applications for the 2025-26 academic year are now being accepted. For those seeking financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year, we invite you to complete the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. The application can be accessed at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3CHKL. Financial aid at Xavier is awarded to families with demonstrated need, ensuring resources are thoughtfully allocated to those who require assistance. Families facing temporary financial hardships are encouraged to contact the Head of School to discuss special arrangements.
 
- With winter weather upon us, please note Xavier High School’s notification procedures and our policies for cancellation of school and for make-up days. The information can be found here
 
- Parents of Juniors: On Thursday, January 30, members of the Junior Class will receive their class rings at the Junior Ring Mass at 6 p.m. Mandatory Ring Mass practice will be held on Tuesday, January 28, from 2:30-3 p.m. A blazer is required for those students receiving a ring or participating in the Mass. The school has some blazers available for students to borrow if necessary. Parents and guests are reminded to park in the back parking lot and enter through the arch. If you have questions, please contact Administrative Assistant Mrs. Lisa Keereweer.
 
-  Ski Trip to Stratton Mountain! We're organizing a ski trip to Stratton Mountain in Vermont on Friday, February 14. All students are invited to attend. For more information email Mrs. Lane.  
 
- 2024 Yearbook: The Yearbook should be available in late July. Please address any question to Br. John Sullivan. 

- Underclass yearbook subscriptions: [Members of the Class of 2024 do not have to purchase a Yearbook; the cost is included in the senior graduation fee.] Books can be ordered for $75.

- All home athletic events for the sports of Basketball, Hockey, and Wrestling require purchase of admission through our online ticketing platform GoFan. Please click here to purchase your tickets or season pass. 

-58 days to Catch the Xavier Fever at the 33rd AXavier ANnual Black and White Auction!
What do you need to know to get ready for one of the most exciting nights at Xavier:
  • Tickets are $90 per per person (include appetizers, dinner, lots of desserts, tasting of local breweries, wineries and of course the annual Signature Drink, let's not forget the danicing);
  • Doors will open at 5PM with Silent Auction open until 7:15pm
  • Attire - if you want to have a full experience of the Night Fever get your polyester look ready! otherwise wear what will jive with you to enjoy the evening
  • In kind donations - as always we appreciate your support via in kind donations; there will be many opportunities to participate in donating, whether individually, class baskets or teams' baskets - more info coming soon.
  • Sponsorship opportunities -  whether you and your family decide to become a sponsor, your company chooses to support us through a sponsorship or advertisement in the event's program, or you reach out to a business you frequently patronize, your participation would mean the world to us and help us reach our fundraising goals.
    Please take a moment to explore the sponsorship opportunities. 
Direct any questions to [email protected] or 860-966-9825, the HSA President will be happy to help.

- Parents of Juniors: Please have your son register for the in-school SAT Test at Xavier on March 26, 2025. The registration is now open through the OnCampus portal.

- 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.

- 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. 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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Click here to view next week’s lunch menu.

Have a great weekend.

God Bless.

Nick Cerreta ’01
Interim Head of School
Xavier High School