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Dear Xavier Families,
We gathered as a school community this morning for our annual Lenten Prayer Service, a moment that asked us to slow down and listen. Guided by our peer ministers, we walked through a powerful reflection on the Stations of the Cross, each step a reminder of sacrifice, love, and the quiet strength found in faith. It was a reverent and grace-filled experience that grounded us in the true meaning of the season.
The Lenten season calls us, as Catholics, to reflect, to repent, and to renew. It asks something of us, our attention, our humility, and our hearts. As we approach Easter Sunday, we are reminded that this journey does not end in sorrow, but in hope. The promise of the Resurrection is a light that carries us forward, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is new life waiting on the other side.
The spring athletic season begins this weekend, and with it comes a new energy across our campus. Fields and courts will fill again with competition, teamwork, and pride. We wish all of our student-athletes the very best as they begin their seasons. Wear the Xavier colors with pride, compete with integrity, and represent our school and community with the character that defines what it means to be a Falcon.
This Saturday is National Librarian's Day, a special opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the profound impact our school librarian has on our community each and every day. Please join us in honoring and thanking Mrs. Monica Marselli, whose dedication, compassion, and quiet excellence truly enrich the lives of everyone in our building. Her work goes far beyond managing books and resources. She creates a space where students feel seen, supported, and inspired. Through her warmth and care, she nurtures not only a love of reading, but also a sense of belonging and curiosity that stays with our students long after they leave her library. Spend any amount of time in the library or media center and you will likely find a student at her desk, engaged in a meaningful conversation that stretches far beyond the pages of any book.
Lastly, please note that school will be closed tomorrow in observance of Good Friday and will remain closed on Monday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 7, and it will be an A Day.
Wishing you and your family a blessed and peaceful Easter.
I wanted to share an excerpt Sunday's Gospel from John 20: 8.
Then the other also disciple went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
"He saw and believed" comes in a quiet but profound moment. The disciple steps into the empty tomb, sees what is before him, the burial cloths, the absence, the mystery, and something shifts. There is no voice from heaven, no grand explanation. Just sight, and then faith. It is a reminder that belief does not always arrive with certainty or clarity. Sometimes it begins in a moment of noticing, of being present, of allowing what we see to move our hearts.
At Xavier, that same movement happens every day, often in ways that do not make headlines. A student begins to see his own potential, maybe in a classroom, on a field, or in an act of service, and starts to believe in who he can become. A teacher sees something in a young man before he sees it in himself. A community built on faith and brotherhood helps shape that vision.
We do not always have all the answers right away. Growth, like faith, unfolds over time. But at Xavier, we ask our students to look closely, at the world, at themselves, at the values they are called to live, and to take that next step from seeing to believing.
God Bless!
Mr. Cerreta '01 President, Xavier High School
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, Apr. 3: Good Friday
- Friday, Apr. 3: School / Offices Closed
- Friday, Apr. 3: Report Cards Posted Online (6:00 PM)
- Sunday, Apr. 5: Easter Sunday
- Monday, Apr. 6: Easter Monday (NO SCHOOL / OFFICED CLOSED)
- Wednesday, Apr. 8: Easter Mass (9:10 AM)
- Wednesday, Apr. 8: 25K Cash Raffle Drawing
- Thursday, Apr. 9: Mercy / Xavier College Fair (6:00 PM)
- Monday, Apr. 13: Spring Break Begins
- Monday, Apr. 20: Classes resume (A Day)
- Thursday, Apr. 23: Ron James Assembly Junior & Seniors (8:30 AM)
- Saturday, Apr. 25: Pre-HSPT Exam Class of 2031
- Saturday, Apr. 25: Senior Prom at Woodwinds (6:30 PM)
- Tuesday, Apr. 28: Bring Your Brother to Xavier Day (8:30 AM)
- Tuesday, Apr. 28: Spring Concert at Mercy (7:00 PM)
- Wednesday, Apr. 29: Early Dismissal (12:30 PM)
- Thursday, Apr. 30: Academic Awards Night (7:00 PM)
- Monday, May 1: Spring Pep Rally
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SUMMER CAMP 2026!
- Help spread the word! Registration for Xavier's summer camps is now open! Summer starts at Xavier. Spots are filling fast! The link for registration can be found HERE.
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FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE
- You should have received an email regarding the re-enrollment process for the 2025-26 school year. Contracts are available through the Xavier parent portal and must be submitted by April 30, 2026. If you have any questions please contact the Finance Office.
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FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS
- The 2026-27 one-page school calendar is available HERE. A full calendar will be made available later this spring.
- 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 of before we return to school on Tuesday. A reminder that burst fades are not allowed. There is no reason for your son to come back to school with hair out of dress code or facial hair. Failure to do so will result in detention. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
- On Thursday, April 23, Juniors & Seniors will have a special assembly with author, public speaker, and life coach Ron James. Mr. James will speak about the importance of making good decisions. In his biennial presentation to our upperclassmen, Mr. James will share his life story and challenge our Falcons to make their next choice their best choice.
- Senior Prom Tickets are available! Your sons have been sent ticket information. This year's prom is Saturday, April 25 at Woodwinds in Branford. If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Braychak.
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FROM THE ASSOCIATE PRESIDENTS
- 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. A Brochure with more information will be sent home soon! You can register for classes and view the Summer Academic Brochure HERE
- The annual level change review process will take place from Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 10. To be considered for a level increase, a student must have maintained an "A" average for the academic year and receive a strong, enthusiastic recommendation from the course teacher. If you believe your son meets these criteria and would like him to be considered for a level change up, please contact both his counselor and his teacher during this window. Level changes to a lower course level are also reviewed during this time. If your son has struggled in a course this year despite his best efforts and you feel a level adjustment may be appropriate, please contact his counselor to discuss this option. If a level change is approved, the counselor will follow up with families regarding next steps and additional details.
- Report Cards for the third marking period will be posted in OnCampus on Friday, April 3, at 6:00 pm.
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FROM THE SCHOOL STORE
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FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
- Senior Parents - Please remind your sons to update their college outcomes in Naviance. A step-by-step guide can be found in OnCampus under School & College Counseling.
- Senior Parents - 'Tis the Scholarship Submission Season. Please remember to give our office 2 weeks notice for Transcript and Letter of Recommendation requests.
- Save the date for the Xavier & Mercy High School Annual College Fair on April 9, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. More than 100 colleges and universities from around the country will be in attendance.
- Parents of Juniors - Please turn in your completed Parent Brag sheet before April vacation or sooner.
- The Connecticut Congressional Delegation will host its annual Service Academy Night on Wednesday, May 6th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in East Hartford, offering students the opportunity to meet with representatives from each of the federal service academies and learn about the congressional nomination process. Staff members from each congressional office will also be available to answer questions and provide guidance on applying for a nomination. This event is open to all students, regardless of grade level, who are interested in pursuing a service academy, not just juniors beginning the college application process. CLICK HERE to view a flyer for the event.
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FROM THE ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
- Alumnus Steven Scionti '81 returns to Middletown, CT, to perform his deeply personal, critically acclaimed one-man show, Hear What’s in the Heart: A Shoemaker's Tale, on May 8th and May 9th at 7:00 PM at the Mercy High School Auditorium. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
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FROM THE ENROLLMENT OFFICE
- 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 $5,000 tuition discount. To learn more about hosting an international exchange student or contact Chris Sansone, Director of Enrollment.
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Lino's Lunch Next Week
MONDAY
NO SCHOOL
TUESDAY
Chipotle Chicken & Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
WEDNESDAY
Philly Steak Grinder Penne Alfredo
THURSDAY
Orange Ginger Chicken Chef Special
FRIDAY
Loaded Baked Potato w/ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese
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