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Dear Xavier Families,
As we head into a long weekend, let us take a moment to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement reminds us of the enduring power of courage, compassion, and justice in shaping a better world. May his example inspire each of us, and our young men, to continue striving for equality, understanding, and respect within our communities and beyond.
This past Tuesday, we were thrilled to host our 8th Grade Honors Night and welcome an outstanding group of eighth grade honors students and their families to campus. It was an inspiring evening, and we are hopeful that many of these talented young men will soon call Xavier home as members of the Class of 2030. This is an important time for eighth grade families as they consider the next step in their son's educational journey, and we are grateful they chose to spend part of that process with us.
A special highlight of the evening came from our student speakers, Conor Driscoll '29, Cyrus Leservot-Goldman '29, and Sean O'Sullivan ’26, who shared thoughtful and powerful reflections on their experiences at Xavier. Hearing our students speak so eloquently and confidently about the impact Xavier has had on their lives was a moment of great pride and a true testament to the formation that happens here each day. Ryan Ruggiero '24 also spoke to our incoming families about his time at Xavier. He was one of many alumni in attendance that night. It's always great to see our alums share the incredible experiences they had during their time here.
Earlier today, the energy on campus was electric as we gathered for our Winter Sports Pep Rally. It was a wonderful celebration of Falcon spirit and an opportunity to recognize the hard work, commitment, and teamwork of our winter student athletes. Our teams are off to strong starts, and we look forward to cheering them on throughout the remainder of the season.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. We wish you and your family a safe, restful, and meaningful long weekend.
I wanted to share this Sunday's Gospel from John 1: 29-34.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."
In this passage, John the Baptist does not place himself at the center of the story. Instead, he points, clearly and humbly, to Jesus.
When John calls Jesus "the Lamb of God," he is identifying Him as the one who takes away sin and restores relationship with God. This is not about power or recognition. It is about sacrifice, service, and love.
John also acknowledges something important: "I did not know him." John doesn’t claim certainty right away. His faith deepens through witness and trust. He sees the Spirit descend like a dove and understands, over time, who Jesus truly is. Faith here is not instant clarity; it is recognition that grows through attentiveness and obedience.
This Gospel mirrors the mission of Xavier in powerful ways.
At Xavier, we are called, like John the Baptist, to point beyond ourselves. Our work as educators, parents, coaches, and mentors is not about personal acclaim, but about forming young men who recognize something greater than themselves.
We help our students grow in faith even when answers are not immediate, learn humility and service in a world that often celebrates ego, and recognize Christ not only in prayer, but in classrooms, locker rooms, hallways, and acts of kindness.
Just as John prepared the way, Xavier prepares young men to step into the world grounded in faith, guided by conscience, and ready to serve. We may not always see the full impact of that formation right away, but like John, we trust that what we do matters, because it helps make Christ known.
God Bless!
Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
- Saturday, Jan. 17: Senior Bowling Night @ Bowlero in Wallingford (6:00 PM)
- Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School / Offices Closed)
- Friday, Jan. 23: End of First Semester
- Saturday, Jan. 24: Sophomore Retreat #4
- Monday, Jan. 26: Start of Catholic Schools Week
- Tuesday, Jan. 27: Ben Tracy Assembly
- Tuesday, Jan. 27: Freshman Class Night (5:30 PM)
- Wednesday, Jan. 28: Early Dismissal (12:30 PM)
- Friday, Jan. 30: Financial Aid Applications Due
- Friday, Jan. 30: Underclassmen Service Hours Due
- Friday, Jan. 30: Last Day to Add / Drop Classes For Spring Semester
- Friday, Jan. 30: Report Cards Posted Online
- Tuesday, Feb. 3: Blessing of the Throats - Feast of St. Blaise
- Tuesday, Feb. 3: Junior Ring Mass Practice (2:30 PM)
- Wednesday, Feb. 4: Junior Ring Mass (6:00 PM)
- Thursday, Feb. 5: Class of 2030 Parent Meeting
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FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Comings & Goings
Change is a natural part of any thriving community. Below, we’re excited to introduce new colleagues joining us and to recognize those who are moving on, with gratitude for their time and contributions.
In the Finance Office, Jacki Aresco has worked at Xavier for the past ten and half years and has served as our Assistant Finance Director since January of 2017. She is officially retiring on Monday, January 26. Jacki has worked tirelessly to ensure all the school's financial duties are carried out in a timely and accurate fashion. Whether it was preparing tuition contracts, managing parent tuition accounts, processing check requests, assisting with payroll, preparing weekly and monthly financial reports, Jacki always did so with kindness and compassion. Elyse Arcidiacono is our new Assistant Director of Finance and she joined Xavier in December. Elyse is a graduate of Mercy High School and comes to Randolph Road after most recently serving as an Administrative Assistant at Cromwell High School. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and energy to the Finance Office.
In the School Counseling Office, Bobbi O'Connor resigned from her position as Administrative Assistant early last week. She is leaving Xavier to be a full-time caretaker for a lifelong friend suffering from serious medical issues. Bobbi worked at Xavier for four years and was a steady hand in helping our seniors in the college-application process. Karen Brown, who has been helping in Campus Ministry and the School Counseling, has accepted a full-time position and she will be replacing Ms. O'Connor. Karen previously worked at Xavier in the Office of Alumni and Development from 2007-2013, while her three sons attended Xavier.
Long-term substitute teacher, Kevin Farrington '07, will be leaving Xavier at the end of the semester next Friday, January 23. Mr. Farrington taught Mr. Braychak's classes during the first semester. His love for Xavier runs deep and it was a pleasure having him back home at our campus and in the classroom.
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FROM THE FINANCIAL AID COMMITTEE
- Financial Aid applications for the 2026-27 academic year are now being accepted. For those seeking financial aid for the 2026-2027 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. The deadline for financial aid applications is January 31, 2026. ______________________________________________________
FROM THE ASSOCIATE PRESIDENTS
- The first semester concludes in one week on Friday, January 23. Parents are strongly encouraged to touch base with their sons to ensure they are ending the semester on the right foot. Parents can view their sons' grades and missing assignments through OnCampus.
- Prepare for the SAT with Xavier's After-School Review Course. This course offers a focused and convenient way for students to strengthen key skills in Math and Verbal sections, helping them feel confident and prepared on test day. To enroll, log into OnCampus and select the yellow banner at the top of the screen. If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Keereweer. ______________________________________________________
FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS
- 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.
- We have scheduled a schoolwide assembly on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Our guest speaker, Mr. Ben Tracy, will be addressing students on digital citizenship, online safety, and responsible social media use, topics that are especially important for our students at this time. This assembly is an important opportunity for students to gain practical guidance on navigating the digital world responsibly.
- Parents of Juniors: On Wednesday, February 4, 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, February 3, 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.
- You have seen the impact Magnum, Xavier's facility service dog, has had on our community. Now you can help raise the next generation of service dogs. Forever In My Heart Foundation (FIMHF), the organization that provided Xavier with Magnum, is seeking foster families to provide socialization and basic training for puppies destined to serve veterans, children with autism, individuals with mobility challenges, and facilities like Xavier. By opening your home to a pup, you can play a vital role in nurturing a dog who will change lives, just as Magnum has done at Xavier. If interested, please contact Ms. Mira Alicki (860-490-2170) or Ms. Kim Arsenault (860-961-6726).
- Xavier is holding a Book Drive! We will be collecting new and gently used children's books for the Read to Grow organization. Read to Grow is a non-profit that has provided free books to families in Connecticut for 25 years. The organization distributes books to hospitals, community centers, and neighborhoods with the goal of making literacy a reality for all children. This is a great opportunity to clean out and help others at the same time! Please drop donations off in the box located in the front lobby from January 12th - January 26th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Aresco in the Finance Office or Mrs. Marselli in the Media Center.
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FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
- 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.
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FROM THE HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
- The Xavier Home and School Association is excited to announce the date for the 34th Annual Black and White Auction - Saturday, March 21, 2026. After last year's successful event, financially (we raised $85K!) but more importantly, socially we cannot pass on an opportunity to repeat it! If you were with us - let's do a sequel! if you missed it - here's your opportunity. "Let's feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'..." let's keep on Staying Alive!😉🪩We hope you will pencil it in on your calendars! More information is coming soon.
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- As a friendly reminder, the service requirements for each respective class, as well as the due dates, are as follows:
- CLASS OF 2026: 30 hours due FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026
- CLASS OF 2027: 35 hours due FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026… 30 additional senior hours will be due MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2027
- CLASS OF 2028: 40 hours, due WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1st, 2026… 40 additional hours due SENIOR YEAR, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1st 2028
- CLASS OF 2029: 40 hours due sophomore year, THURSDAY, APRIL 1st, 2027… 40 additional hours due senior year, THURSDAY, MARCH 1st 2029
If your son needs service hours, opportunities remain listed and the list is frequently updated OnCampus (under NEWS and FEATURED CONTENT). To view this more easily, CLICK HERE or just scan the QR Code hung around school.
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FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
- Scholarships for our senior students are now available. You can review the scholarships in Naviance to search for ones relevant to your son.
- Students and Parents of Juniors - Please complete the Record Release Form and return to the School Counseling Office by January 23rd.
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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT
- 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.
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LINO'S LUNCH MENU NEXT WEEK!
MONDAY
NO SCHOOL!
TUESDAY
Chicken Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
WEDNESDAY
Loaded Taco Nachos
Penne Alfredo
THURSDAY
Orange Ginger Chicken over Rice
Stuffed Shells
FRIDAY
Chicken Wings
Mac & Cheese
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