|
Dear Xavier Families,
As you read this, the forecast is pointing toward a winter storm expected to move through Connecticut this weekend. We will be proactive in communicating any updates regarding campus operations and activities. Please stay safe, take care of one another, and keep an eye on your email and Xavier channels for any announcements.
Today marks the end of the first semester, a natural moment to pause, reflect, and feel pride in what our students have accomplished. Across campus, classrooms have been places of curiosity, challenge, and growth. Students have wrestled with new ideas, sharpened their skills, and discovered more about who they are as learners and young men. Their teachers have walked alongside them, pushing them to think critically, communicate clearly, and live out the values at the heart of a Xavier education.
Next week, we begin Catholic Schools Week, a celebration of who we are and what we stand for. Throughout the week, we will highlight the people, the faith, and the enduring values that shape a Xavier education. Stay tuned for stories and moments that capture the heart of our community. It is going to be a great week.
Finally, a quick reminder that Financial Aid applications for the 2025-26 school year are now open, with the deadline fast approaching on January 31. You will find the application link below. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Finance Office. We are here to help.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and trust in Xavier. Have a safe and restful weekend.
I wanted to share this Sunday's Gospel from Matthew 4: 12-23.
When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphrali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:
"Land of Zebulun and land of Nephtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Gaililee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen."
From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."
At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and they immediately left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
In this week's Gospel, we see the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. After John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus goes to Galilee, a place described as sitting in darkness, and Scripture tells us that a great light rises there. Jesus' first message is simple and urgent: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." It is an invitation to turn toward God and live differently.
Jesus then calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John, ordinary fishermen, to follow Him. Without hesitation, they leave behind their nets, their boats, and even their families to walk with Him. Their response is immediate and trusting. They do not yet understand everything, but they recognize the call and step forward in faith.
For us at Xavier, this Gospel is a reminder that Catholic education is about more than academics. It is about forming young men who recognize Christ's call in their lives and have the courage to respond. Every classroom, practice, retreat, and service opportunity is a chance for our students to encounter that great light and learn what it means to follow Christ in their words, actions, and choices.
As Catholic families, we are invited to model that same readiness, turning our hearts toward God, trusting His call, and encouraging our sons to live as disciples in a world that often sits in darkness. At Xavier, we strive to help them become fishers of men, leaders who bring faith, integrity, and compassion into their communities.
God Bless!
Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School
______________________________________________________
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
- 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
- Saturday, Feb. 7: Super Bowl Shuffle SAC Event (7:00 PM)
- Thursday, Feb. 12: School Counseling Mandatory Sophomore Parent / Student Night (6:30 PM)
- Friday, Feb. 13: Deposits Due for the Class of 2030
- Saturday, Feb. 14: Guatemala Trip Begins!
- Monday, Feb. 16: President's Day (NO SCHOOL / OFFICES CLOSED)
- Monday, Feb. 16: Start of Winter Break
- Sunday, Feb. 22: First Sunday of Lent
- Monday, Feb. 23: CLASSES RESUME
______________________________________________________
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
- 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.
- All students are invited to the Super Bowl Shuffle on Saturday, February 7 at 7:00 pm. Students have received the link to purchase tickets to the event. There will be prizes, raffles and activities as our students get ready for the Big Game! If you have any 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.
______________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________
- 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.
______________________________________________________
FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
- Parents of Seniors - Scholarships are listed in Naviance. Look through to find ones relevant to your son.
- Parents of Juniors - If you haven't already submitted your orange Record Release Form, please return it to the School Counseling Office next week.
______________________________________________________
FROM THE ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
- Tickets are $100 each. Only 800 will be sold and the winner takes home 25,000 dollars.
- Ticket numbers will be sent via email. When purchasing a ticket, you must provide an email address. Ticket numbers will not be sent out in the mail.
- The drawing will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8 at Xavier High School. You do not need to be present to win, but you must be at least 18 years old to purchase.
- Purchaser of the winning ticket is responsible for all taxes. In accordance with IRS regulations, all state and federal taxes will be withheld by Xavier High School.
______________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
LINO'S LUNCH MENU NEXT WEEK!
MONDAY
Mojito Lime Grilled Chicken Sandwich w/ Creamy Avocado Ranch side of Curly Fries
Pasta w/ Meatballs
TUESDAY
Chicken Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
WEDNESDAY
Half Day Breakfast Only
THURSDAY
Teriyaki Chicken Lo Mein w/ an Egg Roll on the side
Cheese Ravioli with Sauce
FRIDAY
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, BBQ Baby Back Ribs w/ Mac & Cheese and Cornbread
|
