Xavier High School Parent Weekly Newsletter - March 27

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Dear Xavier Families,
 
There are weeks on campus that feel a little louder and a little brighter, the kind that remind you what a place is really made of. This was one of those weeks at Xavier.
 
Spirit Week took hold of our halls and did not let go. From themed dress days to shared laughter between classes, our students, faculty, and staff leaned all the way in, showcasing their Xavier pride in ways both big and small. It was more than just fun. It was a reminder that community here is not something we talk about, it is something we live. In every hallway conversation, every cheer, and every moment of participation, the bonds that define Xavier grew a little stronger.
 
The week came to a fitting close this morning with the annual Intramural Basketball Championship game during first period, a tradition that never seems to lose its energy. The crowd was locked in from the opening tip and carried that buzz through halftime and into the final whistle. Congratulations to Team No Name on capturing the championship in double overtime, and to Griffin McCarthy, who earned MVP honors with a standout performance that will not soon be forgotten.
 
Last Saturday evening, that same sense of community was on full display at the Black and White Auction. The Home and School Association created an incredible night that brought families, faculty, and friends of Xavier together in celebration. It was a beautiful event, filled with energy, generosity, and a shared commitment to our school. We are deeply appreciative of the time, care, and dedication that went into making the evening such a success, and we are grateful for the continued partnership of our Home and School Association.
 
While the gym was alive with competition, our classrooms were just as active in preparing students for what lies ahead. Our juniors spent the week engaged in College Essay Writing Week in their English classes, beginning the important work of telling their stories, the kind only they can tell. It is a process rooted in reflection, voice, and growth.
 
Looking ahead, our AP classes in the Class of 2027 will begin their own college essay work following their AP exams, continuing this important step in the college journey.
 
Weeks like this, filled with energy, purpose, and connection, are a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the Xavier community.
 

I wanted to share an excerpt Sunday's Gospel from Matthew 27: 46.

And about three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
 
This verse is one of the most striking lines in all of Scripture. In that moment, as Jesus Christ hangs on the cross, His words are raw and unfiltered. They sound like abandonment, but they are not a loss of faith. They are a prayer. Jesus is echoing Psalm 22, a cry that begins in anguish and ends in trust. He does not turn away from God. He cries out to Him, bringing even the deepest human pain into that relationship.
 
For us at Xavier High School, that matters more than we might realize. It reminds us that faith is not about having everything figured out. There are moments, often quiet and unseen, when pressure, doubt, or loneliness creep in. This Gospel tells us that even then, especially then, we are still in relationship with God. Faith makes room for struggle. It invites honesty.
 
It also calls us to something more as a community. If Christ Himself enters into that depth of feeling, then we are called to recognize it in one another. Brotherhood is built in those moments. It is checking in, standing alongside someone, choosing presence over judgment. It is understanding that strength is not about silence, but about the courage to be real.
 
Palm Sunday begins with celebration but leads us to the cross, to a voice that sounds a lot like our own at times. And maybe that is the point. Because if even this moment can be spoken to God, then there is no place in our lives where He is not already present, listening and walking with us.
 

Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS 

 
  • Friday, Mar. 27: End of the Third Marking Period
  • Sunday, Mar. 29: Palm Sunday
  • Thursday, Apr. 2: Holy Thursday
  • Thursday, Apr. 2: Lenten Prayer Service (9:10 AM)
  • 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)
 
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SUMMER CAMP 2026!

 
Summer Camp Registration Open
 
-  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 FINANCIAL AID COMMITTEE

 
- Financial Aid applications for the 2026-27 academic year are still 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. CONTRACTS FOR NEXT YEAR WERE SENT OUT ON MONDAY, MARCH 16. 
 
- 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 Mr. Cerreta.
 
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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. 

- 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!

- Please note that the third marking period closes on Friday, March 27th. Parents are strongly encouraged to check in on your sons' progress through the OnCampus portal. If you have any questions about your son's progress in any class, please reach out directly to your son's teachers or his school counselor.

- 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.

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FROM THE SCHOOL STORE

 

- 2026 Yearbook: tribute/recognition ads:  The link for including ads for the Class of 2026  in  Xavier's Yearbook is as follows:   
https://tribute-ads-b9ba6.web.app/authentication/register?schoolId=50

Please refer questions to Br. John Sullivan: [email protected].
 
Yearbook purchase for Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen: [This is not a link for Seniors. Seniors receive a yearbook]. The 2026 Yearbook is now available for purchase. The cost is $85. The book will be mailed out late in the summer. The link is: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01052900. 
 
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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.
 
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FROM THE ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

25K Cash Raffle Header 

 
  • 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.  
     
     

    CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

 
Shoemaker's Tale
 
- 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.
 

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS!

 
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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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Jack Sheehan
 
 
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Lino's Lunch Next Week

 

MONDAY

Hot Honey BBQ Breaded Chicken Sandwich w/ Cheddar Cheese & Sweet Potato Fries
Pasta w/ Meatballs
 

TUESDAY

Chipotle Chicken & Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
 

WEDNESDAY

Lino's Copycat Whoppers
Penne Alfredo
 

THURSDAY

Chicken Lo Mein w/ Egg Roll
Cheese Ravioli 
 

FRIDAY

NO SCHOOL