Xavier High School Parent Weekly Newsletter - March 6

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Dear Xavier Families,
 
The rhythm of winter in New England has a way of reshaping a week, and Tuesday's snow day reminded us of that once again. Because of the closure, our Spring Freshman Leadership Day has been moved to Tuesday, March 10. We look forward to gathering our freshmen then for a day focused on leadership, reflection, and the continued formation of the young men who walk our halls each day.
 
On Thursday evening, Xavier once again opened its doors to prospective families during our Spring Open House. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our Home & School Association, coaches, faculty, staff, and our outstanding student tour guides, the campus was filled with energy and warmth. It is always special to watch future Falcons and their families experience Xavier. The pride our community shows in welcoming them speaks volumes about the culture we have built together.
 
This weekend, the spotlight shifts to the stage as the Mercy/Xavier Spring Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, takes place in the Mercy Auditorium. Our students have poured countless hours into rehearsals, set design, music, and choreography to bring this story to life. If you have not secured your tickets yet, there is still time. I look forward to watching the performance and encourage you to come out and support our talented students and the vibrant arts community that continues to grow between our two schools.
 
Academically, this week our students completed AP Placement Tests in English and Social Studies, an important step as we prepare students for the rigor of Advanced Placement coursework. Xavier students continue to demonstrate strong performance in our AP program each year, with many earning scores that translate to college credit. More importantly, the program challenges our students to think critically, write clearly, and engage deeply with their studies, setting them up for success long after they graduate.
 
This week also brought a meaningful experience for several members of the junior class, who participated in the XBSS Retreat. I look forward to hearing about the experience shared by Simeon Bos, Griffin McCarthy, Jack McGuire, Jerry Rowe, Brendan Russ, Ethan Taylor. Alongside senior leader Sean O'Sullivan and faculty member and Ryken Service Society moderator Ms. Meghan Keefe, our students represented Xavier well during this important retreat. The experience challenges students to grow as leaders, deepen their faith, and reflect on their responsibility to serve others, values that sit at the very heart of a Xavier education. I'm also excited to hear about their ideas for how to better serve our community. 
 
Last weekend, Xavier Wrestling once again demonstrated the power of preparation and perseverance. The Falcons captured their fifth consecutive State Open Championship, bringing 10 wrestlers to the tournament and placing eight. The team produced seven finalists and five champions, an extraordinary accomplishment at the state's most competitive event.
Congratulations to Braylon Gonzalez, who became a three-time State Open Champion, and to Josh Perez, Zach Dixon, Vinnie Rivera, and Chase Catalano, each of whom captured their first State Open title. Al DePratti and Zaphyr Musshorn also delivered tremendous performances, earning second-place finishes. We are proud of the entire program and the way these young men represent Xavier with determination and class.
 
Thank you, as always, for the many ways you support our students, our faculty, and our mission.
 

I wanted to share an excerpt Sunday's Gospel from John 4: 13-14.

Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
 
In this passage from the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well about the difference between what the world offers and what God offers. Physical water satisfies our thirst only for a short time, and soon we find ourselves thirsty again. The "living water" Jesus describes represents God's grace, truth, and love. It fills the human heart in a lasting way and leads to eternal life.
 
At Xavier High School, this message reflects the deeper purpose of a Xaverian education. Our goal is not only to prepare young men academically, but also to help them grow in faith, character, and service to others. In the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in moments of prayer and reflection, students are encouraged to seek the "living water" that gives life meaning and direction.
 
When students develop a strong foundation of faith and learn to live with purpose and compassion, they carry something within them that will sustain them long after they leave Xavier. Like the spring Jesus describes, it becomes a source of strength and hope for their lives and for the communities they will one day serve.
 

Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS 

 
  • Friday, Mar. 6: AP Applications Due
  • Friday, Mar. 6: Spring Musical at Mercy (7:00 PM)
  • Saturday, Mar. 7: Spring Musical at Mercy
  • Sunday, Mar. 8: Spring Musical at Mercy 
  • Sunday, Mar. 8: Third Sunday of Lent
  • Tuesday, Mar. 10: Spring Freshman Leadership Day (11:55 AM)
  • Thursday, Mar. 12: Junior Retreat Begins
  • Friday, Mar. 13: Student AP Acceptances Posted
  • Friday, Mar. 13: School / Offices Closed
  • Saturday, Mar. 14: Junior Retreat Ends
  • Sunday, Mar. 15: Fourth Sunday of Lent
  • Tuesday, Mar. 17: American Red Cross Blood Drive
  • Wednesday, Mar. 18: Early Dismissal (12:30 PM)
  • Wednesday, Mar. 18: SAT Testing for Juniors (8:15 AM)
  • Thursday, Mar. 19: Feast of St. Joseph Mass (9:10 AM)
  • Thursday, Mar. 19: Class of 2030 Class Night (5:30 PM)
  • Friday, Mar. 20: School / Offices Closed
  • Saturday, Mar. 21: 34th Annual Black & White Auction (6:00 PM)
  • Sunday, Mar. 22: Fifth Sunday of Lent
  • Monday, Mar. 23: Spirit Week Begins
  • Monday, Mar. 23: Start of College Essay Week for Juniors
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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. 
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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. 

- Freshmen are allowed to be in secondary dress on Tuesday, March 10

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FROM THE BOOK 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].

 

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FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR 

 

- Spring Sports Registrationis open! If your son plans on playing a sport this spring, he must be registered through Arbiter Registration, even if he has already played a sport this school year. As a reminder, please make sure the nurse has a copy of your son's most recent physical. Physicals are valid for 13 months from the date of the exam. You can register your son here

- Congratulations to the following student-athletes on earning All-Conference recognition during the winter sports season.

Indoor Track & Field
First Team All-Conference: 
4x400 meter relay (John Simpson, Justin Torres, Brendan Russ, and Zander Laudati)
4x800 meter relay (Michael Fusaro, Landon Rubano, Jackson Gould, and Peter Torello)
1600 SMR (John Simpson, Justin Torres, Brendan Russ, and Xavier Laudati)

Second Team All-Conference:
3200 meters (Nolan O'Connor)

Wrestling
First Team All-Conference:
106 lbs. (Josh Perez)
113 lbs. (Trey Beam)
120 lbs. (Zack Dixon)
126 lbs. (Aledander Depratti)
132 lbs. (Zaphyr Musshorn)
144 lbs. (Braylon Gonzalez)
175 lbs. (Vincent Rivera)
190 lbs. (Chase Catalano)

Basketball
First Team All-Conference:
Carmello Moore

Second Team All-Conference:
Noah Jones

Ice Hockey
Anderson Claffey
Tyson Jarvis

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FROM THE HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 

 
Black & White Auction - Save The Date!
 

- The 34th Annual Black and White Auction is less 2 weeks away. This year's event, presented in partnership with the Atlas Outdoor Living Company and the beautiful Woodwinds in Branford, CT will offer 6 hours of good food and beverages, exciting prizes and prize drawings and of course time for dancing! Invite your friends, family members and let's have A LOT of fun together!

Deadline to purchase tickets is now March 14th - please visit the Auction website and join us! http://bit.ly/2026StayingAlive.
 
We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to all families who have supported the Auction through donations, contributions to class prizes and sports teams' prizes, planning to attend, willing to volunteer... your support continues to show what makes our Xavier community so special. We truly could not do this without you!
 

HSA BAKE SALE - MARCH 11

 
The Xavier HSA will hold a Bake Sale on Wednesday, March 11 and we need your help! We're seeking donations of delicious, homemade or store bought, nut-free cookies, brownies, and cupcakes to support the Annual Black & White Auction. Proceeds will fund a Falcon-level "Xavier's Heartbeat" sponsorship, allowing Xavier staff to attend the event at no cost.
Volunteers are also needed for set-up, sales, and clean-up. Thank you for your support!
 
 
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FROM CAMPUS MINISTRY 

 
- This year's JUNIOR RETREAT takes place March 12-14, 2026 at the Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center in Litchfield. The theme is An Upperclassmen Journey: becoming a leader. There are a limited number of spots. You can register your son today in the OnCampus Parent Portal. 
 
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FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE 

 
- Senior Parents - Please remind your sons to update their college outcomes in Naviance.
 
- Parents of Juniors - Please complete your Parent Brag sheet and turn in to the School Counseling Office.
 
- Parents of Juniors - College Essay Writing Week has been moved and will now take place March 23-27.
 
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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!

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Jaden Brown
 
 
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Lino's Lunch Next Week

 

MONDAY

Grilled Chicken Philly Sub
Pasta w/ Meatballs
 

TUESDAY

Chipotle Chicken & Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
 

WEDNESDAY

Lino's Big Mac
Penne Alfredo
 

THURSDAY

Steak Frites
Penne Pasta w/ Cajun Grilled Chicken Bacon 
 

FRIDAY

NO SCHOOL!