Xavier High School Parent Weekly Newsletter - May 1

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Dear Xavier Families,
 
Last Saturday, we held our Senior Prom at the Woodwinds in Branford. The Class of 2026 had a great time and it was a wonderful evening. We're proud of how our students represented Xavier. 
 
There are weeks on campus that feel like a snapshot of everything Xavier is meant to be. This was one of them.
 
On Tuesday, the halls felt a little fuller and a little younger as we welcomed 36 future Falcons for our annual Bring Your Brother to School Day. They followed in the footsteps of their older brothers, moving from classroom to classroom and getting a glimpse of what lies ahead. There was laughter, curiosity, and a quiet sense of belonging that defines this place. For many, it was more than a visit. It was the beginning of a story.
 
That evening, our community gathered at Mercy High School for the Spring Concert. Under the direction of Mr. Berlyn, our musicians delivered a performance that spoke to both discipline and joy. Each note carried the weight of hours of practice and the freedom that comes when preparation meets opportunity. Xavier’s music program continues to grow in both size and spirit, from the first-time musician learning his rhythm to the senior preparing to take his talents to the next level. Here, they are given both the tools and the stage.
 
On Wednesday, while students were away, our faculty and staff leaned into what it means to be a Xavier community. During professional development time, they came together in service of Connecticut Children’s Hospital in Hartford by assembling care packages and writing heartfelt notes to young patients and their families. It was a simple act, but a meaningful one. Service is not just something we teach. It is something we do.
 
Thursday brought a pair of celebrations that reflected the breadth of our students’ talents.
 
In the afternoon, we honored our senior student-athletes who will continue their journeys at the collegiate level in Division II and Division III programs. Their commitment to their sport, their teammates, and the balance between academics and athletics is something to be proud of. They leave behind a legacy that will inspire those who follow.
 
That evening, we welcomed families to campus for Academic Awards Night. It was a night dedicated to excellence, recognizing both current and incoming students whose hard work has set them apart. The room was filled with proud families, dedicated educators, and young men who understand what it means to strive for more. It is always a privilege to celebrate not just achievement, but potential.
 
This morning, the energy shifted in a different direction. It was loud, spirited, and unmistakably Xavier. Our Spring Sports Pep Rally brought the entire school together thanks to the efforts of our student organizers. The senior class claimed victory in a spirited relay race over the juniors, but the real win was in the camaraderie on display. These are the moments that build community. They happen beyond the classroom walls but stay with our students long after they leave.
 
The weekend ahead promises more of that same energy. Our athletic teams will be competing across the state, while we look forward to welcoming visitors to campus for the annual E.J.K. Car Show on Saturday morning. Saturday evening, our juniors will gather for one of the signature moments of their year, Junior Prom.
 
As we look ahead, a reminder that AP Exams begin on Monday. We wish all of our students the very best as they prepare to demonstrate the knowledge and discipline they have built throughout the year.
 
At Xavier, weeks like this are not the exception. They are the standard. It is a reflection of a community that learns, serves, celebrates, and grows together.
 

I wanted to share an excerpt Sunday's Gospel from John 14: 6.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
 
That line from Gospel of John is as direct and defining as anything in Scripture. When Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life," He is not offering advice or a philosophy. He is offering Himself. The path forward is not just something to follow. It is someone to know.
 
For a place like Xavier, that matters. It speaks to formation over information. In classrooms, on fields, and in quiet moments of growth and challenge, the goal is not simply to prepare young men for college or careers. It is to help them recognize what is true, live with purpose, and walk a path rooted in faith and integrity.
 
To say He is the way is to trust there is direction, even when life feels uncertain.

To say He is the truth is to believe there is something firm to stand on in a noisy world.

To say He is the life is to understand that what we are building here goes deeper than achievement. It is about who our students become.
 
At Xavier, that phrase becomes less about words on a page and more about a daily call. It is a call to live with intention, to lead with character, and to keep moving toward something lasting.
 
God Bless!
 

Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS 

  • Saturday, May 2: EJ Kalber Car Show (10:00 AM)
  • Saturday, May 2: Junior Prom (6:30 PM)
  • Monday, May 4: AP Exams Begin
  • Wednesday, May 6: Sophomore / Junior Field Day at Holiday Hill (8:15 AM)
  • Thursday, May 7: Last Day of Classes for Seniors
  • Friday, May 8: Senior Exams Begin
  • Saturday, May 9: Freshmen / Sophomore Semi-Formal (7:00 PM)
  • Sunday, May 10: Mother's Day
  • Monday, May 11: SAC Speeches & Elections Begin
  • Wednesday, May 13: Senior Exams End
  • Thursday, May 14: Ascension of Jesus Mass (9:10 AM)
  • Friday, May 15: AP Exams End
  • Tuesday, May 19: Mandatory Graduation Practice For Seniors (9:00 AM)
  • Tuesday, May 19: Big Falcon / Little Falcon Cookout (10:45 AM)
  • Wednesday, May 20: Senior Breakfast (9:00 AM)
  • Wednesday, May 20: Mandatory Graduation Practice For Seniors
  • Friday, May 22: Early Dismissal (12:30 PM)
  • Friday, May 22: Baccalaureate Mass (6:30 PM)
  • Saturday, May 23: Graduation (9:00 AM)
  • Sunday, May 24: Pentecost
  • Monday, May 25: Memorial Day (School & Offices Closed)
  • Tuesday, May 26: Senior Report Cards Posted Online (6:00 PM)
 
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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 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 should have received an email earlier today from Ms. Drewry. Please remind your sons that they need to maintain appropriate grooming and haircuts, be in full uniform each day, attend school consistently and arrive on time, demonstrate respectful and controlled behavior, and follow through on all academic responsibilities.

- STARTING ON MONDAY, MAY 4 ALL STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO BE IN SECONDARY DRESS! 

- PARENTS OF SENIORS: On Tuesday, May 5, are allowed and encouraged to wear a sweatshirt or t-shirt from the college they are attending next fall. 

- Parents of Freshmen & Sophomores: The Freshman / Sophomore Semi-Formal will take place on campus on Saturday, May 9. Your son’s will receive the ticket link next week.

- Transportation & Parking Updates:

  • Parking forms for next year’s juniors and seniors are now available on the Parent Portal.
  • Out‑of‑Town bus forms are also available on the Parent Portal for families who selected busing on their tuition contract.
  • Middletown bus information has been mailed to all Middletown families.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Marie Braychak.
 

Parents of Seniors: We have begun to highlight member of the Class of 2026 on our social media channels. Please encourage your son to fill out the form that Mr. Cunha emailed them. 

- The Spring Art Show will take place from Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22. The display will be located in the front foyer and outside the Administrative Offices. Parents and students are encouraged to stop by and enjoy the exhibit.

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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

- DUAL LITERACY ENDORSEMENT TESTING OPPORTUNITY: Xavier is pleased to offer eligible juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn the Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy through testing at Xavier. Students who demonstrate proficiency in a second language will have the official state seal affixed to their diploma and noted on their transcript for colleges, universities, and employers. Testing is not limited to languages offered at Xavier. Testing will be offered on Saturday, May 30 at 9:00 a.m. or Thursday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m., with a $25 registration fee. Registration must be completed through OnCampus by Friday, May 22. Families may log into their OnCampus accounts for full details and to register.

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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.
 
- Parents of Juniors - Parent Brag sheets were due April 10th. A copy of the form can be found in OnCampus under School & College Counseling/Letters of Recommendation.
 
- 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

 
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.
 
- We're excited to host our Pre-HSPT on Saturday, April 26 for 7th grade boys! You can register you son HERE! Please share the link with those that you know as well!
 
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Jack McGuire
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LINO'S LUNCH NEXT WEEK

 

MONDAY

Orange Ginger Chicken over Rice
Pasta w/ Meatballs
 

TUESDAY

Chicken Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
 

WEDNESDAY

Fish Taco or Hot Dog Platter
Pasta Alfredo
 

THURSDAY

Tangy Gold Chicken Sandwich Platter
Baked Ziti
 

FRIDAY

Whopper
Mac & Cheese