Xavier High School Parent Weekly Newsletter - November 25

As we approach Thanksgiving, our community pauses to reflect on all that we have been given. This season always carries a sense of gratitude, but here at Xavier it feels especially profound. We are thankful for the young men who walk our halls each day, curious, determined, and full of promise. We are grateful for the families who entrust us with their sons' education, for the faculty and staff who give so much of themselves to form and guide them, and for a tradition built over decades that continues to anchor us in purpose and mission.

We are also reminded that gratitude is not a single moment but a way of moving through the world. It is found in the simple conversations between teachers and students, in the laughter shared among friends in the cafeteria, and in the quiet ways our boys support one another. It is present in every classroom, every practice, every act of service. This Thanksgiving, we give thanks for the relationships that make Xavier more than a school. They make it a home.

Last week brought one of the most joyful highlights of the fall: the Mercy Xavier Drama Club's production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. The show was absolutely hilarious from start to finish, filled with energy, creativity, and incredible timing. It was clear that every member of the cast and crew poured tremendous effort into bringing this whirlwind of Shakespearean comedy to life. A special note of congratulations goes to sophomore Sebi Palombizio, whose performance stood out for its confidence, charisma, and comic flair. We are proud of all our student performers and those behind the scenes on the stage crew.

We also want to share our appreciation for everyone who joined us on Friday evening for the annual S.F.X Donor Reception, hosted by our Alumni and Development office at the Woodwinds in Branford. It was a wonderful night of connection and celebration, honoring the generosity that sustains our mission and strengthens the Xavier legacy for future generations. We are truly thankful for the alumni, parents, and friends who continue to support our work in such meaningful ways.

I wanted to share this passage from our XBSS Partners in Mission document:

"Zeal is the joyful and enthusiastic commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church which God has entrusted to us. We imitate St. Francis Xavier as we give ourselves wholeheartedly to the work of evangelization, in word and deed."

At Xavier, the idea of zeal is something we work to live every day. Zeal means showing up with joyful energy and a deep sense of purpose, knowing that the work we do is part of something bigger than ourselves. It reminds us to model the spirit of St. Francis Xavier, whose life was defined by his willingness to serve others, share his faith, and meet people where they were.

You see zeal in our classrooms, where teachers bring passion to their lessons and encourage students to think boldly and with compassion. You see it in our hallways and on our fields, where young men support one another, lead with integrity, and strive to use their gifts for the good of the community. And you see it in countless quiet moments, such as a helping hand, a kind word, or a willingness to go the extra mile, that speak louder than anything printed in a handbook.

This is how we carry out the mission entrusted to us, with enthusiasm, with generosity, and with the same wholehearted commitment that inspired St. Francis Xavier. It is the heart of who we are, and it shapes every day at Xavier.

• Wednesday, Nov. 26: NO SCHOOL (Offices Closed)
• Thursday, Nov. 27: Thanksgiving (NO SCHOOL / Offices Closed)
• Friday, Nov. 28: NO SCHOOL (Offices Closed)
• Monday, Dec. 1: Founders Week Begins
• Wednesday, Dec. 3: Feast of St. Francis Xavier Mass (9:10 AM)
• Thursday, Dec. 4: Open House (6:00 PM)
• Saturday, Dec. 6: Freshmen / Sophomore Semi-Formal (7:00 PM)
  
• Sunday, Dec. 7: Second Sunday of Advent
• Monday, Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary Mass (9:10 AM)
• Wednesday, Dec. 10: Winter Concert (7:00 PM)
• Friday, Dec. 12: Christmas Prayer Service (9:10 AM)
• Sunday, Dec. 14: Third Sunday of Advent
• Monday, Dec. 15: Midterm Exams Begin (Secondary Dress Code)