Xavier High School April 2023 News & Notes

Dear Xavier Family,

At Mass last week, Fr. Joe Dorner from St. Bernadette included an interesting thought in his homily – that our memory of a thing can never match that thing in reality. He was talking about his college, how much he loved it at the time, but how every time he returned after graduation, things had changed. He found himself growing increasingly dissatisfied and his love for the school was replaced with anxiety about how everything he loved was being replaced. As Fr. Joe was speaking, I found myself reflecting on how many times I do that. This isn’t the way we learned when I was in high school. That’s not the way athletics and club sorts worked when I was growing up. We didn’t require all of these special treatments when I was a teenager. Why are we changing things? I mean, it was good enough to produce all of us well-adjusted and productive adults, right? Why mess with what works?

But Fr. Joe’s point wasn’t that change is disastrous. Rather, he was trying to say that time means change will make things different, no matter how hard we try to hold on to the past. Just think about high school. Pep rallies and parades used to be the most exciting parts of Homecoming Week. Now, pep rallies are dinosaurs. We took a class to learn to type (full disclosure – I did not take said class and I am paying for it as we speak). Today, young people learn to type naturally and can’t figure out why anyone would ever need cursive. Are they worse off than we were? I am not sure. It’s different and I probably make a sarcastic remark when a kid asks if he can print his name where it says “signature” on a form…but I can’t see how my life is particularly advantaged thanks to all of that work with Sister Elva and Mrs. King trying to improve my cursive. It’s hard for us to take a deep breath and see different as acceptable, perhaps even better in some ways. But it’s also a reality.

Jesus faces some of the same challenges. When he suggested forgiveness over retribution, he was working against generations of cultural practice. When he spoke to the woman at the well, he faced scorn for changing the standards of the day. Take the Sabbath entirely off, even from serving others? Not necessarily. Restrict the message of God’s love to just God’s chosen people? Apparently not. None of it was what he had grown up with, but that didn’t stop him from finding ways to do what was right for the betterment of those around him. He knew that his saving mission culminated on the cross, but he used his years among the people to create a better place in this world while always keeping his eyes focused on the life to come.

I think that’s what’s hardest for us. Things are changing and it feels like it isn’t the world we knew and loved. Why are kids wearing their hair like that? How do you pay more for pants that come with holes in them when we used to wear ours until the holes appeared? What are we ever going to do about teaching young people to write when AI is going to make it so easy to cheat? Calculators, ChatGPT, social media, the internet… so many things that feel like the enemies of learning the way we learned. But the truth is, it’s just different, not worse. Our teachers are tasked with learning to balance the use of these tools with a proper appreciation for when they are inappropriate. We need to find new ways to create assignments and assess learning. I recently read an article from a college dean entitles “The College Essay is Dead.” Pretty dramatic stuff. Also, not a sign of the apocalypse. We adjust, find new ways, and re-package the old to make sure that we are preparing young people for the world they will actually live and work in, not the one that exists in our memories. That’s our jobs as educators, parents, parishioners and loved ones. Let’s pray for one another as we watch change happen, that we can handle it with optimism, hope and love.

For God’s Greater Glory,

Mike Mauthe Principal

From the Business/ Attendance Office

Please be sure to call by 8:00 a.m. whenever your student is not going to be in school. We appreciate your cooperation.

Students returning to school from medical/dental appointments are reminded to bring an appointment confirmation card from that office. Seniors who are 18 may not self report.

Senior Events

PROM - Prom will be held on Saturday, April 29 from 7-midnight at Butte Des Morts Country Club. Xavier juniors and seniors are invited to purchase tickets. Each Xavier student may bring one guest. No freshmen are allowed and non-Xavier students must have a dance pass on file. Details on tickets will be available in April.

SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT - Senior Awards will be held on Sunday, May 21 AT 7PM in the Xavier Theatre. All award winners will be contacted in advance so that seniors know whether they are receiving an award that evening.

BACCALAUREATE MASS - Baccalaureate Mass will take place on Tuesday, May 23 at 10:45 am. Family members are welcome to attend.

SENIOR EXAMS - Senior exams will take place on Thursday, May 25 and Friday, May 26. Seniors will be done after Block 2 on Friday, May 26.

GRADUATION - Graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31 at 7 PM at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Each family will receive an allotment of tickets for the first level and general admission tickets will also be available for the upper levels.

Valedictorian & Salutatorian

Congratulations to Katherine Mastorides for earning the highest grade point average in the graduating class. She is the valedictorian of the Class of 2023. Katherine is the daughter of Arist and Mary Beth Mastorides.

Congratulations also to August Ehrlich, the salutatorian of the class. August is the son of Daniel and Lynn Ehrlich.

We look forward to hearing Katherine and August at Graduation!

ACT Test Prep Class

ACT Test Prep is a 4 night test-prep boot camp to prepare students for the ACT Test assessment.

We begin with a practice test, and then have dedicated instruction within each domain of the test. Strategies and best practices will be shared, along with additional resources not available online.

We will be offering a class prior to the April 15th, 2023 and the June 10th national ACT test. More information regarding the classes can be found on our website: www.act-testprep.com. Both classes are held at Xavier High School.

To sign up for a class or to get more information, go to www.act-testprep.com or you can contact Mrs. Monica Jones via email mjones@act-testprep.com or phone (920) 475-6567.

AP Testing 2023

Campus Ministry

Lent 2023

As we draw closer to Easter and in the spirit of walking with Jesus and with one another, please consider donating unworn shoes to our Soles for Jesus shoe drive. Donation boxes are between the front doors of school and outside the chapel until April 6.

All-School Retreat Day -April 21!

Students will get to participate in an all-school retreat day on Friday, April 21. Please avoid scheduling appointments or time away from school that day. With any questions, please contact Kate Geenen (kgeenen@xaviercatholicschools.org).

Service Hours due next month!

 Service hours for this school year are DUEMAY 20! Participation in spring sports, musical, extracurriculars, graduation, et al may be in jeopardy if this requirement is not met.

 Every Tuesday, students receive a “SPIRIT Stuff” email update with new service opportunities.

 It is up to students to follow up on any pending (not-yet-approved) hours.

 With any questions, please contact Mrs. Geenen.

FinalAll-School Masses for the Year

Our final all-school gatherings for liturgy this school year will be:

1) Retreat Day - Friday, April 21 at 8:15am in the theatre

2) Baccalaureate Mass - Tuesday, May 23 at 10:45am in the theatre.

Weekday Mass Opportunities

Join us for Mass: 1) during X on Tuesdays, 2) during X on Thursdays, and 3) Fridays at 7:15am.

Duncan Donuts

Join us from 7:20-7:40am Thursday mornings in Room 131 to share a faith moment from your week. Informal. Free doughnuts. All are welcome.

Bible Study

Students are invited to join Ms. Wesolek in Room 134 Wednesday morning at 7:25 for a bible excerpt and reflection.

Individual Reconciliation

Fr. Patrick is available during X on Thursdays for confessions in the chapel sacristy. Watch for Fr. Patrick’s ‘Chaplain Chat’ email to sign up.

Eucharistic Adoration

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held the first Friday of each month in the Chapel from 7:45am3:00pm. Please contact Katie Wesolek to sign up. (kwesolek@xaviercatholicschools.org).

Orchestra

May Concert News

Please be sure to mark your calendars for our final concert of the season on May 17th at 7pm at Xavier High School. This will be a combined 4th – 6th grade (6pm start time) through high school concert (starting at 7pm) displaying all the students’ hard work this school year. In addition, the concert will feature seniors Luke Polzinin a violin concerto by Mendelssohn, ErikEscobarin a violin concerto written by himself and junior International student, StepankaVecerkova in a violin concerto by Bruch accompanied by the orchestra as well as other orchestra features.

Orchestra members will be advancing to State!

Congratulations to everyone for all their fine performances at the District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Congratulations especially to the Chamber Ensembles who also advanced to State. Anyone receiving a “First Star Rating” will perform at State. All the results are included in this newsletter. Great job!

Solo & Ensemble Results for XHS Orchestra

Class A Events Receiving a “First Star Rating”

Ensembles

Quartet – Sophia Nevarez-Padilla, Gabby Schreiter, McKenna Andrews, Alayna McKinnon

Solos

McKenna Andrews (viola)

Allison Judd (violin)

Halle Keesler (violin)

Mariel Pante (piano)

Class A Events Receiving “First Ratings”

Ensembles

Quartet – Keaton McKinley, Mariel Pante, Valeria

Nevarez-Padilla, Samu Dube

Solos

Keaton McKinley (violin)

Dana Keesler (violin)

Class B Events Receiving “First Ratings”

Solos

Emily Bakey (viola)

Class B Events Receiving “Second Ratings”

Solos

Erik Escobar (violin)

Blue & White Week 2023

Monday, April 24

Dress-up Theme: Pajama Day

Tuesday, April 25

Dress-up Theme: Twin / Triplet Day

Wednesday, April 26

Dress-up Theme: Anything-but-a-Backpack

Thursday, April 27

Dress-up Theme: Jersey

Friday, April 28 - Xavier Day

Dress-up Theme: Xavier / Blue & White

Science Scholars

First year participants complete a variety of science activities in six different fields of science in order to provide opportunities to explore their interests in different formats. They are asked to read a book, listen to a podcast, read current research, complete a career analysis, analyze a video explaining a science concept, participate in an active online project and complete a hands-on project for science concepts in which they are initially unfamiliar. They are expected to complete six of the seven types of activities to fulfill their first year requirements. The culmination of the first year is presenting one of these activities to the group which includes the other participants, the science faculty, and other guests. This year we learned about quantum particle spin, the science of aging, the details and findings of a filtration project, how the cause of depression is probably not what we think, got a summary of the book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”, and saw how a foxhole radio works (built from the notes and diagrams left behind from a student’s grandfather). The students that completed the first year of the science scholars program are: Ryan Brown, Ava Gilligan, Quinton Lumsden, Ella Merritt, Grace Renz, and Elsa Thiel.

Second year participants take part in a camp of their choosing, and then are expected to present what their experience entailed and what they learned to the group. This year James Mueller presented on the Medical Physiology camp he participated in at Michigan Tech last summer.

Participation in the Science Scholars program aims to give students exposure to the widespread areas of science with the hope of expanding their familiarity with each area as well as honing in on areas of particular interest to steer them towards potential career goals. Each year the program starts in the summer with culminating presentations occurring in March. Interested students should see their science teacher for more information on how to participate.

Business Students

On Tuesday, March 13th, 3 Xavier teams competed at the annual Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl. Although we didn't take home the gold students learned new and exciting finance tips and got to network with several other schools, financial institutions, and community leaders. David Wagener and Joel Pfaff took home some cash prizes & AJ Seidler and Anthony Weyers think they should have taken home the trophy.

Athletics

HAWKS WINTER SPORTS

End of the season update 2022-23

Boys’ Basketball – The boys secured their 9th conference championship in the last 10 seasons. The team was also cross-town and regional champions. The Hawks finished 25-3 with a tough but close loss to Brillion in the sectional final. Alex Sherwood and Tyler Brightman were first team all-conference, Carson Hehli was second team and Sam Pfefferle was honorable mention.

Girls’ Basketball – The Hawks finished 6-6 in Bay Conference competition. Carsyn Stempa earned 2nd team allconference.

Bowling – The 10th season for the bowling program was an eventful one. The varsity boys ended their season 4-11 including an upset over D1 opponent Neenah. Four year member and senior, Thomas Gonnering, logged the most bowled frames in Xavier history with 939 frames.

Boys’ Hockey –Xavier had five boys play for the Fox Cities Stars hockey co-op this year. Xavier players were Owen Atkinson, Aiden Eckes, Owen Eckes, Fernando Elko, and Luke Tretinyak. The season was highlighted with victories over De Pere, Madison and Waupaca.

Girls’ Hockey – Xavier members were Ella Merritt, Pamela Barquet and Naomi Barquet. The team placed 4th in the conference. The Stars final game was against eventual state champion, Bay Area.

Powerlifting – The girls’ team placed in every meet and the boys’ team held strong throughout the season with every single participant beating at least one personal record. The pinnacle of the teams’ accomplishments were the state and national competition qualified athletes. Peyton Blaylock was awarded for her hard work with a state championship.

Wrestling – The Hawks sent four wrestlers to the sectional tournament in Wrightstown. Those competing were Lucas Bertello (1st all-conference), Will Katz (2nd all-conference), John Faulkner, and Madeline Faulkner (1st allconference). Also earning all-conference recognition was junior, Julian Vajda (2nd team) and senior, Bethany Kroll (1st team).

Art Department: Student of the Month

February and March 2023

Sydney Neilitz and Eva Stankewicz are named February and March 2023 Art Department’s student’s of the month. Sydney and Eva are both Freshman taking Introduction to Art. Sydney and Eva both take the time to fully develop a plan before beginning a project. Their attention to the small details in the planning stages leads to well constructed and well drawn final projects. While drawing with oil pastel Sydney found ways to incorporate the various techniques and remained committed to producing high quality work even when it is challenging. She is not deterred by challenges rather works to find ways to work through them. Sydney's smile and positivity creates a comforting environment for those around her.

Eva is dedicated to her art work and is committed to challenging herself with each project as well. In her clay mug Eva created a textured brick that follows the form of the mug. As she glazes each element of her mug she is careful to keep her lines clean and crisp. This desire to create top quality work is also seen in both of the girls' sketchbooks. They carefully work through each assignment, draw with rich dark and draw with clean crisp detail. Both girls are very promising artists whose drawing skills have grown as they work through each assessment. This positive outlook on their art and their desire to push themselves with each project creates an energy around them that is uplifting and exemplifies Xavier pride. It is energizing to work with these lovely ladies.

Xavier Rome Pilgrimage

Over spring break (March 3-11) our chaplain, Fr Patrick Costello and theology teacher, Ms Wesolek, led a pilgrimage to Rome with six students, two parents, two teachers, and one alumna.

The pilgrimage centered around the Lenten tradition of early morning walks to Mass at the Lent Station Churches. Pilgrims also visited numerous historic and religious sites, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the four major Basilicas, the Holy Stairs, the Catacombs of St Callistus and the town of Assisi. Hopes are to offer this pilgrimage as an annual Xavier tradition and plans are in the works for spring of 2024. Please contact Fr Patrick or Ms Wesolek for more information.

Upcoming Events

April 6 Half Day – Holy Thursday

April 7-10 Easter Break

April 21 Xavier Retreat Day

April 21 International Dinner

April 24-28 Blue & White Week

April 28 Xavier Day

April 29 Prom

May 1 No School

May 3 Spring Choir Concert (7PM in theatre)

May 10 Spring Band Concert (7PM in theatre)

May 12 XSC Blood Drive

May 15 Fine Arts Awards Night

May 17 Spring Orchestra Concert (6:30PM in theatre)

May 21 Senior Awards Night

May 23 Baccalaureate Mass (10:50AM in theatre)

May 25-26 Senior Final Exams

May 29 No School – Memorial Day

May 31 Graduation (7PM at PAC)

June 1-2 Half Days - Final Exams