Bring Your Own Device

Browser Software

It has been the experience of teachers and students that certain websites only work with certain browsers because of how the sites were built. Because of this, it is important that students have more than one browser installed on their device in order to troubleshoot and try a different browser in the case that they can’t view a particular site with their favorite/choice browser. You do not have to install all of the browsers listed below. The only required browser is Chrome because of the use of Google Apps for Education. In addition to having Chrome installed, your device should have at least one other browser installed as well.

 Chrome – REQUIREMENT - We require the installation of the Chrome browser. This browser is the best when using our Google Apps for Education domain and tools.

 Firefox - Firefox is a popular, alternative browser that supports extensions and addons.

 Opera - Opera is a free alternative Mac browser.

Other

Many courses are utilizing multimedia content during class time. Because of this, it is a requirement for students to bring headphones or ear buds to each class. It is also strongly encouraged that students have a protective carrying case or sleeve for their device to minimize any damage in the event that the device is dropped between classes, etc.

Support

In the event of malfunction of the device, the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System IT staff are not responsible for the repair. The student owns and is ultimately responsible for the upkeep and usefulness of the device.

School Supplies

We do not provide a list of needed school supplies since students take such a wide variety of courses. Notebooks and folders are needed in most courses. Freshmen will meet with their teachers on Orientation Day and will find out more specifics at that time.

Science Lab Book Needed

All students planning to take Laboratory Science Foundations, Intro to Chemistry, Biology, AP Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and any PLTW course are required to have a new, bound (not spiral and not perforated) composition notebook to use as your lab book on the first day of class. We ask that you purchase the quad-ruled graphing variety that is available at Office Max / Office Depot. The science department will also have some available for purchase.

Calculators for Math.

We require students taking Algebra 2 or above to have TI84 Graphing Calculators or more recent models. For courses before Algebra 2, we would like to see Texas Instruments calculators so that we don't have to teach to different calculators.

Schedules and Schedule Changes

All incoming freshman and new students will receive their 2023-2024 schedules in the mail by early July. If you have not received your schedule by July 15 or have a question in the meantime, please contact Mr. Mauthe at 733-6632.

All freshman schedules should have two sections of English, Theology, Math and Science. In addition, students should have one section of Freshman Seminar, Early Civilizations and Health

Education (unless taken in 8th grade). Anyone taking a world language should also see two sections of the language.

Should you need a schedule change, please e-mail your request to schedulechanges@xaviercatholicschools.org. The counselors work sporadically throughout the summer, so please do not e-mail them directly.

Marching Band Camp

Band students - Summer Marching Band Camp is August 7-9 from 8:30 – 3:30.

This camp is required. Lunch is not provided, so please bring a bag lunch. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water.

Contact Mr. Wallace, Band Director, with questions (kwallace@xaviercatholicschools.org).

What Can I Do This Summer?

Looking for ways to get ready for the rigor of Xavier High School? Here are just a few ideas:

1) Read. Vary your reading between fiction and nonfiction. Try to read things that are challenging, maybe about history or science. Studies show that the greatest predictor of academic success is the amount of time you read.

2) Work on your typing. We compose a lot of papers and essays during high school. There are lots of online programs to help you type faster. Aim for at least 45 words per minute.

3) Develop a note taking method that works for you. Research different methods of taking notes and then practice by watching a documentary and taking notes or reading an academic article and taking notes. An important skill in high school and college is to be able to listen to the teacher while simultaneously summarizing in your own words.

4) Write. Practice writing essays by checking out the essay prompts for students who apply to the University of Chicago. Write an essay or a persuasive letter in response to the readings and homily that you hear at Mass. Write poems, stories, or whatever else channels your creativity.

5) Unplug. Stay away from your devices as much as possible by enjoying the weather, being active outside, and doing service in the community. It will make it easier to keep life in balance when the school year comes again.

TXW Prayer

The TXW (The Xavier Way) Prayer is a special prayer written for our school that we recite each week. Pray this prayer during the summer so that God can prepare you for high school.

Lord,

May all that I do this day be rooted in love and mercy, that I might love You and love others as perfectly as You love me. I ask for the courage to act responsibly and honestly in all that I say and do and set an example for others to follow. Give me eyes to see those in need around me and the heart to act in a way that is pleasing to You. I want to be the best version of me that I can and bring honor and glory to You. Amen.

All prayers at Xavier end with the leader saying “St. Francis Xavier…” and we respond “PRAY FOR US.”

Then the leader will say “Live, Jesus, in our hearts…” and we respond “FOREVER.”