The Voyager Voice

Dear Voyager Families,

The new school year is settling in and routines are being established. Catholic education is important, particularly during these formative middle school years. Our mission is not only to provide an academic experience, but also to nurture the spiritual, emotional, and social development of your child(ren). How do we do this? Read through the list below: *multiple educational sources referenced.

1. Faith Formation: At the heart of a Catholic education is the opportunity for students to grow in their faith. Daily prayer, liturgical celebrations, and service projects help build a strong moral foundation.
2. Values-Based Education: Catholic schools prioritize the development of character. Respect, compassion, integrity, and responsibility are woven into every aspect of our curriculum.
3. Academic Excellence: Catholic schools maintain high academic standards and provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for success.
4. Community and Support: The strong sense of community in Catholic schools creates a supportive environment where students feel a sense of belonging and love.
5. Service to Others: Our emphasis on service teaches students the importance of giving back to their communities and helps them develop a lifelong commitment to helping others.

On the topic of giving back to community and commitment to helping others, Saint Francis Xavier School would like to extend it's great appreciation and thanks to Olti Gjura and staff at APC Integrated of Quincy, MA. A donation of IT equipment and labor was made to provide full functionality of the school's internet to ensure all students are able to complete their daily lessons without interruption!

Next week I will write in more detail about the importance of middle school in the development of your child(ren). You will learn how and why our teachers are specifically trained for the middle school learning environment.

May God continue to bless you and your family as the resplendent New England autumn begins.

God bless,

Mr. C. Kroekel

Principal

"It's a Great Day to be a Voyager!"

September- Kindness

Sat. 9/28

• VIRTUS Protecting God's Children Training in McShea Hall (class full)

October - Peace

Tues. 10/1

• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thurs. 10/3

• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Flag Football Club - 2:35 p.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Fri. 10/4

• Early release at 11:00 a.m.
• First Friday Liturgy - 9:00 a.m. Hosted by Grade 7

* Join Mr. Kroekel for Coffee and refreshments in McShea Hall after Mass.

• Professional Development for Faculty

Tues. 10/8

• Grade 8 visits Notre Dame Academy and BC High
• Grade 8 HSPT prep- 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thurs. 10/10

• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Flag Football Club - 2:35 - 3:35 p.m.

Fri. 10/11

• Progress Reports Distributed

Mon. 10/14

• Columbus Day - No School

Tues. 10/15

• Applications Open for New Students

Tues. 10/15

• Grade 8 HSPT prep- 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Wed. 10/16

• High School Admissions Fair for current Grade 8 families. McShea Hall 1:15 p.m.

Thurs. 10/17

• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Flag Football Club - 2:35 - 3:35 p.m.

Fri. 10/18

• Walk for Mercy
• Whole School Rosary

Tues 10/22

• Grade 8 visit Cardinal Spellman
• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tues. 10/22

• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thurs. 10/24

• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Flag Football Club - 2:35 - 3:35 p.m.

Fri. 10/25

• Trunk or Treat - Partnership Event @ Saint Francis Xavier 5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m.

Tues. 10/29

• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Parent Association Meeting - McShea Hall 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Tues. 10/29

• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thurs 10/31

• Grade 8 HSPT prep - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Flag Football Club - 2:35 p.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Thurs. 10/31

• Have a safe and happy Halloween! 👻

Fruit of the Spirit:

The Fruit of the Spirit for the month of September is Kindness. At Saint Francis Xavier, we strive to cultivate an atmosphere where kindness is not just encouraged but lived out daily. Through simple acts of compassion and empathy, we aim to reflect the love of Christ in our school community. This month, students will engage in various activities and reflections designed to help them grow in this virtue, understanding how powerful even the smallest acts of kindness can be transforming hearts and minds.

Saint of the Month:

Alongside our focus on kindness, we are honored to introduce our Saint of the Month: St. Veronica. Known for her extraordinary act of courage and compassion, St. Veronica is a shining example of kindness in action. When Jesus carried His cross to Calvary, it was Veronica who, moved by love and mercy, stepped forward to wipe His face. Her small but profound act reminds us that kindness often requires stepping out in faith and showing love, even when it may be difficult.

Daily Prayer and Reflection:

To help our students stay grounded in their faith, we begin and end each school day, meeting, and event with a prayer and brief reflection. This daily practice encourages students to start their day with a focus on God's presence and His call to love and serve others.

The Peace of Adoration:

On the second Friday of every month, our students attend Eucharistic Adoration. This time allows them to better understand the importance and sacredness of truly being in the presence of God.

Monthly Mass:

We are blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate Mass as a school community each month. The first Friday of every month we have a schoolwide Mass at 9:00 a.m. We encourage families to attend this Mass with us and then join Mr. Kroekel and administrators in McShea Hall for "Coffee with Mr. Kroekel".

✅Photo Release Form:

We kindly remind you to return your Photo Release Form as soon as possible. This form grants us permission to include your child in photos and videos that may be featured in our school newsletter, website, social media, and other publications. If you have not already so; Please click here to access the Photo Release Form.

✅Saint Francis Xavier School Advisory Board - Seeking New Members!

The Saint Francis Xavier Advisory Board does extensive work in building the sustainability of our school in many ways, including Catholic Identity, Finance, Facilities, and Academics to name a few. We should all applaud their spirit of volunteerism and faith in helping build the premier Catholic middle school of the south shore. Please click here for information about the Board positions available and how to apply.

MAP Testing Window Closing Soon!

MAP testing is coming to an end soon! Let's finish strong by continuing to rest well, eat healthy breakfasts, and stay focused as we wrap up this important assessment period. Encourage your students to take their time, read each question carefully, and give their best effort. Learn more here

📎Extra Help:

Before school and after school extra help is available. Contact your child's teacher for availability.

👩🏻‍🏫Substitute Teaching Opportunity:

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team at SFX. Substitute teachers play a vital role in maintaining the learning environment and supporting our students' educational journey when classroom teachers are unavailable. If you, or someone you know, are interested in becoming a substitute teacher (paid position) and feel called to serve our Catholic school community, we encourage you to apply. For more information, please contact Mr. Kroekel or Mrs. Walsh. dianewalsh@sfxschoolwey.org

Sleep Hygiene:

Sleep is restorative and there is no replacement for adequate sleep. Sleep heals and restores our body!!

Ages 6-12

*9-12 hours per 24 hours

Ages 13-18

*8-10 hours per 24 hours

Vaccines:

Definition of vaccine: A preparation that is used to stimulate the body's immune response against disease.

See your primary care physician for vaccine administration or

Olden's Pharmacy 101 Pleasant St. Weymouth

781-337-0187

Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

No appointment necessary.

~ Bridget E. Jaklitsch,BSN, R.N.

👪Parent Association First Meeting of the Year!

Thank you to all that were able to attend the first Parent Association Meeting of the year! It was a very productive and encouraging discussion with action plans in place for the exciting events coming up this year. Stay tuned for opportunities to help! The next Parent Association meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29th at 6:00 p.m. in McShea Auditorium.

🎃Trunk or Treat

The annual Trunk or Treat partnership event will be held here at Saint Francis Xavier on Friday, October 25th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Be on the lookout for upcoming icommunications and information on how to sign up to decorate your vehicle or donate candy/goodies!

🍦Ice Cream Wednesdays

The Parent Association is happy to announce that ice cream sandwiches will be sold at lunchtime every Wednesday for $2 each (one ice cream per student). The funds will benefit our 8th Grade Leadership activities and events that take place throughout the year.

🍀Weymouth Irish Heritage Parade:

Thank you to all of the parents and students of the partnership that walked in the Weymouth Irish Heritage Parade last Sunday. The weather was perfect for walking and we had a blast! Looking forward to participating again next year!

💙Saint Francis Xavier/Sacred Heart School Collaborative Outreach Committee:

This wonderful committee was formed to enhance the community atmosphere between the school and the families who attend. The purpose of this committee is to provide families, students and staff with assistance in times of need, such as an illness, surgery, death of a family member, a birth, or those instances deemed appropriate by the committee and Mr. Kroekel and Mrs. Mazza.

If you would like to donate, please complete the bottom of the form, click here, with your donation in an envelope marked ~Outreach Committee~ Attention: Anna Lisa Carey. You may also Venmo @AnnaLisa-Carey-Outreach

Thank you in advance for your kindness!

Flag Football Club is underway!! Students participate after school on Thursdays with Mr. Tardanico. This club provides a great way to build teamwork, stay active, and have fun!

As we wrap up the first round of MAP Testing, we want to thank all of our students for their hard work and dedication. The results will help us tailor our teaching strategies to best support your child's learning journey.

Our annual Walk for Mercy is just around the corner! Students are excited to participate in this wonderful tradition that raises awareness and support for local charities. Stay tuned for more details on how to contribute and cheer on the students.

On Friday, October 4th, our 7th Grade students will be leading First Friday Mass. All families are invited to attend the mass at 9:00 a.m. After Mass, parents and families are welcome to join the Principal for Coffee and Conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our parish is always bustling with activity, offering opportunities for faith, fellowship, and service! Here are a few upcoming events we'd love to see you at:

🎹 Sunday September 29, 2024

There will be a Free Concert in McShea Auditorium on Sunday 9/29/24. Concert pianist, Sergei Novikov, will be performing. Mr. Novikov has performed for presidents, royalty and many distinguished guests around the world. We are so thrilled to welcome him to our Collaborative. Monetary donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Societies of both parishes will be accepted gratefully.

Saturday October 19, 2024

Saint Francis Xavier Church proudly presents "MISgIVINGS". A divine comedy of belly laughs, blessings, and bingo. Join Father Patrick Aloyisus Misgivings for this divine presentation of stories and one liners about growing up Catholic. From miracles and marriage counseling, to bazaars and birth control, nothing escapes the good father's razor sharp Irish wit. This hilarious interactive comedy includes a collection, a raffle and even an actual Bingo game.

McShea Auditorium

Doors open: 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: 5:30 p.m.

Show: 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $30 and include pasta dinner. Please visit the Parish Office or the church foyer after weekend Masses. Beginning Sept. 21st.

Click here to view General Information for parents on the website!

Old South Union Church Youth Group. Click here for information