Hello, St. Francis Xavier School Families!  We hope you are well.  Here is an update about all that is happening here at St. Francis Xavier School.

Lent

We are in the holy season of Lent, which lasts for 40 days (Sundays during Lent are not counted as part of the 40 days).  Forty is a significant number throughout Scripture; Noah was on the ark for 40 days  Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments.  Jesus spent 40 days fasting in preparation for His work on earth.  The liturgical color for Lent is purple, the color of repentance and sorrow for sin.  At Mass, purple vestments are worn by the priest during Lent.  Every person 14 years of age or older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays of Lent.  Every person between the ages of 18 and 59 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are equal to one full meal.

Prayer is crucial at all times; however, it is particularly crucial during Lent.  Please join me in saying this Lenten prayer.

Loving God,
Help me this Lent to become a living example
of your love in the world.
Open my heart to the areas of my life
that need to change
in order for me to carry out the mission
and experience the joy
You have imagined for my life
Inspire me to live the Catholic faith
in ways that are dynamic and engaging.
Give me courage when I am afraid,
hope when I am discouraged,
and clarity in times of decision.
Guide my efforts during this Lenten journey to
be reconciled with You and live forever 
in Your abundant grace.
Amen

School Notes--K--8

SNOW DAY MAKE-UPS
Because we have had several snow days, December 17, February 1, February 2, and February 18, St. Francis Xavier School will be in session for ALL on Wednesday, March 17, 2021,  Thursday, March 18, 2021, Thursday, April 1 (Holy Thursday). and Monday, June 1.  Please be sure to mark your calendars.  

PROGRESS REPORTS
Please monitor your child's academic progress on TADsEducate. We work in partnership with you to ensure your child receives the finest Catholic education possible.  We appreciate your taking the time to regularly log in to TADs and check your child's academic progress.

March is Women's History Month.

Dr. Seuss Day--Tuesday, March 2
To honor Dr. Seuss on his birthday, Tuesday, March 2 is Read Across America Day.  We will be sure to allow the students DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time during the school day.  Bring your favorite book to school!

Virtual Touring Tuesday--Tuesday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m.  Let your family and friends know the good news about St. Francis Xavier School!  They can participate in a virtual tour and see for themselves all we have to offer.  

Wednesday, March 3, 2021
FIRST ANNUAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
We are blessed here at St. Francis Xavier School.  We have a compassionate, loyal, dedicated faculty who always put the needs of our students first.  We ask God to bless our teachers as they work with our beautiful children every day.  We are grateful for all they do!

Friday, March 5--Noon Dismissal--K--8

Wednesday, March 10--NEEB Conference Day--No School--K--8 students; 11:30 a.m. Dismissal for UPK students.

Wearin' of the Green Dress Down Day--Wednesday, March 17
Wednesday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day.  St. Patrick is widely known as the patron said of Ireland; he is also the patron saint of the Archdiocese of New York.  To celebrate his feast day, we will have a dress-down day.  Wear your green, white, and gold to school on Wednesday, March 17.

Parent Referral Incentive Program

Do you love St. Francis Xavier School?  Please spread the good news!  The Archdiocese of New York has launched a Parent Referral Incentive Program for the 2021--2022 School Year.  This program is for referrals for Kindergarten through Grade 8.  If you recommend a student who subsequently enrolls in our beautiful school, in February, 2022, you will receive a one-time tuition credit of $250.00.  The student must remain enrolled in our beautiful school through February 2, 2022.  Need more information?  Check out the ADNY Parent Referral Incentive Program Flyer posted on the homepage of our website. 

School Notes--UPK & K--8

For the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff, and in accordance with CDC, NYSDOH, and ADNY guidelines, we keep the windows open in all classrooms.  Please be sure your child dresses in layers, so he/she is not cold during the school day.

February/March 2021 Group Schedule--Grade 4

For your reference, here is the February/March Group Schedule for Grade 4:

Friday, February 26           Group B

Monday, March 1                 Group A
Tuesday, March 2                Group A
Wednesday, March 3           Group B
Thursday, March 4               Group B
Friday, March 5                   Group A—NOON DISMISSAL K--8

Monday, March 8                Group A
Tuesday, March 9                Group A
Wednesday, March 10        SCHOOL CLOSED—NEEB CONFERENCE DAY
Thursday, March 11             Group B
Friday, March 12                 Group B

Monday, March 15              Group A
Tuesday, March 16              Group A
Wednesday, March 17         Group B
Thursday, March 18             Group B
Friday, March 19                 SCHOOL CLOSED

Monday, March 22              Group A
Tuesday, March 23              Group A
Wednesday, March 24         Group B
Thursday, March 25             Group B
Friday, March 26                 Group A

Monday, March 29              Group A
Tuesday, March 30              Group A


We open all school entrances at 7:50 a.m.  Your child's temperature will be taken at that time.  Please be sure to escort your child to the door.  Here are the entrances for each grade:

Kindergarten:      Playground Entrance
Grades 1, 2, 3:    Main Building, Main Entrance (Red Doors)
Grades 4 and 5:  Van Nest Entrance
Grades 6, 7, 8:    Morris Park Avenue Entrance

There are signs to direct you if you are unsure about which entrance to use.  Your child will be dismissed from the same door at the end of the school day.  Dismissal times are:

2:35 p.m.     Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, and 3
2:45 p.m.     Grades 4 through 8

Please note while we are in Phase 1, there is NO Before School or After School Care.  

Thank you for choosing St. Francis Xavier School to partner with you to provide your child with the finest Catholic education possible.  It is always our pleasure to serve you!

Take care and be well.  God bless you and your family!

All the best,
 
Ms. Marie O’Shea
Principal
St. Francis Xavier School—A School You Can Believe In!
marieoshea@sfxschool.net