Dear Xavier FamilyOctober is one of my favorite months at Xavier. We have so many Xavier traditions that fall in or around the month of October. It’s a nice moment to step back and reflect on all of the uniquely Xavier moments which make us who we are.
October 2023 Volume #421 In this Issue: Athletics……………………………………..08 Campus Ministry .......................................... 04 Preview Night............................................... 02 Upcoming Events ......................................... 08
St. Francis Xavier High School 1600 W. Prospect Avenue Appleton, WI 54914 920-733-6632 Fax: 920-735-1787 www.xaviercatholicschools.org
Homecoming is on everyone’s mind as I write this letter. Next week, we revisit some classic Xavier moments like Blue and White Day, Powderpuff football, and the Homecoming Mass. Many of those things look exactly like they did forty or fifty years ago. Some of the traditions have evolved – I promise that the dance bears little resemblance to the Homecoming Dance of 1983 and I am guessing that “Ken and Barbie” dress up day is relatively new! Xavier’s legendary fall musical is taking shape. This year, “The Wizard of Oz” will captivate audiences for two weeks at the end of the month and into November. We have come a long way from performing musicals on a makeshift stage or converting the commons into seating for an audience. Now, the production features dozens of students providing the lighting, sound, backstage and onstage talent. Elementary and middle school students from the Catholic schools in the Valley will be our guests as we unveil another memorable show. It’s a wonderful thing. The Xavier Service Club Halloween Party brings in young children to give them a chance to try out their costumes, play games, get candy, and support the local food support programs. Many Xavier alumni will recall the Key Club Halloween Party of yesteryear, complete with “haunted classroom” and the simplest games converted to Halloween themes. While the Key Club piece has changed, the spirit remains the same. On Friday, October 27, we host our yearly Ethel Moehring Help Your Neighbor Day. Our entire school of students and staff will spend the afternoon raking leaves, washing windows, cleaning debris, serving community organizations, and generally making a difference in the lives of the elderly and those in need. It is a beautiful sight to witness so much good being done, to watch students who are not necessarily in the same grade or social circle working together, to see teachers and students laughing and enjoying the crisp fall air. As always, we need parents and Xavier community members who can help by taking a small group for the afternoon. Consider joining us to make the day happen. Contact Kate Geenen (kgeenen@xaviercatholicschools.org) if you can help.
While the world seems like it is always changing and advancing, we fall back on traditions to tie us to the past, to tether us to the experiences we find familiar, and to bind us to the generations of Xavier alumni who have walked these halls and shared these moments. Join us in being a part of all of these moments which make Xavier what it is. It is a great month to be a Hawk! For God’s Greater Glory,
Mike Mauthe Principal
Xavier High School is a proud member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System, and has been accredited by AdvanceED (formerly the North Central Association) since 1970.