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7/8 Student Announcements

HS Student Announcements

I hope this message finds your family well as we transition into November.

Our staff and students have been preparing for our Remembrance Day commemoration on November 11, honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve our country. Students are engaging in meaningful activities, including artwork, displays, and messages of remembrance, as we reflect together on the importance of this day.

We are excited to announce the launch of SafeArrival, a new system that makes reporting student absences quick and easy via app or phone. Please take a moment to review the details to ensure a smooth start.

Looking ahead, progress reports for students in grades 7 & 8 will be available on the Parent Portal on November 13, and parent-teacher interviews will take place on November 20. Details for booking can be found below. High school interim report cards will be available on Parent Portal on November 19th.

Thank you for your continued support in helping make SFX a community rooted in faith, learning, and belonging.

Introducing SafeArrival – November 10, 2025

St. Francis Xavier High School will be launching SafeArrival, a new attendance management system that makes it faster and easier for parents and guardians to report student absences or late arrivals.

Starting November 10, 2025, families will be able to report absences securely through SchoolMessenger’s SafeArrival system by using the app, website, or toll-free phone number.

Information Letter Sent to Families

Remembrance Day Commemoration

This week, our school community is taking time to honour and remember the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve in Canada’s Armed Forces.

Classes are visiting a gallery walk featuring student artwork, projects, and displays that highlight moments in Canada’s military history. A school memorial display also provides a space for students and staff to post the names of loved ones they wish to remember and honour. As part of our commemoration, a digital slideshow has been created to recognize family members who have served, both past and present. We are also honoured to welcome a Captain in the Canadian Army (Reserve), who will speak with students about the significance of service, remembrance, and community.

Our school will come together for a reading of In Flanders Fields, the playing of The Last Post, and a moment of silence as we collectively reflect and give thanks.

We are deeply grateful to our staff and students for the thought, creativity, and reverence they have shown in helping us commemorate this important occasion.

7&8 Report Cards / Parent-Teacher Interviews and Early Dismissal Day:

Intermediate Progress Reports will be released on Thursday, November 13th to the Parent Portal.

Parent-Teacher interviews for 7/8 students will take place on Thursday, November 20th. Booking for interviews will open on Friday, November 14th, 2025. Please see this letter with information on how to book interviews. November 20th will be an early dismissal day for students.

Fall Coffee House – November 13 at 6:00 p.m.

We’re excited to welcome back St. Francis Xavier’s Fall Coffee House on Thursday, November 13th at 6:00 p.m. This much-loved evening event celebrates the incredible creativity and talent within our school community through live performances in a relaxed, café-style setting. Families are invited to join us for an evening of great entertainment and school spirit!

Best Buddies Halloween Party

The Best Buddies program celebrated Halloween at StFX in style. The multipurpose room was full of energy as students decorated cookies and created Halloween-inspired crafts. The festivities ended with a lively dance party where everyone joined in to groove to Ghostbusters. Thank you to the organizers and to all the students for making the event so special.

Grad Photos

Grad photos will take place from November 24th - 28th by appointment only in the Learning Commons. To book an appointment, go to bookmygrad.ca, select “Book graduation photos at your school”, and use the school code FXH.

Even if you don't want to purchase grad photos, you should book a FREE appointment for a yearbook-only photo.
Students should dress semi-formally, and if they are wearing a button-down shirt, white is suggested.
Book early as appointment time slots fill up quickly!

Not sure what to expect - check out this VIDEO

Upcoming OSSLT Dates

All Grade 10 students will write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) on one of the following days: November 10–14 or November 17, 2025.

Students in Grades 11 and 12 who have not yet completed the OSSLT successfully will write on November 18–19, 2025.

For more information and preparation resources, please refer to this OSSLT information document.

Career Week Highlights

During Career Week (Nov. 3–6), each of our Grade 7 classes participated in an engaging presentation by Skills Ontario. The sessions introduced students to the exciting world of skilled trades and technologies, highlighting the many opportunities available in these growing fields. Through these interactive presentations, students were encouraged to explore their interests, strengths, and future career possibilities—a wonderful way to connect classroom learning with the world beyond school!

Level Up Skilled Trades Career Fair

On Wednesday, December 10th, Gr. 10 students are invited to participate in the Level Up field trip to the EY Centre. This event has simple, hands-on activities and simulations to encourage youth to explore tech and the Skilled Trades and learn about career paths and opportunities related to the trades.

There are 43 spots available; it will be first-come, first-served. Please see below for the permission form and the Level Up website. This has been shared with all Gr. 10 students as well. Signed permission forms must be brought to the Student Services office.

Permission Form

Level Up Career Fair Website

Transition Planning Resource Fair For Youth with Intellectual Disabilities

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), in partnership with the Ottawa District School Board (OCDSB), invites youth with intellectual disabilities and their parents/caregivers to learn more about how to navigate life after high school.

Date: Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Confederation Education Centre (1645 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean)

At this resource fair, you will have the opportunity to meet a variety of service providers in the Ottawa region and learn about programs available for youth with an intellectual disability, including:

Service Coordination
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
Community day programs
Recreational programs
Sports
Housing
Family networks

This is a drop-in event; advance registration is not required.

Please see the attached poster.

Transition Planning Resource Fair For Youth With Intellectual Disabilities

The Regional Assessment and Resource Centre's Post-Secondary Transition Information Night

This virtual event is designed for Grade 11 and 12 students with LD, ADHD, ASD, and mental health disorders and will provide valuable information to help guidance and resource teachers, students and families plan and prepare for the transition from high school to post-secondary education. Topics include understanding academic accommodations and supports available at college/university, transition programs and psychoeducational assessments and funding. More information can be found here.

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 19th, from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98455967828?pwd=T5wCl2naRnafEKOFgXxjbaHC7qQeb7.1 with the Webinar ID: 984 5596 7828 and the Password: 448348

9-12 Semester 1 Exam Schedule

Grade 9 - 12 students’ examinations and Rich Summative Tasks (RSTs) WILL NOT be rescheduled for holiday or travel convenience, and all appointments should be scheduled so as not to conflict with exams and RSTs. If a medical problem arises, a Vice-Principal must be contacted before the exam or RST. Medical certificates will be required to permit alternate arrangements for final examinations.

The OCSB has released the Semester 1 Final Exam schedule. Attendance on exam days is mandatory - vacation and work arrangements are expected to be made around these dates:

Thurs. Jan 22 - Grade 10-12 Period 1 exam and Grade 9 Period 1 RST
Fri. Jan 23 - Grade 10-12 Period 2 exam and Grade 9 Period 2 RST
Mon. Jan 26 - Grade 10-12 Period 3 exam and Grade 9 Period 3 RST
Tues. Jan 27 - Grade 10-12 Period 4 exam and Grade 9 Period 4 RST
Wed. Jan 28 - Exam Buffer day in case of inclement weather
Thurs. Jan 29 - Credit Intervention Day (students will be invited to attend, if required)
Fri. Jan 30 - PD Day
Mon. Feb 2 - Semester 2 begins

Students and Parents/Guardians can refer to the OCSB website for the Grade 9 - 12 calendar. These calendars identify the first and last day of school, PD days, Statutory Holidays, Board Holidays, and High School exams.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School Council

Our next School Council meeting will take place virtually on November 24th at 5:00 p.m.

FlipGive Fundraiser – Support St. FX with Your Everyday Shopping!

Parent Council is excited to continue our fundraising efforts through FlipGive — a simple way to support our school at no extra cost to you. With just 5 minutes to set up the app on your phone or web browser, a portion of what you’re already spending on groceries, gas, restaurants, and online shopping will go directly back to our school community.

Getting started is quick and easy:

Click here to join our team: https://flipgive.app.link/teams/join?joincode=394PVR
Enter code 394PVR when prompted

Every purchase helps make a difference! Thank you for supporting our students and school community. If you have any questions, please reach out at stfx.chair@gmail.com.

College and University Application Help

For students planning to apply to college or university for admission next fall, there is help available from Student Services.

These two slide decks outline much of the information needed to get started with applications:

How to Apply to University

How to Apply to College

Over the coming weeks, there will also be several Drop-in Application Help Sessions at lunch for students. The times and locations have been sent directly to students and are also posted in the school announcements. Helpful information is also always available at stfxgrads.com.

VV Fundraiser Nov 9 2025.pdf

St. FX Ultimate Team FUNDrive - Nov. 9

Mark your calendar for our Community Collection Day on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Francis Xavier High School.

For full details on what can be donated, check out the attached poster.

1. - November 10 -19 - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
  - November 11 - Remembrance Day
  - November 13 - Gr. 7/8 Progress Reports posted to Parent Portal
  - November 19 - Gr. 9-12 Semester 1 Interim Report Cards posted to Parent Portal
  - November 20 - Gr. 7/8 Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interviews
  - November 20 - Gr. 7-12 Early Dismissal Day (1:30 pm)
  - November 24 - Catholic School Council Meeting (5:00 PM -virtual)
  - November 30 - First Sunday of Advent
  - December 5 - PD Day (no school)
  - December 7 - Second Sunday of Advent
  - December 14 - Third Sunday of Advent
  - December 19 - Last Day of Class before Christmas Break
  - December 21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
  - December 25 - Christmas Day
  - January 1 - New Year's Day
  - January 5 - First Day back to School after Christmas Break

Updates from the Ottawa Public Library

Manotick Branch

Greenboro Branch

Parish Updates

Our Lady of Visitation Bulletin

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