As we enter Holy Week this Sunday, our school will continue to mark the Lenten season through intentional morning prayer and classroom learning that explores its meaning both historically and in our lives today. We hope families have opportunities for reflection, connection, and time with loved ones.
Please note that St. Francis Xavier and all OCSB schools will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6 in observance of the Easter Triduum.
GET SMART Poster (1).pdfSt. Francis Xavier High School Presents Get Smart!
Join us as the Coyote Cast and Crew bring this classic spy spoof to life, transporting audiences to 1960s Washington, DC. Follow a bumbling CONTROL agent, alongside the Chief and Agent 99, as they attempt to stop KAOS’ latest scheme—will they succeed, or will Mr. Big have the last laugh?
Performance Dates (at St. Francis Xavier HS):
Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets:
Children 3 & under: Free
Ages 4–18: $5
Adults: $10
Available on SchoolCashOnline or at the door.
Please see this press release for additional information.
Yearbooks
Don’t Miss Out on your 2025-2026 Yearbook Orders! The deadline to guarantee your student a copy of this year’s memories is April 15th.
Not sure if you’ve already purchased one? Students can quickly check their status by visiting my.studentinfo.ca.
If you haven’t yet paid, please head over to School Cash Online and look for the “Student Fee/Yearbook Payment” option to secure your copy today!
Picture Consent
Parents, if you DO NOT want your child’s picture in the yearbook, please ensure you fill out the form on the parent portal (called Consent for Use and Disclosure) and select the No-Consent option. The form is located under the menu on the left-hand side under "Forms". Deadline is April 15th!
Graduation Photos Final Call!
Did you miss the initial grad photo sessions in November or the retakes in February? This is your absolute last chance to have professional graduation portraits taken for this school year.
A special pop-up session is scheduled for April 26 and 27 at the Ottawa West Studio. Please note that this session is not coordinated through the school; these portraits will NOT be included in the official yearbook or the class composite.
Location: 280 Albert Street, Ottawa, Unit 903 (Take the elevator to the 9th floor).
School Code: FXH
Book Your Slot: Click here to book at Edge Imaging
Ontario Junk Drawer Races Winners!
The Ontario Junk Drawer Races is an inclusive, province-wide competition that allows students to participate either in the classroom or from home. The event promotes teamwork, safety, and hands-on learning, with teams competing regionally for medals and the chance to advance to the championship level. Ontario’s 76 public school boards are grouped into seven geographic regions for the competition.
In this challenge, students take on the role of Junior Engineers in the Skills Ontario Mining & Construction Division. Their task is to design and operate a hydraulic crane capable of lifting a small weighted object (20 g), representing a loaded shipping container, up three levels of a construction tower at a remote mining site.
Congratulations to our 7/8 Stem Club Members Ruby, Diamond, Sarvatr, and Oleg on taking home BRONZE!
Congratulations to the Junior and Senior Bands!
A big congratulations to the St. Francis Xavier Junior and Senior Bands on their outstanding performance at the Capital Region Music Festival under the direction of Mr. Busa. The Junior Band earned a bronze rating, while the Senior Band achieved a silver rating in their respective categories. Both groups performed exceptionally well and represented our school with pride.
Upcoming Ontario Literacy Test (OSSLT):
Here are some key dates and information about the upcoming test and test preparation:
March 31, 2026 - Gr. 11&12’s who have not yet passed will write the OSSLT
April 1, 2026 - Gr. 10’s who have not yet written or passed will write the OSSLT
Additional information and preparation materials for the OSSLT can be found on this document.
Final Assessments – Exams and RSTs
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 prior to the exam or RST.
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. As a general rule, it is prudent to avoid any planned student absences during the months of January and June, as this is when RSTs and exams are scheduled.
Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement
The province of Ontario will begin recognizing students who have gone beyond the required 40 hours of community involvement when they graduate with a special certificate. All hours submitted to a student's Guidance Counsellor by March 31st of their graduating year will count towards this. Students will receive their certificates at the same time as their diplomas at graduation. For more detail please see this link.
Transitioning to the World of Work: Supported Employment Fair
Youth with individualized learning needs are invited to explore the strategies and resources essential for thriving in the workplace. This event is designed for all secondary students planning to transition into the workforce who may require additional support in obtaining employment. Parents, guardians, caregivers, and educators are also highly encouraged to attend. Please see this Transitioning to the World of Work poster for more details.
Did you know students can start a career in the skilled trades while still in high school?
Parents and guardians are invited to the OCSB Skilled Trades Parent Information Night to learn how the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) can open doors to rewarding, in-demand careers.
March 31 @ 6:00–8:00 p.m.
St. Peter High School
Hear from Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft and OYAP Skilled Trades Recruiter Brett Jewitt, explore the Skills Ontario Skilled Trades Trailer, try hands-on simulators, and learn about the many opportunities available in the trades.
High-demand careers
Strong earning potential
Hands-on work
Opportunities to graduate with little to no debt
Register here: qrco.de/skillstrades
St. Francis Xavier Class of 2026
We are excited to celebrate our graduates and share important dates for the weeks ahead.
Important Dates and Grad Timeline
March 31 – Community Service Hours Due
April 30 – Grad Fee Due (SchoolCashOnline)
May 14 – Grad Mass
May 31 – Graduation Ceremony RSVP and ticket request deadline
June 2 – Grad Retreat (rain date June 4)
June 24 – Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal and gown pick-up
June 25 – Graduation Ceremony
Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Location: St. Francis Xavier High School
All graduates are required to attend. Caps, gowns, and guest tickets will be distributed at this time.
Graduation Ceremony
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Graduates arrive at 8:00 a.m.
Ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m.
Location: TD Place
Main Entrance: Gate 2
Wheelchair Access: Gate 1 (seating in Section 17)
Families are encouraged to check the Grad Website regularly for updates. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our graduates and their families.
OCSB Summer School - Registration Open
When: July 2 – July 23rd, 2026
Who Can Attend: Any student from any school board can join us. You do not need to be an OCSB student to participate.
Registration Deadline: June 19, 2026 at 3:00 pm
Registration Deadline for SHSM Co-op Program: April 24, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
Visit the Summer School Website for a complete list of courses and more details about our programs.
OCSB Summer School Course Offerings 2026.pdfSummer International Languages Program - Elementary!
The Summer International Languages Program offers students the opportunity to learn a new language or strengthen their home language through engaging activities such as music, art, storytelling, and cultural exploration. It is a meaningful way for students to build confidence, develop language skills, and connect with diverse cultures in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The program runs from June 29 - July 31, 2026, at various OCSB locations, with classes available for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, and is free for Ontario residents.
LEARN MORE: https://conted.ocsb.ca/summer-programs/summer-international-languages-elementary/
The second round of Ottawa Public Health vaccinations is happening on March 31 - April 2 and on April 7 at the school. More information can be found here: www.ParentingInOttawa.ca/immunization
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School Council
Our next School Council meeting will take place virtually on April 20 at 5:00 p.m.
Support for Families Amid Ongoing Global Conflicts
The OCSB recognizes that world conflicts can have a deep emotional, mental and spiritual impact on our students and their families. As a school community and as a Board, we continue to pray for peace. Students may connect with their Guidance Counsellor if they wish. The OCSB also suggests the following community supports for families:
Counselling Connect
Parents Lifeline of Eastern Ontario: 613-321-3211
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Distress Centre of Ottawa: 613-238-3311
March 31-April 3 - Grade 7 OPH Immunization Clinic
April 3 - Good Friday (no school)
April 5 - Easter Sunday
April 6 - Easter Monday (no school)
April 22 - Earth Day / Office Administrators Day
April 15-17 - School Play
April 30 - Grade 9-12 Semester 2 Interim Report Card posted to Parent Portal
GB Newsletter March 2026 (1).pdf
