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7/8 Student Announcements

HS Student Announcements

This Sunday marks the Second Sunday of Advent, a time that invites us to reflect on the theme of peace. As a school community, we embrace this season with a spirit of calm, gratitude, and togetherness.

We are excited to share that our Christmas Concert will take place on December 11, highlighting the wonderful talents of our students. Our Grade 7/8 cast is busy preparing for their upcoming production of The Addams Family, which promises to be an engaging and entertaining show on December 17. Adding to the festive spirit, our Student Council will be leading a Spirit Week from Dec 15-19, filled with fun and community-building activities for all students.

Christmas Care Campaign 2025 - Thank you!

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all St. Francis Xavier families for your generous support of this year’s Christmas Care campaign.

Your contributions—through SchoolCash Online and classroom donations—have made a meaningful impact. Your kindness and willingness to share have brought hope, joy, and peace to those who need it most.

Because of your generosity, we are able to continue supporting one another in the true spirit of the season. This outpouring of compassion is a beautiful reflection of our St. FX community and the values we strive to live every day.

Thank you once again for helping us bless our families this Christmas.

Staying Healthy During the Colder Months

As we move into the colder months, we typically see an increase in respiratory and enteric illnesses. To help school staff stay healthy and reduce the spread of illness in our community, we are sharing this helpful resource from Ottawa Public Health

Christmas Concert

Our Christmas Concert will be held on December 11th at 6:30 PM. Doors will open at 6:00 PM, and tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

We look forward to celebrating the talents of our students and sharing an evening of festive music and holiday cheer!

Lost & Found and Locker Clean-Out

Our Lost and Found will be on display from December 11–18. We encourage students and families to take a moment to look through the items. Any unclaimed belongings after December 18 will be donated to charity.

As we prepare for the Christmas break, students are also asked to clean out their lockers, ensuring that all personal items—especially any perishable food—are removed before the holidays.

Parent Information Evening: Post-Secondary Planning & Applications

We invite all parents and caregivers of Grade 11 and Grade 12 students to join us for an informative evening focused on navigating the post-secondary application process.

This session will provide guidance on applications, timelines, and helpful strategies to support students as they prepare for life after high school. Grade 11/12 students are welcome to attend with their families.

Wednesday, December 10th
6:00 PM
St. FX Learning Commons

We look forward to supporting you and your student through this important next step!

College and University Application Deadlines

The equal consideration deadlines for Ontario college and university applications are coming soon.

Ontario universities: January 15, 2026

Ontario colleges: February 1, 2026

Application Resources:

stfxgrads.com

ontariocolleges.ca/en/applying/how-to-apply

A guide for high school students applying to Ontario's universities

Students can also make an appointment with their guidance counsellor using my.studentinfo.ca for individual support.

Support Your Student’s Career & Life Planning with myBlueprint

MyBlueprint has a new Family Toolkit for families with students in grades 7-12. This is a great resource for parents to help their children with pathway planning and encouraging career-related conversations at home.

Career Myth Buster Quiz

The Career Myth Buster Quiz is an engaging, evidence-based tool designed to help high school students—and the adults who support them—challenge common misconceptions about career planning.

This interactive quiz highlights that careers are lifelong journeys, not one-time decisions. It helps normalize uncertainty, encourages curiosity, and builds confidence as students explore multiple pathways. Each result offers meaningful insights to prompt reflection and inspire informed next steps. Take and share the quiz at https://www.careermythbuster.ca

Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology

Digital technology can enrich learning, strengthen connections, and provide access to support. With healthy limits and balance, these tools can offer meaningful experiences for children and youth—both in and beyond the classroom.

However, excessive screen time can have an impact on your child’s mental health and overall well-being. It’s important to reflect on your child’s relationship with digital technology and foster healthy habits at home.

Click HERE to access a resource from School Mental Health Ontario.

Tech Use, Sleep, and School Attendance

In a world where children are “growing up digital,” guiding them toward healthy tech habits is essential. Balanced digital use helps ensure that children stay safe, get enough sleep, and arrive at school regularly, on time, and ready to learn.

Parents and caregivers play a key role in teaching and modelling these skills.

Click HERE to access a resource from the OCSB.

High School Semester 1 Exams

As we approach the end of the semester, families are reminded that Grade 9–12 exams and RSTs cannot be moved for vacation or travel plans. Please schedule all appointments outside these dates. If a student is ill, a Vice-Principal must be contacted before the exam; a medical note is required for alternate arrangements.

Exam Schedule

Thurs. Jan 22 – Period 1 Exam
Fri. Jan 23 – Period 2 Exam
Mon. Jan 26 – Period 3 Exam
Tues. Jan 27 – Period 4 Exam

Parent Session: The Family Smartphone Guide

CSPA invites parents to attend the Dec 10th Parent Session, The Family Smartphone Guide: Navigating physical, mental, and legal challenges in a digital world.

Parents can register through THIS link for the virtual-only session.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School Council

Our next School Council meeting will take place virtually on January 26th 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.

1. - 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

A Message from St. Leonard Parish - NET Retreat

Hey parents and youth, this is a chance to get youth involved in something that's going to build their faith and community spirit.

St. Leonard's Parish has an awesome youth event coming up on Saturday, December 13th, called Dare to Hope. It will be located in St. Leonard's Parish Hall from 10 am to 4 pm.

Youth will have the opportunity to participate in engaging workshops, team activities, and inspiring discussions led by 8 experienced NET youth ministers.

A pizza lunch and snacks will be provided.

Parents are encouraged to motivate their youth to join this Christian faith and community-building experience.

For more information and to register, please contact Colleen O'Mahony-Menton at colleen.menton@rogers.com

Parish Updates

Our Lady of Visitation Bulletin

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