This Week at SFX School
Thank you to everyone who offered prayers this past week for the visit of the NEASC accreditation team at SFX School. As I mentioned in last weekend’s newsletter, the visiting team was here from Sunday through Wednesday as part of our decennial review, which takes place once every ten years.
During this visit, a team of educators from other Catholic and independent schools spends several days on campus observing classes, reviewing materials, and meeting with representatives from every part of the school community, including students, teachers, staff, parents, and members of our advisory board. The purpose of the visit is not only to evaluate the school but also to offer guidance that helps the school continue to grow and develop in the years ahead.
As pastor, I joined Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy for the team’s final feedback session on Wednesday. I am very happy to share that they offered an extremely positive and encouraging review of SFX School. They repeatedly commented on the joy they experienced throughout the building, the dedication of our teachers and staff, the confidence and leadership of our students, and the strong support of our families. They also spoke very positively about the long term strength and sustainability of the school, which was very encouraging to hear.
The team was especially struck by how clearly our mission shapes the life of the school. Each morning our students recite the mission statement: “We are inspired by St. Francis Xavier to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ, to educate our minds and souls, and to use faith and reason to guide us as we live our lives.” One of the team members even remarked that during their visit they overheard a parent reciting the mission statement from memory. Everywhere they went, they said it was clear that our community is truly striving to live that mission.
They also spoke very highly of the leadership of Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy, describing them as exemplary administrators who have done exceptional work preparing the school for the future. I am deeply grateful for the dedication they show to our students and families each day.
At the same time, the visiting team offered a few suggestions that will help guide our continued growth, including continued work on curriculum development, expanded professional development opportunities for teachers, and exploring additional administrative support as the school continues to thrive.
In the coming weeks we will receive the team’s full written report, and the school is expected to receive its formal reaccreditation at the NEASC commission meeting in June. This visit reminded me once again what a tremendous blessing St. Francis Xavier School is for our parish and for the wider community. Thank you to all who support the mission of Catholic education here.
On Wednesday we also gathered for our school Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation. In the homily I encouraged the students that on great feast days of the Blessed Virgin Mary we should “shower her with compliments,” thanking her for her yes to God and for the role she plays in our salvation and in our lives today. I shared a funny memory from when I first visited SFX and visited the kindergarten classroom where the students showered me with funny compliments. I told the students that in a similar way, on Mary’s feast days we should take time to speak to her in prayer, thanking her and honoring her for the beautiful role she has in God’s plan.
Then on Friday we held our Lenten penance service for the school, giving all of the students the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession as we prepare our hearts to enter into Holy Week. The time of prayer also included Eucharistic Adoration with worship music.
Rebel 5K Brew Run to Support SFX School
On Saturday, April 11, St. Francis Xavier School will host its first annual “Rebel 5K Brew Run,” a community fundraiser to support the school. The race will begin at 11:00am, followed by a post race celebration from 12:00 to 3:00pm with food, live music, kids activities, and tastings for adults who register for the event.
While the event is called a 5K “run,” it is designed to be welcoming for everyone. Participants are welcome to walk the route as well, making it a fun way for families and friends to be part of the day together.
Even if running is not for you, the school is also looking for about 20 volunteers to help along the race route. Volunteers would stand at an assigned street corner and point runners in the correct direction as they pass. Volunteers are needed from 10:15am to about 12:00pm on race day. If you are able to help, please contact the school at bnadeau@sfxacushnet.com or