January 20, 2023

A Message from Mr. Watson

Dear SFX Community,

What a great week we had on our campus, especially, how we closed it. Today we celebrated our Arrupe Commissioning Ceremony for our 7th and 8th grade students and families.

The Commissioning Ceremony is an incredible prayer service where students are sent forth and commissioned to “set the world on fire” through the Arrupe Project. 6th graders also attended so that they could learn what the Arrupe Project is about in preparation for when they participate.

The Arrupe Project is a hallmark of our Jesuit mission to reach out to those in need within the Phoenix community. Our 7th and 8th graders will soon begin partnering with Catholic Charities and local social service agencies to put the Works of Mercy and Catholic Social Teaching into practice.

As we enter another weekend, I am truly grateful for the collective effort and energy shown from our SFX community. We are blessed to have one another and to call SFX our home.

Have a great weekend everybody.

Peace,

Ryan Watson

Up Next Week

Tuesday, January 24th

6:00 pm | Virtual

Washington DC Info Session

Parents of 7h Graders

Wednesday, January 25th

9:30 am | SFX Church

All School Mass

4th Grade Leading

Friday, January 27th

5:30 pm | SFX Fields

Inclusion Event

News & Events

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Friday Night Lights & Chili Cook Off

It's almost game time! Come join us next Friday, January 27th for a night of football, food and fun at our annual Inclusion Event.

To gear up for the event next week we will be selling squares for the NFL Conference Championship games before and after school at the Front Gate.

Do you have a famous chili recipe? There's still time to sign up for the Chili Cook Off! We will have electricity/power at the fields, so bring your chili in a crockpot.

The contest will be divided into three categories: original, spicy, and unique. We're hoping to have representation for each grade level.

Don't forget to show your team spirit! Break out your favorite football team gear and wear it to the event while you cheer on the kids at the Punt, Pass and Kick Contest.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up here

Fun Fest 2023: Let's Set Sail

Order your shirts and hats!

Fun Fest shirts and hats are now available to order! Each item is $30. Shirts or hats are your ticket into the event which includes lunch, the beer garden and blacktop games. Click here to order.

Volunteers needed for Bar & Grill

We need volunteers to help with grilling burgers and hot dogs and to help with pouring beer and keeping sodas/waters stocked. Sign up here.

Become a sponsor

This cherished event would not be possible without the support from our generous sponsors. Details about sponsorship can be found here: Sponsorship Opportunities.

More Info: Fun Fest 2023

Questions? Contact Maryanne Ellis and Angela Huizar

First Friday at Sky Zone

Save the date for the next fundraiser at Sky Zone on Friday, February 3rd from 1:00 - 6:00 pm. Sky Zone will give back 20% for 20-99 jumpers and 40% for 100+ jumpers. Come jump and support!

Catholic Schools Week

Mark your calendars - Catholic Schools Week is coming up the week of January 30th! We have a spirited week planned for our students. For more details about the schedule of activities, click here.

Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Phoenix are

partnering with St. Vincent de Paul this year during

Catholic Schools Week to support the Dream Center. View their wishlist here.

Questions? Contact Ashley Schoeller

Mother & Son Bingo

Calling all SFX moms and sons! Join us for some Bingo fun on Sunday, February 5th at noon. Pizza and salad will be served. Download the ticket order form below and return to the Front Office if you'd like to attend.

Interested in helping with the event? We welcome your help with preparation, set up and efficient clean up so the space is ready for the father-daughter dance that afternoon. Please contact Tiffani Pastor or Stacey Rothstein to volunteer.

Ticket Order Form

Father Daughter Dance

Calling all SFX dads and daughters! Join us for the father daughter dance on Sunday, February 5th at 4:30 pm in the SFX Gym.

Weekly Highlights

Arrupe Commissioning Ceremony

Today the 7th and 8th Grade students participated in the Arrupe Project Commissioning Ceremony. During the ceremony students were sent forth and commissioned to “set the world on fire.”

The Arrupe Project is a 7th and 8th Grade service learning unit based on Catholic Social Teaching, the Works of Mercy, and scripture. Named after the former Superior General of the Jesuits, Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., the goal of the project is to empower students to personally respond to social injustice by partnering with a local organization that serves those in need .

Announcements

Counselor's Corner

Please join us for our upcoming Coffee with the Counselor!

Parents of 5th - 8th Graders

Monday, January 30th

Immediately after Pledge & Prayer in the Library

Hosted by Giovanna McDermott, 5th-8th Counselor

Please bring your concerns or questions so we can share together. Looking forward to

seeing and/or meeting you!

Spring Play: Wizard of Oz

Congratulations to our 3rd - 8th Graders who will be in the Spring Play! Rehearsals will be twice a week (Wednesday and Fridays after dismissal) leading up to the shows on March 23rd and 24th. Meet the cast here!

Mary Robinson

Scrip Office

The Scrip Office will reopen next week. Come stop by! There are still some Harkins movie cups available.

Emily McLaughlin and Thuy Autrey

Sports Announcements

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition will take place Monday, January 30th at 3:00 pm right after school. It is for students 10 years of age and older. Students must bring a signed form to the competition. Your student can get a form from Coach Vecchiarelli.

Angie Vecchiarelli

Hungry Wolf Cafe

The January menu is available. Please place your orders through Meal Manage.

Download Menu

Families for Others

St. Francis Mini Vinnies

Did you know that since 2015, SFX has had students and families volunteer downtown at St. Vincent de Paul? Known as the St. Francis Mini Vinnies, these families regularly volunteer in the SVDP dining hall.

Eight volunteer slots are reserved for SFX families every Monday from 3:30 - 6:30 pm. Volunteers must be ages 9 and older and accompanied by an adult.

The Van Loo family has regularly volunteered at the dining hall—upon being asked why, Grayden (4^th grade), piped-up, “because it’s fun!!”

If you have younger kiddos there is something for you too! The first Saturday of every month is a “Hearts and Hands” program from 9:00 - 11:30 am that includes arts and crafts or other projects appropriate for our youngest volunteers.

Make 2023 a year for being a Family for Others with St. Vincent de Paul.

Wagon Wednesdays

NEW items needed this month: Snacks and cereal. Look for the wagons each Wednesday at the entry gates to drop off your donations. Thank you for supporting our Angel Families!

Helpful Links

St. Francis Xavier School | 602-279-0423 | school.sfxphx.org