St. Francis Xavier School 2015 Annual Report

BUILDING UPON THE ROCK

A Note from the Principal “Building Upon the Rock” is our theme for the coming year and it is apt in many ways. We are in the midst of a major renovation. We are literally building upon the foundations of our past as we prepare to serve future generations of students. The new construction is exciting, but is just part of the growth and change taking place at Saint Francis Xavier School. So, what else is new?

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24

Girls on the Run, which encourages healthy attitudes towards exercise and life for young girls, was introduced at SFX by a dedicated group of parents. We strive to educate the “whole” student – mind, body and soul. Between Girls on the Run, cross country, CYO basketball, softball, baseball, and our regular physical education classes, our students have many fitness options. Our Early Education Program is also expanding. Starting in the fall of 2016, we plan to offer a class for three year olds, in addition to our pre-K and kindergarten programs. Being part of a child’s introduction to learning is a great privilege for an educator. We look forward to offering the Saint Francis Xavier experience to a whole new group of children. We also welcome some new faces to SFX, as well as some familiar faces in new roles. Check out page 10 of this report for updates on new teachers, a new marketing director and even a new priest! (Not to worry; Monsignor Lavalley is staying put – he’s just welcoming a new parochial vicar to our parish and school.) Those are a few of the changes at Saint Francis Xavier School. In the midst of these changes, though, our foundation remains the same. We want to send students into the world with an excellent education AND the strength that comes from listening to and following the teaching of Jesus. Then they will be like the house built upon solid rock“though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.”

Jesse Gaudette

Building Upon the Rock

SFX School is under construction! Dust is flying, walls are coming down, asbestos is being removed, and stairways are disappearing. It’s all part of an amazing renovation that will result in a safer, more efficient and more attractive school.

children and sharing the light of Christ, will be unchanged. SFX proudly continues the tradition of “building upon the rock.”

Our school was built upon a bedrock of faith in 1862. Generations of families, teachers, and priests at Saint Francis Xavier have continued in the same manner. The current project is literally strengthening the foundations and also adding improvements to prepare the school for future generations. The incredible generosity of The Donum Dei Foundation has made this possible. Thanks, also, to Smith Alvarez Sienkiewycz Architects, Wright & Morrissey Construction, and the many individuals and organizations that have contributed time and resources to make this dream a reality. Soon, we will be wrapping up construction and welcoming back students for the 2015-2016 school year. The school will have a new look, but our purpose, teaching our

Lyn Wood, Parent and Lead Architect, Smith Alvarex Sienkiewycz Architects

You Go, Girls!

Girls on the Run took off at Saint Francis Xavier School this past spring and dozens of girls from grades 3 to 5 joined the fun. Girls on the Run is a youth development program that teaches life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The goal of the program is to build confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.

Many thanks to Coaches Stacey Zierak, Jami Daigle, Doris Reynolds, and Andrea Senecal and awesome Junior Coaches Abigail Monahan and Amelia Canney for all their work getting this program underway at SFX. The coaches and their team showed tremendous energy and talent when they participated in a celebratory 5K event with hundreds of girls from throughout Vermont on June 6 at the Champlain Valley Expo.

2015 Graduation at St. Francis Xavier School St. Francis Xavier School graduated 22 eighth graders representing 11 different Vermont cities and towns on June 13. The following students comprised the St. Francis Xavier class of 2015: • Silvia Greeno and Noah Simonds of Burlington • Jared Forsythe, Simon Garen, Gabrielle Lajeunesse, Zachary McCormick and Madeleine Parzyck of Colchester • Kurt Dirmaier and Abigail Monahan of Essex Junction • John Rousseau of Fairfax • Olivia Bombardier and Francis Ellis-Monaghan of Grand Isle • Patrick Lepsic of Jeffersonville • Briannna Brosseau, Leyla Marzbani, Christina Peters and Anthony Spencer of Milton • Maggie Martell of South Burlington; • Colin McKay and Caitlin Toth of South Hero • Eliza White of St. Albans • Merase Niyonsaba of Winooski Scholarship and academic awards recipients were: Abigail Monahan: 2015 Valedictorian, Mother Gamelin Spirit Award, Language Arts Award, Algebra Award, Science Award, French Award, and Digital Learning Award. Leyla Marzbani: Sister Imelda Caissie Citizenship Award, Pre-Algebra Award, and Art Award. Zachary McCormick: Science Award, French Award and Religion Award. Maggie Martell: Roderick C. Marcotte Scholarship and Knights of Columbus Award. Colin McKay: Sister Imelda Caissie Citizenship Award and Art Award. Brianna Brosseau: Music Award. Simon Garen: Social Studies Award. Silvia Greeno: Art Award. Gabrielle Lajeunesse: Ladies of St. Anne Award. Merase Niyonsaba: Knights of Columbus Award. Madeleine Parzyck: Ladies of St. Anne Award. Christina Peters: Pre-Algebra Award. Noah Simonds: Mother Gamelin Spirit Award.

Merci and Au Revoir, Sister Bibiane

“Sister Bibiane, petite, vivacious and a charmingly French personality, is a small bundle of bubbling energy. Though she is small, she packs a wallop of talent for music, for teaching and for loving her students!” That was written about Sr. Bibiane Crete in 1975, after her first year at SFX School. Forty years later it is still accurate. Sister Bibiane began her life as a teacher after joining the Sisters of Providence in Quebec. She arrived at Saint Francis with years of experience in both the U. S. and Canada. To teach in the United States, she first had to learn English. As she said in 1975, “When there’s a will, there’s a way!” This attitude also enabled her to teach herself guitar,

accordion, and piano, adding to her musical abilities of singing and yodeling. Her talents have entertained countless people at SFX gatherings over the years.

“When there’s a will, there’s a way!” ~ Sister Bibiane Sister incorporated all her gifts into her work. She served as the fourth grade teacher for many years, and continued to teach French, music, and guitar—often simultaneously— to thousands of SFX students over the years.

She never limited herself to tending to her students just in the classroom, however. Sister Bibiane would assure all her students -- and their parents—that she was praying for them and their entire families. And she was! Whether preparing students for a concert, giving them their first guitar lesson, introducing them to French, or helping them master the challenges of fourth grade, Sister Bibiane has given her all to our school and our students. She is taking a wellearned rest, but we hope to see her smiling face on a regular basis. What would SFX School be without that “small bundle of bubbling energy”?

Riddle Me This...

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How can SFX School get larger and littler at the same time?

Answer: By adding a new program for youger students!

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SFX Early Education Center to Add Program for 3 Year Olds Currently SFX offers pre-kindergarten for four year olds and kindergarten for five year olds. Many families, however, are eager to have their younger children experience the warm, nurturing and creative atmosphere of the SFX Early Ed program. Soon, that will be possible, according to Principal Jesse Gaudette. “We have been hearing for some time that a program for three year olds at Saint Francis would be welcomed by many of our families. Our goal is to offer that opportunity by the fall of 2016.” Whether making dramatic structural improvements to the building, implementing a comprehensive technology program for our middle school, or creating a new learning opportunity for three year olds, Saint Francis Xavier continues to thrive and grow. For more information on this upcoming program, you can contact the school at [email protected].

2015-2016 School Board, Administration, Faculty and Staff Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Richard Lavalley School Board: Mr. Brian Senecal, Chair Mr. Jesse Gaudette, Principal Mr. Eric Becker, Asst. Principal Mrs. Kim Allbee Mr. Greg Bolger Mr. Shawn Burke Mr. Steve Eustis Mrs. Martha Jansen Mrs. Maureen Johnson Mr. Clem Potvin Mrs. Heidi St. Peter Administrative Team: Mr. Jesse Gaudette, Principal Mr. Eric Becker, Asst. Principal Dr. T. Teresa Hawes, Director of Religious Programs Ms. Beth Wood, Directory of Early Eduction Administrative Assistants: Mrs. Nancy Ryan, School Ms. Diane Potvin, Parish Faculty: Pre-Kindergarten: Mrs. Micky LaBonte Pre-Kindergarten Aide: Mrs. Stacey Zierak Kindergarten: Ms. Beth Wood First Grade: Ms. Alexandra Poirier Second Grade: Ms. Susan Catozzi Third Grade: Mrs. Jeanne Rousseau Fourth Grade: Mrs. Diane Dufresne

Fifth Grade: Mrs. Stacey Brandes Spanish: Ms. Elizabeth Caron French : Dr. T. Teresa Hawes Digital Learning Specialist: Mrs. Kathleen Finn Physical Education: Mr. Brian McClintock Music: Mrs. Noreen Pelchat Art: Mrs. Deborah Lajoie Middle School: Mr. Eric Becker Mr. Jesse Gaudette Mrs. Helene Guariglia Mr. Christopher Melnyk Mrs. Catherine Richards Mrs. Mary Ellen Varhue Staff: Extension Program: Mrs. Julie Brigante Nurse: Mrs. Kitty Hayes, RN Director of Development: Mrs. Robin McCormick Finance Manager: Mrs. Jo Canney Director of Marketing: Mrs. Becky Wetzel Librarian: Mrs. Kathleen Finn Library Volunteer: Ms. Nancy Trono Lunchroom Staff: Mrs. Margaret Lewis School Aide: Mrs. Bonny Picard Custodial Staff: Mrs. Bobbi-Jo Welch Mr. Jesse Lafebreve Mr. Josh Maynard

The SFX Home and School Association: Warm Hearts and Busy Hands “Together We’re Better.” That’s the motto of the Home and School Association (H & S) and its members work tirelessly to make that motto a reality. Listing all that the H & S Association does is challenging, because they do so much. Community building? The H & S sponsors the Opening Day Barbecue, the Halloween Party, St. Patrick’s Day Bowl-A-Thon, school coffee hours and breakfasts, the yearbook and end of year Fun Day. Community support? The H & S Dorothy Day Fund provides financial assistance to families faced with unexpected challenges. The Helping Hands committee provides meals, rides to school, gift cards, etc to families with new babies, or coping with illnesses or loss. Student support? The H & S awards Our Lady of Perpetual Help scholarships annually to students who excel in community service. Supporting our faculty and staff is also a priority for the H & S. Fund raisers, such as the Craft Fair and Calcutta, enable the H & S to provide Christmas bonuses to all SFX employees. During Teacher Appreciation Week, the Home and School coordinates lunches, dinners, gift baskets and a variety of treats for our teachers. The Home and School does all this in addition to funding special projects and purchases for the school. Doing good, having fun and making SFX a better place – thank you, Home and School!

Annual Appeal Co-Chairs Greg and Sheila Clairmont In addition to being Saint Francis Xavier parishioners, Greg and Sheila Clairmont have had a special relationship with SFX School since 2004. That was the year Greg founded the Saint Francis Xavier School Baseball Team and the SFX Golden Angels are still going strong. Greg provides an incredible experience for every player. Whether a boy is an All-Star or someone who’s never played before, Greg enthusiastically welcomes him. He teaches kids a lot about baseball, but even more about life. Practices are fun, informative, and always include prayer. There are community service activities throughout the season, such as serving dinners at the Salvation Army, practicing with special needs children, and hosting a home run derby at a Kids’ Day celebration. SFX baseball games regularly turn into community events, with Greg hosting cookouts for players and fans alike. Greg does all this while running his real estate company, serving as Grand Knight to the local Knights of Columbus, coordinating a golf tournament to support seminarians, and enjoying a few rounds of golf with Sheila and their son Travis. The Clairmont family loves God, baseball and Saint Francis Xavier School. That love shines through in all they do. Michael and Renee Johnson Michael and Renee Johnson remember their shock -- and delight-- upon opening the Annual Report three years ago. SFX School was celebrating its 150th anniversary and the report included “now and then” photos. Michael Johnson was in one picture, manning a grill alongside other dads at a 2012 school barbecue. Above was a similar picture of dads at a barbecue in the1960’s. Why the shock and delight? One of the men in the picture above Michael was his grandfather -- standing in an identical pose! Service to the community, commitment to Saint Francis -- the tradition continues in the Johnson family. Michael and Renee joined the SFX School community when their son Ryan started third grade. “We felt we belonged from our first visit,” Renee says. “It was like coming home.” The family immersed themselves in service to the school. Michael applied his many skills to everything from school barbecues to renovation projects. Renee served in multiple capacities, including past president and current treasurer of the Home and School Association. Ryan enters his final year at SFX having established himself as a student leader and constant contributor in community service. The Johnsons are perfect co-chairs for the Annual Appeal with its theme of “Building Upon the Rock.” They continue their family tradition of building upon the faith and service of past generations

Saint Francis Xavier welcomes newly ordained Father Scott Gratton SFX students love seeing our pastor, Monsignor Richard Lavalley, during his frequent visits. Soon Monsignor Lavalley, a priest for over 50 years, will be joined in those visits by Vermont’s newest member of the priesthood. Father Scott Gratton, who was ordained in July, is the new parochial vicar at Saint Francis Xavier. He grew up in Newport, attending the local Catholic and public schools. After graduating from Middlebury College in 2009, Father Gratton studied at Providence College before entering major seminary at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Father Gratton is a fan of banjo playing, soccer, rugby and fishing. As a seminarian, he spent summers with the Totus Tuus program for children throughout Vermont. Monsignor Lavalley is eager to put Father Gratton’s many talents to work for SFX. “I’m delighted that Father Gratton is joining us,” said Monsignor Lavalley. “We are blessed to have this fine young priest become part of our community.”

A New Face and Some Familiar Faces in New Places

Helene Guariglia

Alexandra Poirier

Becky Wetzel

Stacey Zierak

Helene Guariglia is a longtime SFX friend and parent who will be the 6th grade homeroom and math teacher and serve as a student support teacher. She is currently a faculty member at Community College of Vermont, but is delighted to join the teaching team at SFX. SFX welcomes Alexandra Poirier as our new first grade teacher. Ms. Poirier attended Saint Joseph School in Burlington and graduated from the University of Tampa in 2013. She is excited to be back in Vermont with her family and teaching in an environment she knows and loves. For years Becky Wetzel has organized the SFX craft fair, created stunning yearbooks, and served as Home and School secretary. With a background in business and graphic design,she put her talents to work for our Development Office, designing our publications, ads and even t-shirts!. Mrs. Wetzel is the perfect fit for the newly created Director of Marketing position. Stacey Zierak has been a tireless volunteer for SFX, serving as a Home and School officer, coaching Girls on the Run, acting as school photographer, and helping at all school events. Now she will be sharing that energy with our pre-K class, assisting Mrs. Labonte in the coming year.

SFX School 2014-2015 Community of Donors We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has given so generously to Saint Francis Xavier School. In this report we acknowledge those individuals and organizations who have made contributions from July 1, 2014—June 30, 2015 Donors are listed according to their total gifts for the fiscal year. The accuracy of this listing is very important to us. Please let us know if you cannot find your name or if you are listed incorrectly so we can correct our records. We also thank those donors who wish to remain anonymous. Our Lady of Guadalupe Society Gifts of $10,000 and above Angell Foundation Anonymous Donum Dei Foundation John and Tammy McCormick George W. Mergens Foundation IBM Matching Grant Program Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington SFX Home & School Association Amy E. Tarrant Foundation Vermont Catholic Charities Ave Maria Society Gifts of $5,000 – $9,999 Carl and Renee Bailin Maurice and Jane Germain Knights of Columbus St. Stephen’s Council #2284 Tom and Robin McCormick Father Jean-Frederic Audet Society Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999 Monsignor Richard Lavalley Peter McCormick and Jane Boyle St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral Charitable Trust Sisters of Providence Circle Gifts of $1,000 - $2,499 Anonymous (3) Jean and Guy DeVarney Ralph and Roseanne Esposito Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Handy Rita M. Hardacre IBM Mr. and Mrs. Norman Lacharite Marcel LeBlanc

Dr. David Little Dick and Edie McCormick John and Donna McSoley T. Charlene Mongeon Dr. Randy Olson and Dr. Carolyn Lukens Olson Herbert and Sandra Pellerin Donald and Monique Phillips The Antonio and Rita Pomerleau Foundation Diane Potvin Rob and Brandi Roy Edgar and Carole Sabourin Rita Shangraw Frederick and Joan Solomon Rev. Ronald Soutiere Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education

Pastor’s Circle Gifts of $500 - $999 Anonymous George and Jacqueline Bouffard Maurice and Jacqueline Bouffard Donald and Elveta Brunelle Keith and Jo Canney James Conley Energy North Inc George and Joyce Fredette Handy’s Service Stations Holy Cross Church Charitable Fund Pauline Lapierre Louise Lynch & Erica Galipeau IHMS Velma Marcotte

Mark McCormick The Children of Robin McCormick The Families of John and Jeannette Mercure Dr. Maurice and Carol Mongeon Frank and Mary Anne Murray Mark and Claudia Pfaff Donnie and Joanna Sartwell Jonathan and Wendy Stockbridge John and Margaret Mary Strouse Harlan Sylvester Vermont Community Foundation John and Judy Wetzel Jay Williams Principal’s Circle Gifts of $250 - $499 Anonymous Dale Adams Gregory and Barbara Bolger Monsignor Bernard Bourgeois Boutin Family Foundation Jean Boyle Gregory Buckless and Colchester Softball Shawn and Stephyne Burke Annette Ciardelli Paula Jean Ciardelli Daniel Cooney Barbara Corrigan Mr. and Mrs. Paul Dufresne and Family Joanne Dufresne Smith Steve and Cathy Eustis David L. and Nancy J. Hale Laura Hatin Kuhn Memorials Ltd June Lais Thomas and Kathryn LaVigne Thomas Lesage Mary Lockerby Paul and Charlotte Magnani Rita Martel Rodney and Corinne Myers and Family Bernard and Marie Reine Pepin Chris and Sandy Picard Rev. Charles Ranges, SSE Alfred and Margaret Rosa Nicole Ruggeri Nancy Ryan Al, Evie and Nancy Trono Patricia White Blue and Gold Club Gifts of $100 - $249 Anonymous (9) Ron Allbee Spencer and Nancy Baker

Debra Ann Bergeron Craig Bergeron Roger Bergeron Andre and Pauline Bouchard Peter and Linda Bouyea John and Stacey Brandes Raymond Brunelle Deborah Bryan Mr. and Mrs. James Burke Kelsey Bush-Nadeau Letitia Chiaravalle Margaret Citarella Gregory and Sheila Clairmont

Rene and Theresa Companion The Honorable John and Sarah Smith Conroy Sandra Croisetiere Peter and Mary Ann Crowley Richard and Marie Culver Dahl and Colleen Curry Daughters of Isabella Madonna Circle #730 Giles Desmond Michael and Mary Dostie Bruce and Lucille Dupont John and Jo Ellis-Monaghan

Engelberth Construction, Inc David and Diana Dean Ewell Erin Fitzgerald Susan Flahive John and Mary Galle Aline Gamelin Mary Gerrish Deacon Bill and Susan-Rae Glinka Hartigan Co. Jim and Darlene Hester IBM Palmer and Andrea Irish Paul and Marty Jansen Maureen and “Red” Johnson Brennan and Sharon Kelly Arnold “Red” King Richard and Sherry LaBarge Don and Judith Lavalley Suzanne Leclair Don and Sue Letourneau Devon and Joseph Litvin Floyd and Therese Marcotte The Marmillion Family Brad and Marilyn Mayo Monsignor John McDermott Josie J. Mercure Russell and Bonnie Moore Karen O’Hagan Valerie O’Reilly Philip and Diane Payne Norm and Bonny Picard Robert and Jeannine Picher Jacques and Linda Ravenelle Religious Hopitaliers of St. Joseph Arthur and Suzanne Renaud Jooseph Rossetti and Lynn Bisaillon Monsignor Routhier Bruce and Elizabeth Sarrazin Sisters of Providence Saint Michael’s College Edmundite Community Rev. Dallas St. Peter Andy and Marianne Terrien The Walsh Family Robert and Yvonne Thibault Jill and Richard Trager David and Colleen White Winooski United Methodists Women’s Group Keystone Club Gifts up to $99 Anonymous (12) Marjorie Allard Michael Allen Gloria Beauchemin Carter Anne Marie Benjamin Clemence Bergeron

Pamela Bernadini Patrick and Dorothy Bernard Sonia Bonk Rene and Dora Brodeur Ron and Agnes Bushey Robert Campbell Larry and Terry Caron Violet R. Casey Russell and Susan Charron Jennifer Ciardelli Steven and Nancy Ciardelli William and Charlene Coon Barbara Coon Dana Drown Pauline Ducie Urbain Dupont and Monica Senator John and Nicole Dusharm Florence and John Saucier David and Patricia Fondry Mary Gover Louise Granger Daniel and Janet Guerino Lorena Henes Susanna Jerger and Robert D’Orazio Norma and Jim Jerry Paul S. and Mary J. Joachim Elric and Mary Johnston Jacqueline Jones Patricia Kane-Breure and Theodore Breure Keith Kasper Richard and Mary Kowalski David and Colette LaChance Neda Lawrence and Barbara Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. James Leddy Richard Lesage Virginia Lesage Richard and Suzan Maynard Robert and Pilar McCarthy Richard and Mary McClintock Sr. Jeannine Mercure Dr. Randy and Mary Jo Miller Judith Nepveu Ralph and Jean Paquette Virginia Peck Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Perry Cecile Plankey Philip and Martha Poney Clement Potvin Jane Rabidoux Jean Rechling Sandra Retell Lorraine Rhodes Robert and Donna Roche Bud and Patty Rouille Theoneste Rwayitare Pamela Senesac Thomas J. Shailor

Lawrence and Pauline Sheehan Brad and Betsy Soutiere Hollis and Heidi St. Peter Samuel and Alisa Susin Casmera Tagliamonte June Terrien Louis Thabault Anne Marie (Roy) Yenkavitch In Loving Memory Gifts were received in loving memory of the following people: Elaine, Jerry and Tim Bergeron Lorraine Carpentier Robert Ciardelli Robert and Jeannette Clavelle Tom Devine Paul Dufresne Rita Dupont Pauline Dusablon

Yvonne Guerin Sr. Janet Gelineau Slieman Handy Sr. Alice LeBlanc Rick Marcotte Tom and Therese McCormick Norman “Buzzy” Mercure Dr. Maurice Mongeon Theresa Norton Simone Parot Frank and Maureen Pelkey Gertrude Granger Picher Emile Senesac Andrea Valley Raymond Viens Gifts Given in Honor Of Annette Ciardelli Steve Eustis Monsignor Richard Lavalley

Photography: Maureen Connelly Pat Gore Valerie Parzyck Becky Wetzel Nora Wetzel Stacey Zierak

Design: Becky Wetzel

Saint Francis Xavier Annual Report is published annually by Saint Francis Xavier School

Alex Smith of Wright & Morrissey, Assistant Principal Eric Becker, Marty Sienkiewycz of SAS Architects, and Richard Parent of Wright & Morrissey prepare for a walk through of the construction site in late July.

5 Saint Peter Street, Winooski, VT 05404-1316 Development Ofice: 802-655-2600 x2 Main Office: 802-655-2600 www.sfxvt.org

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