SFX Bazaar and Singathon
The annual SFX Bazaar and Singathon is one of our most important fundraising events, held on the last Saturday in May. This event not only helps us to raise funds for school and parish initiatives, but it also fosters a strong sense of community among parishioners and the school. Many of our school alumni look forward to this day to reconnect with the school and Parish community!
At the Bazaar, families can shop for dry goods, enjoy games, and savor delicious meals at the food court. Guests can also bid on fantastic items in the Silent Auction!
The highlight of the day is the Singathon. Each class performs a song on stage, and students collect pledges to support their participation. In addition, students help sell raffle tickets for exciting prizes, including cash. This beloved event is a wonderful way for families to come together in support of our school.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Each year, our Mandarin department prepares students for a festive Chinese New Year Celebration featuring songs and dances. To add to the celebration, students, staff, and families are encouraged to wear traditional Chinese clothing or lucky colours. Our dedicated parent volunteers play a vital role in making this event truly special, contributing their time and talents to decorate the school and create beautiful backdrops for our performances.
Concerts
St. Francis Xavier School stages one major concert each year, with every student taking part. Intermediate students take the lead in the cast and crew while each class contributes to the production through song and dance.
We also welcome professional performers to enrich our students’ artistic experiences. Past guests have included the Vancouver Opera and St. Patrick’s Chamber Choir.
Fun Day
Held each June, Fun Day is a school-wide celebration where students participate in a variety of engaging athletic activities. Grade 7 students take the lead, running different game stations, while Kindergarten to Grade 6 students rotate through them. It is a fun-filled day that marks the end of the school year with joy and camaraderie.
Hallowe’en Parade
Each year, we all look forward to our annual Hallowe’en Costume Parade, an exciting tradition at SFX! The parade takes place during an afternoon and there are prizes for the winning home-made costumes that are judged for originality and environmental friendliness, encouraging the use of recycled materials. The creativity and thought put into the homemade costumes never cease to amaze us.
Sacraments
Students typically receive First Holy Communion and Reconciliation in Grade 2. Older Catholic students who have not yet received these sacraments will need to complete additional lessons to meet the requirements.
Confirmation is celebrated in Grade 7. To prepare, Grade 7 students are required to accumulate a minimum number of service hours within their community as a demonstration of their faith commitment.
Spirit Days
Throughout each term, the SFX Leadership Club selects a fun theme, and students are invited to show their school spirit by participating. Past themes have included Pajamas Day, Crazy Hair Day, World Book Day, and Christmas Sweater Day, just to name a few. To participate, students make a small donation, with all proceeds supporting local and international charities. Thanks to our community’s generosity, we have supported many Catholic charities, locally and internationally. These initiatives instill the qualities of compassion and charitableness in our students.
Speech Arts Festival
The Speech Arts Festival is a cherished annual tradition at St. Francis Xavier, where every class showcases their public speaking skills. Students participate in group performances such as Choral Speech or Choric Drama, led by their classroom teachers. In addition, students can compete individually in categories like Bible Reading, Prose (Primary), Poetry, and Persuasive Speech (Intermediate). Each student begins by performing at the classroom level, advancing to the school level, and potentially competing at the system level. The Speech Arts Festival fosters confidence in public speaking, encouraging students to express themselves eloquently and creatively.
Spelling Bee
Each spring, CISVA hosts a system-wide Spelling Bee. Following in-class rounds, students from Grades 4-7 are sent forth to compete at the in-school Spelling Bee and the winner goes fourth to the finals!
St. Francis Xavier Feast Day
Every December, our parish and school community come together to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier. The day begins with a special morning Mass, followed by a performance in the gymnasium for all students to enjoy. This cherished tradition deepens our appreciation for our patron saint’s legacy.