COVID-19 Update: March 13, 2020

Xavier families,

As we enter Spring Break, I want to say thank you to so many within our Xavier community for your understanding, flexibility and patience as we navigate through appropriate steps regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. For sure, this is uncharted territory not only for Xavier, but for our nation and world. Still, the way our Xavier community continues to unite during trying times is a great reminder of what makes our school family so special.

I want to stress a point we’ve previously made. We continue to work very closely with the Archdiocese of Dubuque and the Office of Catholic Schools for all decisions related to COVID-19. The Archdiocese continues to be in constant communication with the Centers For Disease Control, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Department of Education, school districts from across the state, as well as (in our case) Linn County Public Health.

Given the information we’ve received in consultation with the aforementioned groups, as of today we are currently not planning to close post-Spring Break.

There are no school events/competitions scheduled over Spring Break. Practices will continue as usual over break, but these will be optional. No students will be penalized for not attending practices next week. These decisions are in direct alignment with the Iowa Department of Public Health’s current recommendation to continue with normal school activities.

Read letter from metro-area school superintendents...

Should circumstances change over Spring Break, we will make you aware via our usual school communications. As has been the case since this outbreak began, we will continue to be in constant consultation with the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

Again, thank you for your understanding, flexibility and patience. May St. Raphael the Archangel, patron saint of the Archdiocese of Dubuque and of healing, be especially with us and pray for us during these uncertain times.

Sincerely,
Chris McCarville (R97)
President, Xavier High School