With the aim of ushering in the new school year with a bang, the “KiXStart: High School Welcoming Program 2023” was hosted at the High School Gym, June 13, Tuesday. In its warm reception for the High School community, the program not only instilled school pride, but laid the groundwork for a promising school year ahead. The program marked the first fully onsite institutional event since the pandemic began.
Staying true to KiXStart’s role, students bore witness to talents from the Xavier Dragon and Lion dance varsity, Xavier School Musician’s Pool (Retrospect and Thermo bands combined), and Dance X. In addition, the batches were presented with the opportunity to cultivate school spirit, further intensifying the liveliness of the atmosphere, as the chants of “Blue and Gold! Xavier, Let’s Go! Go, Xavier, Go!” resonated throughout the venue. Students were able to share their eagerness for the school year and the changes it brings with it, such as the revival of the Xavier China Experience or XCE and the full onsite modality.
To accommodate the Grade 7 shotis embarking on a new chapter from the grade school, KiXStart arranged a special segment before the Welcoming Program to provide an energetic welcome as they enter High School. Along with this, the Grade 7 students were also introduced to the traditions of the high school community. These traditions included the various Xavier cheers that comprise the foundation for school culture. Moreover, they also learned the proper gestures that came with singing the School Song, “Luceat Lux.”
Aside from providing the energy to commence the year, KiXStart allowed for the high school community to further hear about the direction of this school year. First, Sean Salvador, the incumbent student council president imparted the Student Council’s thrust this year: “PERSONS FOR OTHERS: REIGNITING OUR PASSION TO SERVE.” In relation to the thrust, Fr. Aristotle Dy, SJ, our school president, along with Mrs. Thess Ladrido, high school principal, shared the institution’s sights for “EXCELLENCE REIMAGINED.”
Also, working tirelessly behind the scenes of KiXStart were both students and teachers who ensured the program’s success. The involvement of all those who contributed to planning and executing KiXStart allowed the HS community to truly set the tone for the school year. Furthermore, KiXStart is just the first step of many this school year in directing the community towards a reimagined Xavier.
The thrust and the institution’s drive grow increasingly relevant as we continuously strive for development amidst the ever-changing world, while remaining true to our roots that make us Xaverians.
