One of the changes to this year’s schedule has been the introduction of the community period, which is a block within the academic day allocated for club meetings, student life meetings and the like. Xavier E-News had a chance to catch up with Ms. Johanna Tanzman, director of student activities and faculty member in the Science and Technology Department, to discuss the importance of student life and student activities, and the movement and focus toward these transformational programs at Xavier High School.

E-News: What was Xavier’s rationale for allocating time for student clubs, activities and student life and leadership within the community period this year?

Ms. Tanzman: Xavier now has a valuable opportunity within the community period this year, and the focus has always been to break the habit of clubs only meeting after school. After reflecting on student needs and concerns, I felt (along with other members of the Xavier administration) that many students wanted to participate but were nervous or unable to do so after school because of athletics or other commitments. We made it a point of emphasis to showcase and promote clubs and activities (the framework of student life) and the great things our students do here every day – and of course make these opportunities available to students who would have otherwise not participated.

E-News: Another new addition to Xavier this year has been the Student Leadership Council. As the Director of Student Activities, what is your vision of this leadership council moving forward?

Ms. Tanzman: I envision the Student Leadership Council having an instrumental role in advocating for the interests and passions of our students, so that student voices can be clearly heard. For example, club presidents will have more influence in giving life to their club within the school community than ever before. For specific projects, the Student Leadership Council will have a say as to what goes on during Spirit Week and Maroon and Blue Day. Members of the Council are working hard on a daily basis to strengthen the bridge between students and faculty. Our vision is to have the leaders of clubs take on roles similar to team captains within our athletics program.

E-News: If an alumnus were to come back to Xavier now, what would he notice within this new vision of student life and student activities?

Ms. Tanzman: He would hopefully notice an increased level of student ownership of life at Xavier. Student leadership and full participation and ownership of student life means aligning ourselves programmatically with Xavier’s mission statement and living out those ideals each and every day.

If you would like more information about student life and student activities at Xavier High School, please visit the “Clubs and Activities” section of the website. For any other inquiry, do not hesitate to contact Director of Student Activities Ms. Johanna Tanzman directly at tanzmanj@xavierhs.org.