Xavier College (Adelaide)
| Xavier College | |
|---|---|
 A Catholic school in the Salesian tradtition One in Christ | |
| Address | |
|
1 Kentish Road Gawler Belt, South Australia Australia | |
| Information | |
| Website | www.xavier.catholic.edu.au |
Xavier College is a Catholic co-educational secondary college conducted in the traditions of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Located in Gawler Belt South Australia, Xavier College offers a variety of subjects from years 8-12. It has an enrolment of ~1000. Currently in the 22nd year (2016) Xavier College has a strong history with students achieving great academic results annually.
College Values
Xavier College's core values are based around the Hebrew word for spirit, RUAH. The word rûaħ is often used to describe the "Spirit of God" and this reflects each of the values.
Respect
The way that students and teachers interact is critical in the maintenance of a positive environment at Xavier College. By treating each and every person encountered in a day with dignity and respect Xavier College remains a place that both students and staff alike enjoy.
Understanding
Xavier prides itself on the ability for staff and students to recognise the abilities, talents and skills of students. The community caters for a wide variety of talents including extra-curricular music, sporting and educational activities offered.
Affection
Affection is the kindness shown to others both in our school and in the wider community. Xavier promotes the establishment of strong friendships to create an environment where everyone feels safe and happy.
Humour
At Xavier balance is key. Students are constantly reminded of the benefits of study and education, however amongst the classwork the school encourages students to have a good time by participating in a range of events including swimming carnival, athletics carnival and Xavier Day.
Subjects
Technology
At Xavier the technology course offered consists of up-to-date technology from a variety of applications. Students are also given the opportunity to transition to St Patrick's Technical College. 'The College' and 'St Pats' as they are commonly referred to by the students have had a close and successful relationship for many years.
Language
The importance of a secondary language in the life of Xavier College is evident in their offering of Indonesian Studies as a LOTE subject. As Indonesia is one of the closest neighbours to Australia, the College believes that having knowledge of language like Indonesian will allow understanding of the Indonesian culture. In accordance with the National Curriculum, this subject is compulsory for students in year levels 8 and 9 and is also offered optionally for students in years 10 - 12.
Structure
Oratory
Xavier College has a unique home room system called an "Oratory". This is named after Don Bosco's small community of boys who were raised as Catholics and were given a second chance by John Bosco. Fr Bosco held classes for the boys he looked after in practical skills such as carpentry and printing. Bosco provided a safe haven for boys of all backgrounds and ensured that no matter their age they were treated with equal love and devotion.
At Xavier this oratory system aims to keep students together through the years with on average 5 students of each grade making up a family. Each year the students in year 12 graduate and new year 8 students replace them, keeping the total number near 25. By having multiple students with different experiences and abilities it is the goal of the oratory to create a positive environment for all.
College Patrons
College Patron
Xavier College is a Catholic School in the Salesian Tradition. Xavier College's Patron Saint is Saint John Bosco or Don (Italian for Father) Bosco as he is more affectionately known, gave his life to working with the abused and neglected young boys and men of Turin and surrounding townships at the height of religious, political and industrial unrest in 19th Century Italy.[1]
Don Bosco’s educational and social welfare endeavours were based on reason, religion and loving kindness and influenced by the life and example of St. Francis de Sales.
By the time of Don Bosco’s death, there were 773 Salesians in Europe and South America. Today there are over 17,000 Salesian priests and brothers, 18,000 sisters and tens of thousands of lay people working in every continent continuing the spirit and mission of Don Bosco amongst the young.
House Patrons
At Xavier College there are four houses, each with a Patron from the influential figures in the conception of Xavier College.
de Sales
The blue house, named after St. Francis de Sales who was the inspiration for John Bosco and his works with the youth of Turin. "Don Bosco believed in the granting of second chances and inpsired generations of young people with his loving and humble leadership.
Motto: Inspiring Others Through Loving Kindness
Colour: Blue
Mazzarello
The red house is named after St Maria Mazzarello. She worked a very similar system to St John Bosco and is recognised for providing a safe home for girls to grow up and learn valuable skills for life. The house motto relfects the efforts she went to in order to help the young females of her area.
Motto: Peacefully Serving Others with Faith and Humility
Colour: Red
Handley
Named after the late Fr Dennis Handley SDB. Fr Dennis Handley was the founding principal of Xavier College and overlooked its progress from 1996 to 2004. Through his passion and vision for the youth of the North, Fr Handley was able to establish an excellent Catholic Co-educational College.[2]
Fr Dennis Handley was the proud leader of the college for many years, but is now remembered as the Patron of Handley house.
Motto: Living in the Spirit with Passion and Vision
Colour: Green
Occhiena
Named in honour of the Venerable Margaret Occhiena (1788-1856), who with her son, St. John Bosco created the Salesian Preventive system of Education. Through her work at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Turin, Margaret became lovingly known as ‘Mamma’ Margaret and is considered to be the mother of the Salesian family.
Motto: Nurturing Faith and Dreams from the Heart
Colour: Yellow
References
External links
- http://www.xavier.catholic.edu.au/
- http://www.xavier.catholic.edu.au/about-us
- http://www.stpatstech.sa.edu.au/
34°34′33″S 138°44′03″E / 34.575927°S 138.734076°ECoordinates: 34°34′33″S 138°44′03″E / 34.575927°S 138.734076°E