New spaces to play, explore and grow at Burke Hall

Xavier College Junior School - Burke Hall is preparing for a significant transformation of its outdoor play spaces, with a brand-new playground for Prep to Year 2 students and the completion of Stage 2 of the Years 3–6 playground.

Funded through the generous support of the Xavier College Foundation, these projects reflect the College's ongoing commitment to providing contemporary and enriching learning environments where every student can thrive.

The works, to be undertaken by Love It Landscape over the upcoming Christmas holiday period, will create dynamic, nature-inspired spaces designed to encourage exploration, imagination, collaboration and connection.

More than a place to play
At Xavier College, we recognise that playgrounds are far more than recreational spaces. They are vital learning environments where children develop creativity, resilience, social skills, confidence and physical wellbeing.

Purpose-designed outdoor spaces provide opportunities for students to explore, solve problems, embrace new challenges and build friendships, while fostering a strong sense of belonging within the school community.

"Play is such an important part of a child's learning and development. These new spaces will encourage our students to be curious, imaginative and adventurous, while providing opportunities to build confidence, friendships and important life skills. We are incredibly excited about what these playgrounds will offer our Junior School students."
— Brett Collison Xavier College Director of Campus, Junior School - Burke Hall.

A new world of discovery for Prep to Year 2
The existing Prep to Year 2 playground will undergo a complete transformation, replacing current equipment with an imaginative, nature-inspired environment that encourages discovery and adventure.

Developed with input from Burke Hall staff, the new playground embraces natural materials, organic forms and opportunities for open-ended play, allowing students to explore their surroundings in creative and meaningful ways.

The design will incorporate natural sandpits, mud and water play features, climbing walls and rocks, balance logs, ropes, cubby houses and swings. Raised garden beds and vegetable planters will encourage students to connect with nature, while outdoor blackboards and informal seating will create additional opportunities for learning beyond the classroom.

The result will be a vibrant, welcoming environment that encourages students to play and learn together.

Building on the Years 3–6 playground
The upcoming works will also see the completion of Stage 2 of the Years 3–6 playground, building on the improvements undertaken earlier this year.

Designed to complement the natural topography of Burke Hall, the playground incorporates a series of interconnected play areas, with climbing rocks, gravel pathways, balance logs, sandpits and a ropes course providing opportunities for physical activity, exploration and adventure.

A dedicated yarning circle and outdoor teaching space will further support collaborative learning, conversation and connection, creating a versatile environment for students and staff alike.

Together, these projects represent an important investment in the wellbeing, development and everyday experiences of Xavier's youngest students.

The Xavier College Foundation: Generosity in action
These playground developments have been made possible through the generosity of donors and the ongoing support of the Xavier College Foundation.

The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting projects that enhance the student experience, strengthen College facilities and help ensure Xavier continues to provide exceptional opportunities for current and future generations.

"These playgrounds are a wonderful example of our community's generosity being put to work in a very real and meaningful way. Through the Xavier College Foundation, the support of our donors is helping deliver important projects that directly benefit our students and enrich their everyday experience at the College.

"As we look ahead, the Foundation remains committed to supporting further projects across Xavier. We encourage our community to continue giving, knowing that every contribution helps us invest in the future of the College and create opportunities for our students to thrive."
— Mark Lo Giudice (OX 1986), Xavier College Foundation Chair.

Help shape the future of Xavier College
The generosity of the Xavier community continues to make a tangible difference to the College and the opportunities available to our students.

From enhancing learning environments to supporting important developments across our campuses, every donation to the Xavier College Foundation helps bring meaningful projects to life.

We invite you to be part of Xavier's future
By supporting the Xavier College Foundation, you are investing in the spaces, experiences and opportunities that help our students flourish, today and for generations to come.

To make a donation or learn more about supporting the College, please contact the Foundation:
Anne Dunstan, Xavier College Foundation Manager 
Phone: (03) 9815 4542
email: foundation@xavier.vic.edu.au

Together, we can continue to build an exceptional future for Xavier College.