A Jesuit school is a Catholic educational institution guided by the mission and traditions of the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits.
The Jesuit approach to education is holistic, seeking academic excellence while forming the whole person. It recognises that education extends beyond the classroom and is about developing young people who are compassionate, community-minded and committed to serving others.
All staff members invest in getting to know our students, supporting their aspirations and encouraging growth by challenging them to be the best version of themselves as they develop head, heart and hands expressive of conscience, compassion, commitment and competence.
While this is a goal we share in common with other Catholic schools, Jesuit schools utilise a particular approach to teaching (the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm) that closely matches what research has shown to be best practice at every age and stage.
This approach to teaching, learning and engaging the young people in our care does not limit innovation and early adoption of new insights from academic research. It provides a framework for careful integration so that students derive the maximal benefit from the latest research without our teaching becoming a patchwork of overlapping and confusing frameworks.
Xavier College was founded by the Jesuits in 1878 and it belongs to a worldwide network of over 2,000 Jesuit educational institutions.
At Xavier College, this tradition is reflected in a set of core beliefs and values that are woven through all aspects of College life:
- Striving for the ‘magis’ – the Latin word ‘magis’, meaning ‘to a deeper or greater extent.’ We encourage our students to strive for the ‘magis’; to not necessarily to do more, but to do things better and at a greater level of personal commitment and investment.
- Cura Personalis – which is the care of the individual, as fundamental. We consider the individual needs of every student in our care and strive to support them in every way we can throughout their intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical, social and emotional formation.
- Forming ‘Men and Women for others’ - service is central to our curriculum. We encourage our students to act in faith, for justice, and with dignity, humility and respect.
- Our Ignatian Spirituality which encouraged us to find God in all things.
Our Jesuit identity gives students a strong foundation for who they are, how they learn and how they contribute to the world around them.
At Xavier College, a Jesuit education helps students develop a deeper sense of purpose. They are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, reflect on their choices and consider the kind of person they want to become. This supports their growth as leaders who act with integrity, humbleness, and a commitment to justice.
