Xavier College is an educational community within the Jesuit network of schools and universities. Our task, above all, is about the formation of our students. It is about formation for life, formation of character; what we might call, excellence in humanity. It is an approach to education that speaks to the committed Catholic looking for an intelligent and reflective approach to their faith, but also to those still searching, who are looking for an education focused strongly on values and personal formation, and that encourages independent thinking and questioning.
Our task is also about how our students are at school; happy, safe, engaged, having a strong experience of community and belonging, which is so important at a time when there are so many issues around student wellbeing. We encourage the boys to speak up and to express themselves; creating such a culture is an important protective factor, especially for young men. There is a strong focus on pastoral care in which we seek to build a school community in which each student is known and valued as a unique creation, and in which their individual talents and interests are nourished and respected, especially through a broad co-curricular program.
We live in an increasingly interconnected world; environment, security, economy; in a real sense our graduates become citizens of the world, and a Xavier education provides opportunities for our students to engage with the global context. Indeed, as part of the Jesuit network of schools and universities that educates some 2 million students worldwide, Xavier is well positioned to take on this international dimension, through international immersions, tours and exchanges, amongst others.
As well as nourishing the intellectual, physical and creative lives of our students, we seek to nourish their spiritual lives as a key to a balanced formation for life. Our education is intentionally holistic in nature aiming to address all aspects of the human. A distinctive aspect of our approach is that Jesuit spirituality is world affirming; it looks to the good in the human, has a strong sense of gift but also a strong sense of generosity in the use of these gifts.
Masses mark the highpoints in the school year, with much student involvement, including regular student reflections, and are wonderfully supported by our excellent music program.
Retreats offered in each year level to provide an experience of spirituality is also a key part of our religious formation.
There is a strong Religious Education program built around the sense of an intelligent faith, one that is unafraid to have questions asked, another distinctive feature of Jesuit education
The dimension of a faith that involves service is also central to the Jesuit understanding of Christian faith; men and women for others. By the end of Year 12, a cohort has undertaken 26,000 service hours, providing formative experiences that will help shape men for others. A generous heart and a social conscience are integral to the portrait of a Xavier graduate, and this aspiration reflects our key priority of formation of the individual as the best version of themselves.
