Phone +61 8 8523 0088 | Motto One in Christ | |
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Website www.xavier.catholic.edu.au Similar Trinity College Gawler, St Columba College, Gawler and District College B, Mark Oliphant College, Craig High School | ||
Xavier College is a Catholic co-educational secondary college, managed according to the traditions of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Located in the Gawler Belt in South Australia, Xavier College offers a variety of subjects across years 8 to 12 and enrols approximately 1,000 students. Currently in its 23rd year, as of 2017, Xavier College has a history of academic achievement.
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College values
Xavier College's core values are based on the Hebrew word for spirit, rûaħ. The word rûaħ is often used to describe the "Spirit of God." At the Xavier College, rûah is used as an acronym (R.U.A.H) to express its core values: Respect, Understanding, Affection, and Humour.
Student life
The college prides itself on the recognition of the abilities, talents, and skills of its students. The community is open to a wide variety of talents including extra-curricular music, sports, and educational activities. The school encourages the well-being of students through the organization of events including a swimming carnival, athletics carnival, and Xavier Day.
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 students, have had a close and successful relationship for many years.
Language
Xavier College offers Indonesian Studies as a TOLE subject. Due to the close proximity of Indonesia to Australia, and 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.
Oratory
Xavier College has a unique homeroom 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.
The 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 students in year 8 replace them, keeping the total number near 25. Having multiple students with different experiences and abilities is the goal of the oratory to create a positive environment for all.
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. He 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.
Don Bosco’s educational and social welfare endeavors were based on reason, religion, 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
This house was named after St. Francis de Sales, the inspiration for John Bosco and his works with the youth of Turin. Don Bosco believed in the granting of second chances and inspired 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 recognized for providing a safe home for girls to grow up and learn valuable skills for life. The house motto reflects 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
The Handley house was named after the founding principal of Xavier College. Fr Dennis Handley, SDB, 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.
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
The yellow house was named in honor 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
Color: Yellow