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Catholic Identity

St Francis Xavier College was established in response to an urgent need for Catholic education in the southeast of Victoria. At the direction of Bishop Fox of the Diocese of Sale, an interim Board of Management, led by Des McKenna and other local parents, worked towards the establishment of a Catholic regional college for country and city students alike.

St Francis Xavier College draws it purpose from the mission of the Catholic Church, sharing this life-giving story in a diverse, pluralistic and secular society. We seek to draw students closer to our Catholic Identity which brings depth, love and an inspired commitment to make a difference in the world.

A school’s Catholic Identity is expressed in symbols and icons, engagement with scripture and tradition, prayer and contemplation, and action and service for a better world. This is expressed in the Diocese of Sale Religious Education curriculum, ‘To Live in Christ Jesus’. Students are encouraged to find answers to deep questions, informed by the great story that is our Catholic Tradition, and in dialogue with other traditions and world views. This leads to the growth of Post-Critical Belief, which is necessary to the development of the whole person who can function effectively in the world.  

As well as Religious Education classes for all students, Catholic Identity is strengthened through regular opportunities for prayer, Eucharist and works of charity. The House names are drawn from Catholic world figures, whose stories of faithfulness, action and service have left a great legacy for young people to explore how they can make a difference in the world. Each House is aligned with a Catholic charity that seeks to orient closer to Christ through service and advocacy for communities and people who are vulnerable.

At Year 7 Camp, Year 11 Retreat, and other opportunities to be part of teams for events such as Reconciliation Week, Harmony Day, Dignity Week and Catholic Education Week, students have the opportunity to be active in re-defining the gospel story in our time, and so reflect God’s vision for a community where the presence of Jesus draws all into continuing the creation of the Kingdom of God.

The narrative around the College motto expresses our Catholic Identity beautifully. Jesus promised that there will be many rooms in his Father’s house because of his life, death and resurrection, and, following him, ‘the way, the truth and the life’ (John 14:6). As we seek to orientate closer to Christ, many places can be created where God is present in the here and now. In RE classes, Houses, staff teams, student justice groups, etc., all working to become fully alive, the many houses of God will enliven our community with hope, gratitude, respect and curiosity.

College History

St Francis Xavier College was established in response to an urgent need for Catholic education in southeast Victoria. The school’s original buildings — which have evolved into our current Beaconsfield Campus — were constructed and the first meetings for prospective students and parents held in 1977. On 7 February 1978, St Francis Xavier College opened its doors to an initial intake of 72 students under the leadership of Mr Robert Schneider.

Today our College is a three-campus educational institution with several thousand students. Our Berwick Campus was established in 2003 and our Officer Campus in 2012 to support our development and vision.

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St Francis Xavier

Saint Francis Xavier was born into an aristocratic family on 7 April 1506 in Navarre, a province in northern Spain. A natural academic, he appeared destined to become an intellectual scholar, and at the age of 19 he travelled to France and began studying at the University of Paris. It was there that he met Ignatius of Loyola, a friend 15 years his senior who influenced him to dedicate his life to the service of God.

DOSCEL

Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale is a vital expression of the mission of the Church. DOSCEL directs and serves 38 primary schools and 7 secondary schools. The Diocese spans metropolitan, regional and rural areas between Narre Warren and Cranbourne in the west of the Diocese, to Wonthaggi in the south and Orbost in the east.

Our aim is to deliver the highest quality educational opportunities and outcomes for every student in every school in the diocese.

About Doscel  Governance

Our Philosophy

St Francis Xavier College operates under the governance of the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) and supported by the Parishes of Berwick, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Iona / Maryknoll and Koo Wee Rup.

The College strives to achieve the best in educational opportunities and outcomes for its students. Specifically:

Our Mission

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

St Francis Xavier College is a Catholic community that is educative and supportive of the whole person. We have a clear purpose: the individuals’ development of competence, conscience and compassion formed in the Christian tradition in light of the Scriptures; one who is guided by a sense of Christian faith, hope and love who will be of service to the world. We recognise God’s presence in our lives by being a living witness to Jesus, celebrating and pursuing excellence and by living courageously with optimism and respect for the dignity of all.

College Crest

The Eagle: Represents the Evangelists – ‘spreading the Good News’.

The Fish: Represents the secret symbol used as a password by early persecuted Christians. To non-Christians, it was just a scribble with no significance.

The Stars: Represent the Southern Cross on a cross signifying that Jesus and his teachings are for all.

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College Prayer

God of Hope and Welcome,

You are our Creator and have made us in your image and we are grateful and curious about the opportunities that flow from your love for us. You gift us with your Son to show us the way to glorify you through our own lives.

When on earth, Jesus shared the truth of your love for all. He gave his life and you raised him. Jesus now walks with us as we strive to do the same. As we seek to be fully alive in all we do, respecting the dignity of all, bless us with your life-giving Spirit and orient us closer to your Son and each other, so that we can make a difference in our world. Amen.

St Francis Xavier, pray for us.

God speaks through us