Boarding at Xavier
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The Xavier College Boarding House opened in 1878, more than 130 years ago. However, the values and ideals which underpin Boarding House life have a much longer history, dating back 450 years to the inspiration of St Ignatius Loyola. The Boarding House seeks to provide a caring community within which the 76 boys from Years 9 to 12 are encouraged to develop personal leadership skills, to become responsible members of the community, to strive for excellence and to become ‘men for others’. An innovative pastoral program has been developed to support these aims. The program includes such activities as personal development weekends, leadership seminars and opportunities, study skills sessions, and genuine opportunities to participate in developing Boarding House policies. The Boarding House is situated in a magnificent garden setting, surrounded by extensive playing fields. The House is divided into two sections: the Senior House and Junior House. There is accommodation for 28 boarders in Years 9 and 10, and 48 boarders in Years 11 and 12. Year 12 boys share a room with one other boy. Year 11 dormitories accommodate four boys each. In Years 9 and 10, the accommodation is a combination of balcony and open areas. Each house is well-appointed and has its own common room, kitchen and television room. Each boarder has his own laptop computer, allowing access to a range of school computer services in a wireless network environment. Boarding staff live adjacent to the Boarding House. In all, there are ten live-in staff members who work within in the Boarding House – a ratio of one staff member to eight boys – which ensures that each boy receives individual attention. The School’s Pastoral Office appoints a Chaplain whose role is to promote the boarders’ spiritual and personal development. A nurse, supported by a team of health professionals, runs a well-equipped health centre which is available to boarders. The facilities available to the boarders include an after-hours library, an on-site laundry and the Stephenson Sports Centre. Most meals are taken in the College dining room, where there is a cooked breakfast six days a week and usually a choice of main meal in the evening. The Boarding House community celebrates the Eucharist each week on a Sunday evening. The relatively small size of the Boarding House ensures that students know one another well and can therefore contribute positively to the learning and social development of their fellow boarders. Overall, the Boarding House aims to provide a small, welcoming residential community where each boy is well supported in all areas of his development. For further information, please contact the Registrar, Dianne Odgers: |
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