There’s something unique about Xavier College in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. You feel it across all campuses: Evanston, Two Wells and Gawler Belt – that sense of belonging, of community.
It’s the reason the Reception to Year 9 campus at Two Wells – which only opened its doors in 2021 – has gone from strength to strength, with more than 600 students currently enrolled.
“The growth of the college has been extraordinary and is something we’re really proud of,” head of campus Janet Coomber says.
“We anticipated we would grow but not to this level and so quickly. There are a few reasons for this: because of the Xavier reputation in the area, because we have worked hard to create our own community here and because it feels like a family.
“The old adage of it takes a village to raise a child – it is like that here. Teachers come to us looking for work. They all say they can feel the strong culture – it’s something tangible.”
Pastoral care is a key priority at Xavier College, with designated oratory teachers looking after students throughout their educational journey, providing an additional layer of friendship, support and guidance that gives them the opportunity to be known and loved for who they are.
“The pastoral care element of Xavier is what makes us really unique,” Ms Coomber says.
The college also embraces the Rite Journey, an educational program for Year 9 students designed to empower them to be responsible adults who display courage, commitment, consideration, compassion, collaboration and connection.
Students engage in a number of activities through this program including a Mount Lofty climb and a “Departure and Calling” ceremony held at sunrise at the beach in which students and their family participate together. The program culminates with an overnight experience.
“The Rite Journey sits well with our Salesian ethos and values, allowing students to learn how to grow and be as responsible as they can in the manner they want,” Ms Coomber says.
“They start to understand their own ethics and values and use these capabilities to become the best version of themselves as they navigate adolescence and grow into adulthood.”
The amalgamation of St Brigid’s Catholic School in Evanston becoming a third campus of Xavier College at the beginning of 2023 reflects Catholic Education South Australia’s commitment to expanding education options in the north.
Xavier College will soon incorporate two R-12 campuses across three sites.
An ongoing expansion at the Two Wells campus is currently underway which will eventually take the campus from Reception to Year 12.
“While our facilities are going to be extraordinary, our people are amazing,” Ms Coomber says.
“Our teachers and support staff are incredible – there’s not one member of staff you wouldn’t want caring for your child.”
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