History, Patron Saint and Charism
St Francis Xavier School was established in 1994 by founding Principal Sr Margaret Bannon, with the support of the Parish Priest Fr Tony Casey. The original building consisted of what is now the office. From humble beginnings, with a foundation enrolment of 63 students, the school has grown to accommodate 280 students across 11 classrooms. Over the years, the school has undergone regular refurbishment and upgrades to ensure all classrooms, gathering and play spaces are inviting, engaging and conducive to our modern learning.
St Francis Xavier
St Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. He was born on April 7, 1506, in the Kingdom of Navarre (now part of Spain) and is considered one of the greatest missionaries in history.
Early Life and Education:
St Francis Xavier studied at the University of Paris, where he met Ignatius of Loyola, who later became his close companion and the founder of the Jesuit Order. Along with Ignatius and others, he took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, forming the core principles of the Jesuit Order.
Missionary Work:
St Francis Xavier is renowned for his missionary journeys, during which he travelled extensively to spread Christianity. His most notable missions were in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan. He dedicated himself to teaching and converting people to Christianity, establishing schools, hospitals, and churches along the way. St Francis Xavier's missionary work in India had a significant impact on the growth of the Catholic faith in the country, and he is often credited with laying the foundation for Christianity in Japan.
St Francis Xavier passed away on December 3, 1552, on the island of Shangchuan in China while preparing to enter the country as a missionary. His body was later transferred to Goa, where it is enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. He was canonised as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1622.
St Francis Xavier's life and missionary work have had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity and the establishment of the Jesuit Order. He is remembered as a dedicated and influential figure in the Catholic Church, revered for his commitment to spreading the Gospel and his selfless service to others. St Francis Xavier is the patron saint of missionaries, foreign missions, and navigators. His feast day is celebrated on December 3 each year, commemorating his death.
St Francis Xaver’s founding Principal, Sr Margaret Bannon, is a member of the Mercy sisters, founded by Catherine MacAuley. Catherine devoted her life to education and welfare for the poor and marginalised in colonial Australia and offers an example of a whole-hearted response to the Gospel's call for mercy and justice.
As a Mercy sister, Sister Margaret endeavoured to establish a school that embodies the qualities of the Mercy charism, particularly compassion, love, hospitality, inclusivity, and service, especially to those in need. St Francis Xavier School has a strong tradition of supporting families and fostering a vibrant community and family atmosphere. Our aim is to cultivate a community that upholds the spirit of Mercy, striving to emulate Jesus.
The Jesuit charism of our patron, St Francis Xavier, greatly influences our school. St Francis was a man of profound faith and courage, dedicated to bringing Jesus to the world. Consequently, we encourage our students to recognise God's presence in our world and in our lives. The Jesuit tradition also promotes community, spirituality, simple living and social justice, which are exemplified in our community.
Inspired by Jesus, the Jesuit and Mercy charisms, we seek to support our students in becoming courageous when faced with challenges, compassionate towards those in need, and loving in their relationships with others.
Our four houses, Ignatius (Blue), Bannon (Yellow), MacKillop (Red), and McAuley (Green), are named after our founders and charisms.