The term ‘oratory’ comes directly from the Salesian tradition and the Oratory teacher is the first point of contact for parents. The Preventive System of education developed by St John Bosco is built upon good, positive, unique relationships where an educator journeys with their students in order to be a guide and friend.
The students in the College are vertically grouped from their first year at the College to Year 12, providing another level of friendship and support to develop.
Each Oratory teacher is allocated the same amount of time as they would for a subject line, and they prepare themselves for Oratory as they would for any subject that they teach.
The College believes that the position of an Oratory (Home Class) teacher is an important one and therefore commits a great deal of time allocating staff to this role in order to get the most successful outcomes possible and to ensure that the College’s values are taught, displayed and lived for the students.
Each student and member of staff is a member of one of the houses of our House system: Handley, Mazzarello, Occhiena and de Sales. Siblings would be assigned to the same house and these are determined on Enrolment.
Houses hold gatherings such as breakfasts, lunches and liturgies and competition is fierce amongst the Houses to earn points for the Bosco Cup.
Each House is led by a House Director Pastoral Care and a House Director Teaching and Learning supported by Oratory teachers.
Handley House: Fr. Dennis Handley sdb (1949-2004), the founding Principal of Xavier College.
Motto: Living in the Spirit with Passion and Vision
Mazzarello House: St Maria Mazzarello (1837-1881) co-founder of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Salesian Sisters. Motto: Peacefully serving others with faith and humility
Occhiena House: the Venerable Margaret Occhiena (1788-1856) created Salesian Education with her son, St. John Bosco.
Motto: Nurturing Faith and Dreams from the Heart
de Sales House: St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop and Doctor of the Church.
Motto: Inspiring Others through Loving Kindness
