Values and Vision
College Values
Drawing on our rich and dynamic Salesian tradition, our values are captured using the acronym RUAH, which is the Hebrew word for the “Spirit of God,” who calls us to live with respect, understanding, affection and humour.
RUAH allows us to give life to the teachings of Jesus in a uniquely Salesian way inspired by St John Bosco. RUAH enables our community to be “One in Christ.”
Respect
Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
(Matthew 7:12)
Respect involves acknowledging the dignity of self and others and treating everyone with gentleness and loving-kindness. Mutually respectful relationships build trust, safety and wellbeing. We show respect for the whole of God’s creation, including people, places and things.
We demonstrate respect by being:
- welcoming
- safe
- polite and courteous
- honest and truthful
- active participants
- good listeners
- punctual and appropriately dressed
- people who care for and take pride in our College, our community and our environment.
Understanding
Give me understanding, so that I may know your way and live it with all my heart.
(Psalm 119:34)
Understanding involves recognising, developing and celebrating each other’s abilities, talents and circumstances. We treat ourselves and others with compassion and show empathy to ensure everyone is known, valued and loved. We use the God-given gift of understanding to enhance our ability to learn, nurture healthy relationships, and promote well-being.
We demonstrate understanding by being:
- accepting of all
- inclusive
- grateful
- forgiving
- generous
- thoughtful
- compassionate
- open minded
- self-aware
- curious, reflective, adventurous and collaborative learners.
Affection
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength … and love your neighbour as yourself.
(Mark 12:30-31)
Affection involves promoting inclusivity and fostering a welcoming community. Affection enables the safe expression of lovingkindness and encourages the establishment of healthy relationships and friendships. Affection extends to embracing life as a gift and living life to the full.
We demonstrate affection by being:
- kind
- encouraging
- supportive
- caring
- inclusive
- collaborative
- passionate learners
- respectful communicators
- emotionally aware
- people who treat others as we like to be treated.
Humour
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad.
(Psalm 118:24)
Humour and happiness involve creating a cheerful and optimistic environment where all are able to have fun, laugh appropriately, and experience joy. Genuine happiness enables us to develop inner-peace and resilience. Being hopeful assists in creating a community that rejoices in being “One in Christ.”
We demonstrate humour and happiness by being:
- cheerful
- hopeful
- playful
- positive
- engaged
- peaceful
- courageous
- friendly
- thankful
- persevering
- inclusive
- people who keep things in perspective.
Salesian Charism
Xavier College is a Catholic school in the Salesian tradition. Our Salesian charism is a gift of the Holy Spirit and has it’s origins in the life and work of St John Bosco and his innovative way of working with and for young people. The foundation of St John Bosco’s Preventive System is, “reason, religion and loving-kindness.” His original work, the Oratory of St Francis de Sales, provides the inspiration for all Salesian centres throughout the world and is neatly summarised in the Charter for Salesian Schools in Australia as:
A home that welcomes
Allowing all to belong; fostering a spirit of joy, hope and optimism.
A parish that evangelises
Sharing the joy and wonder of knowing and loving Jesus.
A school that prepares for life
Cultivating curiosity and a love of life-long learning.
A playground where friends meet and enjoy themselves
Cultivating inclusive and life-affirming relationships.
College Motto
The motto of the College, ‘One in Christ’, expresses our unity as children of the one God, regardless of our background, race or heritage. We are children of God, blessed by God, gifted by God and given an opportunity to use these gifts for all people.
Our Vision
Xavier College provides an authentic Catholic learning environment that is animated by Salesian educational practices in relation to the holistic development of young people. The expectation is that all members of the College community will be transformed by their experiences into fuller, richer, deeper human beings. They will be inspired to achieve their personal best and to accept the responsibility to make a difference in the world. We are committed to the Living, Learning, Leading Framework of Catholic Education South Australia (CESA), which sees our students as, “thriving people, capable learners, and leaders for the world God desires.”
Strategic Plan
Xavier College is a dynamic and growing Catholic school in the Salesian tradition. Our Strategic Plan charts our desired development into the future. It is aligned to four key dimensions of school life: Administrative, Community, Educational and Religious.