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Boarding

Boarding at the College is grounded in our Ignatian values and guided by a deep commitment to cura personalis, care for the whole person. Our boarding community provides a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where students can grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

The Boarding Houses

We welcome boarders from Year 9 to Year 12, with two dedicated houses: a Junior House for Years 9 and 10, and a Senior House for Years 11 and 12. Together, they form a vibrant community of 80 boarders, supported by a highly professional and caring team of boarding staff. Our staff includes trained residential supervisors, nursing staff, catering teams, cleaners, and a range of support staff who work together to ensure students feel cared for and at home.

The Head of Boarding and Assistant Head of Boarding live on-site, providing constant support, guidance, and leadership within the community. Their presence helps create stability, familiarity, and a strong sense of connection for all boarders. 
Our students come from across Australia and around the world, with the majority joining us from regional Victoria, southern New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. This rich diversity adds depth to our community and encourages boarders to learn from one another’s experiences, backgrounds, and cultures.
Life in boarding extends well beyond the school day. Our busy and fulfilling weekend activity program keeps students engaged, active, and connected. Whether exploring local attractions, participating in sports, enjoying creative activities, or spending time with friends, boarders benefit from a balanced and vibrant lifestyle.

Boarders also have access to the College’s extensive facilities and enjoy the spacious, high-quality grounds, ovals, and outdoor areas. These open spaces foster relaxation, recreation, and opportunities to learn and play in a beautiful natural environment.

Ignatian Boarding at the College is more than accommodation - it is a nurturing community where students develop independence, resilience, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of belonging as they prepare for life beyond school

 

Boarding at Xavier College

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Xavier College boarding is not just a residential experience, but an integral part of the holistic Jesuit education that fosters the development of young men into compassionate, competent, and conscientious leaders. Inspired by the tradition of cura personalis – the care for the whole person – we believe that boarding offers a unique environment for personal growth, academic achievement, and spiritual formation. Rooted in the Jesuit values of service, justice, and discernment, our boarding philosophy emphasises the development of character and the cultivation of the intellect, heart, and soul.

  1. Formation of the Whole Person

    In the Jesuit tradition, education goes beyond academic excellence. Boarding at Xavier provides young men with opportunities to grow in all dimensions of life: intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical. We believe that each student is called to become the best version of themselves and to lead a life of purpose, contributing positively to the world around them. This aligns with the Jesuit principle of magis – the pursuit of ‘more’, striving for excellence in every endeavour.

  2. A Brotherhood in Faith and Service

    Living in a community fosters a spirit of brotherhood, unity, and mutual respect among our boarders. Inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola’s call to ‘find God in all things’, we emphasise the importance of shared experiences, empathy, and service to others. In this environment, boys learn the value of companionship and teamwork, as well as the importance of being ‘men for others’. Service to the broader community is central to life at Xavier, and our boarders are encouraged to engage in acts of charity, social justice, and care for those less fortunate.

  3. Academic Excellence and Intellectual Curiosity

    A Jesuit education values rigorous academic inquiry, and at Xavier, boarding offers an ideal setting for focused study and intellectual growth. Our boarders are immersed in an environment that promotes curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning. The close-knit residential community provides academic support, structured routines, and the resources necessary for students to reach their full potential. This academic formation is not merely about success in exams but fostering a lifelong love of learning and a commitment to using knowledge in service of others.

  4. Nurturing Faith and Spiritual Growth

    Faith is at the core of our boarding experience. In the spirit of St. Ignatius, we provide numerous opportunities for boarders to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and participation in the sacraments. Through retreats, liturgies, and spiritual guidance, students are invited to explore their faith and the Ignatian values in everyday life. Our Jesuit tradition encourages students to seek God's presence in their lives and to develop a spirituality that sustains them throughout their journey.

  5. Resilience and Independence

    Boarding fosters a sense of independence, responsibility, and resilience. Away from home, students learn to manage their time, navigate relationships, and make decisions in a supportive and structured environment. These experiences build confidence and prepare our young men to face life’s challenges with courage and adaptability. They emerge from their boarding years as young men capable of both leading and serving in an ever-changing world.

  6. Men for Others

    Ultimately, the boarding experience at Xavier College is designed to form young men who are grounded in the Jesuit ideals of faith, justice, and service. Through the bonds they form, the lessons they learn, and the experiences they share, our boarders are shaped into ‘men for others’ – individuals who are committed to using their talents and education to make a positive difference in the world. At Xavier, we prepare our students not only for academic success but for lives of leadership, service, and deep spiritual fulfillment.

The wellbeing of the boarders is a top priority, and the College is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, guided by our Ignatian value of cura personalis—care for the whole person, recognising and responding to each student’s individual needs. Boarding Staff closely monitor the health and welfare of each student, ensuring they feel cared for and connected. Boarders are encouraged to reach out and speak to staff whenever they need support, as open communication is essential for fostering a strong, resilient community where everyone can thrive.

At Xavier, there are many staff members who can offer care and support. These individuals form each student’s ‘Wellbeing Support Team’. The College aims to promote a culture where boarders feel comfortable speaking up when they need assistance. Boarders are encouraged to be honest and share their feelings with staff when they may be struggling or need some help.

A boarder’s Wellbeing Support Team may include, but is not limited to, the following people:

Boarding
  • Wellbeing Coordinator – Boarding and Day school
  • Head of Boarding – Boarding and Day School
  • Asisstant Head of Boarding - Boarding and Day School
  • Boarding assistants – Boarding School
  • Health Centre staff/College nurses - Boarding and Day School
  • Captain of Boading - Boarding and Day School
  • Year 11 and 12 Mentors - Boarding and Day School
Day School
  • Head of House – This staff member is a key pastoral and academic support person.
  • Tutor
  • Assistant Head of House
  • School Counsellors

Boarders will also be asked to complete wellbeing surveys at different points throughout the year. This allows selected Boarding Staff to gauge how boarders are tracking and offer better support. It also provides another avenue for boarders to ask for help if required.

Boarders complete two study sessions most nights, with a break in between, and they benefit from the routine and structure this provides.

The program provides extensive homework support to help boarders succeed academically. Boarding Staff and Magis Scholars are available to assist boarders during homework sessions, and we encourage boarders to proactively seek their help whenever needed. Magis Scholars are available in the library and in Boarders’ Study each school night, offering support across a range of subjects. Additionally, Maths Max runs every morning at 7:45am, and English Smart Start runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings also at 7:45am. These programs are run by Maths and English teachers respectively and designed to provide extra guidance to students of all years.

Xavier College is committed to child safety. We want our students to be safe, happy, and empowered at all times. We support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers.

We have zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously and consistently with our robust policies and procedures. We have legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously. 

Xavier College is committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early and removing and reducing these risks. We have human resource and recruitment practices to reduce the risk of child harm and regularly train and educate our board members, staff and volunteers on child safety and wellbeing standards. 

We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island children, the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability.

Our child safety and wellbeing program has specific policies and procedures in place that support Xavier College to achieve these commitments.

If boarders ever feel unsafe or mistreated, or if they have any concerns or suspicions about another boarding student or staff member, they are encouraged to talk to a staff member right away. If something does not feel right, boarders should not hesitate to speak with the Head of Boarding or any other trusted staff member. Boarders’ safety and wellbeing are the Boarding House’s top priorities, and we are here to listen and support boarders, and every other student, at the College.

 
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