History:
St Francis Xavier School is one of two parish primary schools located in the Frankston Parish. St Francis Xavier was established in 1928 by the Sisters of St Joseph and the present buildings were opened in 1986. Between 1973 and 1980 Augustinian Sisters administered the school. Since then there have been five lay principals. Our current Parish Priest, Fr Denis Stanley, works with the principals to ensure there are strong links between the parish and the two schools.
The school logo was designed by a Year 10 student from our local Catholic secondary school, John Paul College. The logo represents sails on water, reflecting the exploits of St Francis Xavier as well as our proximity to Port Phillip Bay.
Description:
In 2009 St Francis Xavier was successful in receiving Federal Government funding as part of the Building Education Revolution. During 2009 and 2010, the school underwent major building works to update and bring the school learning environment into a contemporary 21 century educational setting.
St Francis Xavier School presently has five specifically designed educational zones: a Discovery Centre, Computer Lab and Production Room, a Creative Arts Studio, and an Open Assembly Area/Hall called 'The Red Centre', seven Home Group Learning Areas, Outside Play & Learning Spaces and an Administration area.
Each zone is fully equipped with the latest resources, equipment and storage areas to enable a 21st century contemporary learning approach.
Enrolment is approximately 167 students, promoting a fabulous sense of community. There are two Year 5/6 classes, two Year 3/4 classes, two Years 1/2 classes and a straight Prep class.
Specialists work in the areas of The Arts, both Music and Visual, LOTE (Japanese), Physical Education, and Reading Recovery. Together with a computer lab, each classroom has five network computers the latest technology in touchscreens with the junior classes also using iPads to provide an ICT learning experience for students.
Features:
The Parish Church is located within the same block, allowing the children, and staff to attend mass and liturgies regularly. The proximity of the church to the school has helped to strengthen the link between parish and school. The school enjoys a vital and visible role within the parish community. It is very important that the staff ensure our students participate in the life of the St Francis Xavier Parish in many ways throughout the year and are asked to promote any special events.
The Parish Priest, Principal and Religious Education Lead Teacher work together to promote parish events, celebrations and special interest occasions. Our current Parish Priest, Very Reverend Denis Stanley PPEV, works with the principals to ensure there are strong links between the parish and the two schools.
The strongest feature of the school is its pastoral programs designed to ensure all children’s needs are best catered for. A Student Welfare Support Group, a Student Representative Council (SRC), Grief Counselling and Positive Discipline are all features of the school’s pastoral approach. The school is part of the Catholic Education Office Melbourne's Schools As Core Social Centres project, where we aim to have 100% involvement of families in the life of the school community. We promote the best practice in Boys Education and have a concentrated focus on a 'Healthy Eating, Healthy Body and Mind' focus. Since 2007, St Francis Xavier has engaged the services of the Ardoch Foundation. The Ardoch Foundation provide well-trained volunteers to work with 'students at risk' in the areas of gardening, writing, dance, reading, chess, cooking and maths. We have won first place in the Cultural Diversity Quest competition with our Indigenous-influenced art piece on 'Our Cultural Knowledge'.
We participated in the Catholic Education Office Melbourne project on Contemporary Learning – using contemporary tools, teaching methods and refurbishing the learning environment within the school to enhance and promote a Contemporary Learning approach.
A strong, open and welcoming school community is evident at St Francis Xavier School where there is a friendly, family atmosphere with high parent participation.