Xavier College prides itself on providing a quality education in all aspects of life. The College belongs to the 460-year tradition of Jesuit education founded by St Ignatius Loyola and strives to develop men and women for others whose model for the way they lead their lives is Jesus Christ. Firstly, and at a most basic level, Xavier strives to ensure that each student achieves to his or her highest potential. (Though historically a school for boys, Xavier is now providing a co-educational Early Years Centre for boys and girls from three year-old level through to Year 4.) The Jesuit tradition means that achieving one’s highest potential is not limited to academic success though intellectual rigour is a non-negotiable component of a Jesuit education and Xavier’s results at all levels, in particular at VCE, provide evidence of this. A Jesuit education seeks to develop a person with a life experience sufficiently broad to allow him or her to respect the informed yet differing views of other people without becoming threatened or defensive; to formulate opinions and views, founded on reason and judgment, that can be defended and supported; and to appreciate the diversity of culture within our own society and that of other peoples. A Jesuit education seeks to instil a lifelong love of learning and discovering that will go on long after the students have completed their secondary education. Xavier College achieves this through: • an extremely broad curriculum (visit the College website: www.xavier.vic.edu.au); • a vibrant community service program; • music and drama programs and performances, usually with other schools; • a comprehensive range of sporting activities; • an extensive exchange program for students and staff both overseas and within Australia; • a Learning Enhancement Centre which caters for extension and remedial activities. Pastoral care of each student is central at Xavier. Families are encouraged to maintain close contact with teachers, Level Co-ordinators and tutors. Chaplains at each year level monitor the students’ spiritual development and the tutor and house systems ensure that each student is individually cared for. The Boarding House (Years 9 – 12), home to some 76 students, is a lively and integral part of the Xavier student community. Xavier College, in summary, strives to develop students of competence, conscience and compassion; people who will make a difference when they move into the wider community once they leave school.