Catholic School Culture

St Francis Xavier Primary School is a Catholic school in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy.

Central to the Christian story, Mercy describes the identity of a school and the understanding of God as merciful. It is also named in connection with the educational endeavours of the Sisters of Mercy, a group of women with a historic commitment to the expression of mercy in their schools. Students at St Francis Xavier Primary School are invited into a lively and rich educational culture which they share with a long line of women and men educated in the Mercy tradition.

Today, those associated with this tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, are inheritors of the legacy of the vision and practice of foundress, Catherine McAuley.

At St Francis Xavier Primary School, our mission is epitomised by an unequivocal commitment to fostering the dignity, self-esteem and integrity of children and young people. We strive to provide a safe, supportive and enriching environment that fosters spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social development.

Religious Education

At the heart of St Francis Xavier Primary School’s Catholic mission is the obligation to engender a passion for learning, respect and an ability to live in harmony with God’s creation.

St Francis Xavier Primary School students are empowered to transform their world.

The school is strongly committed to understanding the world around us, and living out faith by:

  • using children’s experiences to enable them to come to a greater understanding of God, and relationships with God, self and others;
  • Developing the growth of knowledge, understanding, hope and faith with all members of our school community;
  • Being informed about our Church’s traditions, doctrines, scriptures and prayer; and
  • Being a participative member of the faith life of our parish communities, in service, liturgy and sacramental life; proclaiming, reflecting upon and celebrating the word of God.

St Francis Xavier Primary School’s Mission focuses on the things that matter: fostering the dignity, self-esteem and integrity of children and young people and providing them with a safe, supportive and enriching environment to develop spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Sacraments

The celebration of sacraments is at the heart of our Church community. Growth is understanding of the sacraments is central to the catechesis which occurs in the home, school and parishes; catechesis being the way we help children develop an understanding of and relationship with God.

As a Catholic school, St Francis Xavier Primary School has a mandate to support parents in their mission to nurture the faith of their children. Sacramental preparation therefore takes place within the family and parish context, and is supported by our school programs.