Every senior student who had the option to do so decided to stay.
The cohort’s decision to remain together as one highlights the unique bonds shared across the intimate senior boarding group.
Head of boarding Alex Smith said this was thanks largely to the smaller, tight-knit community of boarders.
“One of our greatest strengths is having a small boarding community where the boys form fantastic relationships with each other,” he said.
Many boys made the decision to stay because they appreciated the opportunity to continue to live, work and play with their best mates.
This sense of camaraderie meant students could draw on the strength of one another to remain motivated during a challenging year.
Frankie, the golden retriever pup, was a welcome addition to the boarding house family in 2020.
If students ever needed a break from their studies, or just a change of scenery, Frankie was a willing companion on walks around the grounds.
Luckily for Frankie and the boys, the Xavier College grounds make for some of the best spaces to play and let off steam, with regular sporting activities organised throughout the year.
The 2020 college captain and boarding resident Ben Wright-Smith said the availability of the sports centre and ovals made it one of the best backyards in the world.
This was particularly important in 2020 with the introduction of the ‘boarding bubble’, a comprehensive measure that kept students COVID-safe at all times.
The 2020 VCE results show boarding students were able to balance these social and sporting endeavours with rigorous academic study.
This year, one in three Xavier College boarding students achieved an ATAR score in the top 10 per cent of the state.
A key component of a Xavier College education is the formation of the whole person. The Jesuit principle of cura personalis inspires staff to nurture not only students’ minds, but their hearts through service to others and bodies through physical activity and education.
Educating the head, heart and hands is fundamental to the development and wellbeing of each individual.
2020 college prefect and boarder Hugh Basset found that the boarding house culture was also key to the care of each student.
“You felt so comforted from the first day you came . . . you just thought ‘okay, I’m looked after here . . . this is a home’,” he said.
The culture of the boarding house stems from a community within which boys are encouraged to develop personal leadership skills, strive for excellence and become ‘men for others’.
With access to a wide array of facilities and surrounded by close mates and helpful staff, there was no better place for students to ‘lock down’ than on campus.
As demonstrated by strong 2020 VCE results, boarding students are well positioned to achieve outstanding academic performances.
The Xavier College boarding community provides an excellent environment for the next generation of young men.
As the college expands its popular boarding services, Years 7 to 12 will be available from 2022.
For more information, call 9855 4100 or visit xavier.vic.edu.au
