ST. FRANCIS XAVIER SECONDARY SCHOOL
GENERAL INFORMATION
St. Francis Xavier Secondary School offers two very unique programmes: Career Focus and International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB programme is intended for either those identified as gifted or highly academically inclined students. Students may prepare for the rigours of the IB programme by completing the Pre-IB programme in grades 9-10. Xavier was accredited as a World IB School in 1998.
Our School Council plays an active role in providing input into the development of our school facilities and programs. Under the direction of our chair, the organization has grown in membership to provide us with a representative sample of our community. The School Council meets monthly to discuss issues surrounding education. The Council provides a forum for parents to express their views on the programs, services and operation of the school and it provides the school a forum to in-service parents about important issues affecting their child’s education. We welcome parents who are interested in learning about their children’s education and in assisting the Council and school.
The Xavier Community is fortunate to have Msgr. D’Souza from the St. Francis Xavier Parish to celebrate mass Monday/Wednesday/Friday (7:15 a.m.) in our chapel, during the opening of the school year, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and the closing of the school year. Students are all expected to participate in these celebrations, and parents are invited to attend. A comprehensive pastoral plan has been developed to guide our school community through the liturgical year.
Xavier is very proud of our extensive technological studies program consisting of: Media Communications and Video Production, Construction Technology, Health and Personal Services Technology, Hospitality and Tourism, Technological Design, Engineering Graphics, Transportation Technology, Computer and Information Science, Computer Engineering and Interfacing, and Communications - Electronics. For the next school year we have a plan to replace our old computer technology with new computers.
St. Francis Xavier students are encouraged to participate in an extensive co-curricular program including music, drama productions, numerous clubs and a variety of athletic programs. The following club activities are available to students: SAINTS, yearbook, computer, math league, choir, band, newspaper, DECA Business Club, Art Transit, Environmental Intelligence and after-school literacy /numeracy club.
For those experiencing difficulties, assistance is provided by multi-disciplinary teams consisting of: chaplaincy, guidance and resource personnel, youth workers, educational assistants, counsellors, administration, psychologist, social worker, board personnel and local community service personnel. With the aid of these support services, students grow to develop life skills that will help them function as responsible citizens and members of a global society.
Appreciating the needs of a community diversified by cultural heritage, background, local neighbourhood, natural abilities and individual talents, a number of programs are in place and opportunities available to address these differences, while promoting our common vision and developing a strong community. Our school will be hosting the Canada Pavillion for Carrassauga in May 2006. Through groups such as the SAINTS and Cultural clubs, our school showcases its diversity by cultural events.