One of the strengths of our school is the diversity of students. It reflects the diverse nature of life in Western Australia and the curriculum offered embraces this. It takes into account each student’s strengths, learning needs, their cultural and language background, disability, learning disabilities and difficulties, as well as individual student attitudes and gifts.
St Francis Xavier Primary School recognises and values the contributions made by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to Australia’s identity. All students have the opportunity to experience aspects of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures, guided and supported by our Aboriginal Teaching Assistants and members of the Yamatji community. We are very blessed to incorporate the gifts of their culture, rituals, symbols and spirituality into our school.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures priority provides opportunities for all students to deepen their knowledge of Australia by engaging with the world’s oldest continuous living culture. Through the Australian Curriculum, students will understand that contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are strong, resilient, rich and diverse.
Our Aboriginal Teaching Staff are instrumental in developing colleagues and students knowledge about local history and culture. In 2020, staff had the privilege to partner with local elders and visit significant areas for Aboriginal people. In addition, the School Motto, ‘Christ Be My Light’ was designed by Mrs Cook into an Aboriginal painting that features on our sacramental cross and also staff shirt.
Christus Lux Mea – Christ My Light #christcentredchildfocuslifelonglearner
Sun and it rays – represents Christ’s light that he sends out into the world, the knowledge and teachings of the Gospel and the Education that we teach our students. Hands – represents Christ the first teacher, us as Educators, who are passing on both the teachings of the Gospel and the Educational knowledge to our students and also our Parents and Caregivers who are the first educators of our students. Path and Footprints – represents the journey we are all on, our journey to Christ, the many pathways our live take and the never ending journey of learning. Circles – represent the circles of influence in our live, Christ, Church, family, friends and colleagues. These people help us navigate the world that we live in. This reminds us that we are called to work towards healing through our thoughts, words and actions.
As part of St Francis Xavier’s involvement in the Transforming Lives strategy, bursaries for Aboriginal families are also available on application. To learn more about our diverse learning community or to organise your own personalised tour, contact our friendly reception on 9923 5800 or email: admin@sfx.wa.edu.au
Aboriginal Elder, Derek Councillor shares the local history of the land St Francis Xavier is located on.
