St. Francis Xavier Montmorency

St. Francis Xavier Montmorency
History
Saint Francis Xavier Parish School was opened in 1932 in a small wooden building on Para Road. Two Sisters of Mercy and thirty-two children started classes in February in a building, which had no permanent fixtures. The classroom was also used for Sunday Masses because Montmorency had become too large to remain a part of the Diamond Creek Parish. This was the birth of Saint Francis Xavier School.
It was not long before the ‘old bush school’ grew in such numbers that the need to relocate to a larger site became obvious. In the mid 1950’s, Father Thomas Ashe purchased land (the old chicken farm) and commenced building the school at the present site in Mayona Road. In 1962 the population of the school grew to 182 students, and in subsequent years the number swelled to a peak of approximately 750 students in the mid 1980’s.
The school was administered by the Sisters of Mercy from 1932 until a lay principal was appointed in 1983. Many of the traditions established in the early years still flourish today.
School Community
There are strong family ties within the Parish Community, as many of the present parishioners lived in the area as children, married fellow parishioners and are past pupils of Saint Francis Xavier Primary School.
At Saint Francis Xavier School there is a strong belief that there should be close liaison between parents and teachers and that working together in partnership will achieve the best for the children. Parents are encouraged to participate when possible in our church celebrations and class liturgies. The parents are involved in the school in such activities or programs as CLaSS, reading groups excursions, inter-school sport, sacramental workshops information and curriculum nights. They take an active part in their child’s education. Through personal involvement with the Parents Association, Education Board, Class Reps and Works and Maintenance, parents are able to participate in various aspects of the school curriculum and organization.
Good communication is valued and a Newsletter is sent home every Thursday to all families. Grades 3-6 also have a school diary for easy communication between parents and teachers. The third week off term parents are sent a Curriculum Flyer, this document outlines the curriculum for the term.
Parents show a strong commitment to their Parish School and are very generous in their support of all activities. They have high educational expectations for their children and, where possible expect them to further their education at a Catholic Secondary School.
The Parish Priest, Fr. Terry Kean is very supportive of the school and is always ready to be involved with the school community in educational, spiritual and social functions.
After many years of active and strong contributions to the school the Mothers Club became a Parents Association in 1997, and this group has continued to build on the strong traditions established by the Mothers Club.
Developments
In the middle of 2010, the building of the new Library/Technology Centre had finally started.
This building will feature 4 classrooms down below, Library and Computer Lab up the top.
The building will also have a viewing area for the Tennis Courts in front of the building.
The building should be finished by middle 2011.
In 2003, a hall with 2 classrooms and a meeting room was developed. The hall can be hired and
has a Kitchen in the hall area.
Land
The School had one Oval, 2 Basketball Courts, A top yard, Two Adventure Playgrounds and 1 sandpit.

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