Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The story of Xavier College began with a long-held dream of parishioners from Gawler and neighbouring parishes to have a regional Catholic secondary school.

The vision began to take shape in 1990 when Catholic Education South Australia approved establishment of the College in 1992. In late 1994, Fr Dennis Handley, a priest of the Salesians of Don Bosco, was appointed the inaugural Principal. His mission was to have Xavier College ready to commence for the beginning of the 1995 school year.

Fr Handley brought with him contemporary educational experience and the rich Salesian Tradition. He also carried with him the single-minded determination to turn ideas into buildings, classrooms, courtyards, playgrounds and ovals. With 83 Year 8 students, the College commenced at Gawler Belt in February 1995. There were five relocatable classrooms, science laboratory, temporary information centre and the first stage of an administration building. The expansion since that time has been remarkable.

The College entered a new phase in 2019 with the decision to establish a new campus at Two Wells. Two Wells Campus officially opened in February 2021 with 187 students across Reception to Year 7. The Two Wells Campus continues to grow and will accommodate Reception to Year 12 by 2027.

At the beginning of 2023 the former St Brigid’s Catholic School Evanston was welcomed into the College community as our third campus, now known as Evanston Campus. Educating students from Reception to Year 6, the inclusion of Evanston Campus enables Xavier College to offer a clear R–12 pathway for students’ whole journey through Catholic education.