Xavier School, or Kuang Ch'i -is a private, Jesuit exclusive school for boys in Greenhills, San Juan, Philippines. Since its inception, it has catered primarily to the Chinese-Filipino community in Metro Manila, though there are also non-Chinese Filipino boys studying in the school. It is composed of a kindergarten (nursery & preparatory), grade school (grades 1 to 7) and high school (grades 8 to 11). The school takes its name from St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of missionaries, who is also the school's patron saint.
The school's motto is "Luceat Lux", Latin for "Let your light shine!". The school's goal is to produce men for others, consitent with the mandate of other Jesuit institutions. Similarly, its vision is "Men fully alive, endowed with a passion for justice and the skills forXavier was founded in 1956 by Jesuit missionaries who were expelled from China in the 1950s, including Fr. Jean Desautels, S.J. The school was initially located on Echague Street, Manila, and moved to its current, seven-hectare site in Greenhills in 1960. A book about the first years of the school (Luceat Lux) has been written and published within the school in 2005 by Fr. Santos Mena, S.J., who works in the school.
Subjects taught in the school include English, Filipino, Chinese, science, Christian Life Education (CLE), social studies (these become English starting Grade 9), and mathematics. Physical classes (known as PE - physical education - within the school) and ECA (Extra-Curricular Activities) are also included.
Xavier received Level III accreditation from the PAASCU.
In 2004, Xavier launched the XCE (Xavier-China Experience) program, an alternative program for Grade 7 students who go to Xiamen University to study, during the third quarter (November to December).
Xavier School takes pride in a holistic education in shaping the students' future. Its curriculum incorporates both the traditional western curriculum of Jesuit schools and a Chinese curriculum that exposes its students to a wide array of perspectives. The curriculum is supplemented with modern facilities.
Compared to other Filipino-Chinese schools, Xavier School boasts of annual acceptance averages of 60-70% in the Ateneo de Manila University, 70-80% in the De La Salle University and 30-40% in the University of the Philippines.
Like other Jesuit schools, one of Xavier's thrusts is to educate "men for others," realized by the school's engaging in community service. As early as first grade, Xaverians are taught and trained to mingle and interact with different sectors of society with programs such as Alay Dunong, visits to orphanages and areas affected by calamity, as well as experiencing life as a grocery bagger.
Spiritual Growth is an integral a
spect of the Xavier education. The school holds regular masses, recollections, retreats and confessions besides the Christian Life Education course. Xavier also holds the 3-day workshop called Days with the Lord (DWTL). Junior high students (Grade 10) take this retreat by section.
Athletics
Xavier School's athletic program is one of the the most competitive among those of Filipino-Chinese schools. Complementing its newly established Sports Complex are two full-sized football fields, a 25m swimming pool, a diving pool, badminton courts, tennis courts, a workout gym and a whole lot more.
Xavier's basketball system has bagged numerous tropheys in various tournaments; most notably in the Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association or MMTLBA where it has won several championships.
Notable Xaverian athletes include Kennevic Asuncion, top seeded men's badminton player in the Philippines. Joseph Henry Yeo ('01), current player of the Coca-Cola Tigers in the PBA; drafted 3rd overall in the 2006 PBA Rookie Draft; also played for the De La Salle Green Archers from 2001-2005 and PBL Teams ICTSI and Harbour Centre. Chris Tiu ('03), member of the current Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles Team. Tyronne Tang ('02), Team Captain of the De La Salle Green Archers from 2006-2007. Woodward Co ('06), University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons player and awarded Rookie of the Year in the UAAP Season 69.
[edit] Alumni
Notable alumni include two members of the Filipino rock band Itchyworms; and the director of the school, Fr. Johnny Go, S.J. Prominent businessmen almuni include Lance Gokongwei and Peter Coyiuto.
(See Above for Athletes)
[edit] 50th Year Anniversary
The school is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary ("Golden Jubilee"). An opening mass ceremony held last June 9 was led by the Archbishop of Manila, his Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, and the provincial Jesuit, Father Danny Huang. The guest of honor, current mayor of San Juan, JV Ejercito also took part in the opening rites of the celebration.
In addition to this Mass, other things have been done for the Golden Jubilee, such as a coffee-table book full of pictures and articles of past Xaverian alumni, entitled Our Pride & Glory. There will also be a special Mass on December 3, 2006 (St. Francis Xavier's feast day), which coincides with the school's annual Wish Bazaar.
The homecoming sponsored by Batch 1981 held last November 25 was considered a huge success by the school, owing to the large turnout of alumni. The event was hosted by 89.9 DJs, Andi Manzano and Maxspeed, while food was catered by Hizon's. Artists such as Barbie Almalbis, Itchyworms, Orange & Lemons and Parokya ni Edgar completed a night highlighted by the live performance of the Apo Hiking Society.
Future Expansion
As Xavier School is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary, it is already making preparations to build a second and larger 15-hectare campus in Canlubang/Sta. Rosa.
Here is the school link:
Xavier School