By Shelby Brooks
The idea of erasing the legacy of St Francis Xavier College founding families from the school house system has not sat well with past students, with a new petition gaining over 1000 signatures in less than a week opposing the move.
In July it was announced that names of the Beaconsfield campus’ college houses, which currently honour those who helped establish SFX in the early 70s or played a role in the formulative years, would be changed to strengthen focus on the school’s Catholic identity.
A change.org petition was established by past students Kate Campbell and Peter Dack last week and has garnered 1131 signatures.
Ms Campbell said she started the petition for past, present and future alumni and staff to have their voices heard.
“To have the historical significance and the legacy of any of the living treasures, our foundation fathers of the college removed, as recently proposed, is both immensely disrespectful and a disgrace to all of those related to these families, and to those who have attended the school over the last 42 years,” she said.
“These truly honourable people embodied our Catholic identity, they epitomise the definition of the college motto by their perseverance, commitment and devotion to ensure the Catholic identity was visible in the area.
“They should be promoted and celebrated with their legacy indefinitely recognised and forever be an integral part of the schools identity. Their legacy encourages future generations to see what is possible. Erasing the history of the collages birth and establishment, in part its spiritual foundation is not the way.”
Ms Campbell said the petition had received support from many ex-students, teachers and families linked to the school not only in Victoria, but in New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and even some who had relocated overseas in both Canada and the USA.
In response to the petition, principal of St Francis Xavier College Vincent Feeney said feedback from students had been very positive to date.
“St Francis Xavier College has been through at least three variations of house name changes over our history,“ Mr Feeney said.
“This latest proposal would continue a pattern of evolution and growth which has been a feature of the College’s history since inception. The names explored will also reflect the diverse nature of our community, with equal numbers of women and men, and a mix of cultures represented to better reflect our multi-cultural community.
“The only change we are considering at this time is that of the house names; all other ways that our founders, early parents, and staff are currently honoured will remain. These include buildings and student awards named in their honour, and acknowledgement through the St Francis Xavier College Living Treasures honour roll.
“If a change to house names is approved, we will consider how best to enhance recognition and celebration of the College’s history and those who contributed to it. Specifically, it is important to know that the College is preparing to both continue and expand the Living Treasures honour.“
Mr Feeney said the house names will be chosen through a process of discernment that connects staff and students with people of depth and vision who provide a captivating story of orientating to Christ.
“The chosen person will have a feast day, official prayers, writings about significant issues, and in their story a depth of knowledge, compassion and vision for a society that enhances human dignity and shows a compelling way to follow Jesus,“ Mr Feeney said.
“Our process of discernment is continuing this term, though the timeline has been extended due to Covid lockdowns.
“We pray that Jesus will walk with our community as we strive to inspire our students to a depth of connection and appreciation of the vibrant and life-giving story that is our Catholic Tradition.“
