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Land Purchased
Fathers Joseph Dalton, Francis Murphy and Edward Nolan SJ purchased land from Patrick Mornane in the rural area of Kew for £7000.00. -
Foundation's Laid
The Bishop of Melbourne preceded by two acolytes and the priests, walked in procession to the spot, and the stone was laid by him. Beneath the stone were placed the papers of Saturday's date, with the coins of the realm. On the stone was engraved a cross with the inscription "I.H.S., December 8, 1872."’ -
Xavier College Opens
St. Francis Xavier's College opened with 92 students of whom 71 were boarders.44 of these had transferred from St. Patrick’s College East Melbourne. -
Economic Depression
A major international depression hit the Australian economy and the Federal Bank failed on 30 January 1893. -
APS Membership
St. Patrick’s student numbers were so reduced by the 1890s depression that it could not compete in the sporting field with Scotch or Melbourne Grammar whose pupils numbered hundreds. So St. Patrick’s College’s membership of the Public Schools’ Association was passed to Xavier College. -
Crest and Motto Developed
There were several crests and mottos used by the College but in 1909 the crest and motto that are still in use today were adopted. -
Science Laboratories
The first purpose-built science facilities were completed in time for the students arrival on the 10 February 1913. -
World War I
410 Old Xaverians enlisted and 52 gave the ultimate sacrifice. An average of 75% of past students enlisted. Lest We Forget. -
World War I End's
Lest We Forget -
First Musical
The first musical production (H.M.S. Pinafore) established a tradition of musical theatre at Xavier. -
Great Depression
American stock prices began to fall in September and their stock market collapsed on Tuesday 29 October 1929. -
World War II
More than 950 Old Xaverians saw active service and 79 gave the ultimate sacrifice. At nearly nine per cent of the total, this is more than twice the national average for Australians who died on active service. Lest We Forget. -
World War II End's
Lest we Forget -
Maytime Fair
The first Maytime Fair, held at Xavier on the 3 May 1952 from 10am to 10pm, was a combined fundraising effort by the parishes of Hawthorn and Richmond. Together with the communities of St. Patrick’s College East Melbourne, Burke Hall, Kostka Hall, Senior Campus, the Old Xaverians’ Association and the wider Xavier family, to support the work of the new Jesuit Mission in India. -
Cadets Disbanded
In 1965 the introduction of National Service meant a decline in help from regular army personnel, a lack of instructors and a greater amount of organisation and responsibility being shouldered by individual schools’ officers. -
Wren House Purchased
15 Nolan Avenue was purchased in late 1966 by the College to provide more rooms for the expanding student numbers at Burke Hall. -
Black Saturday
The fires occurred during extreme bushfire-weather conditions and resulted in Australia's highest ever loss of life from a bushfire. The campsite Buxton was unfortunately destroyed in the blaze