Principal's Welcome

William Doherty - Principal, Xavier College

At Xavier, it is our intent to commit ourselves with passion and purpose. This is centred in our exceptional development of our students. 

Our passion is fuelled by our understanding that the experiences and opportunities we provide serve to thoughtfully challenge and nourish each person and unlock their unique gifts and potential. We deliver an incredibly broad range of learning experiences that are inspiring.

Since 1878 at Xavier, and founded upon 500 years of Jesuit learning and faith communities around the globe, we have been developing our students in their intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical, social and emotional capacity. Xavier offers a nurturing space, valuing inclusiveness, wellbeing and teamwork, in which students strive to grow and discern, and to foster a passion for life and learning.

Our inspiring learning experiences are bedded within our distinct Jesuit values and principles, and framed in our pursuit of human excellence. In combination, these distinctive features of a Xavier education have a genuine and sustaining impact in the formation of lives of great character and depth. 

We recognise that their gifts must be used not simply for the enrichment of self, but for the betterment of others. We recognise that their heart is most on fire when they are making a meaningful contribution to the world through service. In these ways, we seek to fulfil the Ignatian ideal of forming ‘men for others’ through acting in faith, for justice, and with dignity, humility and respect. 

We do not expect that our students will leave Xavier with all the answers, but that they will know the questions to ask. In this way, our hope is that they have the courage to pursue the questions that really count.

Welcome to our website, our school community and some of our dreams … because at Xavier, we will always pursue the possible.

About Our Principal

William has been a passionate educator across boy and co-educational schools nationally and overseas.

Prior to his appointment as Principal of Xavier from 2018, William was the Deputy Headmaster of fellow APS school St Kevin’s College. He has undertaken other Executive positions as the Head of Middle School at SCECGS Redlands in Sydney.

His involvement in school pastoral leadership has been extensive, while also engaging in numerous curriculum roles such as at The Australian International School Singapore as Head of History and leading innovation with the implementation of the International Baccalaureate as the Middle Years Programme Coordinator.

He has considerable experience in boarding as a former Head of Middle School Boarding at The Armidale School, which added to his formative early years as teacher, coach and boarding master at Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview.  

His seven years at Riverview contribute to a strong background in Ignatian teaching and practice.  He has taught across predominantly History as well as Religious Education and Geography departments, while also being actively involved as a sports coach in Rugby and Cricket amongst others.

Throughout his years in teaching and leadership, William has always sought to engender a passion for life, learning and the pursuit of excellence.  He values visionary cultures that care for every member while acting with passion, skill and innovation to realise their fullest potential.

VCE Results 2022
VCE Results 2022
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Red and Black Ball 2022
Red and Black Ball 2022
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Red and Black Ball 2022
Red and Black Ball 2022
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Red and Black Ball 2022
Red and Black Ball 2022
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Red and Black Ball 2022
Red and Black Ball 2022
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Cadets build upon their knowledge
Cadets build upon their knowledge
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Burke Hall
Discovery Tour
Friday 28th July 2023
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