Xavier School, or Kuang Ch'i, is a private, Jesuit school for boys in Greenhills, San Juan, Philippines. Since its inception, it has catered primarily to the Chinese-Filipino community in Metro Manila. It is composed of a kindergarten (nursery & preparatory), grade school (grades 1 to 7) and high school (grades 8 to 11). Its current director is Fr. Johnny Go, SJ.
History
Xavier was founded in 1956 by Jesuit missionaries who were expelled from China in the 1950s. The school was initially located on Echague Street, Manila, and moved to its current, seven-hectare site in Greenhills in 1960.
Xavier is one of the first private institutions to incorporate the 3-day workshop called Days with the Lord (DWTL).
Athletics
Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball League 2006
Xavier (Juniors division) re-captured the Tiong Lian crown after bowing to Saint Stephen's High School's dominance for two consecutive years. Unlike in the past, Xavier School was picked as the favorite contender, and they did. The Stallions, led by versatile big man Woody Co and agile Charles Tiu (younger brother of Tiong Lian legend Chris), went on to sweep two rounds for a total of nine victories, including the finals when they played against Chiang Kai Shek College. Meanwhile, the younger counterparts (Aspirants division) bagged its fourth consecutive Tiong Lian trophy after ending a similar 9-0 sweep with a one-game finals showdown against Saint Stephen's High School. The Aspirants, under the leadership of team captain Raphael Banal (son of former Ateneo De Manila University and PBA's Talk N' Text Phonepals coach Joel) and center Paulo Pe, both finished with nearly half its team's score.
This league has produced many notable Xaverians who have gone on to play college basketball. Among the Stallions who have made a name for themselves in the collegiate ranks are Eric Yao (1999, Ateneo), Joseph Yeo (2001, La Salle), Tyrone Tang (2002, La Salle), Chris Tiu and Paul Chua (2003, Ateneo and La Salle, respectively). Woodward is set to join the University of Philippines Fighting Maroons. Charles Tiu and Philip Constantine Ong, however, are members of Ateneo's Team B.
Controversy
Cellphones
Many people believe that Xavier follows an overly strict code of simplicity. All forms of electronic devices are banned inside the school premises. This rule includes the prohibition of the usage of cellphones, whom both students and parents find very inappropiate. Communication between student and parent usually becomes unnecessarily much more difficult. Common unexpected emergencies (ex. thunderstorms that force the school to give early dismissal) are usually harder to tackle as the benefits of quick and easy communication are completely disabled. Although the school has installed a number of public payphones, capacity is very inefficiently scarce.
Tuition Fee
The school's yearly tuition fee costs relatively high for the average Filipino. This was most evident during the term of Father Eugene Moran, former director of Xavier School. During his years as school director, there was an estimated increase of about 5-10% every year in tuition costs. This resulted in a public outcry from parents and guardians alike.
A majority vote from the XS Board of Trustees relieved him from his duties. He was succeeded by Father Johnny Go.
Bombing Target
Most recently, Xavier has been the target of two bombing incidents this 2006. Both GS and HS students were twice ordered to evacuate their classrooms and proceed directly to the respective gyms. No one was hurt in any of the incidents, but bomb squads were able to recover two active time bombs. The areas where the school found the two explosives remain classified.
Assassination Attempt
Current school director Father Johnny Go was the target of an assassination attempt last 2005. A student, carrying a syringe of 100 mg Pancuronium Bromide attempted access to the Director's office. He was apprehended, however, by security officers due to improper conduct before any physical violence took place. He has since then been expelled.
50th Year Anniversary
The school is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. 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.