The Australian Province Paul Henderson of the

Paul Henderson has lived and breathed the ethos of St Ignatius Loyola from his childhood. He was a student at Xavier at Companions Medal both Burke Hall and the Senior Campus between 1952 and 1963, and has been a teacher and administrator at these campuses between 1968 and 2009 (a total of 42 years). For the last 18 years he has served as Head of the Burke Hall campus.

In so many ways Paul radiates the Ignatian ethos. He has relished a challenge, he has shown concern for students and staff under his care, he has led by example, and he has been a friend and supporter of so many students, staff members and parents.

Paul has been an innovative educator, and in his years as Director of Studies, he was always concerned about ensuring that the curriculum was interesting and attuned to the individual needs of all students - cura personalis in the most evident way.

Paul has had a particular interest in boarding students because he was aware that life away from home can be difficult. His empathy for boarders was evident in the joy he took in coaching the Boarders XVIII and, with other teachers, taking them on picnics on Sunday afternoons.

Paul’s ability to understand the situation of other people and then respond to their needs has been impressive. One example of this is his realization that Fr Paddy Stephenson, as he grew older, was finding it harder to keep in touch with the hundreds of Old Xaverians he had come to know so well. So Paul took it upon himself to drive Fr Stephenson to country areas on weekends – and enjoyed doing so.

We thank Paul for his dedicated service to Xavier College and his wholehearted support of the Society of Jesus over such a sustained period of time. His memoirs of his years at Xavier, published under the title of “Xavier Behaviour”, was obviously a labour of love. His contribution to the ideals of St Ignatius and St has been immeasurable.

Today we wish Paul well for his impending retirement and thank his wife Jenny for the wonderful support she has given him. In recognition of and gratitude for Paul’s excellence and dedication to the community of Xavier College, , and the mission of the Jesuits, the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus takes great pleasure in awarding him the Companions Medal.

Fr. Steve Curtin SJ th Provincial Date: 7 December 2009