Tom McKenna continued a proud family tradition, starting year 7 at St Francis Xavier College this year. ONE of the founders of St Francis Xavier College was excited to see his grandson recently start Year 7 at the school’s Berwick campus.
Des McKenna helped to get the college up and running 31 years ago and was proud to see his grandson Tom begin his secondary schooling there this year.
St Francis Xavier College is a big part of the McKenna family – Tom’s father Paddy attended the school from 1981 to 1986 and a sports house is named in Des’ honour.
Paddy still has strong ties with the college through his association with the Old Collegians Football Club, which was established in 2007. He is president of the club, which has two teams in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.
Back in 1972, Des, a parent of 11 children, pushed for the college after perceiving the lack of Catholic secondary education facilities available in the area.
Tom’s mother Jennifer McKenna said he was excited about starting Year 7 at the college where he is fittingly a member of McKenna House.
