Please click here for an important message from the Principal.

We congratulate our Class of 2020 students for their outstanding results in this year’s HSC, despite the challenges they faced. Thank you to all our staff who worked assiduously to facilitate these results. Please click to see the list of results.

2020 HSC Academic Results (PDF)

Dear Member of the College Community,

Please see the attached letter and supporting information in response to an article released via The Australian newspaper overnight.

Letter from Chair of the Board to the Community 2 December 2020 (PDF 282KB)

Yours sincerely,

Greg Mackay
Chair of The Board

Please click here for an important message from the Principal.

You’re invited to join us for our Virtual Open Day on 25th August 2020. You’ll hear stories from our students, an address from our Principal, and enjoy a virtual tour of our campus.

REGISTER HERE

Dear Member of the College Community,

We wish to advise you that the Senior Campus of Saint Ignatius’ College has been informed by NSW Health that a student has tested positive for COVID-19.

Staff and students who are identified as Close Contacts will be contacted and advised they should self-isolate for the required period of time.

The safety and wellbeing of staff and students is our key priority at all times, as such we will continue to work closely with NSW Health to ensure that all necessary health advice is adhered to.

Transport arrangements are being coordinated at the school.

The school will be non-operational to the onsite attendance of staff and students while the school conducts contact tracing and is cleaned. We anticipate this will be for no more than 48 hours.

We will commence the virtual timetable from tomorrow.

We ask that the media respect the privacy of our students and community at this time.

Sincerely,
Dr Paul Hine

The annual T20 Charity Cricket Match is now not able to go ahead. The impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) across Australia continues to be felt and it is for this reason that the College is undertaking new measures of management to best protect students and staff.

The aim is still to raise funds in support of Redfern Jarjum College (RJC), with all monies raised this year going toward their medical support program, providing all students and their families with access to a qualified paediatrician for much-needed medical care and treatment.

We still encourage you to support RJC by bidding in the auction (a private function at St Aloys’ famous rooftop) or buying raffle tickets (with six great prizes on offer).

We will draw the raffle at 1pm on Monday in the Advancement Office under supervision. We will contact the winners of the auction item and raffle prizes on Tuesday morning.

A full list of winners will feature in the next edition of Viewpoint.

https://www.riverview.nsw.edu.au/T20

Updated on 11 February 2020 at 12:30pm

It is reported that power has returned to the College.

12:30pm Update for Parents and Members of the School Community, Click here to read the message for All Parents.

Please click here for an important message from the Principal.

Dear Member of the College Community,

I apologise for interrupting the school holidays so close to Christmas, however, the circumstances associated with historical Professional Standards make it necessary.

Please click here to review the statement.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Paul Hine

Dear Member of the College Community,

This is my first letter to the Riverview Community as Chair of the College Board. I started out with the intention of expressing my gratitude to the many people who contribute to us over the course of a year. As you will see, I have strayed into providing some of our preparations for 2020 and beyond.

The release of the HSC results marks the ultimate end point for the 2019 School Year. It also provides us with objective data about our capacities to deliver the NEW Education Standards Authority (“NESA”) syllabus to our students. This year presented a much larger challenge in this regard due to the significant changes in course material and assessment criteria in many key subjects. Our teaching staff in these faculties have had to retool in terms of content and develop new assessment options. It is evident from the results that the commitment, resourcefulness and skill of all teachers has provided our students with the opportunity to present their best work. The Board appreciates and values the contribution of all staff to the academic achievement and pastoral support of the boys. This is not to say there is no opportunity for further improvement. That is always the case and the senior Teaching and Learning staff at the College will review this year’s outcomes and explore the learning opportunities for next year.

I would also like to thank the staff in other roles around the College. The Ignatian Centre staff work to ensure the Ignatian ethos is embedded in all we do. As you would be aware, Riverview is like a small city in term time and there are many people working hard to ensure our boarding, building, co-curricula, pastoral care and administrative operations run smoothly.

During the course of 2019, the Board received presentations from Kaleb Taylor and Kate Hilyard from the First Nations Program and Toby Martin from the Special Education and Inclusion Program (SEIP). These programs are at the heart of our mission at the College. It is apparent from our discussions that there are extraordinary complexities in managing these activities. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and capable staff working in these areas.

This year, the Board also took the opportunity to meet with the Student Leaders from both 2019 and 2020. It was a great opportunity to hear from them about what they had achieved (2019 leaders) and the hopes and plans for next year (2020 leaders). We intend to make this meeting a regular part of the Board calendar going forward.

The Senior Leadership Team and the Board have commenced a new strategy process to guide the College through the next five years. This process will incorporate the recently released Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society and the Province Priorities. There will also be a period of consultation with Riverview Community stakeholders and it is expected that the new strategy will be formally released in the middle of 2020.

There is also a great deal of work going into the plans for the next stage of the Ignis Project. The Board will consider a proposal early next year to replace the current Wallace Building. There will be further approvals required from relevant statutory authorities, the Province and Rome. We are also expecting to consider plans for upgrading the Regis Campus. It was excluded from the original Master Planning conducted for the site in 2014/15, but will now be incorporated into our building program. With this in mind, we are focussed on finding a new Head of Advancement and rebuilding the Advancement Office early in 2020.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank John Wilcox for his leadership of the College Council/Board over the past six years. His commitment to the College over 50 years is extraordinary and duly recognised with the College Insignis Award at the recent Speech Day Assembly. The Board will miss his pastoral influence.

Happy Christmas

Greg Mackay
Chair, Saint Ignatius’ College Board

The Principal, Rector, staff, parents and community of Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview congratulates the graduating class of 2019 on their outstanding academic achievements in the 2019 Higher School Certificate (HSC).

2019 saw the introduction of new syllabus documents, including the introduction of modified assessment regimes. For this reason, we would particularly like to acknowledge and thank the staff for ensuring that students were well prepared for the HSC and performed at optimum level. This year’s results are a tribute to the dedication and commitment of each student, his family and his teachers.

In 2019, 307 students completed examinations for the Higher School Certificate. 230 of these were Year 12 students, in addition to 76 Year 11 students and one Year 9 student who accelerated in one or more of the following subjects: Studies of Religion 1 unit, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Engineering Studies and Information Processes and Technology.

AT A GLANCE…

AUSTRALIAN TERTIARY ADMISSIONS RANKS (ATAR)

• 2019 Dux is Sebastian Braham with an ATAR of 99.95 – the highest possible rank. A Riverview student has achieved this rank each year for the past four years.
• 2019 Proxime is Declan Rickard with an ATAR of 99.85.
• 11 students achieved an ATAR rank above 99
• 93 students achieved an ATAR above 90.

NSW STATE PLACEMENTS

Special commendation to those students who have achieved a NSW state ranking:

Sebastian Braham:      1^st in Classical Greek Continuers (19 Students in NSW) & 1^st in Classical Greek Extension (13 Students in NSW)
                                           7^th in Latin Extension

Benjamin Tuckfield:       3^rd in English Standard (30,397 Students in NSW)

Nicholas Leonard:          5^th in Engineering Studies (2,271 Students in NSW) (Year 11 Accelerant)

Declan Rickard:              9^th in Latin Continuers

Matthew Croker:             15^th in Business Studies (17,775 Students in NSW)

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

VISUAL ARTS:

• Louis Callanan Visual Arts Body of Work was selected for the NESA ArtExpress to be exhibited at the NSW Art Gallery in January 2020.
• Seamus Byrne Visual Arts Body of Work was nominated for the NESA ArtExpress.

MUSIC:

• Jeremy Luey and Henry Willis were nominated for Encore, the NESA collection of the best of HSC Music Major Works.

DRAMA:

• Over half of the 2019 Drama Students at Riverview were nominated for OnSTAGE for their major works: Thomas Benson, Clay Bollesen, Clayton Lie, Conor McCoy, Harrison Tate, Darby Elith, Alexander Johnson, Michael Middleton, Cameron Noud, Nicholas O’Keeffe, Max Pollard and Isaac Silva.

HSC DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS

141 students achieved a mark of at least 90 in an HSC course, which is the equivalent of a Band 6 or Band E4 in an extension course. The list of Distinguished Achievers is too extensive to include here, but the College acknowledges the achievements of each of these students.

SCHOOL COURSE ACHIEVEMENT

We extend our congratulations to all students in Year 12 who have contributed to each other’s achievements in all courses. Riverview entered students in 45 subjects. Eight subjects scored over 9% above the NSW average with the highest score above state average achieved by English Studies at 15.43%.

Other subjects which scored well above the NSW averages were:

• Ancient History – 158% above NSW average
• Business Studies – 161% above NSW average
• Physics – 10.47% above NSW average
• Modern History – 9.82% above NSW average
• Chemistry – 9.43% above NSW average

HSC ALL ROUNDERS

15 students achieved Band 6/E4 in 10 units or more to receive HSC All-Rounder Awards:

• Sebastian Braham
• Jake Carr
• Matthew Croker
• Harry Duffy
• Julian Edwards
• Josef Finsterer
• Edward Goodman
• Hugo Heanly
• Alexander Morton
• Thomas Neaverson
• Declan Rickard
• Brendan Robinson
• Henry Ryan
• Alexander Sidhu
• Matthew Tonkli

2019 Academic Results
 

INDIVIDUAL COURSE ACHIEVEMENTS

(+ indicates an increase over 2018 results. – indicates a decrease over 2018 results)

Gather your friends and come join our Six a Side Soccer Competition. All Interested teams for the Over 35 Men’s Competition and All Age Women’s Competition are welcome. Or, if you are an individual player, we’d be happy to help find you a team. Registrations close October 16th, so get in quick!

The Competition starts on Monday 21st October for the Men’s Competition and Wednesday 23rd October for the Women’s Competition. The Competition includes 10 games plus, A charity Round that supports both Pink Ribbon and Movember and a Finals Series.

If you have any further inquiries, please don’t hesitate to email pferrara@riverview.nsw.edu.au

Dear Members of the College Community,

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is committed to ensuring that our community is kept fully informed regarding all matters of child protection including issues relating to historic abuse.

Following the recent conviction and sentencing of former Jesuit Victor Higgs, the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus has engaged the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, the Honourable Marilyn Warren AC QC, to independently review the circumstances surrounding Victor Higgs’ move from St Ignatius’ Athelstone to Riverview and publish the findings.

Director of Professional Standards Simon Davies said:

“We understand and acknowledge the concern people have about how the Jesuits may have handled complaints about Higgs in the past, and the need to understand the circumstances of Higgs’ move from Adelaide to Sydney at the end of 1970.”

“We have therefore, in consultation with those who have ­experienced abuse, appointed an independent expert to review the Higgs files and witnesses. We have shared all our documents and witnesses regarding Higgs with the police in both South Australia and New South Wales to assist with their investigations and will continue to do so if new information comes to hand.’’

The College welcomes and supports the review and will continue to keep our community fully informed as circumstances require.”

I would like to take the opportunity to reiterate our unreserved apology to the victims of Victor Higgs at Riverview for the suffering they have endured as a result of his criminal acts. I invite you to read that here.

The Province has also announced it has been accepted as a participating institution under the National Redress Scheme for those who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse. Information about the scheme and how to apply for redress can we found at https://jesuit.org.au/professional-standards/national-redress-scheme/.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss any of these matters.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Paul Hine
Principal

The Principal, Rector, staff, parents and community of Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview congratulates the graduating class of 2018 on their outstanding academic achievements in the 2018 Higher School Certificate (HSC).

This year’s HSC results are a tribute to the dedication and commitment of each student, his family and his teachers.

In 2018, 309 students completed examinations for the Higher School Certificate. 241 of these were Year 12 students in addition to 67 Year 11 students and one Year 8 student who accelerated in one or more of the following subjects: Studies of Religion 1 unit, Mathematics, Engineering Studies and Information Processes and Technology.

2018 RECIPIENTS OF THE NSW PREMIER’S AWARD

NSW PREMIER’S AWARD COUNT

NUMBER OF RIVERVIEW STUDENTS ACHIEVING HSC BAND 6/E4

NSW SUBJECT RANKING

Click here to read the detail report

Dear Members of the College Community,

I am writing to share with you what I witnessed today in a Sydney Court at the sentencing of former Jesuit Brother Victor Higgs.

Last month Mr Victor Higgs was found guilty of numerous offences committed against children at Riverview between 1971 and 1981. Today he was sentenced to 12 years for those crimes.

I sat silently in a Sydney Court and listened to those Old Boys of the College speak of how their lives had been forever changed as a result of the criminal abuse that they endured.

No one could be left unmoved by what they told the court. These were stories of enormous suffering and lifelong pain as a result of the abuse they suffered in the care of the Jesuits and this College.

Today was their day, for their voices to be heard and for their stories to be told.

On behalf of the entire College Community I want them to know that we have heard them, that we believe them and that we acknowledge the terrible impact that these crimes have had on their lives.

Today is one of profound sorrow and regret.

It is also a day that we stand as a College Community, side by side with those who have suffered so greatly.

On behalf of the College I reiterate our unreserved apology to them and their families for these abhorrent acts that should never have occurred and the terrible damage they have caused

Yours sincerely,

Dr Paul Hine
Principal

On Saturday 3 November, our new interactive learning space, the Therry Building won Excellence in Construction – Educational Buildings at the Master Builders Association of NSW.

The building, which formally opened in July, is the first building to open in the College master plan, establishing an innovative future for formal education while at the same time, bridging a large chasm from traditional learning to new pedagogies. The Therry Building allows for the highest quality of teaching, learning and pastoral care, underpinned by principles of sustainability. Proving an opportunity for classes to engage in a range of modes of learning, from direct or explicit instruction, large group presentations and then to self-led, solo, or small group activities.

The furniture is comfortable, colourful, engaging and welcoming, with glass and sliding doors to ensure plenty of visibility and easy supervision in the building; allowing students to move easily between indoor and outdoor learning spaces which extend into adjoining courtyards, corridors and break-out spaces. While the transparency of operating in this kind of setting has challenged some students and teachers, the end result has been an extraordinary evolution in teaching and learning.

Thanks to our partners Quasar Constructions and PMBL for bringing such a fantastic concept to fruition.

On the 9^th of October 2018 former Jesuit Brother, Victor Higgs was found guilty of offences committed whilst teaching at the College between 1971 and 1981. Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview and the Province of the Australian Jesuits make the following statement in response.

“To those who suffered abuse by Victor Higgs we apologise without reservation for the pain and suffering they have endured as a result of the crimes committed against them.

“We express our deep regret and sorrow for what occurred.

“The abuse of any child is abhorrent and contrary to all our values.

“We acknowledge the breach of trust that these children, their families and the College Community placed in us and for that we also apologise.

“Those who have come forward have shown great courage in reporting the abuse and we pay tribute to their bravery.

“Both the College and the Province are ready to assist any person who may wish to make a complaint or needs support or assistance in relation to past abuse at the College.  Any person coming forward should contact either the:

• Principal on (+61) 455 231 777
• The Professional Standards Office of the Australian Society of Jesus on (03) 9810 7300 or professionalstandards@sjasl.org.au

“We also urge any person with evidence of criminal conduct – no matter how long ago it may have occurred – to take that to their local police or contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

“The safety of students at the College and across all the works of the Province is our highest priority. This commitment is backed by our stringent child protection training and policies, which are compliant with all mandated government requirements.

“These give full effect to our commitment to the protection, safety and wellbeing of all our students and children across any Jesuit works and programs.”

Dr Paul Hine                                               
Principal                                                              
Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview

Mr John Wilcox
Chair
Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview

Fr Brian F McCoy SJ
Provincial
Australian Province of the Society of Jesus

Media enquiries:

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview

Paul Hine

(+61) 455 231 777

principal@riverview.nsw.edu.au

Australian Jesuits

Monika Lancucki

(+61) 467 760 123

Monika.lancucki@sjasl.org.au

This is the story of a sculpture made in acknowledgment of abuse that has occurred at the school. The story is communicated through the simple motif of the force and resistance of water. Caught in these waves is the crashing of values, of power misused and innocence abused.

This is a story about resistance and survival in the face of despair, about the struggle to overcome bullying, persecution, violence and all forms of abuse. This is the story of the survivor who fights to rise above malevolence, anxiety and cruelty.

Presented here is a story of fragility and confusion built upon the silent, gentle strength of a mighty stone. Set into a bedrock amphitheatre, the heavy, broken undulating movement of stone provides the underscore to this piece, with a broad rhythm that goes beyond the human condition.

This work speaks of a journey which begins as we leave the safety of the shore, the loving refuge and solidity of what we know, and we are cast into the chaos of the ocean and the upsetting dangers of the sea.

This symbol is based on what we are most familiar with, water “the life force”, the waves speaking of the motion that guides our being, our gesture of emotion. This is a story for a young man at a school surrounded by water, with an urge to dive into the wildest seas.

It is from this point of knowing that we are then cast out into the treachery and chaos of the ocean. The first wave, placed at the main turning point of the bedrock, emphasises the huge force behind this collision of values. This mighty wave rises within us, surging like Hokusai to a terrifying height. This anxiety is then repeated with the two following waves; anyone who has been dumped in the surf knows how awful these subsequent pounding monsters can be, a metaphor of the ongoing anxiety and pain experienced through abuse.

What is then played out is the struggle between hope and despair. Our life force as it is pulled in different directions: a willingness to live and love set against an insidious drag back into the chaos of malevolence and cruelty.

From a design perspective this is about the precious possibilities of direction, distance and shape being constricted by cruel limitations of line; a growing force of positive forms leaping toward the shore, set against a relentless tirade of negative grooves, tearing, splitting and scarring what was new, composed and connected.

This is a story that ends in peace, peace brought together through exhaustion and surrender. Calmer seas allow the pain and suffering to be recognised and hopefully even open up the possibility for some form of cleansing. And yet even in peace we are reminded of the ongoing, relentless wreckage by the exiting waves in the top right and the underlying dramatic movement of the water, of peace marred with tragedy.

A shattered Jesuit monogram of the sun stands above, emblematic of the rupture of trust between those whose lives have been so adversely affected by abuse and the Society which is responsible for it. This Is an expression of the broken Trinity, of what happens when the Father, Sun and Holy Spirit cannot connect and break apart.

What we are left with is disconnection, yet a disconnection that connects us all, the frailty and vulnerability that defines our humanity.

It is from this sense of brokenness that we come together in hope to work toward survival.. This is the survival of the hero that fights to rise above malevolence, anxiety and cruelty.

These are the waves of suffering, of those who have put their love and trust in others and been cast into chaos; that we may welcome their pain to the centre of our community, just as each wave is connected to the greater movement of the sea.

These waves stand as testament to the survivor’s cry, a cry not insubstantial but as big as the ocean, and a cry we are all responsible for hearing and bearing.

With acknowledgement and thanks to the brave survivors who have offered advice throughout the process that has been integral to the formation of this work.

For more information, please visit http://www.danieldominguez.com.au/

Join us as Riverview and Joeys come together to support our rural communities at this tough time.

We’ve partnered with Rural Aid’s Drought Relief ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign which provides fodder, diesel, water, freight, hampers and more. Rural Aid is partnering with other charities and local organisations to ensure support reaches those in affected communities. Please donate generously here.

SATURDAY 18 AUGUST 2018

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview
First Field, Tambourine Bay Road, Lane Cove

Rugby
1st XV – 3.15pm
2nd XV – 2.00pm

Football
1st XI – 11.30am
2nd XI – 10am

Please see the broader sporting fixtures here.

We all know families who have been affected by the drought – particularly our community members whose livelihoods depend on the land. With so many of our boarding families facing serious hardship, we’re asking our community to rally together to show practical support.

At the Showdown on Saturday, Riverview and Joeys are partnering with Rural Aid to raise much needed funds to help to support regional families. In the lead up to game day, parents, friends, students and Old Boys are asked to generously show their support for families managing through the drought.

All donations will go towards Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale campaign. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

On the day:
– Collection tins will be at each sporting match
– Parking will be available on the grounds for a donation
– Funds raised from the OIU BBQ and P&F Winter Canteen will go toward the Riverview Bursary Program

If you would like to support the Riverview Rural families specifically, you can make a donation directly to the Riverview Bursary program. Donations are tax deductible. Click here to donate.

*Endorsed by the Parents & Friends’ Association, Old Ignatians’ Union, Boarder Parents’ Association and Past Parents’ Association.

Bringing Riverview to You

Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview was established in 1880 as a boarding school, and opened with just 12 pupils. Since then, it has grown into a tight-knit community of boys, comprising both Boarders and Day Students.

The boarding community has always been a vibrant and central part of the College. We understand that to many, Riverview is not just a school, but a home.

For those who are considering enrolling their sons to our care, we are pleased to commit our time, resources and energy to meet you where you are. Come and join our leadership team at these events:

	Fri-Sat 18-19 May	Dubbo Expo
	Saturday 19 May	Narromine Event
	Thursday 14 June	Griffith Expo & Event
	Fri-Sat 15-16 June	Wagga Wagga Expo & Event
	Sat-Sun 16-17 June	Canberra Seminar Event
	Fri-Sat 13-14 July	Mudgee Field Day & Event
	Fri-Sat 27-28 July	Narrabri Expo & Event
	Saturday 28 July	Moree Seminar Event
	Sunday 29 July	Walgett Event
	Sunday 29 July	Lightening Ridge Event
	Tue-Thur 21-23 August	Aqquip Gunnedah Event
	Oct	London & New York

Community Events

At some locations, we’ll also be hosting community gatherings to share a meal and a chat in a less formal setting. We welcome Old Ignatians, parents of current, past and future students, as well as friends, family and other community members. We’d love to meet you, so book your seat at the table.

For more information, please contact Christine Zimbulis on czimbulis@riverview.nsw.edu.au or 9882 8595.

Click here to find a Community event near you.

Excellence in Education Seminar Series

Please join us for a series of seminars across regional NSW focused on the education and care of boys in a rapidly changing world, conducted by Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview. Presented by experts in teaching and learning, pastoral care and counselling, these seminars will suit parents and carers of school-aged boys and young men. Active discussions will revolve around educational research, the impact of technology and social media, and the most recent innovations in education. Hear how you can support the young men in your life with resources, tools and strategies to thrive. Cost: Free (bookings essential)

Bathurst Educational Seminar

Saturday 7^th April, 3pm – 5pm, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, 105 William Street Bathurst

Guest Speaker: Pat Lowe, Deputy Principal Students and Adrian Byrne, Director of Boarding

Topic: The male identity and positive health and wellbeing

The Hunter (Scone) Educational Seminar

Saturday 28th April, 3pm – 5pm, Scone Motor Inn & Conference Centre, 55 Kelly Street, Scone

Guest Speaker: Paul Hine, College Principal

Topic: Inspiring boys to achieve

Berry Educational Seminar

Friday 4th May, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, Berry School of Arts, 19 Alexandria Street, Berry 2535

Guest Speaker: Russell Newman, Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Topic: Boys’ social and emotional wellbeing as the platform for academic confidence

Bowral Educational Seminar

Saturday 5th May, 3pm – 5pm, Bowral Golf Club, Cnr Kangaloon Road and David Street,

Guest Speaker: Russell Newman, Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Topic: Boys’ social and emotional wellbeing as the platform for academic confidence

Canberra Educational Seminar

Saturday 16th June, 3pm – 5pm, The Canberra Museum and Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Canberra

Guest Speaker: Ben Moffatt, College Counsellor

Topic: Understanding wellbeing in adolescent males

Moree Educational Seminar

Saturday 28th July, 3pm – 5pm, Royal Hotel, 54 Heber Street, Moree

Guest Speaker: Paul Hine, College Principal

Topic: Inspiring boys to achieve

I am pleased to announce that Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview will soon be moving to a more modern, robust model of governance.

We are establishing a new incorporated legal entity responsible for the local governance and management of the school. These functions will be overseen by the board of this new incorporated entity. The Principal and Rector will report to the school board and the board will report to a new entity, Jesuit Education Australia, and the Provincial.

The new arrangement will enable a balance of local decision making and strategic oversight from Jesuit Education Australia. It will inform the way the College makes decisions and implements policies on a daily basis and will ultimately help the College achieve its objectives.

As the changes are at an administrative and governance level, staff, students and families will not notice any changes in the way the school operates. Our school community can be confident it will still experience the same high standards of education and quality it has come to expect.

This is a contemporary approach to governance in schools, and one that will help Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview continue successfully into the future. The change comes with the full blessing of the Provincial and Society of Jesus, and all of the schools involved.

If you have any questions at this stage, please contact principal@riverview.nsw.edu.au.

Kind regards,
Dr Paul Hine
Principal

We’re excited to announce that construction of the new Therry Building is now at a stage to accommodate site tours. Tours will run from 4.00–5.00pm each Wednesday throughout Term 4 and is limited to 15 people. Each tour will be facilitated by Capital Works Manager, Bob Marsh, along with other members of the College Leadership team.

Please note:

• Punctuality is crucial, and latecomers will miss out. This is for safety reasons, as each tour is accompanied by a certified operator.
• Personal protective equipment will be provided and must be worn for the duration of the tour, including a hard hat and safety vest. It is advisable to wear clothing that covers exposed limbs, e.g. long sleeves and long trousers/jeans.
• No photos are to be taken on the site, as part of our agreement with the building contractors.
• All tours are subject to any last-minute direction from the builder and the prevailing weather. This is to ensure your safety and avoid any compromise to the building schedule. Any changes to a tour will be advised as soon as they are known.

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE

There have been many responses to the columns of the Rector and Principal in Viewpoint, published 25 August – and also to that of the Rector of Xavier College, independently reflecting on the same issue.

Overwhelmingly, the comments have been affirming and encouraging.  Most of the critical responses were from people who had only read only the media reports and not the original pieces.  They were expressing disappointment and anger that we had encouraged people to vote “yes”, or were supportive of Sacramental same-sex marriage, or were unconcerned about protecting certain religious freedoms should the definition of marriage change.

A careful reading of the articles would make it clear that this was not so.

The comments by the Fr Ross and Dr Hine were an encouragement for people in the Riverview community to discern more deeply how they will respond to the proposed survey.  In forming a response to this issue, a properly formed and informed conscience would take into account both the teachings of the Church about the sacrament of marriage, as well as the teachings of the Church about human dignity, which of course includes LGBTI people.  A discerned response to these issues means holding all of these values together.

The long history of the College has been about preparing our students to participate fully in life – encouraging them to be informed by their faith tradition and the culture in which it is expressed.  We want to produce discerning Christians, who can embody the values of Christ in respectful debate and at the same time to be cognisant of the diversity of the community of which they, as thinking Catholics, are a part.

Encouraging all to reflect deeply on the issue of same-sex marriage before casting a vote underscores that approach.

Our engagement with students and their parents on important ethical or social issues such as this is an essential element of our approach to actively form Christian leaders of the future.

The school holidays saw a number of changes to the new Therry building. Concrete has been poured on all levels and the foundations are now finalised.

During Term 2, work will proceed on the framework for the new node areas. We look forward to keeping you updated with these exciting developments.

The Ignis Project Time Lapse from Saint Ignatius’.

Effective 4.4.17 the Matilda Ferries School ferry timetable will slightly change with the addition of a stop at Balmain East in both the morning and afternoon runs.

This is due to advice from Transport NSW that between Monday 24 April – Friday 5 May Birchgrove wharf will be closed for upgrade. This means that students will not be able to access Birchgrove wharf at the start of Term 2.  

The timetable can be viewed below

For further information please contact Captain Cook Cruises on (02) 9206 1111.

.

On the 15th February 2017, Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, celebrated a milestone by turning the soil and blessing the ground upon which the new Therry Building will be constructed.

To mark the occasion Rector Fr Ross Jones SJ, and Senior Chaplain Fr Jack McLain SJ, led a small group of staff, students, alumni, volunteers and benefactors in a ceremony acknowledging the history of the land and ushering in a new and exciting chapter for Riverview.

College Vice Captain (Day Boys), Benjamin Sullivan, led the Prayers of the Faithful, while Vice Captain (Boarding), Andrew Du Pont, ‘broke ground’ using a pick-axe that we believe dates back to 1883 from the original Gartlan Senior Boat Shed.

A time capsule containing letters from students and College mementos, was presented by Regis students Luke Bannerman (5.2) and Julian Reynolds (5.4) to Capital Works Manager, Bob Marsh. This was sealed and passed on to Tim Perrignon (OR76), from the QUASAR Group, to be buried in the foundation of the new Therry Building. We hope it will serve as a valuable history cache for future generations at the College.

With demolition concluding, preparation for the piers, footings and new foundation will commence. A number of initiatives are being introduced to reduce inevitable noise, including:

        –    Core holing dowels into the existing slab;
        –    Using a hydraulic pulveriser to remove the remaining concrete; and
        –    Installing additional insulation along the science labs

In consultation with our contractors, north facing windows in the Vaughn Building will be closed at certain times to minimise dust from the construction site, and re-opened when appropriate to provide ventilation. Additional fans have been procured to ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for our students and teachers.

If you have any questions regarding the Ignis Project please email advancement@riverview.nsw.edu.au.

lte, Inflammate Omnia
~ Go, Set The World On Fire ~

Year 12, 2016 achieved the highest HSC scores ever recorded in Riverview’s History! We are very proud to note that improvements right across the full range of students was evidenced in last year’s results. Read more…

2016 HSC Academic Results

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Mark Rothery

The Riverview Community congratulates Mark Rothery of Year 12 who is being presented to the NSW Education Minister this morning for his achievement of first place in the NSW HSC for Classical Greek Extension. Congratulations also to Mark’s teachers Mr Nathan Leber and Ms Louella Perrett. 

Louis Stenmark

We also congratulate Louis Stenmark (OR2016) on his acceptance into Stanford University in San Francisco. This placement is mostly the result of his athletic achievements but is also supported by Louis’ academic excellence. 

We look forward to the release of HSC results tomorrow morning.

Following an extensive period of consultation and planning, it is with great enthusiasm and excitement that Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview can unveil the design of the new Therry Building.

The design facilitates learning while supporting pastoral care of our students and celebrating our Ignatian foundations. Containing new, porous spaces that blend natural light and flexible working areas for both students and teachers, the new Therry Building will offer the best facilities for the agile, interactive and collaborative learning environment of today and tomorrow.

Teaching capacity will increase from 14 to 24 learning areas, accommodating multiple formal and informal learning settings allowing for combined classes. All of this consistent with modern 21^st century teaching approaches.

Six house areas ensure complementarity between teaching and pastoral care. Facilities for support, counseling, learning and socialising, provide a place to call home for every boy. And, in the Ignatian tradition of education it will facilitate and encourage reflection and action as part of the learning process.

Graphic and striking in form, the design follows an energy efficiency hierarchy, harnessing renewable energy and passive building systems to provide a comfortable and healthy learning environment.

We look forward to working with our building partner, the QUASAR Group, to deliver an exceptional learning and teaching environment for our students, staff and extended College community.

During their 20 years of commercial works, QUASAR has become proficient in delivering educational projects both within Sydney and across regional NSW; a portfolio that encompasses heritage, traditional, and contemporary educational projects.

Operational in 2018, the new Therry building marks the beginning of the Ignis Project, an exciting new era at Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview.

Wishing you joy and happiness over the holiday season.

Merry Christmas,
Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview

Dear Members of the College Community,

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has today announced a public hearing to be held in Sydney starting October 20 as part of a case study examining child-to-child sexual abuse.

The Royal Commission has advised that Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, is not being investigated for any such matters at the school.

However, the Royal Commission has indicated it will examine:

•                     The response of St Ignatius’ College Riverview to a student who is alleged to have been sexually abused at another school; and,

•                     The systems, policies, procedures and practices for responding to allegations of problematic or harmful sexual behaviours of children within educational institutions promoted and implemented by St Ignatius’ College, Riverview and a number of other institutions.

The College fully supports the important work of the Royal Commission and its vital role in ensuring the protection, safety and well-being of all children.

The College has and will continue to cooperate fully with the Royal Commission.

Kind regards, 

Dr Paul Hine

Principal

A Service of Acknowledgment and Dedication

In the Year of Mercy, the College and the Society of Jesus seek mercy from those who have been adversely affected by trauma and distress through the actions of those who have violated the trust in their profession, their vocation and their community.

We have given practical effect to this commitment by undertaking an initiative that recognises and acknowledges the dark chapters of abuse that tragically occurred here at Riverview.

Yesterday afternoon a solemn service was held in the school grounds to commemorate the survivors and to offer them directly a formal and public apology. It was attended by survivors of abuse and various members of the school community. At the request of survivors attending, the service was privately conducted.

Part of the service was devoted towards the dedication of a landscaped section of the Rose Garden, where a plaque has been installed as a permanent and salient reminder of this very dark chapter in the school’s history. In this area an Oak ­­­­­tree has been planted as a symbol of healing, strength and endurance. In addition, an artwork is being commissioned to signify the regret of the past and the hope for the future.

As a community we need to work assiduously to ensure that Riverview is a place where all will experience safety and protection.

We encourage all in our school community to visit the dedicated area, to view the plaque and tree and to reflect upon the great suffering endured by the survivors of abuse as well as paying tribute to their resilience and courage.

Statement of Apology

Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview acknowledges that some students have suffered harm and abuse during their time at the school.

For that, the Society of Jesus, the College Council, the College Executive and Riverview College Community express a profound statement of regret and offers a sincere apology to the students and their families. Saint Ignatius’ College commits to creating a place where all feel welcomed and are safe for present and future generations.

May those who have experienced pain and suffering in the past find healing and peace.

Former St Ignatius’ College Riverview student Daniel Coulthurst from Wagga Wagga has been recognised with a national scholarship that will assist him to complete his Bachelor of Agribusiness degree at Marcus Oldham College at Geelong.

Read more here

On Friday 5 February the Laureate Assembly, one of the premier events of the year, was celebrated with the College community to honour the 2015 graduating class who secured Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) scores into the 90s. The sheer breadth and depth of achievement was something to behold, with 77 boys recognised for their outstanding results. 

Congratulations to our 2015 Laureates

• 304 individual Band 6/E4 results (an increase of 4.2% by student ratio over 2014)
• 86% of all courses above state average (up from 74% in 2014)
• 80 students achieved ATARs above 90 – 37% of all eligible students compared with 32% of eligible students in 2014
• 11 students achieved ATARs above 99 compared with 7 students in 2014
• 114 students achieved a Band 6 or E4 in at least one course.

• Dux of the College, Xavier Eales, achieved an ATAR of 99.85. In 2014 the Dux scored 99.65
• Proximes of the College, William Cronin and Samuel Smith, achieved ATARs of 99.80
• Xavier Eales, College Captain, achieved first in NSW in Chinese Continuers and 2nd place in Chinese Extension
• Benjamin Gavazzi achieved third place in Studies of Religion 1 unit
• Daniel Reede achieved fourth place in Chinese Extension
• Darcy Baron-Hay achieved tenth place in Business Studies
• 16 students achieved ‘All Rounders’ awards (Band 6 or E4 for 10 or more units of study) compared with 10 in 2014.

Welcome to Riverview’s website! We hope that you enjoy the experience and we welcome your feedback. Visit this form to leave us a note with any comments, queries, or questions.

Introducing Strategic Directions 2015–2020

The launch of the new website coincides with the launch of our strategic plan, Strategic Directions 2015–2020, which builds on the Preferred Futures document and is designed to equip the students of Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview with the skills, attitudes, dispositions and capacities to become life-long learners. Students will take their place in and contribute meaningfully to their local and global communities.

Read more about Strategic Directions 2015–2020

Please click here for an important message from the Principal.