It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition in Sydney, New South Wales. Riverview is a boys school for students in Years 5 to 12. Situated on the leafy north shore of Sydney, the College has delivered quality education to both local and boarding students since 1880.

The Society of Jesus was founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola and canonically approved as an order by Pope Paul III in 1540. The first school opened by the Society was in Messina in Sicily in 1548, which was followed by a rapid growth of schools throughout Europe and then across the world. Now established in over 80 countries, the Jesuits educate approximately 2.5 million students throughout the world. Jesuits first came to Sydney in 1878 to establish schools on the North Shore of the city.

An Irish Jesuit, Fr Joseph Dalton SJ, founded Saint Ignatius’ Riverview and gave birth to a school that has become one of the most prominent in New South Wales and throughout the nation. Contemporary Ignatian educators share and continue Saint Ignatius’ dream of transforming the lives of young people, particularly those who suffer marginalisation and adversity, by offering them a holistic education that strives for excellence in all things. In traditional Jesuit terminology, cura personalis aims to provide care and support for each student as a unique and gifted young person. The ideal for Ignatian graduates is that they become men of ‘competence, conscience, compassion and commitment’ who aim to serve others to benefit the common good. Should you decide that Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is the school best suited to nurture your son in a caring Christian environment, I welcome you and look forward to the possibility of a long and fruitful association.

Saint Ignatius Loyola never intended to establish a school system. But his best friend, St Francis Xavier, discovered the possibilities of education half a world away in India in the 1540s. By the time Ignatius died, a decade or so later, there were 1,000 Jesuits, most of them involved in 35 colleges. Why? Because schools were privileged ways to build God’s Kingdom. Ignatius believed in “going through the other person’s door to lead them out your own”, and schools were the perfect medium for such a strategy. Here God can be discovered in the classroom as well as the Chapel, on the oval as well as on retreat, in the novel as well as the bible, yes, in sacred icons, but also in the faces of our brothers and sisters, especially those most marginalised and voiceless.

Anyone will find Saint Ignatius’ College a very blessed and well-resourced community. But I recently heard a father tell his son here that “Riverview is not a school of privilege, it is a school of obligation”. He had caught the charism well. Not a cosy cocoon but, rather, something of a refiner’s fire to shape character and consciences, to burn away the dross that would impede the full flourishing of Gospel values.   Yes, our students, by and large, are graced in background and opportunity. But, as Jesus once reminded us, “from those who have been given much, much more is to be expected.”

Jesuit schools embrace excellence – excellence in all that we do, whether in head, heart or hands. But our schools are always a means to an end. The measure is not just GPS premierships, not NAPLAN results, not even HSC ATARS. Each have their place. An important place. But never the only place. The mission today of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits in all their ministries – including schools – is “the service of faith, of which the promotion of justice is an absolute requirement”. An absolute requirement. Faith and Justice. That is our mission. A mission that takes us beyond our school gates, beyond this narrow peninsula.

We send our boys out to build a Kingdom.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a holistic Catholic education for boys that inspires them to a life-long development of their faith. Informed by the spirit of Saint Ignatius’ of Loyola and grounded in Gospel values of justice, service, discernment, conscience and compassion, the College aims to produce young men who are cognisant of and responsive to global citizenship in a rapidly changing world.

Our Motto

Quantum Potes Tantum Aude
As much as you can do, so much dare to do

The motto may be translated to ‘dare to do, as much as you can’ or to ‘strive your hardest’. It takes up themes central to Jesuit teaching and stresses the traditions of Riverview and the qualities expected of every student who passes through its doors.

Values

Justice

Seen through how we achieve equity for individuals less fortunate than ourselves and for those who cannot speak for themselves

Service

Seen through our commitment to selflessly work towards a better world for all

Discernment

Seen through how we move by reflection from the knowledge of facts to faith-filled understanding

Conscience

Seen through how we remain steadfast to our truth, based on that discernment

Courage

Seen through our commitment to dare to act in faith

Strategic Directions 2015–2020

Inspired by the Past, Embracing the Future

Strategic Directions 2015–2020 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

Since its foundation in 1880, Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview has been under the care of the Society of Jesus.

While the founder of the school in the real sense was Father Joseph Dalton SJ, the school does have two other founders: Archbishop Roger Bede Vaughan, who invited the Jesuits to Sydney on condition that they found a boys’ boarding school, and Father JJ Therry, who, on his death in 1864, left the greater part of his property to the Society of Jesus. 

After Archbishop Vaughan asked the Jesuits to open a day school in Sydney (St Kilda House, later to become St Aloysius’ College) and a boarding college on the North Shore, Father Joseph Dalton purchased the Riverview Estate on behalf of the Society of Jesus on 28 June 1878. Eighteen months later Father Dalton was appointed foundation Rector of Saint Ignatius’ College.

An advertisement was placed in the Catholic newspaper, The Express, stating that boys aged between eight and 12 would be received at Riverview ‘as soon as possible after the Christmas holidays’. Classes commenced in the cottage in February 1880.

The cottage soon became very cramped as more boys arrived and in order to provide better accommodation, St Michael’s House was built. The building was designed by William Wardell and opened on the feast of Saint Michael, 29 September 1880. Further building took place at the College in 1882 with the construction of a wooden boatshed, and in 1883 the infirmary was built.

In its early years, the College offered ‘Classical and Modern Languages, History, Mathematics, the Natural Sciences and all other branches required for the Civil Service, the Junior, Senior and Matriculation Examinations.’ It was advertised that the curriculum included a modern side: mercantile subjects.

By December 1882, with an enrolment of only 70 students, the College extended the curriculum to include English Composition, Writing, Music, Singing, Drawing, Painting, Irish History and Oral Latin.

The main building of the College was constructed in three stages between 1885–1930 and the foundation stone was laid by Cardinal Moran Archbishop of Sydney on 15 December 1885. As originally designed by the architectural firm of Gilbert, Dennihey and Tappin, of Ballarat, the building was to be a huge square, representing four identical fronts, but only the South front was completed according to plan.

Although the first dayboys were not officially admitted until 1923, there was a small group of pupils who were permitted to attend the College as dayboys. In fact, up until the 1960s, dayboys remained relatively small in number and Riverview was mainly for boarders.

The Crest

Riverview was slow to express its meaning in symbols. The College began in 1880 without a motto, badge or uniform. It took 25 years before any of those began to appear. In 1906 Father Thomas Gartlan, Headmaster, decided that the school should have a badge and a motto.

The Loyola and Onaz Families

The badge is made up of two coats of arms, representing two sides of the family of St Ignatius. The Loyola family was a prosperous and powerful family who owned a property by the Urola River. Another family, named Onaz, owned a farm about a mile from Loyola. These two families intermarried, sometime during the 13th century, and when the Onaz branch died out the Loyolas inherited their name and property—thus uniting the coats of arms.

The Wolves and the Pot

The coat of arms of the Loyola family was two grey wolves with a kettle between them. The Spanish word for wolf is lobo and olla is pot; so a wolf and a pot is lobo-y-olla, which is contracted into Loyola. The coat of arms was taken to refer to the generosity of the Loyola family which, in feudal times kept bands of followers in case of war. It is said that the family was so generous to their followers that even the wolves had something to feast on after the soldiers had eaten.

The Seven Bars

Seven diagonal bands, on a field of gold represent the coat of arms of the Onaz family. It is said that the King of Spain granted these bars in recognition of the bravery of seven Onaz brothers who distinguished themselves in battle. This part of the badge therefore reminds us of the courage and bravery of the family of Ignatius. Many Jesuit Colleges have chosen the combined badge, but it is particularly relevant to Riverview, which is dedicated by name, and under the patronage of St Ignatius himself. It calls on all that wear it to show similar generosity and courage in all they do.

The School Motto: Quantum Potes, Tantum Aude

It is the motto underneath the badge that distinguishes one Jesuit College from another. Quantum potes, tantum aude is taken from the 13th century Eucharistic hymn, Lauda Sion Salvatorem, composed by Thomas Aquinas. The motto may be translated to ‘as much as you can do, so much dare to do’. It takes up themes central to Jesuit teaching and stresses the traditions of Riverview and the qualities expected of every student who passes through its doors.

The Uniform

Father John Meagher SJ introduced the uniform in 1937. Prior to that time boys had a ‘best suit’ and play clothes. In the 1890s the wearing of a straw boater with a plain black hatband was optional.

With the adoption of the College arms in 1906 the hatband was decorated with a metal badge. Later, an embroidered badge was worked into the hatband. During the 1920s ten-gallon hats replaced the straw boater, the hatband simply being transferred to them.

In 1932, as the move towards uniform clothing gathered pace, rules for the wearing of special blazers, sweaters and caps were formulated. It was finally announced that wearing the school uniform would be compulsory from the beginning of 1937 and it was declared that jackets had to be worn in class with collar and tie neatly arranged. The straw boater remained regulation headgear until the 1970s.

In 2003, the blue blazer was introduced for all students as the grey blazer was gradually discontinued. This was the first major change to the school uniform since its introduction in 1937.

The establishment of Riverview Archives dates from 1974 when the then Headmaster, Rev Peter Quinn SJ saw the need to bring together the historical documents and papers recording the life of the College, which were scattered throughout various offices.

Riverview Archives supports the mission statement of the College by providing a place of perpetuity for those records, memorabilia and museum objects which, serve as the memory bank for the College’s staff, students, and the wider Riverview community, past and present.   Riverview Archives also aims to promote and share the rich heritage of the College and the Jesuit tradition with the students, the wider Riverview community and the general public.  Knowledge of our past helps us to understand the present and gives us direction for the future.

Function

• To arrange, describe and safely store the archival records & artefacts generated by the College.
• To make certain records available for use by staff, and undertake research on behalf of the Riverview community and bone fide researchers.
• To display archival material and museum artefacts of interest to the Riverview community and other interested parties.

Holdings

The Archives are the non-current records of the College (in-house material), as well as records of individuals associated with the College, which have been selected for permanent retention.

The archival records held in Riverview Archives include the following:

• Administrative records of Saint Ignatius’ College, Dalton Memorial Chapel and the Jesuit Community of Riverview, 1878 to the present [with legal documents dating from 1793].  These records make up the official records of the College.
• Photographs documenting buildings, students, staff, College activities, College grounds and the Lane Cove River.
• Private record groups consisting of private papers generated by members of the Riverview community.  These private papers provide a balance to the official records of the College by helping to document the ‘human interest’ often missing from the official records.

Appointments and Enquiries

Riverview Archives is open by appointment only Monday to Friday during term time.  The Archivist can be contacted at archives@riverview.nsw.edu.au.

Riverview College Council

Governance of the College is delegated to the College Council by the Provincial and Trustees of the Society of Jesus in Australia. The Council is an incorporated body and conducts its affairs pursuant to the Constitution of Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, Lane Cove, New South Wales. Councillors are appointed by the Provincial and its members comprise no fewer than four Jesuits, including ex Officio the Provincial Assistant for Education and ex Officio the Superior of the Jesuit Community.

The above model is similar to what has been implemented in all Jesuit schools in Australia. The inaugural Riverview Council was held in 1993.

College Council governs in accordance with the philosophy and goals of Jesuit education. Its task, in collaboration with the Rector, is to formulate policy which ensures the College’s educational and financial well being.

College Councillors

• Mr John Wilcox (OR75) (Chair)
• Fr Ross Jones SJ
• Dr Paul Hine
• Dr Elisabeth Murphy
• Mrs Jennie Hickey
• Fr Jack McLain SJ
• Mr Tim Morse (OR83)
• Mr Greg Mackay
• Mr Harvey Gaynor
• Fr Peter L’Estrange SJ
• Mr Richard Pegum
• Ms Miriam Stiel

Our Sustainability Vision

To educate our community and encourage active participants in moving society towards sustaining God’s creation. 

The College’s Sustainability vision for the Ignis Project is to create a community of learning and leadership in which people enjoy happy, healthy lives within their fair share of the earth’s resources, leaving space for wildlife and wilderness, and celebrating the Divine provenance of Riverview.

Sustainability Policy

This policy has been developed for the College and its community to become responsible environmental citizens. Riverview is committed to the responsible management of our resources; energy, water, waste and biodiversity. All members of the Riverview community should learn to appreciate and take responsibility for the management of our resources. Our decisions make an impact, our purchases, how we travel to school. Through this policy, the College aims to:

• Foster our community to appreciate the gift of creation and their responsibility for its future
• Develop in our community the knowledge, skills, values and commitment to move towards sustaining God’s creation
• Inspire leadership within our community to move our society towards sustainability

Energy

We expect the Riverview community to switch it off and turn it down. 
The target is for energy use to trend down each year.

Water

We expect the Riverview community to minimise use. 
The target for water resource management is to not waste water.

Waste

We expect the Riverview community to reduce, reuse, recycle. 
Organic waste is collected and mulched in our PulpMaster system, recycling occurs for paper and co-mingled.

Biodiversity

We expect the Riverview community to tread gently. 
Riverview is blessed with natural and built assets, which need to be protected.

Environment Committee

The Environment Committee comprises inspired members from across our community, including staff, students and parents, and is chaired by Greg Conlon, Director of Operations. Meetings occur monthly during term time. The Committee reports to the College Council and is responsible for the following initiatives: riverview-walk, Low Waste Wednesdays, Solar panels installed on the Gartlan roof, Riverview Carbon Offset program, Environment Clubs (Regis and Senior), Earth Hour Breakfast  (Cool Australia 2014 review), Sustainable Living Festival, Catchment Day, Lenten Carbon Fast, Mobile Muster Electronic Waste recycling with Lane Cove Council.

We value every one of our employees, recognising that it is their knowledge, commitment and service that ensures we succeed in our mission to provide a holistic Catholic education that prepares the boys for a fulfilling life.

By providing care and support for each individual student, our staff play an important role in creating men of competence, conscience, compassion and commitment who aim to serve others to benefit the common good.

We support our staff with best practice policies and programs across all areas, providing access to a comprehensive employee benefits program including:

• Extensive professional learning opportunities for all staff
• Career development programs
• Health and wellbeing programs
• Employee Assistance Program (ACCESS confidential counselling services)
• Parking on-site
• Lunch provided daily during term time for a nominal fee
• Use of sports and health facilities including gymnasium, pool and tennis courts

Current Vacancies

Click the “Current Vacancies” button on the right for a list of our current vacancies.

Select the role you are interested in.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to view a detailed job description and to apply.

Casual Teaching

We are always interested in hearing from exceptional teachers who are looking for casual roles. Please provide:

• Current CV
• Contact details for three referees
• Current NESA Accreditation Number
• Certified copies of university transcripts
• Valid Working with Children Check number
• Availability

Click the “Casual Teaching” button on the right to apply.

Working With Children

We take the safety, protection and well-being of our students very seriously. All of our employees must have a valid Working with Children Check clearance. To apply for, verify or retrieve your WWC number, click here.

Our full Child Protection Policy can be found here.