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 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 Jesuit school was opened 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. The Jesuits arrived in 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 by making a contribution to their community and their world. 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.

Welcome to the Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview community. Whether you’re new to Jesuit education or have a long-standing relationship with the Society of Jesus and its tradition of education, I hope you’ll find something that takes you further along the path of life that leads back to God.

Since 1548, the Society of Jesus has been helping to educate young people in a tradition that celebrates developing the mind, body and spirit of the individual so that they can serve their community and their world. Here at Saint Ignatius’ College, we’re a community that constantly strives to become better today than we were yesterday. Whether as individuals developing skills and talents, or as a community growing in service and Christian charity, we’re a community that values excellence, growth and service.

Saint Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, realised that God has created us – every single one of us – to become a particular person. Each individual is blessed with gifts and limitations that make us completely unique and each with a purpose that only we can fulfil. The mission of Jesuit education is to help equip young people with the tools to discover who they are created to be and the desire to become that person, and in doing so, to give glory to God. But Ignatius also realised that we cannot walk the road to ourselves alone, that we are all pilgrims on the journey, and called to help one another become the person we are meant to be.

Our call is to educate one another to be the people the world needs most. So we journey together, exploring our world, asking questions about how we can live most fully as the person we are called to be, and using all the abilities we’ve been given to become that person in service to our community and the wider world. In doing so, we live out Saint Ignatius’ instruction to “go forth and set the world on fire”.

Ad Majoram Dei Gloriam
To the Greater Glory of God

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

A commitment to equity for individuals less fortunate than ourselves

Service

A commitment to selflessly work towards a better world for all

Discernment

Being moved by reflection from a knowledge of facts to enacting a faith-filled understanding

Conscience

Steadfastly holding to truth, based on that discernment

Courage

A commitment to dare to act with a faith that does justice

Strategic Directions 2020–2025

Inspired by the Past, Embracing the Future

The framework of our Strategic Directions for 2020-2025 is built upon the foundation laid in the preceding version, Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview’s Strategic Directions 2015-2020, as well as recent defining documents released by the Society of Jesus that provide the shape and direction for our collective future.

Read more about Strategic Directions 2020–2025

Masterplan

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview strives to honour its founding vision as a place where each student can realise their highest potential. The wisdom and values of our Jesuit heritage ground the College’s students in a unique identity and remarkable tradition. Our educational mission inspires students to discover their own gifts and encourages them to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

The comprehensive evolution of Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview begins with our teaching and learning environments. We aim to build a multifaceted landscape of learning that taps into each student’s natural sense of curiosity and discovery, where every classroom becomes a hub of collaborative and creative energies that magnifies a deeper, more enduring and applied learning that will help our students to thrive beyond our gates.

The Masterplan is critical to the full realisation of the College’s instructional philosophy, which equips students to contribute to, and improve, a changing world.

Read more about the Masterplan

Ignis

Philanthropy at Riverview

Riverview’s philanthropic identity and culture is an extension of the College’s commitment to service, conscience and compassion.

Significant donor support in partnership with the College will allow us to both continue the Jesuit mission of supporting those who are marginalised in our community, while continuing excellence in teaching and learning through our building program.  Together, we can create the next chapter of the enduring evolution of Riverview, where our boys continue to strive to be men for and with others.

Read more about Ignis

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.

Riverview Archives supports Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview by providing a permanent home for the historical records, photographs, memorabilia, and museum objects which serve as the memory bank for the college. The Archives also aims to promote and share the rich heritage of the College and the Jesuit tradition with our students, the wider Riverview community and the general public.  

Riverview Archives was established in 1974, when the then Rector Headmaster, Peter Quin SJ had the foresight to bring together into one secure area all the college’s archival material which, for nearly a century, had been scattered throughout various offices and storage areas within the College grounds. Not only did this ensure that those items were stored securely but it was understood that professional advice concerning their care was required. As such, since its establishment, the archives has been under the care of a professional archivist.

The collection includes documents, photographs, and museum objects dating back to 1878 when Father Joseph Dalton SJ concluded arrangements to purchase the Riverview peninsula.  The collection also includes personal papers, diaries and memorabilia that have been donated by past students which tell the story of their time at Riverview and in some cases, aspects of their lives after leaving the College.

Riverview Archives welcomes donations of items relevant to the history of the college. Whilst Riverview Archives exists initially to care for the archival records of the College, the Archives welcomes donations of items which have relevance to the history of the College. The Archives collects historical items of individuals connected with the College which illustrate a cross-section of college life. Records are accepted in every format, whether manuscript, printed or machine readable; also photographs, pictures, film and artifacts such as sporting medals and trophies.

If you have an historical research enquiry or an enquiry regarding the donation of historical material, the archivist can be contacted at: archives@riverview.nsw.edu.au.

In October 2017, Fr Brian McCoy SJ, the Provincial of the Society of Jesus in Australia, announced significant changes to the governance of Jesuit owned schools in Australia.

From 2 December 2017, Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview became an incorporated entity with a board that is responsible for the local governance and management of the school. Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview Limited (Ltd) is the legal entity that conducts the College and is the employer of all of the staff at the school.

At the same time as announcing the move to incorporating the Jesuit owned schools, the Provincial announced the establishment of a new incorporated entity called Jesuit Education Australia (JEA). JEA is the member of the entity that operates Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview. In turn, the Society of Jesus in Victoria, which is a legal entity of the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus, is the member of JEA. The Principal reports to the board of the school which in turn reports to the Province through its member, JEA.

The purpose of JEA is to:

• Advance and provide leadership in Catholic education in the Jesuit tradition;

• Ensure, support, and facilitate communication and collaboration between, the Jesuit Colleges, Jesuit Companion Schools and other entities that operate to advance Catholic education in the Jesuit tradition as specified by the Provincial;
• Ensure that each of the Colleges is conducted as a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition of such character as may from time to time be specified by the Province;
• Carry on or assist in the carrying on and promotion of the charitable activities of the Province in connection with education;
• Ensure that the Jesuit Colleges and Jesuit Companion schools give authentic witness to the Ignatian vision and Jesuit mission of education; and
• Do all other things necessary for, or ancillary to, the fulfilment of the purposes listed above.

Under our governing constitution, the Chair, Deputy Chair and directors of the board are appointed by JEA, taking into account nominations from the Chair of the board and/or the Provincial. The boards are non-representative bodies but in making appointments to the board JEA must ensure that there are directors with an appropriate range of skills, experience, and expertise including the ability to understand and competently deal with current and emerging issues in connection with Jesuit education. Before JEA appoints a Chair, Deputy Chair and/or director, it must seek the prior approval of the Provincial. Directors are usually appointed for an initial 3 year term.

Our School Board Members

The current directors of the board are:

Note: The Principal, Rector and JEA representative are not directors of the board.  The JEA Representative is Ms Danielle Cronin – a director of JEA and the Director of Education Policy at Catholic Schools NSW.

The Principal and the Rector are not members of the board but report to the board and attend all board meetings. They have the ability to speak at meetings but not vote on any decisions. No member of staff can become a director of the board. There will be a representative of JEA present at each board meeting. The JEA representative has the ability to speak at board meetings but cannot vote on any decision.

JEA is also the entity that approves the appointment of a Principal, the annual budget, and the College’s strategic plan including its master plan. As with the appointment of directors, JEA must seek the prior approval of the Provincial for each of these matters.

The responsibility for day to day management and administration of the College is delegated to the Principal by the board. While the Principal is the Chief Executive Officer of the College, he shares the day to day leadership of the College with the Rector. The Rector must be a member of the Society of Jesus and is appointed directly by the Provincial. The Rector has the overall responsibility for the preservation and promotion of the Ignatian ethos and Jesuit identity of the College. He also has a special care and responsibility for the faith formation of the College including leadership in the liturgical, spiritual and service life of the College.

The diagram below sets out the structure of incorporation governance:

A significant aspect of this governance change is the ongoing importance of Ignatian formation of the board and the staff of the College and the importance of the principle of subsidiarity, meaning that issues should be dealt with at the level that is most appropriate for their resolution. Consequently, the board is specifically responsible for the following:

• Ensuring the school is conducted as an independent Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition;
• Guiding the College’s strategic direction;
• Participating in ongoing formation, including Ignatian formation;
• Developing the annual budget and the strategic plan of the College to JEA for approval;
• Appointing and/or removing the Principal, subject to the prior approval of JEA;
• Supporting, encouraging and advising the Principal and Rector of the College;
• Assessing and managing the Principal’s performance;
• Ensuring the Rector complies with his responsibilities/obligations and providing regular reports to the Provincial including any concerns they may have regarding the Rector;
• Monitoring the risks faced by the College and ensuring that they are appropriately dealt with, including to provide support to the Principal on the mitigation of risks;
• Ensuring the infrastructure of the College is properly developed and maintained;
• Making recommendations to JEA about future potential directors of the incorporated entity; and
• Ensuring board committees exist that oversee the Audit, Finance and Risk of the College as well as the property and buildings used by the College.

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview acknowledges the Cammeraygal people who are the traditional custodians of the land upon which the College is situated.

The Cammeraygal people lived in harmony with their environment for thousands of years and current and future generations acknowledge and respect this tradition.

Caring for Our Common Home is one of four Jesuit Global Apostolic Preferences. In his letter announcing the preferences in 2019 the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, said the following, “In his encyclical Laudato Si, Pope Francis reminds us that all human beings share responsibility for care of creation, considered by many people “mother earth”.

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview has adopted the Australian Jesuit Province’s Laudato Si’ planning process and incorporated the Jesuit Global Secretariat’s ‘Caring for Our Common Home: An Ignatian Perspective’ document to develop a strategic action plan to engage all community stakeholders to live out our vocation to be protectors of God’s creation.

In developing our action plan, we are conscious that we are called to care for and engage with our common home at a variety of scales: globally, national, locally and personally. Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is home for all those who live, work and are educated within our beautiful property. It is home to a rich diversity of natural and built environments and we share a responsibility to educate and inspire our community to connect, collaborate and work towards a more sustainable future for our common home that is Riverview, while developing a deeper understanding of how our actions, most of which take place in the local context and environment, impact our common home from a regional and global perspective.

The Caring for Our Common Home Five Year Strategic Plan can be found here.