As we come to the end of Term 1, we are in the middle of Holy Week, preparing ourselves as Christians to enter into the three most sacred days of the year, when we commemorate the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper and Jesus’ modelling of servant leadership, we walk with Jesus on the way of the Cross, and then we wait with joy-filled hope with anticipation for Easter Sunday and the celebration of God’s victory over sin and death with the resurrection of Jesus.

On Good Friday we remember the brutal crucifixion of an innocent man from Nazareth called Jesus. Unlike the first Good Friday, our experience is somewhat different to the first disciples and Jesus’ mother Mary, as we know what happens in the days that follow. On Good Friday, we are invited to engage in an activity that many of us find very difficult and painful, and that is to be with the suffering Jesus, to accompany and just be with Jesus in his suffering, in his humiliation, and in his utter despair.

We remember that he was betrayed and disowned by two of his closest friends, Judas and Peter. We acknowledge his scourging and that a crown of thorns was placed on his head. We recall that he fell three times carrying the cross and that he was ultimately nailed to a cross, along with two thieves. Jesus endured a most painful death; he was deserted by all except his mother, Mary, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary of Magdala and the disciple he loved. On Good Friday each of us are invited to stand at the foot of the Cross, being with Jesus as disciples whom he loves. Many of us have had the painful experience of being with a loved one as they die, and we know that this can be a hard and distressing experience. At such a time few words are needed, but rather what is called for is a quiet, reassuring, and loving presence.

As we listen to the reading of the Passion, we will meet the intriguing and complex character of Pilate who asks, “Truth? What is that?” As a Christian Community, we choose to be with the suffering Jesus because we believe and embrace Jesus as the truth; and we ponder the truth that our redemption has come about through Jesus’ act of self-giving love. God’s victory over death and sin is brought about through Jesus’ suffering on the cross and his resurrection that we will celebrate at Easter, proclaiming Jesus as the source of eternal salvation for each and every one of us. I hope you and your families have a joy-filled time at Easter, savouring the precious gift of the salvific love of our God.

As some of you know, I will be away for the first five weeks of Term 2. I am the Procurator or representative from the Australian Jesuits at a meeting in Loyola in Spain called the Congregation of Procurators. This brings together an elected representative from each of the Jesuit provinces around the world. It allows the Superior General to hear points of view that he does not often have the opportunity to hear, contributions from Jesuits, other than the Provincial – the leader of each Province. Following consultations last year, each procurator has prepared a report for the Superior General on the strengths and challenges of each Province, and we will hear from the Superior General a report on the Jesuits globally. As part of the meeting, we will provide advice to the Superior General as to whether he should convene in the coming years a General Congregation of the Jesuits to consider challenges we are facing at this time. You can learn more about the role of Congregation of Procurators here.

While I am away, there will be an Acting Rector – Fr Eka Tanaya SJ who was introduced to the staff and students at our Caring for our Common Home Assembly on Wednesday 8 March. Fr Eka grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia and migrated to Australia as a Year 11 student. He has lived in Australia for over 25 years. He was ordained a priest in November 2020, and Fr Eka has worked at the Jesuit parish and high school in Adelaide. This year, he is living at the Jesuit parish in Richmond, Melbourne while undertaking a Masters in Educational Leadership. Next year, he will move to Auckland to assist in the establishment of a new Jesuit Companion school. I know Fr Eka is looking forward to joining our community. He was very impressed with the welcome our student leaders extended to him.

I return to the College on 29 May. I look forward to catching up with many of you at the first Friday P&F Mass and morning tea on Friday 2nd June and at the Riverview vs Joeys game the next day.

From our Principal

In Retrospect

DR PAUL HINE, PRINCIPAL

What a wonderful term it has been – one unimpeded by the spectre of COVID, adverse weather, bushfires and the other very significant challenges of recent years. There has been so very much on the calendar that, to simply accept it without the deepest sense of gratitude for the many opportunities that have presented, would be negligent and remiss.

At the outset, let us remember that 250 boys walked through the gate on Day 1 in the aftermath of the many preparations – academic and personal – that were undertaken. It is my sincere hope that the preparations were vindicated and that these young men have enjoyed their time at the College and built the foundations of community that will sustain them over the years ahead. Of particular importance are the 56 new boys who have left home to enter residential living as boarders – it is a massive transition at an early age as these young men adapt to a new school and new life in one of the busiest cities in the world. Amid this profile are the 104 boys who began at Regis and 120 boys who entered secondary school – the latter to the demands of an integrated timetable and specialist subject delivery that was required of them from Day 1. For 160 new families, their first term of Riverview will be a point of reflection as they contemplate all that has transpired across a frenetic 10 weeks of activity and growth.

The liturgical life of the College has flourished with eight House masses being conducted, Year 12 Retreats completed, Reflection Days a feature of respective Year levels and service activities in abundance. For the boys in Years 10 and 11, they are progressively moving back into traditional service programs and immersions over the months ahead, with much preparation being entered into well in advance of these significant experiences. Out of the sightline, a number of boys who have experienced an attenuated parish life during the COVID years are preparing for their sacraments of initiation – faith and family milestones that will reap their own considerable returns in the years ahead. I wish to acknowledge and thank the Rector, Fr Tom Renshaw SJ, and the School Chaplain, Fr Joe Dooley SJ, who have facilitated so many school liturgies and animated the Jesuit charism in such a distinctive way. Special wishes are extended to Fr Tom as he attends the Congregation of Procurators in Spain over the coming term and to Fr Eka who will join us as Acting Rector (below with Fr Tom) during that time.

While the weeks and months of the virtual timetable are all but a distant memory, we need to be particularly appreciative for the continuity of that which lies at our heartland – teaching and learning. In the words of John O’Malley SJ, when the Jesuits founded their institute they did it as a ‘learned ministry’. Their aspiration was to ensure that those who entered their schools eschewed mediocrity and appropriated the very best of what was available in order to reach the highest standards of achievement, so that they could be agents of change of the world that they would enter. We do this by virtue of a teaching staff who give so richly and generously of their professional lives to the young men entrusted to their care, but within a pastoral context that will see these boys flourish and grow. As the mid-semester reports are released which attest to the attitude, behaviour and commitment of how the students have responded to their learning, it is important to review progress and to consider the areas of affirmation and growth as Term 2 comes into view.

Amid it all, the diversity and the engagement of the co-curricular program has also found abundant expression. For so many the ‘Blue and White’ was donned for the first time and on each weekend over many years ahead this will become routine to a point of profound anticipation. Integral to the formation of the whole person, endeavours such as sport, art, music, theatre and many other manifestations of human creativity, will be a passion in the lives of these boys, some of whom will go on to become leaders in their fields. This is not benign or passive but a holistic priority of an educational program that promotes a Jesuit desire for human excellence across a range of pursuits and endeavours.

And, what a crescendo for the boys in the Rowing Program, a Gold Medal at the Australian Championships in Perth last weekend – an historical benchmark in achievement and excellence for the young men who have given so much over a demanding but rewarding summer. Congratulations to all!

Tomorrow is Holy Thursday, so named because it begins the salvific preparation for Easter. It is a time when we look inward and look back, on a liturgical season and a term that has promised and delivered so much. This is a time that focusses on a positive anthropology of faith, life and hope, so enshrined in the death and resurrection of Jesus through the turbulence of the passion narrative. In Jesuit parlance, this is a time of both desolation and consolation. It is my genuine hope that amid all that has transpired, there will be a profound sense of appreciation for the opportunities that have presented, and over the Easter period and for the fortnight ahead may there be time for much needed rest for the many who have given generously of their time to the educational mission of St Ignatius’ College Riverview. We are one of over 2,500 Jesuit ministries throughout the world: let us carry our ministry and our tradition forward, in full accord with the requirements of the liturgical season and our faith.

Very best wishes for the break and I look forward to the resumption of Term 2 with such hope and optimism.

From the P&F

P&F Update and the City Country Fathers' Dinner

MR DAVID MCKAY, P&F PRESIDENT 2023

Hi everyone, we made it! Term 1 is now over, and what a whirlwind start we’ve had to 2023. Thank you for your support in attending events, volunteering for shifts on P&F rosters, and building the Riverview community.

This week’s update includes a report on last weekend’s City Country Fathers' Dinner, the Year 12 Mothers’ Weekend in Canberra, and the Year 11 Mothers and Sons informal dinner at the Diddy, plus ticketing details for upcoming P&F events, and a reminder about the First Friday Socials at the Kirribilli Club on Friday 7 April.

Firstly, congratulations to the Riverview rowing community for the 1st VIII’s incredible performances in winning the National Rowing Championships in Perth last weekend. It capped an incredible rowing season. Well done boys!

As we are going to publication, the 2023 Charity Morning Tea is underway at the Boathouse. Photos of this event and a report will be included in the next edition of Viewpoint.

All the best for Easter and the school holidays. Enjoy the break and I look forward to seeing you again in Term 2!

City Country Fathers’ Dinner

In summary, the City Country Fathers' Dinner was a great success on Saturday night. The event ran smoothly from start to finish, and the 350 dads who attended all had a great night.

Whilst we haven't completed the financial report for the dinner, the silent auction of donated wine items raised just under $20K, which is an excellent result considering the wine auction was a very minor aspect of the night and the main focus was for Riverview Dads to connect and reconnect.

A highlight during the evening was watching the Riverview 1st VIII win their semi-final on the big screen in Ramsay Hall. That was classic, and a great way to watch the race.

Thank you for everyone's combined efforts in making the inaugural City Country Fathers' Dinner so successful.

It was a massive team effort in planning, organising and promoting the Dinner, and the success of the night is testament to the great teamwork demonstrated by all involved.

A special thank you to the P&F Committee Members and their families who set up Ramsay Hall on Saturday morning, and to the dads on the P&F Exec Committee for being on the planning committee.

A massive thank you to Ginny Timmins for being the driving force behind the Dads' Dinner Organising Committee, and to my wife, Jacqui McKay, for her combined efforts with Ginny in planning the logistics for the evening, and managing the design and printing of the stubby holders (donated by Mazing Merch), table numbers, menus, etc, plus a million other things in the lead up to the Dinner. Ginny and Jacqui formed a real dynamic duo.

Thank you to Nick Butler, father of Henry (Year 11), for managing the wine auction aspects of the night. We had 39 silent auction lots and one live auction lot. Whilst the numbers are still being finalised, the 40 auction items raised in total close to $20K for the Bursary Program.

In a show of great versatility Nick was busy on the day of the Dinner judging wines and olive oil (yes, olive oil!) at the Royal Easter Show prior to managing the wine auction at the that evening.

Thank you to the sponsors who donated items for consumption or for auction. These included Pokolbin Estate Vineyard, Hawkes Brewing Company, Bird and Barrell, Mazing Merch, endeavour group and Windowrie Estate.

Thank you to the three Year 12 Riverview Dads, namely Will Gooden, James Hayes and Mike Long, who spoke about their experiences as Riverview parents, and to our panel moderator, Russell Barwick, another Riverview dad, for his expertise in managing the discussion.

Thank you to Tony Nolan, who kindly volunteered to attend and assist with greeting attendees and helping with the distribution of name tags. This helped tremendously with getting the night off to a good start.

Thank you to the College for allowing the P&F to host the dinner in Ramsay Hall. From the outset, we didn't know how many people would be interested in attending a Fathers' Dinner. The use of Ramsay Hall was important because it allowed us to run this as a test event, without needing to commit to large deposits and minimum spends associated with offsite venues.

Thank you to Tori Watts and Christine Zimbulis of the Advancement Team who were responsible for the planning and smooth running of the night. Everything ran to plan - well done Tori! And thank you to Abu Hassan in the print room for his exceptional printing efforts.

Thank you to Mark White and the facilities team for setting up the tables and chairs for the Dinner on Friday, and to the army of P&F volunteers for setting up the room on Saturday morning.

And thank you to the Year Group Coordinators and Boarder Parent Representatives for promoting the Dinner to the Riverview Fathers in their respective Year Groups. There was genuine enthusiasm at the Dinner for the event to be repeated in 2024 - which is great to hear, and a good measure of the success of the Dinner.

And finally, thank you to Ginny Timmins, Jacqui McKay, Nick Butler and Liz Thorp for returning to Ramsay Hall on Sunday morning for the final pack up and clearing of wine and decorations.

In closing, if I have missed anyone in my thank yous, please accept my apologies, and my thanks!

Overall, thank you for everyone’s efforts in making it such a great night.

Some photos are shown in the gallery below.

City Country Mothers’ Luncheon

As you are probably aware, we have had an absolutely overwhelming response to the City Country Mothers’ Luncheon this year, which is just fantastic.

As mentioned in last week’s email and Viewpoint update, the organising committee is working with the venue to accommodate as many people on the waitlist. It is a work in progress, and we are becoming expert users in Humanitix in the process!

For those not on the waitlist as yet, please register your name as we hope to be able to offer you a ticket as they become available as per the usual waitlist process HERE .

We understand this is slightly different to what has happened in the past and are looking at ways to ensure it is easier in the coming years, but we hope you understand that within the new framework we are working in we have reached this decision after a lot of discussion and consideration of everybody’s concerns, and we hope to still see everyone at what is going to be a fabulous event for our special community of Riverview mothers.

Upcoming P&F Events

There are a number of events planned for Term 2. See below for ticketing details:

First Friday Socials at the Kirribilli Club on Friday 7 April (6:30pm)
Year Six Parents Welcome event 2023 on Friday 28 April
First Friday Mass and Morning Tea on Friday 6 May (8:10am).
City Country Mothers Luncheon on Friday 12 May
Year 11 Welcome Drinks on Saturday 13 May
Year 9 Mums Weekend in Wagga Wagga on 19 to 21 May
Year 10 Dads golf and Pub Night - Friday 26 May
Year 10 Mother & Son Harbour Extreme - Sunday 28 May
P&F Dinner Dance on Saturday 22 July
Riverview Community Sports Lunch on Friday 25 August

The calendar of College events can be found on InsideView HERE .

Some additional information about the First Friday Socials is shown below.

First Friday Socials and Single Parent Support

The next First Friday Socials is on Friday 7 April at the Kirribilli Club.

First Friday Socials and Single Parent Support relates to a P&F initiative which started over 10 years ago, and has been organised ever since by Rosie Traill, a former Riverview parent. For over 10 years, parents, past parents, old boys, teachers and friends, including parents from other schools, both unmarried and married, have been coming along. Just by showing up or reaching out to someone who may be experiencing hardship, Friday Socials has been providing a night out for those who really need some social connections amongst friends both new and old.

First Friday Socials are held each month from 6:30pm at the Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Cres, Lavender Bay overlooking Sydney Harbour. The location is stunning and it is easy to find us in the U Bar on level 1 next to the Restaurant.

Upcoming dates in 2023: 7 April (yes, Good Friday!), 5 May, 2 June, 7 July, 4 August, 1 September, 6 October, 3 November and 1 December.

All parents and friends wishing to attend are welcome. FIND OUT MORE HERE .

Further information about the P&F

Further information about the P&F, including the names of P&F Committee for 2023 and the Year Group Coordinators and Boarder Parent Association representatives for 2023 can be found on the P&F page within InsideView HERE .

As always, if you have any suggestions or ideas that you would like to share with the P&F, or if you need to contact me during the year, my email address is PandFPresident@riverview.nsw.edu.au

Have a great Easter break! See you in Term 2.

Year 12 Mums Head to Canberra

MRS HERA MCCAFFERY AND MRS JACQUI HAYES

This past weekend 135 Year 12 mums travelled to Canberra for our last weekend away together.

The weekend started on Friday with some real Riverview country hospitality. We stopped at the Whittaker's home in Goulburn to enjoy tea and sandwiches and some of Karen’s famous slice in her beautiful garden, then on to Canberra for a casual evening get together and a chance to catch up with old friends and to make some new ones. Many of us had hardly seen each other during the COVID years so it was a real celebration. There was also time to fit in gallery tours, a walk around the lake and even a little shopping.

Saturday lunchtime we gathered on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and with our feet planted on Ngunnawal land we were welcomed to country by Aunty Violet Sheridan and her grandson Noah Allen who graduated from Riverview in 2020 and generously welcomed us in his grandparents’ Ngunnawal language. We started lunch with a prayer written for us by Fr Tom Renshaw and read by Marilyn Wong (mother of College Captain Seb). Then during the meal we heard reflections from Jane Dummer and Jacqui Hayes who spoke movingly about the power of our wonderful community. There were a lot of laughs, quite a few tears, and later in the day some dancing.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise the weekend, especially our beautiful boarder mums Sarah Barnes and Karen Whittaker, and our Sydney team Lynette Ryan, Kylie Long and Jenn Chen.

We’re looking forward to our next event. It is both a privilege and a joy to be part of this very special year group.

Year 11 Mothers and Sons Gather at the Diddy

MRS KATRINA YEO

A lovely, relaxed dinner was held on Saturday night at the “Diddy” for Year 11 mothers and sons while the fathers enjoyed dinner at Ramsay Hall.

New friendships were formed and old ones rekindled as the mums enjoyed a chat and the boys kicked the footy around. We look forward to more Year 11 events bringing us together as a year group as we move through 2023.

Watch this space!

Student Leadership

Message from Liam Rees, Ricci House Captain

LIAM REES, RICCI HOUSE CAPTAIN

The end of the term is tinged with both nostalgic joy and sadness. For some it marks the end of their first term at the College, however, for us Year 12s it marks the halfway point for our final year here. It feels like only yesterday that we were walking into the school for the first time back in 2016 and 2018 respectively, but these feelings of regret and sadness are put to rest by the amazing achievements and infectious energy surrounding the College at the moment.

Frankly it’s hard to believe that we’ve managed to top our sporting achievement from last week, however, the rowers, never ceasing to amaze, have brought home the Australian Schoolboys VIII Championship for the first time in the College’s history. A special shoutout to the Captain of Boats James O’Meara (Smith House Captain) who has managed to lead, through his true passion for the sport and the boys, not only the 1st VIII, but the sheds to their most successful year in recent memory, a true testament to what is possible when we work together ‘Banded in Spirit’. Additionally, Vice Captain of Boats Jack Power (Southwell House) managed to bring home the U19 Australian Sculls Championship, further contributing to the success of the rowing program and more importantly the College.

This week has been a quiet one for the school, with us Year 12s enjoying a well needed break from the pressures of Half-Yearly Exams, exploring our faith and brotherhood with our community on a wide range of retreats across Sydney and abroad.

Term 2 promises to be bigger and better for the College with Campion currently leading the Inter-House Cup, but with increasingly intellectual pursuits such as inter-House Chess, it is bound to be competitive.

That’s it for this week so on behalf of all the student leaders, we are very excited for the term to come. Stay safe over the break.

Ignatian Centre

Balmoral Swim for Cancer

MRS KIM PRODINGER AND MRS MEG MORRISON

Thank you to the 120+ Riverview students who took part in the annual Balmoral Swim for Cancer last Sunday morning under challenging conditions. Torrential rain, strong winds and rough waters did not deter our young men!

The swimmers were very gracious and patient, especially the younger swimmers, for many of whom this was their first experience at an ocean swim. The sense of mateship between all Riverview swimmers was clearly evident.

Congratulations to our Senior Teams 1 [pictured above] & 2 who placed 1st and 2nd, and to our Intermediate Team 2 [pictured right] who placed 1st. A huge congratulations to Charlie Christie who won overall fastest on the day in the schools’ division. Riverview also won the Schools Trophy Shield for Overall Points and Fastest Team in Senior and Intermediate categories.

However, our greatest achievement on Sunday was your support of the Children’s Cancer Institute for which we raised over $9400 . If you have not yet donated, it's not too late - please donate via the Riverview team link and show your support.

Thank you to the parents who supported their sons on a very wet morning, and to those who stepped in and helped write numbers on arms and distribute caps. Gratitude also to the staff who supported in the pouring rain and past-parent Cathy from the Balmoral Swim Club.

We look forward to seeing you all at the swim next year.

Caring for Our Common Home this Easter

MRS SHARON MCLEAN, SUSTAINABILITY CO-ORDINATOR

As Easter approaches, we look forward to the great celebration of God’s unending gift of life and love in the risen Christ we look to celebrating this event with family and friends. While we celebrate, we can also engage in some thoughtful sustainable practices for this special season such as:

Buying produce from sustainable sources like Cana Farm, a community social enterprise where fresh produce, hampers, candles and other pantry products can be purchased. Cana Farm also provides transitional employment for those who are making change in their lives and require a pathway to employment.
Purchasing Fair Trade chocolate , which means that the chocolate has been produced using sustainable and ethical practices that put people and planet first. Purchasing Fair Trade Chocolate assists in providing producers with a fair and stable price for their produce, improved working conditions and investment in local economies.
Reusing egg baskets
Collecting Easter egg foil into a ball and recycling in your yellow bin
Avoiding disposable plates and cups
Recycling cans and bottles through Return and Earn using the bar code below so the funds can go to our immersion partners

Wishing you a very Happy Easter!

Regis Campus

Congratulations Regis Athletes

MRS CAITLIN REMEEUS, DIRECTOR OF REGIS

Well done to our Regis athletes who gave their best at the recent NSCCIS AFL Trials and the IPSHA Cross Country.

NSWCIS AFL

Congratulations to Charlie and Hamish in Year 6 who attend the NSWCIS AFL Selection trials at Frenchs Forest this week and who have been selected in the NSWCIS AFL to play at the State Championships in Term 2 at Batemans Bay. Well done to Jake who also attended and trialed very well.

IPSHA Cross Country Team

On Saturday 1st April at the Kings’ School the Regis Campus Cross team attend the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival to try to gain selection in the IPSHA Team to attend the NSWCIS Carnival next term. The team had several training runs at school and had prepared well for the event.

The carnival was held on a beautiful sunny morning with all our students running extremely well. A big congratulations to Oliver Trowell in Year 6 (pictured right) who gained selection to attend the NSWCIS Cross Country in Term 2.

Thank you to all our runners for your efforts and great spirit and also thank you to their parents for transporting them to Kings on the day.

Co-Curriculum

Australian Rowing Championships, Perth

MR JIM BUSTEED

Following the success at the Head of the River, the 1st VIII of Jack Macken, Edward Kelly, Ambrose Hennessy, Jack Power, Flynn English, Luka Milozzi, James O'Meara, Mac Collins, Henry Burton and reserve Phoenix Graham, travelled to Perth for the Australian Rowing Championships.

There were 20 entries in the Australian Champion Schoolboy Eight, including all the Head of the River winners from the various states. The 1st VIII won their Heat and Semi-final, recording the fastest times in both these races in windy conditions. In the Final they rowed their usual well-judged race with a very strong middle thousand metres to win the Championship convincingly by 2.84 seconds against Brisbane Boys Grammar, St Peters College (SA), Scotch College, Geelong Grammar and Newington College. This is the first time Riverview has won this event.

This completed an outstanding season for the crew which remained unbeaten in schoolboy events, adding the Australian Championship to the NSW Championship and the Head of the River victories. This treble has not been achieved by a Riverview crew before.

Earlier in the week, Jack Power competed in the Under 19 Single Sculls Championship. With 49 entries this involved a path of Heats, Quarter finals and Semi finals in order to make the Final. Jack raced his way to the A Final which he won by 2.2 seconds in a most impressive performance given the course was wind affected and he was not in the more favoured lanes.

Phoenix Graham was a reserve for the 1st VIII and competed in the Schoolboy Single Sculls Championship and like Jack Power, he has spent very little time sculling since last year. There were 44 entries in this event involving the same pathway to the finals as the Under 19 Scull. He was second in his heat and won the repechage to make his way to the quarter finals where he was a very close fourth which qualified him for the C Final where he raced well.

This was a fitting ending for a rowing season that included winning the GPS Junior and Senior Point score competitions and the best results achieved by the College at the Head of the River, where thirteen crews contested eleven events resulting in seven crews winning, four finishing second and one third.

The success of the 1st VIII obviously came as a result of hard work and application in training, but they are also a crew that has gone through the season with quiet determination to do their best at all times and then displaying a natural humility with regard to their successes. Congratulations go to them and to their Coach, Mr Matthew Curtin, and the Rowing Program Coordinator and Head Coach, Mr Daniel Noonan.

Riverview Swimmers Still Going Strong

Mr Michael Webb, Swimming Coordinator

Between the CIS Swimming competition, the GPS Swimming Presentation, and the Australian Age Swimming Nationals, our swimmers have been busy!

CIS Swimming

After a successful swimming season and exceptional results in the GPS competition,15 swimmers were selected in the GPS team to compete at CIS. The College has swimmers competing in a number of age groups; congratulations and good luck to the following swimmers:

Adam Walters
Gus Gyllenhammer
Jack Findlay
Ellis Hazelton
Ethan Au-Yeung
Henri Dempsey
Jack Thompson
Luke Jamieson
Liam Chenery
Loic Walford
Patrick O’Hara
Henry Curll
Thomas Martin
Thomas Pither
Charles O’Halloran

GPS Swimming Presentation

On Tuesday night the GPS team Presentation was held at Newington College, where the GPS team was announced, record breakers were acknowledged and the Year 12 Senior gold medals were presented. Congratulations to:

GPS Records: Ellis Hazelton - 50m Butterfly

Senior Gold Medals:

Gus Gyllenhammer - Senior 50m Butterfly
Henry Curll, Patrick O’Hara, Gus Gyllenhammer, and Loic Walford - Senior 18yrs 4x50m Medley Relay

Australian Age Swimming Nationals

Good luck to the students who will be competing Australia Age Swimming Championships in Gold Coast next week, where they'll be competing against the best swimmers in the country:

Gus Gyllenhammer
Traevion Forrester
Ethan Au-Yeung
Loic Walford
Thomas Pither
Patrick O’Hara
Henry Curll
Jack Thompson
Charlie Christie
Hudson Thompson

Representatives at the Australian National Athletics

MS CATHY WALSH, ATHLETICS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Congratulations to Hamish, Evan, Jake, and Brody, who will be representing the College at the Australian National Athletics U18 Championships in Brisbane next week, Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th March.

On behalf of the College, we wish them all the best!

Around the College

Athletics Carnival Results

MR PAUL O'BRIEN, SPORTSMASTER

What an outstanding day for the House Athletics Carnival last Friday. First Field was abuzz with colour, activity, and cheering that would have lifted the roof off, had we not been outdoors!

Our boys competed in record numbers with some highlights coming from the Year 11 100metres where 8 boys ran below 12.8 seconds. Evan D was a stand out performer of the day winning the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m races as well as the High Jump for his age group.

Congratulations to our Year level Athletic Champions:

Year 7 - Benjamin Case
Year 8 - Baxter Dalton
Year 9 - Lachlan Wappett
Year 10 - Will Morahan
Year 11 - Evan Dransfield

The competition was extremely close throughout the day but the overall winning House was More. Check out the final point score below:

1st More - 715
2nd Gonzaga - 585
3rd Southwell - 555
4th Mackillop - 515
5th Smith - 508
6th Xavier - 502
7th Campion - 496
8th Claver - 486
9th Chisholm - 430
10th Teresa - 394
11th Owen - 393
12th Fernando - 381
13th Cheshire - 378
14th Dalton - 367
15th Romero - 330
16th Ricci - 327

Thank you to Mrs Cathy Walsh for her organisation, and all our staff, but most of all our athletes who made it such a memorable day.

See some photos below (in addition to those published in last week's Viewpoint ) and enjoy the highlight reel:

A Culture of Respect

MS NATALIE BAINES

To celebrate and acknowledge International Women’s Day this year, student leaders moved through a series of guided questions with a small group of Year 12s and female and male staff to share their perspectives about how we move forward to promote a culture of respect, particularly towards women and celebrate the contributions of these people in our community.

The student leaders wanted to share a compassionate and progressive conversation about creating an inclusive culture at the College as they felt passionately that engaging with the staff community was the most powerful way to ensure that we move forward in enacting change at the College.

This video is an expression of our commitment to equality within our school community and the collective responsibility of students and staff to ensure that everyone is valued and respected. It calls us to reflect on how our words and actions build a culture that prioritises equality as we are challenged to reflect on our individual places in our community.

We will revisit the key messages in the video throughout the year in differing ways.

During this conversation, I observed a group of young people who were open to leading difficult conversations; who listened compassionately to staff insights and lived experiences; and who reflected with genuine and authentic empathy and understanding.

Their courage in engaging in this process for our whole school acknowledgment and celebration for International Women’s Day cannot be understated; and it has been a powerful statement about their willingness to walk alongside staff and lead students to change.

It was a privilege to witness their leadership this term.

With special thanks to Joseph Thompson (Year 12, Xavier House) who led this initiative with a small group of Year 12 students, as well as the staff who courageously shared in this conversation.

Campion House Term 1 Retrospective

Mr Paul Achmar, Campion Head of House

Campion House has had an amazing start to 2023.

Term 1 saw us back in full swing, with all Campionists - boys and staff - glad to be back and involved.

Our 2023 unofficial Campion Motto, chosen by Year 12s late 2022, is “If Not Us, Who?”. This motto has driven our seniors to start the year with great energy and passion because, if we aren’t going to build our special community, who will?

Some of our great Campion traditions resumed and continued this term, including:

Year 7 Welcome House Meeting, in which our newest and youngest members formally join Campion House on the shoulders of the giants who have come before them.
Year 12 Meet the Seniors, which sees our senior cohort introduce themselves in humorous and meaningful ways as the leaders of the House.
Campionite of the Week, to recognise standout work and accomplishments by boys in the House at Mini House Meeting every Tuesday.
Reflection Days and Retreats.
And the general pandemonium of morning registration, recess and lunch in the Campion House Office.

The Campion boys have also been involved in a plethora of Co-Curricular and other activities, representing our College and various teams in:

The Head of the River (an historic day for our College!)
Intermediate and Senior Theatresports competition
Year 8 Plays
Year 7 Camp
Year 12 Retreats
And so much more!

The Campion Office is always full and flowing with laughter and music, including one very special Thursday, when a group of Year 7s decided to put on a series of concerts during Registration, Recess and Lunchtime for the adoring fans in the Campion Office and entire House area. Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys, and “Let It Go” from Frozen proved to be big hits (and my ears are still ringing from the boys’ singing).

The highlight of this term has to be our 41st Annual Campion House Mass and Supper, with more than 300 guests in attendance, generations of Campion families and friends gathered in prayer and celebration of our amazing community.

We are so grateful in Campion House to be part of such a special community. Term 2 and beyond are looking great, and we can’t wait to see what comes next. AMDG.

Boarding

Boarding Term 1 Wrap Up

MR ANTHONY BEGG, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

As we reach the end of this term, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation to our wonderful community. It has been an amazing term, filled with so much growth, collaboration and success.

To our students, I want to say how impressed I am with your unwavering support of each other, your hard work and dedication this term. You have challenged yourselves academically, socially, and personally, and it has been a pleasure to see you rise to these challenges. Your enthusiasm, kindness and commitment have helped strengthen the boarding community to start the year.

To our parents and guardians, I want to thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement and commitment to your son's education have been instrumental in their commitment this term. We are so grateful for the trust you have placed in us and for the invaluable role you play in our community.

To Heads of Division and Boarding Staff, I want to acknowledge the incredible work you do every day. Your expertise, passion, and dedication to our students and school community are truly remarkable. You are the heart and soul of Boarding, and your hard work and commitment have made this term a great success.

We have had a focus this term on rewarding the boys for positive behaviour that aligns to the 4 Cs. Boys displaying behaviour that demonstrates Compassion, Conscious, Commitment and Competence were awarded merit points. Congratulation to the below group of boys who were in the top three for their Divisions.

Year 7
Hugo Harper , Ted De Martin Philp, Charlie Brown and Billy Ryan-Lousick

Year 8
Angus Reardon , George Bradford, Sidney Roche and Fergus Roger

Year 9
Eden Butler , Ethan Au-Yeung and Luca Bet

Year 10
Alex Forlico , Simon Brown and Archie Timmins

Year 11
Sebastian Filla-Duan , Chris Swan, Isaac Ford, Tana McCleary, Sidney Au-Yeung and Prithviraj Shrivastav

Year 12
Toby Bower , Pat O’Hara and Jack Symons

It is a privilege to be part of such an amazing community, and I am grateful to each and every one of you.

As we look forward to the next term, I am excited to see the continued growth and success of our students and community. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable break, and I look forward to seeing you back in school soon.

Community News

Careers News | Term 1 Week 10

MS PETA BIRD, CAREERS ADVISOR

See what's happening in the world of Careers:

ATAR Notes | Free Online HSC Lectures - April 11 to April 14, 2023
NAS | Autumn School Holiday Workshops - April 11 to April 21, 2023
ADF | Army Reserve Information Session, Sydney - April 11, 2023; April 12th in Newcastle or Wollongong ; 13th April in Albury
AIE | Industry Experience Day - April 12 to April 18, 2023
Creative Studio: ESSA - April 12 to April 14, 2023
Bond Business School | Year 12 Extension Program - April 13 to April 14, 2023
WEP | Student Exchange Info Session - April 13, 2023
AIM School Holiday | Songwriter Workshop or Performance Workshop - April 14, 2023

See THIS WEEK'S CAREERS' NEWSLETTER to find out more.

The Voice Dialogue | OIU Series - video

OLD IGNATIANS' UNION

This week, we're pleased to share the video of The Voice Dialogue, about which we shared briefly in last week's Viewpoint:

With Australians voting in a referendum this year and being asked to alter the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘Voice’ — and at a time when we are being invited into constructive dialogue — last Thursday the OIU held a ‘Voice Dialogue’ in the O'Kelly Theatre.

Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and advocate for Indigenous rights Fr Frank Brennan SJ shared with us his perspectives together with Indigenous Old Boy Kyle Wallace (OR2021). The discussion was moderated by Daniel Street (OR1998) and explored both the "Yes" and "No" cases being put forward by advocates.

Thank you to Mr Kaleb Taylor, the College's First Nations Coordinator, for leading the Acknowledgment of Country.

Please see the video below:

Christopher Brennan Library

Enter the Holiday Lego Competition!

CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN LIBRARY

Looking for something to do in the holidays? The Christopher Brennan Library Lego Club invites you to join the Easter holiday competition and win prizes!

The rules are simple:

Must use Lego
Create something that relates to a category below
Take a photo of the creation
Use the link to enter!

Categories:

Create a scene that shows one of the Ignatian values (Justice, Service, Courage, Discernment or Compassion)
Create a scene about Caring for our Common Home or Sustainability
Make your favourite food
Create an Easter scene

To enter, you'll need to take a photo and let us know the title of your Lego creation and which category you're submitting it under.

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY HERE by 1st May 2023.

Good luck and happy building!

What's New at Christopher Brennan Library? Term 1 Week 10

CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN LIBRARY

See this beautiful new book about the astounding diversity of Australia's animal kingdom with delightful illustrations by Chirs Nixon.

Wild Australian Life by Leonard Cronin

The Australian Farmer is a digital magazine that is updated annually - the second edition is now available.

What’s on?

Congratulations to the ten students who successfully found a bunny that was hidden in the library each day and received a chocolate egg for their participation - a bit of fun in the lead up to the Easter break!

Viewpoint editorial staff

viewpoint@riverview.nsw.edu.au

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Riverview NSW 2066
02 9882 8222
stignatius@riverview.nsw.edu.au

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Riverview NSW 2066
02 9882 8306
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