Earlier this week we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si . The subtitle of this document was Care for Our Common Home. In this significant encyclical, Pope Francis sought to build upon the over 100-year social teaching of the Church, reminding us that the earth is our common home and it is a most precious gift from God. Pope St John Paul II wrote about the connection between natural ecology and human ecology in Centesimus Annus and Pope Benedict XVI also explored environmental issues in Caritas in Veritate .

In Laudato Si Pope Francis explored the human roots of the ecological crisis and how the cry of the earth is intimately linked to the cry of the poor. Pope Francis reminded us of the interconnectedness of all things. He invited each one of us to reflect upon the importance of ecological conversion and the need for a new approach to development. A good summary of the key themes of the encyclical can be explored here .

In acknowledging the 10th anniversary this week, Pope Loe XIV sent a video message to the Network of Universities for the Care for our Common Home meeting this week in Rio de Janeiro, encouraging them to be “builders of bridges of integration between the Americas and the Iberian Peninsula, working for ecological, social and environmental justice.”

As a College community we celebrated this anniversary and Laudato Si Week through environmental themed morning prayers, the theme of the Year 7 Day of Reflection on Wednesday was “finding God in creation” and Laudato Si was the focus of today’s voluntary student mass in period 2. On Tuesday Ann Austin, a former parent of the College (Sam OR2019 and Will OR2021) addressed the Green Wolves about her experience forging a career in the area of sustainability. After graduating from Loreto Kirribilli, Ann studied Architecture and then began as a graduate at Lend Lease. Over the next three decades Ann worked in a variety of roles at Lend Lease, with her final role being Head of Sustainability. She now works as a sustainability consultant.

Ann shared with the Green Wolves, the variety of different environmental initiatives that Lend Lease pioneered in the redevelopment of Barangaroo. We recalled that Barangaroo was a Cammeraygal woman who was married to Bennelong. She would often cross the harbour to fish in the area that is now named after her.

There were a number of interesting environmental and sustainability initiatives in the Barangaroo redevelopment including:

A shared basement across the site that helps save energy and water. This involves a shared air conditioning plant that draws water from the harbour to cool the air, as well as a water treatment plant enabling grey water to be used for irrigation;
They established a living sea wall which has resulted in 30 different species of fish now living in this area;
A bio-solar roof was that enables the ambient roof temperature to be close to 25 degrees; and
Maggot farms in the basement of the complex, process over 10 tonnes of food scraps each month, ultimately transforming food waste into fertiliser and feed stock.

I was unaware of these initiatives and felt inspired by the collaborative work of different disciplines involved in this transformative project ensuring the care for our common home was embedded into this mixed use complex of office space, residences as well as the retail and commercial precinct. Further information about these initiatives can be found here .

As we reflect upon the gift of our common home and indeed the entire universe, I invite you to join with me in praying the prayer for the earth that Pope Francis included at the end of Laudato Si ,

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognise that we are profoundly united with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen. (Laudato Si #246)

From our Principal

Living in the Tensions

MR MARK TANNOCK, PRINCIPAL

Many years ago, a Jesuit priest told me that the Jesuits are at their best living in the tensions. Since that time, I have often reflected on this remark and found it to be true not only for Jesuits but for their lay companions as well. Much that distinguishes a Jesuit school from others is this capacity to be comfortable in the tensions of our lives.

Living in the tensions means holding fast to those things that you believe to be good and true, whilst recognising that you will be shaped in your life by what you experience and the people whom you meet. Living in the tensions means being able to use your mind; but to also listen with your heart. To think and to feel. Ignatian spirituality is imbibed with this worldview of living in the tensions. At its best, so is Catholicism.

In his seminal work, American theologian Richard McBrien, said that:

Catholicism is …. characterized by a both/and rather than an either/or approach. It is not nature or grace, but graced nature; not reason or faith, but reason illumined by faith; not law or Gospel, but law inspired by the Gospel; not Scripture or tradition, but normative tradition within Scripture; not faith or works, but faith issuing in works and works as expressions of faith; not authority or freedom, but authority in the service of freedom. ……….. the Church is at once holy and sinful, not in the sense that sin exists alongside grace, but in the sense that even graced existence is ambiguous, fragile, and subject to disintegration. The record is always mixed. The Kingdom of God is neither coextensive with the Church nor totally divorced from the Church.

A Catholic, Jesuit-educated student loves the world because it is good but works to make it more like the Kingdom that Jesus preached.

Next week the College will celebrate National Reconciliation Week with our Reconciliation Assembly on Wednesday in the Gartlan Centre. Riverview has a special responsibility to support the cause of Indigenous Reconciliation in our community and across Australia. Our daughters and sons have inherited from us and our parents the cause of Indigenous Reconciliation in our land.

This is, in itself, a tension. The dispossession of Indigenous land that began at Bennelong Point in 1788 is the birth stain of modern Australia as it is for many modern nations that were colonised by Europeans from the 14th Century onwards.

This isn’t some recently discovered woke fad. Since the early days of British colonisation, people of goodwill recognised the negative impact on the First Australians of this dispossession and sought to address it through education and health care. The Catholic Church was often at the forefront of these efforts.

Much has been done in Australia in recent decades to address this historical injustice and to seek practical reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The tension is to recognise this historical injustice and seek to address its ongoing impacts; whilst celebrating those dimensions of modern Australia that have made it one of the most peaceful and prosperous modern nation-states. To work towards practical improvements in the lives of Indigenous Australians, whilst being grateful that we live in a country that cares for its people in this manner. It is possible to love Australia so genuinely, that you want it to be better than it is.

The response to the cause of Reconciliation from Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview over recent decades has been its First Nations Program. We are so blessed that First Nations families choose to have their sons educated at our Jesuit school. These young men are proud of their cultures and add much to the rich tapestry that is the Riverview community.

We look forward to celebrating Reconciliation Week and recommitting ourselves to a hope-filled, just future for all Australian children - tomorrow’s inheritors of our legacy.

From the P&F

Volunteering at SIC: Serving with Honour

MRS LEESA FEILEN, P&F PRESIDENT 2025

Volunteering is an essential part of our community, providing vital services and support across our co-curricular departments at Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview. It connects parents, strengthens bonds, and fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

The last three weeks of the Winter Canteen at SIC have been both successful and enjoyable. A heartfelt thank you to all members of our community who have generously given their time on Saturdays to serve at the Fr Mac Canteen, the Regis BBQ, or the Merchandise Tent.

The funds raised during these Winter Canteen days directly support the Riverview Bursary Fund—offering a life-changing opportunity for a young man who would not otherwise be able to experience the transformative gift of a Jesuit education.

It’s not difficult to say “yes” to a couple of hours out of your Saturday when you know your time is contributing to something so meaningful.

The world needs more young men to benefit from the values, leadership, and service embedded in a Jesuit education. As we look ahead to 2025, our school motto, ‘Serve with Honour’, reminds us that every act of service—no matter how small—has lasting impact.

I would like to personally thank everyone who has stood beside me at the Fr Mac Canteen—serving pies, sausage rolls, muffins, lollies, and drinks—as well as those helping out at the Regis BBQ and the Merchandise Tent. With more home games ahead on First Field, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Come and join the P&F team for a couple of hours—we’d love to have you with us.

Please note that the Winter Canteen will resume on Saturday 31 May, a Riverview home game for rugby against Scots. Look out for the sign up link early next week.

It has been wonderful meeting so many new people in the past few weeks. I hope to see you around our glorious Riverview grounds in the coming weeks.

Last weekend, the P&F supported the Old Ignatians' Union in running a BBQ at Gartlan/Second Field to cater for the eight games of volleyball and 15 games of football that were played there on Saturday. This was in addition to the P&F's BBQ at Regis and to the P&F's Winter Canteen at Fr Mac Pavilion at First Field. Thank you to everyone who supported the BBQs, either by volunteering for a shift on the BBQ or by buying something before or after their game. Some photos of the Gartlan/Second Field BBQ are shown in the gallery below.

Caring For Our Common Home

Caring for our Common Home, a collaboration between executive, staff and students - please note the new signage on our bins around the school.

Please do not dispose of coffee cups into the white Return & Give bins.

These can be disposed of in the red bin as per the new signage.

P&F Events

Year 6 Ladies Lunch

It is time for us all to get together for our Year 6 Ladies Lunch! Please join us for a wonderful afternoon of delicious food and great conversation at Arturo's Restaurant at the Woolly Bay Hotel!

Date: Friday 20 June 2025

Time: 12pm

Venue: Arturo's Restaurant at the Woolly Bay Hotel, 2 Bourke Street, Woolloomooloo

Tickets: Purchase HERE . $105 per person + booking fee, includes a welcome drink and entree canapes, followed by a sit-down meal and dessert.

RSVP: Due to venue requirements ticket sales will close on Friday 13 June 2025. Refunds are not available.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Please contact pandfcomms06@riverview.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.

Year 5, 6 & 7 Parents Archibald Private Tour 2025

The Archibald Prize has always created controversy and conversation. For over a century, artists from Australia and New Zealand have captured the spirit of their times through portraiture, reflecting the personalities and issues that define their communities.

The Wynne Prize for landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture, celebrates the diversity of representations of our country, and the Sulman Prize is for subject painting, genre painting or a mural project.

This year we have the pleasure of Year 5, 6 and 7 Parents joining together for the private guided tour of this year’s exhibition.

Date: Friday 13th June

Time: 10am start

Where: Art Gallery of NSW

Tickets: $35 per person. Purchase HERE .

Please meet on the Art Gallery of NSW Steps by 9:45am.

Year 9 Parent Archibald Private Tour 2025

There is also a tour for Year 9 parents through the Art Gallery of NSW to view the Archibald Prize on June 20. Tickets can be booked HERE .

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview Art Show

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is hosting an Art Show, on the evening of Wednesday 25 June and there will be two morning sessions for art viewing on Thursday 26 June. Ticket sales will coincide with our Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview 2025 raffle. Please look out for tickets in the coming weeks!

Student Leadership

Striving For Excellence

ANGUS MARTINEZ, COLLEGE CAPTAIN

Last week, I had the honour of representing New South Wales at the National Schools Debating Championships. After five days of competition and late-night prep, we made it to the final—NSW vs QLD—and came away with the win on a 5-2 adjudicator split. It was an incredible experience, and I walked away not only with a trophy, but also a deeper appreciation for the work it takes to pursue excellence.

But while I was away debating, I missed a whole week of school. Notes, assessments, catch-up homework: trust me, it piles up fast. And yet, what struck me most coming back to Riverview was not the stress of what I’d missed, but the way this place empowers us to chase big goals and hold each other to high standards along the way.

Striving for excellence doesn’t mean being the best at everything. It means being the best version of yourself every day. That’s what it means to be a Riverview man. Whether it's on the footy field, in the classroom, on the debating stage or in service of others, we are called to show up, work hard, and grow into men of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment.

We’ve got a few huge weeks ahead. Rugby, soccer and AFL are in full swing. The College Musical is around the corner. Our GPS rivals are watching, but more importantly, so are our mates. Let’s show up for each other. Be loud. Be proud. Back the Blue and White. Support the arts with the same passion we support the footy. When every boy turns up, the whole College lifts.

And in all of this, remember: be the MVP of your own life. Know your strengths. Own your passions. Do the work no one else sees. It’s not always glamorous, but it is always worth it.

St Ignatius taught us Magis: to seek the more. Not more success, or more praise, but more meaning, more service, more growth. That’s the heart of Ignatian excellence. That’s why we wear the crest. That’s why we’re here.

To every student reading this: thank you. Thank you for the way you carry yourself. For how you show up to training, rehearsals, masses, and classes. You are the culture of this school. Keep showing up. Keep striving. Together, we’ll continue to make this year one of the best we’ve had.

See you on the sidelines and in the stands.

Message from Campbell Conna, Smith House Captain

The past week marked the official kick-off of GPS Round 1, and what a way to begin the season. The mighty 9th XV stormed to a dominant 59-0 win, with Andrew Paterson bagging a hat-trick that would make any winger blush. Eyes ahead to their next clash — Doyle 7, 9am this Saturday against Kings. The 1st XV, 2nd XV and 3rd XV look to face strong opponents in the King's School on Saturday.

On the football front, the 1st XI continue their strong form with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Joeys, with Sam Ryan kicking a blistering last-minute winner. The 2nd XI showed grit and passion, pushing their way into the Pre-Season Plate Grand Final with a 2-0 victory. A special shout-out to Cooper Sintras (Captain of Football) and Sam Ryan (Year 11), who have both been selected for GPS First XI football — a massive accomplishment.

In the pool, Raff Toohey (Year 11) continues to make waves, swimming in the 200m backstroke in the All-Schools competition tonight. Good luck! And over in AFL, our 1st team took on the 2nds in an intra-school showdown and came out with a 179-12 victory. This weekend, the 1sts face Aloys on the 4th field at 11:30 am, with the 2nds battling Barker’s 1sts at 1:15 pm — don’t miss it. And a special congratulations to Will Morahan (Year 12) for making the NSW AFL Team — a top-tier achievement.

It’s been a big week beyond the field, too.

Our Mock Trial and Mooting teams have also been working hard, sharpening their courtroom prowess, while our Country Placement Fundraisers continue to make a meaningful impact both locally and abroad.

The Careers Expo gave students the chance to explore futures beyond the gates, while Ms Ann Austin, our Laudato Si guest speaker, spoke with passion and purpose about sustainability, care for our common home, and global citizenship.

And in another awesome individual achievement, our College Captain, Angus Martinez, was victorious in the National Schools Debating Championship, representing NSW with a team of talented debaters – Congratulations, Marty!

The school’s Student Mass and Year 7 Day of Reflection offered moments of stillness and spirituality amidst the busyness, and we extend warm congratulations to Alexander Raymond-Nash (Year 10), who received his First Communion — a beautiful milestone in his faith journey.

And don’t forget — our school musical Newsies hits the stage next week with performances Tuesday to Friday. After the preview in assembly, it’s clear this show is going to be something special. High-energy dance, bold voices, and a whole lot of newsprint — make sure you grab a ticket.

Have a fantastic weekend, and good luck to everyone competing. Bring on the week ahead — and maybe invest in a good raincoat. GO VIEW!!!

Ignatian Centre

Year 7 Day of Reflection

Earlier this week, our Year 7 students took part in a meaningful Day of Reflection centred on Finding God in All Things . The day provided a valuable opportunity to pause, connect, and consider the presence of God in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.

Students enjoyed the Cardoner Walk around the College grounds and then gathered in their house groups for quiet reflection and sharing. These smaller sessions allowed space for thoughtful conversation, personal reflection, and a deeper sense of community.

Enjoy the gallery of photos from the day below!

Teaching and Learning

Riverview's Careers Expo

MS DONNA JONES, CAREERS ADVISOR

The Gartlan came alive on Monday 19 May with the annual Riverview Careers Expo. This exciting event provided a dynamic platform for Year 10, 11, and 12 students, along with their parents, to explore a wide range of post-school pathways. In addition to traditional university options, the Expo highlighted diverse opportunities, including apprenticeships, traineeships, certificate and diploma courses, and direct workforce entry.

Industry professionals and vocational education providers offered practical insights and shared real-world experiences, helping students understand the value of hands-on learning and skilled trades alongside academic pursuits. The variety of stalls showcased careers in fields such as health, construction, IT, business, finance, fitness and sport, hospitality, engineering, and creative industries, ensuring that every student could find a pathway tailored to their interests and strengths.

The Expo also underscored the breadth of opportunities within higher education, with representatives from various universities discussing courses and programs that can lead to rewarding careers. From traditional degree pathways to specialised programs in fields like AI, public health or sustainability, students were able to see how university education can serve as a springboard for both professional success and personal growth.

Importantly, the Expo emphasized that there isn’t a single route to success. Many students left with a broader understanding of how their unique skills and preferences could lead to fulfilling careers—whether through university qualifications, apprenticeships, gap year programs, or entry-level roles offering on-the-job training and progression. Several exhibitors also promoted flexible education options, such as online certificates and micro-credentials, which allow students to continue learning while gaining valuable experience.

By presenting a full spectrum of possibilities, the Careers Expo empowered students to make informed decisions about their futures, whether their path leads to university or elsewhere. A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who contributed to organising the event, as well as the students and parents who supported the Expo.

Year 8 Geography Excursion to the Blue Mountains

NICK KITROMILIDES, GEOGRAPHY TEACHER

Last week year 8 went to the Blue Mountains as part of their Landscapes and Landforms unit this year. The buses first arrived at Echo point where (at least on the Wednesday), the boys were greeted with a full view of the Jamieson Valley covered by a sea of clouds. (On Tuesday the sea was more like a wall!). Staff and students were then greeted by National Park Rangers who took them from the lookout along the clifftop walk to Prince Alfred Park where the boys were provided a demonstration of the First Nations Heritage of the Dharug and Gundungurra Peoples.

Following Lunch, the year 8’s experienced the most exciting part of the day, travelling on the steepest train in the world. To get there, the boys, along with staff and Park Rangers, first needed to walk down to the bottom of the valley along the Furber Steps, a trail that took them through the Jamieson Valley and one that let the boys see the vastness of the landscape they were in.

A good time was had by all. Year 8 will be completing their assessment tasks based on this field trip next week. Best of luck boys!

Co-Curriculum

The Rugby Report

MR NICK BOUSIE, RUGBY SPORTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

As Saturday 17 May and Round 1 of the GPS Rugby competition loomed, more consistent wet Sydney weather during the week, left us prepared for the sort of Sydney and Riverview quagmire we experienced in seasons 2024 and 2022. At this point it’s important to acknowledge that as I write, Riverview families in the Hunter, upper Hunter and mid-north coast are experiencing terrible flooding, all the while it’s dry as a chip south of Goulburn and west of the divide. Our boarding families are such an important part of the fabric of Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview that I think it’s important to please spare a thought for the range of challenging conditions our regional families are experiencing. We really don’t often register in the big city just how challenging it can be.

OK so on with the report and last weekend, despite the wet lead up, we didn’t have too many games cancelled on us by Sydney Grammar or Newington College. Everything went ahead at Riverview, and we thank ground staff for that eventuality. A typical wintery day had beckoned over at Newington where I watched in awe as our ‘first cab off the rank’ – our 9th XV of Year 12 socially inspired rugby enthusiasts, took Newington’s 8th XV apart brick by brick. It was an absolutely stunning Sydney winter’s morning and even nudging 21 degrees with a few of the hardy Dad’s and Mum’s there in one-layer outfits! In a game played under clear blue skies, what a day of promise the fixtures at Stanmore held for the Riverview Rugby Community. All in all, we had perfect conditions for rugby. It was a welcome surprise and set the stage for a fantastic day of football across multiple venues. As the barista smells and sounds wafted across Johnson Oval, our 9s were putting on an absolute masterclass!

Aside from a couple of late cancellations at Sydney Grammar, the remainder of our teams got out onto the field and took on a range of strong opponents including SGS, Knox Grammar, St. Augustine’s College, The Kings School, and the main block of fixtures against the ‘royal and ancient’ Newington College. As always, due to size of our rugby program – the biggest by participation of any Australian secondary school, it’s difficult to get a completely clean read on results due to the structure of our program enforcing games against multiple opponent schools, and sometimes a slight mismatch in terms of what level each of our teams selects opposition to play against. Aside from the Under 13s in Year 7, the rest of our age groups typically play one or two divisions above where they sit. So, for example, our 14Bs played Grammar’s 14As, the 14Cs played Newington’s 14Bs, and so on. This has become the norm for us, and while it presents weekly challenges in terms of arranging fixtures and balancing ability, it is also a happy reflection of the scale and depth of our Riverview Rugby program.

Given the context above, our results across the board were exceptional last Saturday. Over 36 rugby fixtures last Saturday, we won 30, drew 1 and lost just 5. It’s a great performance to drop only a handful of games. Against Newington specifically, we recorded two narrow losses over 21 games, those being the 1st XV loss on Johnson, the 16Cs, who also came very close to a higher ranked team, and the College 14As, who we’re paying close attention to, and who played an excellent Newington side. This is a remarkable effort given the overall strength of the opposition, the structure and placement of their sporting scholarships etc.

Over the day, there were five standout moments that really sum up the spirit, hard work and depth of the program currently:

The 4th XV’s famous win over Grammar’s 1st XV stands out as one of the most courageous performances in recent memory. Playing over at Grammar’s heartland at Weigall and with a tight squad, we suffered a few injuries on the day, which left us with only 14 players available for a good part of the match. The 4s pulled off a magnificent victory that speaks volumes about their guts and determination, but also the culture of the Open’s program. A huge congratulations to the coaching team and especially to coach Mr Rob Powell. Given Sydney Grammar 1st XV usually compete very favourably within the GPS Rugby 3rd XV comp, that win at Weigall will be remembered for a long time. Well done to all those boys!
A similar underdog tale unfolded over at Regis 6th Field in the 15Ds , who managed a 17-17 draw against Grammar’s 15As. Any A team playing a D team is going to have an edge on paper. Grammar certainly had some very good rugby players who would be A-level at SIC. But what this game showed was just how well our players are coached and how much heart they bring to every game. With former 1st XV player Will Hayes coaching the side, the boys earned a result that truly highlights the depth we've been working to build over the past four to five years. An outstanding effort from Hayesy’s heroes!
The 15A and 16A teams deserve special recognition for dominant performances in what are always tightly contested performance level fixtures. The 15As delivered a comprehensive 70-7 win, while the 16As were equally impressive with a 49-5 result. These were polished, disciplined performances by both groups, and credit goes to the coaches and players who continue to build towards something special. These are positive harbingers for the future.
There’s always something unique about the 13s — and this week, the 13Es truly stole the show! Our Year 7 lads are still getting to know each other, having come from all over to become new Riverview boys just a few months ago. Their first win of the season came off the back of great preparation and belief. The promise of a free breakfast (if every boy was at training by 6:45am on the Wednesday) was not only met but exceeded. The boys earned a full spread of bacon, eggs, chocolate milk, and had the special experience of watching the 1st XV and 2nd XV captains’ run from the stands before a chat with senior GPS players. It was 1st XV coach Mr L’Estrange’s own words of encouragement that lit the fire, and the boys responded by playing the house down. A special mention to Alex, who crossed for three tries. A brilliant morning and a brilliant result.
Finally, congratulations to the six debutants in the 1st XV : Archie Hartman, Hunter Reich, Will Spora, Taj Scarr, Charles Lenehan, and Kynan Lascelles. Making your debut in the 1st XV is a major milestone, and we congratulate each of these boys on reaching that level. It’s a moment of pride not only for them and their families but for all the coaches and players who have supported them on their journey so far. The boys were rewarded with a numbered Riverview cap as the shadows grew longer late on Saturday afternoon. Well done parents and boys alike. It’s something we’re happy for every member of the Riverview Rugby Community to aspire to and take part in.

All in all, March 17th was one of those special rugby days that remind us why we do what we do. The effort, the spirit of the boys working together, their personal resilience overcoming doubts and challenges, and the shared belief in one another across every age group was something to be proud of. We look forward to building on this momentum in the weeks to come.

The Cross Country Report

MR ALEX GODBOLD, CROSS COUNTRY SPORTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Cross country was back at it again out at Upjohn Park in Rydalmere.

The boys had a pretty hard slog at training including the ferry wharf hills on Tuesday (we’ll blame Coach Marc and definitely not Alex) for those. To the boys credit they all put in an excellent effort to the point the College had inherited a few new lawn statues by the final rep… eventually the statues did move and made their way to class.

Wednesday was back to the basics with core and plyometrics in the gym. A friendly reminder to all that CORE is MORE than just your abs. While Thursday we pushed a long run from the college down to Longueville wharf and back up through Lane Cove.

Shout out performances

Juniors: AJ Lucas (Campion) who placed 3rd overall and 2nd GPS

Juniors: Tobias O’Hea (Ricci) with his best performance so far… a very strong run that blew his coaches away.

Intermediate: Xavier O’Hea (Ricci) who finished 5th overall and 2nd GPS

Our next race will see Riverview host the CIS trials where our athletes will be looking to secure their spot to represent GPS at the CIS Championships. Training in the lead up will be a lot easier as we prime to face some wet and muddy conditions on Saturday.

Finally, if an O’Hea parent could reach out and let me know what you are feeding your boys that would be greatly appreciated… I think I need to go on their diet.

The Football Report | 17th May

MR VALERIO SILVESTRO, FOOTBALL SPORTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

1st XI v SJC May 17 at Lower Park

Riverview 2 (Jed Driscoll and Sam Ryan) defeated SJC 1.

While a place in the GPS Plate final had already eluded the Riverview 1st XI, any game with the old enemy (Joeys) was a must win event. The game had been relocated to Hunters Hill due to the heavy water load that Riverview’s 1B was carrying and the loss of home ground advantage was an early set back. However, the 3rds and 2nds had won their matches and the team’s trendline was improving so hopes were high. As is the custom with Riverview vs Joeys matches the game was hotly contested throughout.

Things didn’t begin so well, when within the first 5 minutes, the onrushing Joey’s boys forced an own goal. However, the energetic Jed Driscoll, always chasing hard and positive in his actions, scored an equaliser in the 16th minute. With the scores tied up the game continued at a high pace with end-to-end ball movement. Half time came and went. Tired players were subbed on and off, but still no goal was found to break the deadlock.

With two minutes left on the clock, Sam Ryan found himself with the ball at his feet just outside the box and to the left of centre field. He tracked back to the right and took a shot looping over the intervening traffic and into the top right of goal. This resulted in wild celebrations from the Riverview team and supporters, and with little time left to play secured a nail-biting win for the Riverview team. The next match will see the Riverview boys travel to Kings to play Kings in the Plate final round with the aim of making a statement regarding their intentions for the coming GPS competition proper.

2nd XI v SJCS May 17 Lower Park

Riverview 2 (Christian Camus 2) defeated SJC 0.

The 2nd XI assembled at Joey’s Lower Park on equal footing with SGS in their pool on the GPS Plate table. The team that had the better result would progress to the Plate Final. Buoyed up by the success of the 3rd XI the 2nds took to the damp field under clear skies to confront the rivals from across the river. As with all such games, the contest was in earnest and no quarter would be asked or given. Play flowed back and forth during the first half. Twenty-three minutes in Christian Camus was introduced to the game, and this proved to be a master stroke by Coash Casali. Twice in the last five minutes of the half, Christian used his pace to appear in the right placed at the right time to score significant goals and take the ’View boys to the break two goals to the good.

The game with Grammar a fortnight before had shown that a 2-0 lead at half time is no guarantee of a win and so there was no room for complacency in the half time huddle. The second half proceeded with the Joeys boys determinedly pursuing the game and the ’View boys just as determinedly trying to ‘put the game to bed’ with another goal, while repelling the sorties launched by the Hunters Hill boys. With the tension in the stands mounting as time ran down and despite the best efforts of those on the field the second half remained scoreless, and the Riverview boys finished as 2-0 victors. The news that Grammar had been held to a draw by High confirmed the Riverview 2nd XI’s place in the GPS Plate Final with Newington College to be held at King's on Saturday.

Read the comprehensive football report of all teams HERE .

Pastoral Care

Campion House Mass and Supper

JASPER SINCLAIR, CAMPION HOUSE CAPTAIN

The Campion House Mass and Supper marks a significant occasion in the Riverview calendar and last week saw hundreds of families, friends and staff come together for an incredible evening.

Father Tom celebrated Mass where his experience and humour made for a memorable occasion. His presence in Campion is one that is cherished by all as he offers great insights and reflections for our community.

With the assistance of Campion staff, parents and students, the night was one to remember. The Memorial Hall was decorated beautifully, a tribute to all things Campion, and an astonishing amount of food generously brought and enjoyed by all.

Have a lovely weekend!

Around the College

National Simultaneous Storytime: A Purrfect Start!

MR AARON SPEED-JOHNSON, PEOPLE & ENGAGEMENT ADMINISTRATOR

This Wednesday, for the first time, Mirrabrook joined thousands of educators and young children across Australia in celebrating the 2025 National Simultaneous Storytime. Overseen by the Australian Library and running for the past 25 years, the event aims to promote a love of literacy in young children.

For those new to National Simultaneous Storytime, each year a picture book by Australian authors and illustrators is chosen and read aloud simultaneously in early learning centres, libraries, and homes across the country. Previous selections have included Wombat Stew by Marcia K. Vaughan & Pamela Lofts, Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles & Rod Clement, and Alpacas with Maracas by Matt Cosgrove.

This year, Principal Mr Mark Tannock delighted the children with a reading of the 2025 selection, The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell — a heartwarming story of a cool cat, his truck-driving owner, and the deeper themes of immigration, identity, and the meaning of home.

We’re already looking forward to taking part in Storytime again next year!

Boarding

Riverview Grand Prix

MR ALEX GODBOLD, BOARDING RECREATION OFFICER

It was the weekend of possibly the last Imola F1 Grand Prix in Italy, an Aussie is leading the Drivers Championship for the first time since Alan Jones, and the National Karting Championships now being streamed on Kayo.

It just felt like the right time to see who is the fastest within our Year 12 boarding division. Introducing the Riverview Grand Prix.

It garnered some excitement and last Sunday we headed off to Moore Park for a session at HyperKarts. Electric gokarting in the heart of the entertainment quarter.

The boys talked their game on the bus ride out and warmed up with some Midnight Maximum Tune Sim Racing before heading in for our safety briefing… keen to avoid replicating Tsunoda’s Q1 effort.

It was no holds bared racing as boys pushed for overtakes. Navigating a tricking string of 3 back-to-back hairpins, some fast straights, and a few corners with a lack of grip that if you weren’t careful would see you in the wall.

Turns out we had a Lewis Hamilton v Max Verstappen Abu Dhabi 2021on our hands. I can’t vouch for the sportsmanship of the drivers or any decisions made by course officials or the race director but we do have a result. The result is final.

Our Podium calculated by averaging the fastest lap from each session (due to changes in track conditions):

1st: Charles Geddes

2nd: Jed Driscoll

3rd: Dougald Hook

Trophy to be presented shortly.

A fun day for all boys, and a great way to beat a rainy day.

Community News

Reminder: The New Riverview Parent App is Here!

Thank you to all our parents who have downloaded the new Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview App for parents! We're excited to have launched this new platform to simplify the way families engage with College life. The App brings together a range of information including your son’s learning schedule, sports fixtures, College news, absentee submissions and key communications.

If you haven't done so already, download the Riverview App today at the Apple App Store or Google Play . Once installed, you can log in using any authentication platform (Google, Microsoft, Apple or Facebook) or with your email address and password registered with the College.

Students are also welcome to use the App, however, student access will be limited to Co-curricular information only, including their schedule and team selections.

If you have any problems logging into the App, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly IT Support team HERE .

Christopher Brennan Library

What's happening at the Christopher Brennan Library?

MS JENNIFER POCKNALL, LIBRARIAN

What’s new?

The Last Bookstore on Earth is a new dystopian YA novel from Lily Braun-Arnold.

A timely story of love and survival set against the backdrop of a climate change apocalypse, this book is Station Eleven and The Last of Us meets All that’s Left in the World .

What's on?

Ed Kwok won our ‘Career’s Week’ Lego competition with his build of a farmer (and the farm).

And a reminder that the Jarjum Read-a-thon wraps up soon. To participate students need to have read 3 books during the month of May, raise a minimum of $30, and complete a reading log at the Ignatian Centre. The books do not need to be long novels - students can choose from chapter books, graphic novels, picture books or poetry.

Students in Years 7-9 can log this as a Service Activity.

Caring for our Common Home

Laudato Si Week (16-24th May)

MS STEPHANIE VARDAS, SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR

This week, we celebrate Laudato Si’ Week with the theme #RaisingHope.

To mark the occasion, the Green Wolves were honoured to welcome Ann Austin, a renowned sustainability expert with a profound commitment to addressing some of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time—particularly climate change.

Ann brings over 30 years of experience in the property sector with Lendlease, where she has held numerous senior roles across sustainability, project delivery, and people management. Most recently, she held dual positions as National Sustainability Manager for Lendlease Building Australia and Head of Sustainability Engagement for Lendlease Group globally. In these roles, she was instrumental in fostering a company-wide culture committed to sustainability excellence. In July 2021, she was appointed Head of Sustainability, Australia, leading the strategy for all Lendlease businesses across the region. In August 2024, she transitioned to a global role as Head of Sustainability for Lendlease’s Investment Management business.

Ann has devoted her career to making a meaningful impact—ensuring that all living beings, across all generations, can thrive environmentally, socially, and economically. She continues this mission today as a founding director at ESG Strategy, where she empowers individuals and organisations to lead transformative sustainability initiatives.

Ann captivated our students by sharing her personal journey into Sustainability. She explained that although she completed a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture and began at Lendlease on the building site, it wasn’t until the early 2000s—when sustainability roles started emerging in the corporate world—that she discovered her true calling.

She also spoke about the diverse range of careers that contribute to sustainability, from engineers to architects, and proudly highlighted her involvement in major projects like the renewal of Barangaroo.

Most importantly, Ann challenged our Green Wolves to reflect on their roles as future leaders in sustainability. She introduced them to the concepts of their circle of control and circle of influence , encouraging them to understand both the limits and the power of their actions. Her words inspired our students to continue their journey as changemakers—within the Riverview community and beyond.

Prayers & Examen by Year 11 Green Wolves

To acknowledge the theme of Laudato Si’ 2025: #RaisingHope, our Year 11 Green Wolves delivered the daily Morning Prayer and Friday Examen. Their reflections reminded us of the importance of Caring for Our Common Home and living with hope and purpose in the face of environmental challenges.

Well done to all those involved.

Year 7 Day Of Reflection - Finding God in Creation

This year, the focus for the Year 7 Day of Reflection was ‘Finding God in all Things’ and in particular drawing students' attention to Finding God in Creation.

As Sustainability Coordinator of Riverview, I was honoured to be a keynote speaker and addressed the students in the Dalton Chapel before their day began.

The Sustainability Coordinator role has felt like a call to service. It is a role that is closely linked to the encyclical letter, Laudato Si, published by Pope Francis in 2015. The letter is a call to all Catholics worldwide to take action towards caring for the environment. Pope Francis has brought light to global environmental issues and the impact they are having particularly on those who are marginalised. Through his messaging, he has stressed that by protecting the environment we will protect our people. Thus, the role as Sustainability Coordinator is not only a mission, but a responsibility to help lead and inspire students at Riverview to join in the shared commitment towards protecting the environment.

The natural environment makes up a key part of our identity at Riverview. Our school is positioned on Lane Cove River, we have gorgeous hedging all around our school, native trees and flowers to name a few. Students were asked to consider these natural environments and look beyond what they physically see.

For example, students were shown an image of a tree. At first glance, it might seem like just a tree—but it’s so much more. It anchors the soil beneath our feet, it offers shelter to countless birds, it draws in carbon dioxide and breathes out clean air, and it plays a vital role in the water cycle. When this tree is healthy, the entire ecosystem around it thrives—and so do we.

They were then asked to observe an image of the Lane Cove River. It nurtures life—mangroves, fish, birds, and countless unseen creatures. It regulates our climate, quenches our thirst, nourishes our crops, and provides food and supports livelihoods. A healthy river is a lifeline—not just for nature, but for people too.

Students were also asked to consider how global issues are very much a local crisis too. The unprecedented floods in remote areas west of Queensland had devastating effects on areas such as Longreach, Jundah, Windorah, Quilpie, Eulo and Thargomindah in March this year. The entire town of Thargomindah was inundated by 7.5m plus levels of water which left 200 people scrambling to relocate to higher ground. In addition, 150,000 sheep, cattle and goats were lost which not only had devastating economic implications but significant social and personal impacts too.

To put it simply, Caring for Our Common Home means to care for the environment. It reminds us that we all share the responsibility for Caring for Mother Earth. We are so blessed with a beautiful natural and physical environment not only here at Riverview but beyond.

We need to work with Mother Nature. When our environment is well, we are well. Every healthy tree, every flowing river is a step toward a healthier, happier life for us all.

It was very heartwarming to see our students engage in activities throughout the day that made them reflect on how they find God through Creation and their role responsibility to Care for Our Common Home.

Congratulations to Ms Van Domburg for all her efforts in planning the day.

Cardoner Walk Upcoming Dates (P&F)

A reminder that the Cardoner Walk will be available for anyone who would like to join, after the P&F mass on the following dates:

- Friday 1st August (Term 3)

- Friday 7th November (Term 4)

Please RSVP to P&F President, Leesa Feilen if you wish to join at pandfpresident@riverview.nsw.edu.au

Happenings

Lane Cove Environment Week (2nd – 8th June)

Discover a week of inspiring events, including the 2040 film screening, Bushkids ABC Animal Walk, Climate Empowerment Workshop, and more. Help spread the word and register HERE —especially for our feature events on 4 and 5 June!

A global prayer vigil for Myanmar

Jesuit Mission Australia will be hosting a global online Prayer Vigil for the people of Myanmar with the Taizé community on Thursday 29 May 2025 at 7pm . We are hoping that as many people as possible from our Jesuit, Catholic and broader community networks will participate as a prayerful act of solidarity with the Burmese community.

Please register to receive the ZOOM link HERE.

Viewpoint editorial staff

viewpoint@riverview.nsw.edu.au

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Riverview NSW 2066
02 9882 8222
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Riverview NSW 2066
02 9882 8306
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Senior School Student Office

02 9882 8127
studentoffice@riverview.nsw.edu.au

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