Viewpoint

In doing so, I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who was involved on Saturday. The Bazaar is only made possible by the generous hearts of our students, staff, parents, Old Boys and community members in supporting a Jesuit ministry that is devoted to caring for the poor in developing nations around the world.

Thank you to the P&F for their extraordinary generosity in ensuring the day was such a success. The P&F are clearly the guardians of our parent culture, and they prioritise support of the College through a commitment to humility and ‘giving back’ to those in need. We will be recognising our generous parent volunteers in Term 4 of this year. Thanks in particular to P&F President Mrs Leesa Feilen, Vice President Mrs Claudia McInerney, and the rest of the P&F Executive.

Thank you to the Old Ignatians’ Union for their decades long support for the Bazaar. Dr Paul Brogan has served on the day for the last 48 years straight. A remarkable achievement. Whilst I failed in my decade-long quest to win a ham on the OIU Ham Wheel, we remain grateful for their generosity.

Our staff have been thanked internally by the College - including Heather Mitchell, Reece Duggan and Sally Gates, without whom the event could not have proceeded.

Finally, and most importantly, we thank our students across the College for their generosity on the day. Each Riverview boy put their best foot forward and created a fabulous sense of fun and community in support of those less fortunate around the world. Jesuit Mission CEO, Helen Forde, sent the following message to the Rector and I this week:

What a day! The 2025 Jesuit Mission Bazaar was alive with energy - the sun shone brightly, crowds poured in, and everywhere we turned there were open and generous hearts. Once again, the Saint Ignatius' College community - students, staff, parents and Old Ignatians - created a spirit-filled, joyful gathering that truly embodied being men and women for and with others.

We are deeply grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who brought the day to life. Their generosity of time and spirit was the Magis in action - quietly, joyfully serving, and creating an atmosphere where all could come together for a greater purpose.

Your hospitality and partnership allow Jesuit Mission to continue empowering communities living on the margins to free themselves from poverty and injustice. Together, we are making St Ignatius’ vision real - for the greater glory of God.

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It’s been a big week for Drama at the College. The dramatic arts are an essential dimension of a Jesuit education as it provides opportunities for boys to cultivate their creative side and to develop the skills of public oratory, teamwork and reflection. We were thrilled with the OnStage nominations for our Year 12 Drama students. Congratulations to the teachers and the students on the following nominations; these boys will also be recognised in our HSC Report in December:

This week, the Year 9 and 10 Co-Curricular Drama Production of Billy Budd was held in the O’Kelly Theatre over four nights with the final shows taking place tonight and tomorrow. It is superb and I was amazed by the overall quality of the production with the set design, stage management and acting all of a particularly high quality. The leads Oliver Schmid, Hamish Walter, Harry Johnston, Jimmy de Flamingh and Danny Gordon in particular demonstrated acting prowess beyond their years. Congratulations to the following students involved in the production.

Finally, congratulations to Jude Paddon-Row (OR2020) who is graduating from VCA Acting Company this year. He is well known to the community and was an incredibly gifted performer. We are immensely proud of his achievement. In addition, Joe Althouse (OR2017) is currently starring in the Sydney Theatre Company production of Whitefella Yella Tree.

Drama is alive and well at Riverview.