Earlier this week I had the privilege of celebrating the Ricci House Mass. Ever since I was a student in Year 10 when I had the opportunity to visit China, I have been fascinated by the life of Fr Matteo Ricci SJ. For me, Ricci is a person whose life embodies our school motto, Quantum Potes Tantum Aude . He dared to engage with a culture that was so different to his own, in leaving Italy and then spending close to 30 years as a Jesuit missionary in China. In seeking to find the good in the other, Fr Ricci embraced difference and saw beauty within it. And he knew from experience the importance of respecting the other, coming to know a new culture and new ideas through dialogue and conversation that led to the establishment of good and strong friendships.

Like our graduates acknowledged earlier today at the Laureate Assembly, Fr Ricci was a person of extraordinary intellect, depth, creativity, patience and perseverance. He valued relationships and through his academic expertise in science, mathematics, astronomy and cartography, he was able to introduce new ideas to the Chinese intelligentsia. As they came to appreciate his depth of learning, his inquiring and open mind, he was also able to introduce them to the Good News of the Gospel.

^{Left: At the Ricci House Mass | Middle: The Laureate Assembly | Right: Studium Award Winner William Pettiona, College Dux George Gaha and Proxime Christian Spiropoulos}

Two years ago, in addressing pilgrims in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said the following about Fr Ricci,

“the credibility obtained through scientific dialogue gave him the authority to propose the truth of Christian faith and morality, of which he spoke in depth in his principal Chinese works, such as the true meaning of the Lord of Heaven.”

Pope Francis then talked about the importance of giving witness to love and charity in our lives as an expression of our life of discipleship. Pope Francis said that one of Fr Ricci’s greatest strengths was consistency. In describing Ricci’s life, Pope Francis said “what attracts people is the witness of consistency; we Christians must live as we say and not pretend to live as Christians while living in a worldly way.” In other words, people come to know who we are and what we value and what is important to us, by the way we interact with them and whether there is a congruence between our words and actions.

In congratulating our Laureate award winners today, I invited them to continue to learn from the example of Fr Ricci. The context of our world is very different to his, yet many of the challenges and opportunities are the same. I encouraged them to be people who are known for consistency and integrity, creativity and depth, and a willingness to embrace the other and engage in respectful dialogue, remembering that Jesus is the source of all life and all hope.

Many Jesuits and others in the world are hopeful that one day the Venerable Matteo Ricci will be officially recognised as a saint. In December 2022, Pope Francis recognised the heroic virtue of Ricci’s life, taking him one step closer to sainthood.

Wishing you every blessing.

From our Principal

Where Excellence is Found

MR MARK TANNOCK

This week Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview celebrated its 145th birthday. The College opened its doors to students on 12 February 1880 and since that time has pursued its mission of Catholic, Jesuit education for boys on the banks of the Lane Cove River. The College’s history is not perfect, but we have much to be grateful for and today over 1600 students benefit from our Jesuit tradition and Ignatian ethos.

Mr James Rodgers (OR1971) OAM penned the following story of the first day at the College:

The ferry pulled into the Riverview Wharf.

Two young boys, Arthur and Thomas Moore, accompanied by an escort of their mother and various aunts, disembarked and began the walk up the path to the stone cottage which overlooked the Lane Cove River.

The Rector, Father Joseph Dalton SJ, had been expecting students since Monday 9 February but heavy rain kept them away until 12 February which just happened to be Father Dalton's dies natalis. He had been born in Waterford, Ireland, on 12 February 1817.

The property, originally named Ormeau View, had been purchased by Manuel Francis Josephson in 1864 and it was Josephson who changed its name to Riverview. Between June and October 1878, Father Dalton then had purchased most of the current property for the Society of Jesus.

What became of these pioneers of 145 years ago?

Thomas Sydney Moore was to serve in both the Boer War and The Great War. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and was Mentioned in Despatches.

Arthur Joseph Moore was ordained as a priest in Ireland in 1900, the third Old Ignatian to take Holy Orders.

Father Dalton lived on at Riverview after completing his term as Rector. He died in the Riverview Infirmary in 1905, aged 87, and is now buried in the chapel at Riverview which bears his name, the Dalton Memorial Chapel.

Riverview's beginning was, to use one of Father Dalton's favourite expressions, felix faustumque, favourable and prosperous.

^{12 February 1880 - the first students of the College | 12 February 2025 - the Laureates from the Class of 2024}

The College celebrated the Class of 2024 and their academic achievements in the HSC last year at today’s Laureate Assembly. Tonight, we will be celebrating a number of these students for their achievements in a range of subjects when we launch the Kircher Collection for 2024.

Scholarly excellence is a marked feature of Jesuit education at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Although originally established by Saint Ignatius as a missionary order, the Jesuits responded to the call of the Church and entered the educational ministry, eventually becoming known as the ‘Headmasters of Europe’.

Mastery of an academic curriculum is not an end in itself. Jesuit schools don’t pursue academic excellence for prestige or some other vacuous reasons. No, academic excellence is consistent with our shared belief that our talents are gifts from God, and we share an obligation to use those gifts; to deepen them and to utilise them in the service of God through others. Our pursuit of academic excellence echoes Saint Ignatius’ call to ‘find God in all things’.

The recently deceased American Jesuit, John O’Malley, said this about the origins of Jesuit education:

In this student-centred system as it developed historically, literature in all its forms, which included history, was the core of the curriculum. The humanist educators of the Renaissance saw them as crucial to true education because they treated questions pertinent to human life — questions of life and death, of virtue and vice, of greed and redemption, and of the ambivalence in human decision-making.

They dealt with such questions not so much through abstract principles as through stories, poetry, plays, and historical examples that illuminated moral alternatives and, supposedly, inspired students to want to make choices leading to a satisfying human life. In this tradition a satisfying human life was seen not as self-enclosed and self-absorbed but as directed, at least in some measure, to the common weal.

So there you have it. Education in a Jesuit school is about the Magis . We encourage excellence because it will encourage students to flourish in their lives. To find meaning. To seek the greater good.

In 2025, the mastery of a boy’s academic endeavors goes beyond the classical subjects in the humanities and the science – as vital as they are. We encourage them to master the subjects where they find their gifts are best used. Drama, Visual Arts, English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education, Agriculture, TAS, Geography, Economics and Business, History, Music, Geography.

Academic mastery at Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview means pursuing your personal best. Never being satisfied with the mediocre nor the mundane. It means committing oneself to engage more deeply, learn more genuinely and achieve at a level commensurate with this effort.

From the P&F

P&F Update - Term 1 Week 3

MRS LEESA FEILEN

The week that was….

The Welcome to 2025 Social Evening was an incredible evening spent together under the summer night sky in the special space outside Dalton Chapel. The college was sparkling as we enjoyed each others company for perhaps the first time this year, sharing food and beverages until closing time at 9.30pm, when there were still hundreds of parents wishing the evening did not have to end.

Fr Tom welcomed our community to the school year, Kaleb Taylor made a beautiful acknowledgement to country, on the special Cammeraygal land we hold in our hearts, and we heard from our Principal Mr Mark Tannock. Thank you to everyone that made this event possible. It is a memorable evening in our school calendar. The event set the tone for a full weekend, sport was played, rehearsals for school productions were held and the P&F Committee held their 2025 Planning Day.

Gold Cup

Tomorrow we host the Gold Cup Regatta and we wish our rowing community all the very best, after the commitment they have made to their chosen sport we hope that their day is filled with great success.

It’s not too late to support our fundraising efforts. Click HERE to donate to contribute towards P & F fund to purchase food and drinks for sale. Proceeds will go towards our Bursary Program.

Volunteering

Contact us on pandfpresident@riverview.nsw.edu.au to join in the fun as part of the sub committees for the Winter canteen and many events throughout the year.

SIC Community connection

To find out more about what is happening in your year group or P&F activities, please come back to Viewpoint each Friday afternoon. It is a source of what is going on, along with your school emails and Year Group WhatsApp communications!

The email addresses for the P&F, the Year Group, and Boarder Parent co-ordinators can be found here .

You can always contact us through the pandfpresident@riverview.nsw.edu.au email.

Each year group has a dedicated Facebook page and WhatsApp group. Your Year Group Co-ordinator can share the details if you have yet to opt in. Just a reminder: If you haven’t already updated your details on InsideView, please take a moment this weekend. This is how your fellow parents and carers, and the P&F can stay in touch.

Upcoming P&F Events

Year 7 & Year 9 have upcoming Welcome Drinks. Thank you to the Year Group Coordinators for organising these evenings.

Please book your tickets below:

Year 7 Welcome Drinks - buy your tickets HERE

Year 9 Welcome Drinks - buy your tickets HERE

P&F Committee

Last Sunday P&F Committee met to spend time together in Cova Cottage, getting to know each other, enjoying time discussing our Committee goals, determining the school calendar for the year, and establishing ways to move forward in our roles efficiently and effectively in collaboration.

It was a productive morning as a community, and I thank the Committee for their time and commitment to our boys and the school. We hope that this allows us to move forward, adjusting and continuing to be an evolving and inclusive community.

Notice to reschedule the General meeting set for 6 March as there are no missions to be moved.

An extraordinary general will be called regarding the changes required to the P&F Constitution. The P&F are hopeful that this will occur in the first semester of the year.

Student Leadership

Message from Simon Brown - Vice Captain (Boarders)

SIMON BROWN, VICE CAPTAIN (BOARDERS)

Term One is well and truly underway as we come to the end of another busy week at the College.

Over the weekend the rowers competed in the NSW State Championships at the Regatta Centre at Penrith. It was a successful day out, with the 1st VIII dominantly winning both of their heats and taking out the final to win the State Champs. Despite competing against all of the 1st VIII crews, the 2nd VIII put on a strong performance making the semi-final and rowed a PB time. The fours also had an impressive performance with the 1st IV taking out the State Champs and 2nd IV just missing out on a podium position by 0.04 seconds. Also, the Year 10 1st VIII put on a strong performance winning State Champs as well. All crews are looking very promising for the Head Of The River at the end of week 8. Well done to all the rowers on the weekend!

There was a mixed result among the cricket teams on Saturday over at Grammar. The 1st XI took an unfortunate loss with Grammar scoring a considerable amount of runs and Riverview not so many. Although they look to turn it around against Shore this weekend at home. The 2nd XI had a convincing win over Grammar but it was the 3rd XI that had the most notable performance last weekend. They batted first scoring 330 runs and bowled Grammar all out for 30. Well done to Will Bowrey who scored a ton and James Bairamian who got a 5fa.

It was a very successful day for all of the basketballers on Saturday. After a tough past two rounds the boys in blue and white are back in form with the 1st V taking a dominant win over Sydney Grammar 67-47. The 2nd and 3rd V was a similar result with a dominant score of 51-35 and 43-22 respectively. In the 4th V game, Riverview suffered an unfortunate loss 54-47, but they put on a good performance and spirits were still high. Well done to all the basketball players on Saturday!

On Wednesday the 11th of February commemorated the first class being taught at Riverview 145 years ago. On this day in 1880, Riverview welcomed its first students, Thomas and Arthur Moore, guided by Father Joseph Dalton SJ. On this day, we honour our beginnings and everyone who has shaped this college to what it is today. A school of service, commitment and compassion.

Today marked the annual Laureate Assembly, where we came together to celebrate the students of the Class of 2024 who achieved an ATAR of 90 and above. A special congratulations to George Gaha, the College Dux, who achieved an ATAR of 99.80 and College Proxime, Christian Spiropoulos who achieved an ATAR of 99.75. Well done to all of OR 2024 on your outstanding results, and we wish you all the best for your future endeavours!

Finally, I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and good luck to everyone participating in sport, in particular those racing in the 141st Gold Cup Regatta. GO VIEW!!

Regis Campus

Regis Swimming Carnival

MRS CAITLIN REMEEUS, DIRECTOR OF REGIS CAMPUS

Today Regis hit the Gartlan pool. The carnival proved to be a great day with wonderful homeroom spirit, good cheering, sportsmanship, and competitive racing.

A total of three records were set. Congratulations to Aiden Mulcahy breaking the 200m 10 Years IM record from 2021, swimming a 3:03.45 Aiden also broke the 10 years 50 m Breaststroke, a long-standing record from 2007, with a 46.35 swim. We also extend our congratulations to Hamish Dryden breaking the 200m 12 years IM record from 2021, with a 3:04.61 swim. Well done to boogie board champions 5:5 and 6:1 and Overall point score winners 5:4 and 6:1.

I would like to thank the Regis parents who gave so generously of their time to support our campus. A special thank you to Mr Noud carnival convenor, Regis staff and Gap students who all worked tirelessly to make the carnival a great success.

Teaching and Learning

USA Music & Drama Tour - expressions of interest

The College is now taking expressions of interest for the 2025 USA Drama & Music Tour.

The 2025 Drama & Music Tour for Elective Drama and Music Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 is a 12 day program to New York and Los Angeles designed to enhance students with the key knowledge and skills in areas related to their courses. The itinerary includes a range of live performances On and Off Broadway in New York, tours backstage in New York theatres and film studios in Los Angeles. The tour will take place from 26 September to 8 October in New York and Los Angeles.

Click here for more information and to lodge your expression of interest.

Safer Internet Day at Riverview

MS REBECCA HOAD, HEAD OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

On Tuesday 11th of February, Riverview celebrated the awareness of Safer Internet Day – encouraging people to work together to create a safer and more positive online environment. Our IT department used InsideView to create awareness and provide links to essential information and resources. With technology playing a vital and growing role in our daily lives, it’s more important than ever to equip students with skills and awareness to navigate the digital world responsibly.

In the Year 9 Computer Technology (09CMTA) course we looked at the law for students in Year 9 with a focus on a case study around sexting and gained an awareness of the resource of the e-safety commissioner.

Some of the key takeaways of students from this class were:

“I deepened my understanding of the laws surrounding being safe online and how I can protect myself from legal consequences.”
“I found that you can’t be let into a lot of countries if you are charged with serious online harassment.”
“ Internet safety and the law is important because the internet and people on it would be ruthless without it .”
“Internet safety is very important because you need to feel safe.”
“I didn’t know that we had an eSafety Commissioner.”
“I learnt that the e-Safety Commissioner supports adults, as well as children”
“I found it interesting that 86% of teenagers use YouTube.”
“Remember to always stay safe be polite and go to somebody that you trust”
“Internet Safety is important to protect sensitive data, build trust, and prevent financial and reputational damage”.
“You need to be careful of everything you do on the internet.”

These discussions highlighted the real-world consequences of online actions and reinforced the importance of digital literacy and critical thinking in the online space.

As a school community, we encourage families to continue these discussions at home. Here are some ways you can support your child in developing safe and healthy online habits:

Talk regularly about their online experiences and any concerns they might have.
Set clear boundaries on screen time and device use, especially before bed.
Encourage critical thinking about what they see and share online.
Model good digital habits by using technology responsibly.

Safer Internet Day serves as a reminder that online safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can help young people make the most of the digital world while staying protected.

For more resources and tips on online safety, visit Safer Internet Day 2025 - InsideView OR www.esafety.gov.au

Co-Curriculum

Mountain Biking is Back in Full Swing!

MR ABU HASSAN, MOUNTAIN BIKING PROGRAM COORDINATOR

It’s been an incredible start to the year for our MTB program, with a fantastic turnout of riders and the continued growth of our thriving mountain biking community. In fact, our numbers have grown so much that we’ve split the group into two to ensure every rider gets the coaching and support they need to thrive.

We’ve been particularly impressed by the exceptional talent and fearless attitude of our new 2025 riders. It’s clear that the future of mountain biking at Riverview is in very capable hands.

With just five weeks of riding left and one official interschools race on the horizon (hosted by Knox at Ourimbah on the Central Coast), our riders have been training hard and pushing themselves to new limits. The season kicked off with a great ride at Westleigh H20, near Hornsby, setting the tone for what’s shaping up to be an exciting few months.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we’re gearing up for the annual Interschools event at Thredbo. This year, we’ll be taking 16 of our best riders (Years 9–12) to compete against the top MTB schools from across Australia. It’s always a highlight of the season, and we can’t wait to see our team in action on the national stage.

Welcome to Our New Riders!

Let’s take a moment to warmly welcome our newest members to the Riverview MTB family:

Joseph Beregi (Year 7)

Sam Cudworth (Year 7)

Tom Cooley (Year 7)

Edward Flanery (Year 8)

James Hampson (Year 7)

Samson Richards (Year 10)

Samuel Roberts (Year 8)

Patrick Waterford (Year 10)

Jayden Zhang (Year 7)

We’re excited to see these riders grow and develop their skills on the trails this season.

Introducing Our New Coaches

This year, we’re delighted to welcome two new coaches to the team, both of whom bring a wealth of talent and experience to the program:

Judah White (OR2024)
Judah is an incredibly skilled and passionate rider with years of mountain biking experience. A dedicated downhill MTB enthusiast, Judah lives and breathes the sport - so much so that his new bike is rumoured to be worth more than his mum’s car! His deep knowledge and enthusiasm for MTB will be a huge asset to our program, and our riders are sure to benefit from his expertise. Be sure to check out his Instagram page ( @cj_freeride ) to see his impressive skills in action.

Jack Caine (OR2024)
Jack is a true all-rounder—last year’s MTB Captain, and a gifted saxophone player. But it’s his mountain biking skills that really stand out. As a highly capable and lightning-fast cross-country (XC) rider, Jack is known for his incredible endurance and will be pushing our riders to new fitness heights. Fun fact: Jack once competed in an interschool race while recovering from a cold and still managed to secure a top-10 finish in his category.

Catch the Action!

Want to see our newest riders in action? Check out some footage of them hitting the trails [ CLICK HERE ].

Swimming News

MR MICHAEL WEBB, SWIMMING SPORTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

The 23rd annual Swimming Leadership dinner was held at St Joseph's College this week, all captains from each GPS school came together for a formal dinner and each captain spoke about the upcoming season. It was a great night for the young men to meet everyone before the carnivals start. Riverview Captain Hudson Thompson and Vice-Captain Henri Dempsey attended. Hudson spoke about the importance of Riverview swimming and the team’s goals for the upcoming GPS competition.

The year 7 swimming trials took place on Saturday, and it was a huge turn out and it’s great to see so many keen swimmers.

The team has been training the house down and if any other students would like to join the team please email MR WEBB and check Clipboard for training times. The swimmers love the BBQ breakfast every Thursday.

Fab Five – Round 9 vs. Sydney Grammar

MR THOMAS GARLEPP, BASKETBALL PROGRAM COORDINATOR/1ST V COACH

Another round of strong performances across the board as View continues to shine on the court!

13A – A Winning Debut:
The 13As kicked off their season in style with a 47-40 victory, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign. With a mix of famous Riverview basketball names—Larkin, O’Hea, Messara, and Wright—alongside fresh talents like Strudwick and Amendolia and many others, this squad showed real promise. Under the leadership of Coach Bruno, the future is looking bright for this group.

9ths – New Leadership, Same Dominance:
With Mr. Bonnington taking the reins of an already established powerhouse, the 9ths continued their winning ways with a commanding 38-6 victory. Seamlessly adapting to their new coach’s style, the boys played with discipline and intensity, proving that this already solid squad is only getting stronger as the season progresses.

13F – A Dynamic Duo Leads the Charge:
The 13Fs secured a hard-fought 20-17 win, with the electrifying pace of Mills and the sheer strength of McMillan proving too much for the opposition to handle. Every player played their role, and with their first win in the books, this team looks set to be a real problem for opponents moving forward in one of the most hotly contested 13F divisions in recent memory.

14D – Defensive Masterclass:
A dominant 28-11 win saw Ben "Handles" Allen orchestrating the offense with flair, while Zephania "The Lock" Kris put on a defensive clinic, shutting down the opposition with ease. A huge statement victory for the 14Ds, who continue to build momentum with each passing game.

1sts – Bouncing Back in Style:
After a challenging stretch, the 1st V reasserted themselves with a statement 67-47 win over a tough Grammar side. Lachlan "The Wall" Wappett and Konrad "The Assassin" Svilans set the tone with relentless defense, while Jack “Bo Jackson” Plamondon led all scorers with 12 points. A reminder to the competition—this squad is still one to be reckoned with.

Tennis Report vs Sydney Grammar

MR JAYMON CRABB, TENNIS PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR, HEAD COACH AND 1ST COACH

It was a tough weekend across the board for our tennis teams. Coming up against a very deep and strong Grammar outfit.

13s Tennis

The 13s took to the court for their first GPS outing with much enthusiasm. Confidence was high, energy was off the charts and the banter non stop.

The boys were use to winning in their junior school careers but the GPS and especially Sydney Grammar is a completely different beast. The boys were soundly beaten. They talked the talk but couldn’t walk the walk. You would think the bravado would take a bit of a hit but this wasn’t the case. Literally within 2-3 minutes the boys were back up and about.

It’s going to be a fun year !!!!

Special mention to Noah Girgis who fought long and hard at 1A with every game going to deuce.

And Lucas Korbel for getting a strong win and looking to quickly move up the ranks.

1st Tennis loss .5-8.5

The boys faced a tough loss this weekend going down 8.5 to 0.5 to Sydney Grammar.

This was in many ways a play-off to secure the 4th position in the ladder however Grammar proved too strong in the big moments. #2 & #3 Doubles were outclassed by their more experience opponents going down 6-0, 6-1 & 6-2, 6-2 respectively. #1 doubles provided a great showcase for spectators with Xander Crabb and Jack Hamer coming out firing to secure the 1st set 6-1 before Grammar responded with an early break in the 2nd set to balance the match. The boys fought back to put themselves in a position to serve out the match at 6-5 but were unable to close ultimately then falling in a 3rd set tie-break 6-1, 6-7, 7-10 in a closely contested battle.

Grammar maintained control in many of the singles matches quickly gaining a overall 5-0 lead with wins at #3 and #6 singles. Jack Hamer and Archie McCormack (#1 & #4) both found themselves in tight three set contests however despite their best efforts were unable to consolidate. Special mention goes to Xander Crabb this week who managed to fend off the dreaded 9-0 loss by pushing his singles to 6-5 up in the 3rd set before ‘time’ was called by the referee and the match was abandoned thus splitting allocated points for that match.

Boys will reflect and learn from this week. Despite the score there are both significant and obvious areas the team has identified to focus on in order to turn results such as this around going forward.

2nd’s Tennis loss 1-8

Unfortunately, the Riverview 2nds couldn’t manage to get the Job done with A 8-1 defeat. However Captain Ethan Nandlal played a very strong match coming out victorious against the no.1 Grammar player. Other notable mentions include Henry salter and Zion Sharman who came close, but lost no.3 doubles in a super tiebreak.

Opens

3rd/4th

Great fight back by Nick and Tim fought to get a tiebreak and kept momentum to win easily 7-2

Ben H solid 6-1 win to keep his positive win % up

5th/6th

John Rowe outstanding singles match continues to climb the ranks , even with his quirky serve style. Showing great resilience and patience to stay in rallies and not beat himself

Other Open players who have stepped up and followed the consistent game plan were Walter , Aiden and Matteo

7th/8th

Ed Pincock, Max Power, Charlie Spiteri and Angus were team of the week. Another easy win at 7ths and continue to impress with their passion for the game and competitive spirit

Good sportsmanship and team work from the View Boys

Golf Report Round 8

MR MARTIN COLLINS, GOLF SPORTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

For the first time, our Firsts played at Woollahra Golf Club last Saturday. We played against a very competitive Barker team with good form coming into the fixture. Unfortunately, Ben and Max were not able to challenge on the day and could not prevent a solid win by the opposition. Barker, having played at the venue the week before, certainly had an advantage with course management.

Ronan and James were our numbers 3 and 4 players and were competitive throughout the match. Ronan was behind the whole match until the 16th hole when he drained a long putt to bring the match back to square. On the 17th hole, he again sunk a monster putt to put him 1 up playing the last. His opponent though, responded with a very ‘clutch’ putt on 18 to square the match. A gutsy effort by Ronan. James Armour led throughout, narrowly, but pulled away at the end to record a dominant 4/3 win. As he told me on the day, he is undefeated this year! The 1 ½ to 2 ½ result was an improvement on the previous week, but we are still looking for a convincing win before the end of the season.

Next week we are back at Woollahra matched up against Scots College.

RESULTS Independent Schools Golf Series 2024/2025

Results: after Round 8

NSW Championship Rowers

MR JIM BUSTEED, ASSISTANT ROWING PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Last Saturday’s regattas proved to be very successful across both the Senior and Junior Rowing Squads.

At the NSW Rowing Championships at Penrith, the 1st and 2nd VIIIs competed in the NSW Championship Schoolboy Eight, the 1st and 2nd IVs in the NSW Championship Schoolboy Four and the Year 10 1st VIII in the NSW Championship Under 17 Eight.

The end results were:

The 1st VIII (H.Kelly, G.Field, A.McGrath, W.Bryant, M.Hyles, J.Carr, Z.Hyde, H.Davis, Cox: H.Burton, Coach: M.Curtin) won the Championship Eight title
The 1st IV (W.Erwin, X.Donohue, M.Burke, T.Tancred, Cox: R.McNulty, Coach: S.Kenderes) the Championship Schoolboy IV title
And the Year 10 1st VIII (H.Walker, S.Conna, T.Roche, E.Bateman, H.Polin, O.Taylor, T.Symons, J.Davis, Cox: Z.Burton, Coach: J.Hargreaves) the Under 17 Championship Eight title

Winning three State titles on the same day has not been achieved by the College before!

There were twenty eight entries in the Schoolboy Eight event including seven schools from Victoria, plus Canberra Grammar and Southport School. This meant that crews raced in heats and semi-finals in order to qualify for the final. The 1st VIII won their heat and semifinal to qualify for the final which they won by 2.89 seconds from Scotch College, Southport School and Xavier College.

The 2nd VIII finished second in their heat behind Xavier College and were in the same semifinal as the 1st VIII. There were only two Second Eights, that made the last sixteen in this event.

The 1st and 2nd IVs raced in the Championship Schoolboy Four event in a straight final with nine starters. The 1st IV continued the good form they displayed last week to lead all the way to win by 3.48 seconds from Shore and St Josephs. The 2nd IV also raced well to finish fourth, 0.02 seconds behind St Josephs.

There were 12 entries in the Championship Under 17 Eight including 8 crews form Canberra, Victoria and South Australia. The crew produced a strong middle thousand metres to win their heat by 1,28 seconds from Brighton Grammar. In the final they were able to increase this margin to 2.83 seconds to win from Brighton Grammar with Prince Alfred College in third place.

The Junior Squads and the remainder of the GPS and Year 10 crews raced at Hen and Chicken Bay producing excellent results. The 4th IV, 3rd VIII and Year 10.2 and 10.3 Eights all won their divisions. The fourteen crews in the Year 8 and 9 Squads won nine races and finished second in the other five. Winning crews were 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6 Quads with the other crews finishing second.

Congratulations to all crews on an outstanding weekend of racing.

^{Left to right: 1st IV, 1st VIII NSW Champ, 3rd VII}

Gold Cup Regatta

This Saturday is the 141st Gold Cup Regatta. This involves 1,338 competitors in 255 crews representing twenty one schools and clubs in ninety nine races. While it is not possible to live stream the regatta this year, live results are available on the Rowing NSW website or HERE .

Weekend Cricket Report

Riverview enjoyed an exceptional weekend of cricket, showcasing strong performances across all age groups. With only two teams facing defeat, the majority of our sides secured dominant victories. The effort, discipline, and teamwork displayed throughout the weekend were truly commendable, setting a high standard for the next round.

A special mention goes to our new Year 7 (13s) teams, who marked their first official fixtures for the school with a clean sweep of wins against Grammar. It was a fantastic introduction to Riverview cricket, with the boys demonstrating great skill, determination, and enthusiasm on the field. Their early success is a promising sign of what’s to come, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow and develop as the season progresses.

With such a strong collective performance across all teams, the energy and momentum within Riverview Cricket are building. Let’s carry this confidence into this weekend and keep striving for excellence!

15Cs

The 15Cs fought hard in difficult conditions but came up against a strong Kings C’s side. After an excellent start, reducing the opposition to 3/20, a key 80-run partnership proved the difference. There were, however, plenty of positives—Jonty and Riley built a solid 30-run stand, Ben Hartcher produced a brilliant runout to dismiss a key batter, and Benny Dickinson bowled with great control, claiming an important wicket. The boys showed plenty of effort and will take valuable lessons into their next game.

1st XI

A tough result for the 1st XI against Sydney Grammar. Riverview posted a competitive 210/9, but despite early breakthroughs and sustained pressure, Grammar chased down the target (213/4). While the team couldn’t capitalize on the key moments, there were positives to take from the performance. With plenty of hard work ahead, the squad is determined to bounce back stronger next weekend.

U14B

The U14Bs delivered a stellar bowling performance against Sydney Grammar, with every bowler keeping it tight and the fielders backing them up brilliantly. Their disciplined effort restricted the opposition to just 73, setting up a thrilling chase. Patrick Mills and Thomas Saddat anchored the innings with a crucial 42-run partnership, before Mitchell Walsh showed nerves of steel to hit the winning runs off the penultimate delivery. A fantastic team effort in a nail-biting finish!

Pastoral Care

New Students' Lunch

MS ROSANNA COMASTRI, SMITH HEAD OF HOUSE

Beloved, you do faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

3 John 1:5

On Thursday this week, we caught up with all our new students (Years 8-11) to the College this year. It was lovely to hear where they were all from – travelling from as far afield as the Republic of Mauritius, to just around the corner.

Students shared a pizza and humorous stories of adapting to this big new Riverview world – making connections with each other on this shared adventure. All seemed happy with the move and excited about what the College can offer as well as what they can offer our community. Our Riverview tapestry is deepened and enriched by these new individuals - they walked in strangers but certainly are now brothers.

Ricci House Mass and Supper

This week, Ricci House celebrated their House Mass and Supper. It was a great opportunity for parents, mentors and students to connect and prepare for the year ahead!

See a photo gallery from the evening below:

Around the College

Orders are open for the 2024 yearbook

The 2024 Our Alma Mater , our College yearbook for the last academic year, is now available for pre-order. All families will receive the digital copy at no cost, but if you would like to purchase a printed (hard) copy as a keepsake, please complete the order form by Monday 3rd March 2025.

ORDER YOUR COPY HERE

FAQs

Why order a printed copy?
The Our Alma Mater is a high-quality keepsake that captures life around the College in a beautifully presented book to be enjoyed now and for posterity. Research shows that yearbooks are always valued more as the years go by, so if you think your son will enjoy a walk down memory lane a decade down the track, now is the time to order the book. Otherwise, please download and keep the free digital file safely where it can be accessed in future.

How much does it cost ?
Hard copy books are charged at a nominal cost of $60. The College prints quantities according to order as part of our commitment to Caring for Our Common Home.

Can I purchase without pre-ordering?
A limited number of books will be available for sale at the Licona Uniform Shop. Please pre-order to avoid disappointment, as availability cannot be guaranteed.

What about the Class of 2024?
All OR2024 graduates will be gifted a copy from the College, delivered to their mailing address.

For any other queries, don't hesitate to contact us at oam@riverview.nsw.edu.au.

Licona Opening Hours

Please note the general opening hours for Licona this year. Any variations to these hours will be posted in Viewpoint through the year.

Terms 1 & 4
Monday to Friday: 8.00am - 4.00pm

Terms 2 & 3
Monday to Friday: 8.00am -2.00pm

Contact the friendly staff at Licona on 9882 88388 or licona@riverview.nsw.edu.au, or try the click and collect service .

2025 School Photo orders

MR SEAN BOWMAKER, DEAN OF STUDENTS

Individual school photos were taken last Friday, 31st January, and a catch up session for those who were absent on the day will take place on on Tuesday 18th February.

To order your school portraits, please click here and use school code X2353SCH57R.

Boarding

Year 8 Boarding House Settles in for the New Year

MR MICHAEL WEBB, YEAR 8 HEAD OF DIVISION

The Year 8 students at the boarding house have settled in nicely and are quickly adjusting to their new routines. It’s great to see them back together, enjoying the familiar environment with their friends once again. The start of the year has already brought some birthday celebrations, adding extra cheer to the boarding house.

One of the highlights so far has been the special occasion where the birthday of a Year 8 student coincided with that of the Head of Division. Celebrating together was a wonderful way to mark the day, and it created a memorable experience for everyone. These shared moments make birthdays in the boarding house even more special for the students, and it’s always a joy to see the sense of community and camaraderie among the boarders.

As the term progresses, the Year 8s continue to make new memories, strengthen friendships, and enjoy the moments that make life in the boarding house so unique and rewarding.

Boarders Enjoy Fun in the Sun at Manly!

MR ALEXANDER GODBOLD, BOARDING AND RECREATION OFFICER

On Sunday the 9th Feb our Year 7, 8, 9s and some Year 10s headed out to Manly for a day at the beach and Corso.

The weather forecast had given us every possibility from a sunny day through to thunderstorms, wind and rain but thankfully it all came through and we enjoyed a glorious day with a little bit of cloud cover and beautiful water conditions.

The high humidity enticed our boarders to spend a fair bit of time in the water with many attempting to master the art of bodysurfing or just trying not to get dunked by some of the larger rolling waves.

On the Corso, the boys could explore the local markets and shops before most stopped by the fish & chip shop for some lunch.

It was a wonderful day that afforded the boys some freedom to enjoy the beach with their friends.

Coming up soon we will be heading out to Raging Waters for a day at the water park.

Performing Arts

Get Moving with Co-Curricular Dance!

MS ALANNA ELLIOT, DANCE SPORTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Looking for a fun way to de-stress and stay active? Co-curricular Dance is back, and it’s open to all! No experience needed – students are welcome to join any time.

Starts: Week 3
When: Tuesdays, 3:45 – 5:00 PM
Where: O’Kelly Theatre

Click here to register for Co-curricular Dance: https://forms.gle/6oqfps4Kmtpz98nu6

Or contact Ms. Alanna Elliot: aelliott@riverview.nsw.edu.au

Join Intermediate and Senior Theatresports

MS LARA STERN, TEACHER - DRAMA

Theatresports is all about quick thinking, creativity, and teamwork. It’s a chance to develop improv skills, and challenge yourself in a fun environment.

When & Where:
One session per week – choose a lunchtime, before, or after school
O’Kelly Theatre

It’s not too late to sign up. Drop by the O’Kelly at lunchtime this week!

Or contact Ms. Lara Stern: lstern@riverview.nsw.edu.au

Junior Play Auditions - “Sketchy Business”

MS LARA STERN, TEACHER - DRAMA

This year, we’re bringing you Sketchy Business , a hilarious mix of Monty Python classics and other well-loved comic gems. Expect farce, absurdity, and pure hilarity as our Year 7 & 8 performers take the stage and turn the everyday into comedy gold!

AUDITION DETAILS:
When: Week 2, Sunday 9th February
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: O’Kelly Theatre

Want to be part of the fun? Register for an audition now! Click here to sign up

For more info, contact our directors:
Ms. Louise Arnott – laarnott@riverview.nsw.edu.au
Ms. Suzanne Mouait – smouait@riverview.nsw.edu.au
Mr. Sam Burkitt – sburkitt@riverview.nsw.edu.au

Coming soon… Our Year 12 Co-curricular Production: “VaudeView 2025”

MRS LARA STERN, TEACHER - DRAMA

Book your tickets for our Year 12 play, featuring a collection of monologues, scenes, songs and starring our brilliant Year 12 performers.

WHEN: Week 5
DATE: Wednesday 26th February & Friday 28th February
TIME: 6pm
WHERE: O’Kelly Theatre

Get your tickets HERE.

ViewCrew – Run the Show!

MRS LARA STERN, TEACHER - DRAMA

Learn sound, lighting, stage management, set design & more! ViewCrew meet every Thursday from 3:45 – 5:15 PM in the O’Kelly Theatre.

Contact Mr. Conrad Page or CLICK HERE.

OnSTAGE 2024 Theatre Excursion

ANGUS DEVLIN, DRAMA PREFECT 2025

This week, Years 11 and 12 Drama students attended OnSTAGE 2024 at the Seymour Centre, showcasing outstanding HSC Drama performances. Featuring individual monologues and group pieces, the event tackled pressing political and social issues, demonstrating theatre's power as a storytelling medium. For Riverview students, HSC OnSTAGE was an invaluable learning experience, offering insight into the sophistication required for HSC Drama. Inspired by the creativity and execution on display, students left with fresh ideas and a heightened appreciation for the craft, ready to refine their own performances to meet the high standard set by NESA OnSTAGE 2024.

Community News

The Gold Cup Regatta is on Tomorrow!

We invite you to join us for the 141st Annual Regatta at Saint Ignatius' College Riverview this Saturday, 15 February 2025. We look forward to welcoming rowing crews from across Sydney to compete on the scenic Lane Cove River from 8 am to 3:30 pm. The full programme is available HERE . It promises to be an exciting day for the whole community, with food, beverages, and a merchandise stall creating a lively atmosphere along the foreshore.

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who have generously supported the OIU BBQ and P&F Cake Stall. Your efforts play an essential role in extending our school’s renowned hospitality to our visitors, making them feel warmly welcomed.

We also extend our best wishes to all students participating in their Summer Co-Curricular activities throughout the day.

For those unable to attend in person, the event live results are available HERE .

We look forward to seeing you there!

Christopher Brennan Library

What's new at the Christopher Brennan Library

MS JENNIFER POCKNALL, LIBRARIAN

What’s new?

We love receiving book suggestions at the library! This one comes from Eddie Williams, who was eager for us to purchase The Inheritance by Kate Horan, fresh from its launch the night before. (Kate also happens to be Eddie’s mum.)

What if everyone in your family was given a DNA test at Christmas: would there be any surprise results? For two women the answers are shocking, and dangerous. Families lie. DNA doesn't. Isobel Ashworth breezes through life, blissfully accustomed to the privilege which comes with her family name. But that changes when she arrives in the exclusive town of Hartwell. Sent there by her father to complete a controversial property development -- and prove herself a serious player in the succession plan -- her perfect life is unravelling. Isobel's fiance is telling lies, the project is a disaster and the locals hate her; could her father be setting her up to fail? Buzzing with the promise of a big story, journalist Meg Hunter arrives in Hartwell to expose the Ashworth family dealings, and transform her faltering career. As she follows the trail of corruption, she uncovers clues about her mother's mysterious past. When the next-gen Ashworths each receive an anonymous Christmas gift of a DNA testing kit, Isobel questions everything she knows about her family. Isobel is drawn to Meg and her pursuit of the truth - but someone out there will stop at nothing to hide the secrets of both families.

What’s on?

This week we are celebrating Library Lovers’ Day with our first competition for the year.

Can you name all of these fictional couples? We will be awarding a prize to our winner next Monday.

Library Lovers’ Day was initially started in Australia in 2006 by the State Library of New South Wales (NSW). The day became a national holiday in 2007 when the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) joined in on the campaign to promote their passion for books.

Caring for our Common Home

Caring for our Common Home Update

Caring for Our Common Home (CFOCH) is one of the four Universal Apostolic Preferences, which calls on Jesuits and their partners to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and take meaningful action to safeguard our environment. At our college, we strive to educate and inspire students and staff to act with environmental consciousness. This collective responsibility not only impacts the quality of life we enjoy today but also ensures a thriving environment for future generations.

Our commitment to this mission is championed by the Caring for Our Common Home Committee, led by Kate Dryden. Represented by the raindrop logo—symbolising the cycle of all creation returning to God—the committee works to advance the College’s vision of becoming a leader in environmental stewardship. This includes driving the shared responsibility for ecological conversion as outlined in the Caring for Our Common Home Strategic Plan and our 2025 School Goals.

The Caring for Our Common Home Strategic Plan outlines our five-year pathway toward ecological conversion and positions us as leaders in environmental stewardship. This strategy provides a clear framework for achieving our goals.

As illustrated in the diagram, the plan is anchored in five focus areas, with significant milestones already accomplished. These include:

Focus Area 1 - Environmental Survey; Operational Data Dashboard; Jesuit Australian Province Carbon Tracker; Student Waste Audit
Focus Area 2 - Earth Hour Campaign; Ignatian Interschools Forum (Year 11)
Focus Area 3 - Earth Hour Campaign; Return & Give Program - House Competition and Service Component; Trial of Offsetting Immersion Flights
Focus Area 4 - National National Water Week - ‘Light of Mercy’ Fundraiser in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Season of Creation - Mini House Competition & Debate; St. Ignatius Day planting trees - Xavier and More House; Yr10 Ecology Conference; Hot Potato Shop - Gates Moss; Teaching and Learning - Engineering, Geography using Data Dashboard findings; Manresa Internship; Green Wolves Environmental Group
Focus Area 5 - Committee Meetings; Budget Approval; Sustainability Guidelines

Our progress will continue to be guided by data collected through the Jesuit Australia Carbon Tracker and the Data Dashboard Findings. Students and parents can find environmental updates and data HERE .

The data highlights critical areas for action, such as reducing our rising carbon footprint in electricity and waste, helping us prioritise effective measures for improvement.

Riverview Caring for Our Common Home Sustainable Practices Guidelines

In line with Horizon 2, we are proud to announce the launch of the Caring for Our Common Home Guidelines for 2025. Developed by the CFOCH Committee, these guidelines provide staff and students with clear information on new and existing practices that promote ecological conversion and environmental sustainability.

The practices are categorised into four key areas: reduce, reuse, recycle, and engage.

A copy of the guidelines can be found under the College Policy section on Insideview.

Data Dashboard Findings - Updated as of January 2025

The most up to date information on the Environment Data Dashboard is available in InsideView HERE .

Prayers

Mrs Elizabeth (‘Wizz’) O’Dea passed away on 1 February 2025

Widow of David O’Dea (OR1957), mother of Stephen O’Dea (OR1984 and current parent) and Jason O’Dea (OR1989); grandmother of Nicholas O’Dea (Current Year 8) and great aunt of Darcy O’Dea (Current Year 9), Benjamin (OR2015), Daniel (OR2016), Matthew (OR2020 and Joshua (OR2023). Aunt of Richard (OR1989), Adrian (OR1989), and Jonathan (OR1983).

Please keep the O'Dea family in your prayers.

Peter Brown (OR1959) passed away on 30 January 2025

Justin Hayson (OR1991) passed away 30 December 2024

Son of Ian Hayson (OR1963), brother of Benjamin Hayson (OR1996), nephew of Paul Hayson (OR1965) and cousin of Luke (OR2002) and Matt (OR1994).

Viewpoint editorial staff

viewpoint@riverview.nsw.edu.au

Senior School

115 Tambourine Bay Road
Riverview NSW 2066
02 9882 8222
stignatius@riverview.nsw.edu.au

REGIS Campus

Enter via Riverview St
Riverview NSW 2066
02 9882 8306
RegisAdmin@riverview.nsw.edu.au

Senior School Student Office

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

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