From our Rector
A new beginning
FR TOM RENSHAW SJ, RECTOR
This weekend we begin a new liturgical year, as we, once again, enter into a time of preparation with the Season of Advent. It is a time when we long for the coming of the Lord and we do that in two ways: by looking backward to his first coming as the Christ child born in Bethlehem to Mary and by looking forward to his second coming as the Son of Man at the end of time. In the saving events of Christ’s death and resurrection we have indeed been reconciled to God and in this renewed relationship we already enjoy the essentials of salvation. But we know from the world we live in that the fullness of God’s kingdom is still a work in progress. So as Christians we prepare, wait and pray for the fullness of God’s kingdom to come.
From our Principal
The Opening and Blessing of Wingaru
MR MARK TANNOCK, PRINCIPAL
Last Friday evening the College opened and blessed the marvellous new Wingaru Building . The building was blessed by Father Provincial, Quyen Vu SJ and opened by the Hon. Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians and former parent and member of staff at our Jesuit school. Senator McCarthy could not attend in person because of Cyclone Fina that was close to Darwin at the time, so she opened the building virtually with a recorded video.
From the P&F
P&F Update – Term 4 Week 7
MRS CLAUDIA McINERNEY, P&F PRESIDENT 2026
Last week our outgoing P&F President Leesa thanked the 2025 P&F Executive for their commitment to the P&F and the College over 2025, and prior years. She also acknowledged the incredible contribution of the wider P&F committee including our amazing 2025 YGCs and BPAs. Thank you all for your unwavering commitment.
We also thank Leesa for her love of and dedication to the College community this year. A welcoming face at our many P&F events and every winter Saturday in the Father Mac canteen, managing the Exec Committee and other SIC stakeholders, and behind the scenes making things happen, she has been remarkable. A true Ignatian, serving with honour daily, and always with her generous heart and smile on show.
Student Leadership
Message from Alex Kerr, Claver House Captain
As we move into the final stretch of the year, the College has displayed nothing short of outstanding energy, commitment, and community spirit across every aspect of school life.
Last Saturday, the Viewboys travelled all across Sydney to compete in the penultimate GPS round for the year. The 1st V took on the rivals from across the river, Joeys, resulting in an astounding 104-51 victory, with Bailey Hanson, who was recently announced in the NSW U20 Basketball Team, shooting 9 out of 11 threes in the first half alone. Congratulations again to the Basketball program on another successful week, placing Riverview’s undefeated 1sts at the top of the table. Over to Campbelltown, which saw the Athletics boys dominate the track, with special mention to Lachlan Maiers, Charlie Culbert and Tom Poynton, who led the charge and delivered some outstanding times, and Harry Fingleton for showing true grit and determination in the 800m. There were many other victories across the weekend, such as cricket, tennis and the rowers out at the Scots Regatta in Penrith.
Teaching and Learning
Year 9 Computer Technology
MS REBECCA HOAD, HEAD OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS
Prior to the Year 9 Computer Technology class going on Challenge, we looked at online time and linked it back to our Term 1 topic of infographics to display data and information.
As we move towards the holidays and what may be a challenging one for many of our students, with the social media ban beginning to roll in, a sample of the infographics on balancing your online time may be a timely reminder for all of us.
Co-Curriculum
Fab Five – Round 6 vs. Joeys
MR TOM GARLEPP, BASKETBALL SPC
Rivalry weekend always brings extra energy — and this round against Joeys was no exception. From buzzer beaters to defensive masterclasses, Riverview basketball once again showed its trademark fight and flair. Here are the top five highlights from the round:
Scots College Regatta
MR JIM BUSTEED, ASSISTANT ROWING SPC
Last weekend the GPS Squad and the Year 10 Eights travelled to Penrith for the Scots College Regatta, with all crews competing in two races. The high standards of the previous regatta were again evident in tight competition with Shore. The 10.4 crew won both their races, the 10.1 won one race and were a close second in the other and the 10.2 and 10.3 crews were second in their races.
The Golf Report
MR LOUIS CALLANAN, GOLF SPC
In the battle of the Jesuits, it was only right that the spoils were shared, with the First IV drawing their match against St Aloysius (2-2) at North Ryde GC. Without the breaks in luck early on, Charlie Brown struggled to find his footing against a strong and steady competitor. Ted Madigan fought on hard throughout his match, but failed to fire late, losing narrowly in the closing holes.
Around the College
Inclusion Program Christmas Cards are Back!
MR TOBY MARTIN, INCLUSION PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR
We are pleased to announce the long-awaited and much-anticipated return of the Inclusion Program Christmas Cards, a much-loved feature of the Riverview community. Each year, students in the class design a range of Christmas images that reflect their unique abilities. These artworks are then transformed into Christmas cards and sold, with all proceeds supporting our Immersion communities in India.
Boarding
Boarding Annual Fishing Competition
MR ALEXANDER GODBOLD, BOARDING RECREATION OFFICER
At the beginning of this term I received a phone call, out of the blue from Jeremy Wade of River Monsters (stream now on 7+), how he got my number I still don’t know, and I was too awestruck to ask. Why would such a high-profile angler be calling me?
The last fish I caught would have been a 7cm toadfish with a Kmart rod and reel. Well, it wasn’t to invite me to start a new career direction, he had heard the Riverview Annual Fishing Competition was around the corner and he wanted in.
Celebrating a Year of Growth, Connection and New Beginnings
MR TIM SEDGWICK, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
As the year draws to a close, we pause to reflect on what has been a remarkable season of learning, change and joy within the Junior Division. From the first morning gathering in Term 1 to our final weeks together now, our students have grown not only academically, but in confidence, character and care for one another.
We are proud of every student, those who have excelled, those who have persisted through challenge, and those who have found new strengths along the way. The growth we have seen is not only measured in academic results, but in the way boys greet one another with respect, welcome new peers, show kindness, and give their best even when the task is difficult.
Performing Arts
Year 12 Drama Australian Drama Performance
LACHLAN CLUBB, DRAMA CAPTAIN 2026
This week, the 2026 Year 12 Drama cohort was challenged with reinterpreting two 1960s and 1970s Australia plays - Alex Buzo’s Norm and Ahmed and David Williamson’s The Removalists - to form a cohesive performance that highlighted key themes and social commentary from both pieces. Building off their realist elements and the genre of New Wave Australian Theatre, the boys had 12 minutes to combine scenes and characters from the two plays, shaping a strong understanding of the HSC drama syllabus. We were gifted with an audience of Year 8 and 12 students, who were crucial in extending the social commentary of the piece, and we are very grateful for their presence. Later next year, the boys will have to write about the plays in their HSC examinations, so this was an excellent opportunity to get an in-depth study of the form, characters and themes.
Riverview’s Private Drama and Public Speaking Tuition (formerly Speech and Drama)
MR PETER WATTERS, HEAD OF FACULTY - MUSIC
Although the term “Speech and Drama” may feel a little dated today, our program remains as relevant as ever. While we no longer teach traditional elocution, our Private Drama and Public Speaking tutors help students develop engaging and effective vocal skills including clarity, projection, confidence, and expressive dynamics, creating poised and compelling speakers and performers.
Trinity College London Musical Theatre Exams
MR PETER WATTERS, HEAD OF FACULTY - MUSIC
We are delighted to announce an exciting new collaboration between our Voice and Drama Tutors, Simon Gilkes (Voice) and Cassy Cochrane (Drama).
From 2026, students will have the opportunity to explore enhanced offerings in both Private Drama and Voice Tuition. Those enrolled in both disciplines may also choose to prepare for a Trinity College London Musical Theatre exam.
Co-Curricular Music Ensembles and Private Music & Drama Tuition 2026
MR PETER WATTERS, HEAD OF FACULTY - MUSIC
Registrations for Co-Curricular Music Ensembles and Private Music & Drama Tuition in 2026 are now open!
These programs offer students valuable opportunities to extend their skills, collaborate with peers, and receive high-quality instruction from our experienced tutors. Whether students are beginners or continuing their musical journey, they will be supported to grow with confidence.
Community News
Seeking Night Settlers for the Ignatian Children’s Holiday Camp
MRS CHRISTINE ZIMBULIS, HEAD OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Thank you to all our wonderful parents who have volunteered for the Ignatian Children’s Holiday Camp. Your support is greatly appreciated.
We are still looking for a few more volunteers as Night Settlers on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December from 8pm - 10pm.
All the children coming to camp are regularly cared for by family at home, and the camp provides a time of fun and connection for them, while giving their carers a short break. The children stay in Kevin Fagan House under the care and supervision of allocated students, medical staff, teaching staff and ex companion support.
