Issue #5 March 03 2023
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    In this Issue

    Show all
    From our Rector
    • The Invitation to Encounter
    From our Principal
    • To Serve
    From the P&F
    • P&F Update - Term 1 Week 5
    • Year 10 Parents Welcome Morning Tea
    Student Leadership
    • Message from Harrison Loiterton, Fernando House Captain
    Ignatian Centre
    • Year 11 Day of Reflection: The First Principle and Foundation
    • Lenten Toiletry Drive - Restoring Dignity
    Regis Campus
    • Science and Technology at Regis
    • Regis Represents at the IPSHA Swimming Carnival
    Teaching and Learning
    • Year 10 Philosophy and Plato
    • Year 12 Italian Continuers Share a Yarn with Mr Taylor
    • Charles Henry Receives the Dionysos Solomos Award for Greek Studies
    Co-Curriculum
    • Tennis | Riverview vs Sydney Grammar
    • Golf Report - T1 Week 5
    • Table Tennis Report | T1 Week 5
    • Kings/PLC and AAGPS All Schools #1 Regatta
    • Riverview at NSW All Schools Triathlon Championships
    • Basketball Report | T1 Week 5
    • Year 7 STEM Club | Week 5
    Around the College
    • Good Luck Miller!
    • Congratulations Henry Perkins (Year 7, More House)
    Boarding
    • Boarders Outings | Rugby and Sydney Tower Eye
    • Boarding Schools' Leaders Gathering
    • From the Year 10 Boarding House
    Community News
    • You're Invited to Join us at the OIU Voice Dialogue
    • Careers News | Week 5 Term 1
    Christopher Brennan Library
    • Callout for Lego and Game Donations
    • What's New at Christopher Brennan Library? Term 1 Week 5

    From our Rector

    The Invitation to Encounter

    FR TOM RENSHAW SJ, RECTOR

    Over the last four weeks, six of our Houses have celebrated their House mass and supper. It has been wonderful that so many family members – parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, and others – have joined our students for these important community events.

    Thank you to the Heads of House, staff and students, along with many parents who have helped make these masses and the suppers enjoyable and successful gatherings. Four more Houses will come together for their mass and supper before the end of Term 1 and the remaining six other Houses will do so in Term 2.

    Last night, I had the pleasure of celebrating mass for Ricci House. It was a time of great joy and celebration. On December 17 last year, Cardinal Semeraro, the prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints, promulgated a decree recognising the “heroic virtues of the Servant of God, Mattheo Ricci, a professed priest of the Society of Jesus”. This means that Matteo Ricci is one significant step closer to being recognized as a saint. The significance of this step is that there is an official recognition by the Vatican and Pope Francis, that Matteo Ricci has lived a Christian life to a heroic degree. This was the conclusion of a process that began in 1984. Over the last three decades, Ricci’s life and his writings have been studied and presented to the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints for deliberation. Matteo Ricci is now known as the Venerable Matteo Ricci SJ and the next step to sainthood will be the penultimate step of beautification, recognising him as Blessed Matteo Ricci.

    Fr Ricci was born in Macerata, Italy on 6 October 1552. Prior to joining the Jesuits in 1571, he studied the classics and law for two years. As part of his formation as a Jesuit, he studied mathematics, cosmology and astronomy, in addition to the usual philosophy and theology. In 1577, he volunteered to become a missionary to China, arriving in Macau in 1582. As part of his desire to minister to the people of China, he studied Mandarin and Chinese culture and customs. He dedicated the next 30 years of life to this encounter of dialogue, becoming one of the first Europeans to master the Chinese language.

    Ricci’s gifts and talents as a mathematician and cartographer resulted in him being invited by various officials into China, ultimately leading to him becoming an adviser to the imperial court of the Wanli Emperor. While he never met the Wanli Emperor, he was the first Westerner invited into the Forbidden City and he regularly met with leading officials of the Imperial Court, a number of whom converted to Christianity. Fr Matteo Ricci SJ pioneered a new way of being a missionary. He embraced the good within Chinese culture, he mastered the Chinese language and dressed as a Chinese Confucian intellectual. He was given a Chinese name – Li Madou.  He had an extraordinary ability to develop friendship with people who were different to him, and this enabled him to engage in a wide variety of topics, including insights about Mathematics and Astronomy. He translated the ancient Greek mathematical treatise, Euclid’s Elements, into Chinese. As Ricci learnt more about Chinese culture, he borrowed terms from Confucianism to introduce Christian concepts about God. He wrote a book in Chinese, “The True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven”, in which he explored the similarities between Confucianism and Christianity. This became influential in subsequent missionary endeavours to Vietnam, China and Korea, for Catholics and Protestants alike.

    Fr Ricci SJ was also a gifted cartographer, and he used these skills as a way to engage with various Chinese officials. At the request of the Wanli Emperor in 1602, Ricci completed a map of the World. It was the first European style world map in Chinese, measuring five feet high and twelve feet wide. There are only seven original copies of this map still in existence.

    At a time, when there are significant strains on many countries’ relationship with China, Fr Matteo Ricci SJ is a reminder that the Western world has been on a journey of encounter and engagement with the Chinese people for nearly 500 years. He is recognized by people of the West and the East as a bridge builder. Ricci was held is such high esteem, he became the first Westerner to be buried in Imperial ground in Beijing. As part of the decree recognising his heroic and virtuous life, Pope Francis described Father Ricci as “a man of encounter, who went beyond being a foreigner and became a citizen of the world”.

    The final steps for Matteo Ricci to be beatified and canonised require that there be two miracles that can be attributed to his intercession. If you have a family member of friend who is seriously ill, you may find the following prayer helpful, invoking the intercession of Matteo Ricci, to pray for the healing of your loved one.

    Some photos from the Ricci Mass and Supper below:

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    From our Principal

    To Serve

    DR PAUL HINE, PRINCIPAL

    Last Sunday morning, as Sydney awoke in the aftermath of the Mardi Gras, a bus entered the College grounds via Gate 2 and pulled up at the archway. Unlike many of the transport systems in the College, this was not associated with a sporting commitment or a co-curricular event, but with a service program. A number of boarders had committed to spend their Sunday morning at the Loaves and Fishes Café.

    This is a free restaurant located in Ashfield, augmented by food vans, that provide assistance to address the cause and effect of homelessness, unemployment and poverty. And there is plenty of it in Sydney, even if not immediately visible in regions like the North Shore. This is one of many agencies that make a concerted effort to identify with and respond to the needs of some of the city’s most vulnerable through food provision, social welfare and education support. Over the last 30 years, this one centre alone has served over 9 million meals to those who need them and brokered countless healthcare and welfare issues to some of Sydney’s most destitute. Our young men boarded the bus, intent on making a difference where it is most needed – to the lost, the least and the lonely.

    At the very centre of the educational program in Jesuit schools lies a deep impulse – the impulse to serve: to minister with generosity and humility to those in need, to give of oneself ‘without counting the cost’. This principle – the call to social justice through ministry, is a taproot of Jesuit spirituality; something that St Ignatius was deeply committed to and something that he extolled in all who commit to the works of the Society of Jesus. ‘Love is expressed more deeply in actions than words’, wrote the Founder nearly 500 years ago. It has become a cornerstone of the educational works of Jesuit schools, ministries, and agencies across the world – in 45 counties, in over 3,000 schools and universities that are involved in the formation of over two million students. Grounded in the teachings of the Christian gospels, the many exigent needs in our community and our world need redress through active and concerted efforts to correct the imbalance of disadvantage, poverty, marginalisation, and voicelessness.

    There is sometimes a temptation to believe that the desire to serve is a one-way process. It is not. That is a paternalistic view of the world and one that couldn’t be further from the truth. Service, and the consequential benefits that derive from it for both the ‘giver’ and the ‘receiver’, is both symbolic and symbiotic. It is only by seeing the world through the eyes of the other – through homelessness, disability, age, discrimination, or injustice – that one can truly gain an appreciation of the adversity that life presents for countless millions of people across the world. This brings with it both ‘consciousness’ and ‘conscience’ – an urge, an instinct, and a drive, to make a genuine response based upon that experience. It can be confronting yet so deeply moving to serve food to the drug-afflicted and the unwashed, to empathise with the unemployed, to feel personally insecure on the inside of a prison, to understand the distress of the lonely, to surrender oneself to the other. And it is here that moments of grace and deep learning occur, where the sentiments of the gospel are lived out amid the powerlessness and the gritty reality of those who battle against such enormous and at times overwhelming odds.

    One of the most significant impacts of COVID at the College over the last three years was the requirement to collapse the service programs, be they in metropolitan activities such as aged care, disability support and street ministries, or those life changing experiences associated with immersions. We have moved back into a number of local service programs and later this year resume the overseas immersion programs for the first time since 2019. Preparations are underway for four immersions to Cambodia at different stages of the year and Riverview boys will join other Jesuit schools for the first immersion back to Timor Leste in June. Both relationships have been developed over many years, and both bring appreciable gains to the communities who are visited and the boys who learn so much from ‘the classroom of the world’. More immersions will resume over the years ahead as we move beyond the COVID years. This is the landscape of human experience in a raw and confronting form, providing inimitable growth for the boys who immerse themselves in the lives and the context of the other.

    In addition, there are Old Boys who are doing heroic work and who have joined that legion of alumni who take up the call of service on the national and global stage. Their stories are inspirational as they respond to needs on a local, national, and global scale, embracing agency for the change that they can make through their personal and professional lives which make a difference in our world. It is our hope that the young men of today will become the Old Boys of tomorrow, who will appropriate this impulse at the deepest level and share more deeply in a mission that is founded in generosity, commitment, and compassion. That is our vision and that is our exhortation, for all who have the fortune to walk through the gates of this remarkable school.

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    From the P&F

    P&F Update - Term 1 Week 5

    MR DAVID MCKAY, P&F PRESIDENT 2023

    Hi everyone, this week’s P&F update has information about ticket sales for the City Country Fathers Dinner, registration details for an upcoming social cricket match on First Field, and photos from today’s First Friday Mass and Morning Tea - plus some Save the Dates for upcoming events.

    City Country Fathers Dinner

    Tickets for the inaugural City Country Fathers' Dinner on Saturday 1 April 2023 in Ramsay Hall - book your ticket here .

    This event was added to the P&F calendar in 2023 following the ongoing success and popularity of the annual City Country Mothers’ Lunch, and in response to many requests for a similar event for the Riverview fathers, guardians, carers and father figures.

    The City Country Fathers' Dinner provides an opportunity to catch up with the Riverview men you already know, and to meet others within the Riverview community. All Riverview fathers, guardians, carers and father figures are welcome and encouraged to attend.

    In addition to the inaugural Dinner, we will also be holding a Wine Auction, with all proceeds going to the College Bursary Program. Wine auctions have been held at Riverview in the past (last one being in 2017), and from all reports, they are a great way to meet other fathers and carers of our sons.

    How do you have a great wine auction? You need great wine to be donated! We are seeking your help in raiding the cupboard or the wine store to help us build a fantastic wine collection to auction on the night. All donated wines can be delivered to a drop off location across Sydney and in various regional locations listed in Humanitix .

    For those of you who cannot make the event but would still like to contribute to the Wine Auction, there is an option to make a donation in Humanitix for the organising committee to buy a few additional bottles for the event.

    Just repeating, and emphasising, all Riverview fathers, guardians, carers and father figures should feel welcome to attend the City Country Fathers' Dinner. We hope to see you there!

    P&F Social Cricket Game

    Would you like to play a game of cricket on Riverview First Field? If so, you are invited to play in one of two social cricket games that are being played on Riverview First Field on Sunday 12 March 2023 .

    The first game is for boys in the 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 16As and 16Bs, and will start at 10am (possibly 9am, depending on numbers), and the second game is for parents and friends, and will start after a BBQ lunch.

    The match format is participation based, where everyone bats in a pair for four overs (you keep batting if dismissed) and everyone bowls two overs.

    There will be a BBQ running during the day, and a canteen selling cold drinks, warm bacon and egg rolls, steak sandwiches and sausage sandwiches.

    Please note: This is a social game. Mums and dads are welcome to play - for safety reasons, everyone needs to wear cricket gear when batting. Spectators are also welcome so come and enjoy a great day out!

    Register here to play or be a spectator .

    The Voice Dialogue Invitation

    All Riverview parents, guardians, carers, friends and students (i.e. everyone, Old Boys and non-Old Boys alike) are invited to attend the Old Ignatians’ Union (OIU) event ‘The Voice Dialogue’, to be held on 23 March in the O'Kelly Theatre at Riverview.

    This timely event, with eminent Jesuit and Human Rights Lawyer Fr Frank Brennan SJ as part of the discussion, will help inform the consciences of Riverview Community about this issue of indigenous constitutional recognition. This is particularly relevant in 2023 with a Referendum expected in the later stages of the year.

    Everyone in the Riverview community is welcome to attend, I hope you can make it and please forward it to friends who you know who may be interested.

    See the details and book tickets here .

    First Friday Mass and Morning Tea

    Thank you to everyone who contributed to today’s First Friday Mass in Dalton Chapel and Morning Tea. Today’s Mass and Morning Tea was hosted by Year 7. Enjoy the photos below!

    Upcoming P&F Events

    • First Friday Socials at the Kirribilli Club on Friday 3 March (6:30pm) - TONIGHT
    • Social Cricket Day on First Field on Sunday 12 March.
    • City Country Fathers Dinner on Saturday 1 April
    • Charity Morning Tea on Wednesday 5 April
    • City Country Mothers Lunch on Friday 12 May
    • P&F Dinner Dance on Saturday 22 July
    • Riverview Community Sports Lunch on Friday 25 August

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

    Further information about the P&F

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

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

    Have a great weekend!

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    Year 10 Parents Welcome Morning Tea

    MRS DEBORAH CLAY

    What do you love about the Riverview community? That’s the question parents and carers were asked at the Year 10 Welcome Morning Tea at Garçon French Café in Lane Cove on Thursday 23rd February. The response from parents and carers was varied, however the message was clear - our community is pretty special.

    Vanessa van Rijswijk (son Will) shared "I love reconnecting with all the women I haven’t seen in ages, it has been beautiful". Belinda Paterson (boarder son Andrew) reflected on what Andrew values - friendships and extra-curricular activities, like sailing and basketball - while Lynette Ryan (son Harvey) indicated she loves it when the community comes together: "There’s always someone fantastic to connect with". Meanwhile, Lyn Du and Jon Francis (son Ethan) said everyone is friendly in the community, and it’s a great school.

    Thank you to the Year 10 Year Group Coordinators for organising the Morning Tea - enjoy the video here:

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    Student Leadership

    Message from Harrison Loiterton, Fernando House Captain

    HARRY LOITERTON (YEAR 12)

    At the approach of the middle of the term, there is an expectation in most schools for classes, co-curriculum and sporting aspects to flatten out as they become routine for both teachers and students. Yet, in the midst of such a time, the College has succeeded in escaping from such monotony through the numerous activities that extend beyond regular classes.

    Wednesday morning saw the first House meeting of the year with Houses coming together to participate in an array of various activities - encouraging participation and collaboration between both mentor groups and year levels. In Fernando House, the boys participated in a school-wide scavenger hunt - sparking friendly rivalries - which involved mentor groups culminating their knowledge of the school's history and reconstructing famous photos such as the The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ album cover. It is fair to say that among Houses, it was a great opportunity for senior students to set the right example as positive influences, further breaking the barriers that can sometimes restrict conversation within year levels.

    This Saturday brings the final home game of the summer season, and for the Year 12s, the final summer season home game at the College. Shore will venture from their distant home in the lower north shore to battle it out with a number of teams across various sports. The 1st basketball are set to battle it out at the Madison Square Gartlan at 11:45am, the 1st cricket starting at 10am on first field led by Liam Grover, and as the highlight match of the day, the 4th XI cricket team ‘The Flatties’ will be contending once again in their final game of an unrelenting rivalry against Shores ‘The Toadies’.

    Further, there are a number of important dates in the school calendar now visible as the term progresses. On March 17th, the swimming boys, captained by Loïc Walford, will take to the pool in GPS V to determine the victors of the swimming season. The atmosphere is expected to be electric like last year and I encourage as many boys as possible to put their name down to travel on the buses to support the boys as both a recognition of their efforts and dedication throughout the season.

    On March 25th, the culmination of three camps, thousands of kilometres, and eight months of training will amount to six minutes of racing as the GPS crews collide in the epic conclusion of the rowing season at the Head of the River. I can’t stress the importance of the student body being present on the shoreline to drive the boys across the line. Led by Jim O’Meara, they aim to write history with 7/7 wins on the day, never having been done before.

    Over the past few weeks, preparations have also been taking place for International Women’s day which will occur next Wednesday, the 8th of March, already looking to be an extraordinary day within the college.

    Have a great week 6, striving to utilise all opportunities the college has available!

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    Ignatian Centre

    Year 11 Day of Reflection: The First Principle and Foundation

    JACK MCCONNELL (YEAR 11, SMITH HOUSE)

    “Everyone has infinite worth”. This was the theme of our Year 11 Reflection Day at Peter Canisius House, Pymble. We pondered this in our House groups by asking each other questions and thinking or journalling about how we resonated with this statement. I am lucky enough to be in Smith House where there were many mixed opinions and thoughts about this theme.

    Is worth determined by your achievements or status? Is someone's worth determined by how they have contributed to society? Is a doctor worth more than someone who plays footy?  We decided this was not what we thought infinite worth was. To many people that doctor is worth a lot to them. To other people who look up to that footy player, he or she also has worth.

    After much good discussion and various activities throughout the day, we struggled to find one answer. But as we convened ready to go home, we were reminded that “We have infinite worth to God.'' We could argue about and discuss “worth” all we wanted but no matter what, the God we praise will always love us and have unconditional love for us. That is what “infinite love” is.

    Thank you to Ms van Domburg, Mr Gilles and particularly the Year 12 Peer Ministers and House leaders who led us on the day.

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    Lenten Toiletry Drive - Restoring Dignity

    MRS MEG MORRISON, FAITH IN SERVICE CO-ORDINATOR

    Central to our Catholic Faith is upholding the dignity of others. One way we can do this is by supporting St Vincent de Paul’s call for toiletry packs for marginalised men and women living rough or on the streets. As part of their Ignatian Service, our Year 7 students will be putting together snack packs and toiletry packs for the Vinnies Night Patrol Van.

    Over the coming weeks, all students will be encouraged to donate to the annual Lenten toiletry drive for Vinnies. Each House will be responsible for collecting different toiletry items over the Lenten period. Next time you're doing a quick grocery shop, add some travel sized toiletries to your basket.

    Students can drop these into their House areas:

    • Campion - razor, soap, bandaids
    • Cheshire - deodorant, tissues, snap lock bags
    • Chisholm - razor, soap, bandaids
    • Claver - toothpaste, hand sanitiser, toothbrush
    • Dalton - deodorant, tissues, snap lock bags
    • Fernando - toothpaste, hand sanitiser, toothbrush
    • Gonzaga - razor, soap, bandaids
    • MacKillop - shampoo and conditioner
    • More - toothpaste, hand sanitiser, toothbrush
    • Owen - deodorant, tissues, snap lock bags
    • Ricci - shampoo and conditioner
    • Romero - razor, soap, bandaids
    • Smith - toothpaste, hand sanitiser, toothbrush
    • Southwell - toothpaste, hand sanitiser, toothbrush
    • Teresa - razor, soap, bandaids
    • Xavier - shampoo and conditioner

    “Together We can Rebuild lives and Restore Hope and Dignity”
    (Vinnies)

    Here are some of our Year 7s packing snack packs and writing messages for Vinnies Night Patrol Van to distribute to those living rough on the streets. This Ignatian service is called 'Garate', after Blessed Br Francisco Gárate SJ (1857-1929) who is remembered for his acts of kindness towards students during his many years working as the door-keeper in Jesuit schools.

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    Regis Campus

    Science and Technology at Regis

    MRS TANIA GODFREY, ASSISTANT HEAD OF REGIS CAMPUS

    Regis students are enjoying an amazing STEM program this year, along with Science and Technology investigations and the Young Engineers after school program.

    Friday STEM

    The incredible Regis STEM Program continues this year with an exciting range of learning units on offer. These units utilise the design engineering process to enhance critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and collaboration skills. They also draw heavily on our Ignatian paradigm of Experience Reflection and Action and staff are adept at leading their students through reflection and discernment based on their study of Learning by Refraction.

    All students excitedly began their Friday STEM programs last week and all enjoyed the challenges presented which deepened their learning and application to real life contexts. Over the next semester boys will be faced with weekly hands-on challenges which build to their final design product. These individual products take a range of forms including movies, recipes and cooking, coding and robotic models, electronic circuits, grown products and many other individualised solutions with a range of prototypes which solve real world problems.

    In the gallery below are some images of the boys in action at Movie Makers, Little Bits and Paddock 2 Plate. Can you guess what the boys are tasting in some of the images below?

    Science and Technology | Contact and Non-Contact Forces

    This term our Year 5 and Year 6 boys have begun their forces learning journey and are investigating how to increase or decrease a force. Like all of our learning in Science and Technology the boys will participate in a combination of hands-on activities, research tasks, and a design and make component at the end of the term. The boys have learnt about applied force and can give examples which show how it is used when an object makes contact with another object and applies force directly to it. They worked collaboratively to investigate this and discover how the theory works in practic as can be seen in these images.

    Young Engineers

    Our Young Engineers program is an after school co-curricular program for boys whose weekly double Science and double STEM lessons just aren’t enough and they crave more Science - in particular engineering! The first session of the semester kicked off this week with boys making and testing hoop flyers. Once the original design was produced and tested, boys then used their initiative and creativity to make further modifications improving the time in flight and distance of the current designs. Check out the fun in the banner above!

    Gallery photos: Movie Makers, Little Bits, and Paddock 2 Plate tastings:

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    Regis Represents at the IPSHA Swimming Carnival

    MRS CAITLIN REMEEUS, DIRECTOR OF REGIS

    Yesterday Regis students competed at the IPSHA swimming carnival, having trained hard to qualify against a very high standard in the pool.

    Many of our students received ribbons in the heats, but most importantly, they demonstrated plenty of school spirit. Well done to all our students, including Fletcher on coming first in the 11 Years 50m Freestyle!

    Teaching and Learning

    Year 10 Philosophy and Plato

    MRS ERIN JOHNSON, HEAD OF INTEGRATED LEARNING

    Year 10 Philosophy students have been considering the ideas of key philosophical thinkers throughout time – this week students have been focusing on Plato, the ‘Parable of the Cave’ and his theory of Forms, or Ideas.

    This philosophical concept suggests that there is a perfect world of abstract concepts or objects that exist outside of our physical world. According to Plato, these Forms or Ideas are the true reality while the physical world is only a shadow or imitation of the Forms. Plato believed that every physical object we see in the world is only a copy or imperfect reflection of a perfect Form that exists in the world of ideas.

    To test this theory students had five minutes to sketch a dog. Together, we then prepared a list of criteria for what a dog looks like. The students then compared their dog sketch with their classmates to justify who drew a better representation of a dog, according to Plato’s Theory of Forms. A very interesting discussion ensued! See our 'dogs' below:

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    Year 12 Italian Continuers Share a Yarn with Mr Taylor

    LUCA MAHER (YEAR 12)

    On Monday afternoon we had the privilege of Mr Kaleb Taylor, the College's First Nations Co-ordinator, joining our Year 12 Italian Continuers class as we explored the topic of the elderly in our modern societies and other cultures.

    Thanks to his own personal experiences and wider knowledge we were able to develop a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Elders among Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander communities. We discussed the way in which community members gained the title and responsibilities of Elder as well as how key cultural and spiritual knowledge is passed down from one generation to the next.

    Moreover, we touched on the unfortunate result of the stolen generation and decades of racism in our country which has, among other issues, led to a deficit of Elders and knowledge in certain First Nations communities.

    We are deeply grateful that Mr Kaleb Taylor gave up his time to come speak to us and we thank Ms Maria Skouras for organising it.

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    Charles Henry Receives the Dionysos Solomos Award for Greek Studies

    MR LUCA ASMONTI, TEACHER - LANGUAGES

    Last Sunday, a lively and passionate community of students, families and teachers gathered in the hallowed halls of the University of Sydney to celebrate the achievements of the girls and boys who excelled in classical and modern Greek courses from primary school to HSC exam.

    This was yet another occasion to recognise the outstanding work and unrelenting passion of Riverview’s 2022 Proxime and Captain of Campion House, Charles Henry, who received two Dionysos Solomos Awards for his exceptional results in both Classical Greek Continuers and Extension.

    This recognition is one of which the whole College community should be particularly proud, because it speaks volumes of the kind of school Riverview aims to be, and the kind of young men that it stives to form. Of all the students who were acknowledged at the event, Charles was the only one who neither was of Hellenic ancestry, nor had attended a selective school. By choosing to pursue the study of classical Greek, Charles took advantage of an opportunity of intellectual exploration which is only available at a handful of enlightened institutions nationwide. In this exciting journey, Charles was driven by passion, curiosity, and a pure desire of personal betterment.

    These awards are an important reminder that, far from being some kind of chic and vaguely decadent academic tinsel, the study of classical languages is embedded in the bone and marrow of Jesuit education. If anything, the study of the classics at such a forward-looking and inclusive school as Riverview is ‘radical’ in that it links our work to the very roots of the Society’s spiritual and intellectual mission and one of its founding documents, the Monumenta Paedagogica (1570). In this text, inspired by the intellectual fervour of Renaissance Humanism (“among all the things that the world embraces, nothing is more excellent than man”), the pioneering Jesuits of Vilnius envisaged the study of the Greek and Roman classics as the foundation of the education of men spiritual and intellectual discernment, who would put their qualities to the service of the common good. Today, Riverview is proud to continue this distinguished tradition, by using the examples of the great texts of the past is used to inspire tomorrow’s “men for others”.

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    Co-Curriculum

    Tennis | Riverview vs Sydney Grammar

    CO-CURRICULUM DEPARTMENT

    Enjoy a tennis round up from the week:

    Opens

    In the Opens the 1st started on fire in the doubles. Fred N partnered Xander C to get the team off to a 1-0 start. Johnny M and Matias D lead for most of the match before just faltering in a 3rd set super tiebreak. James L and Ollie G also had the defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. With that the momentum was lost and the boys couldn’t recover. Although looking the better players in their singles matches the Grammar boys continually found a way to make one more ball, however ugly it looked, it worked and left a bunch of frustrated Riverview boys to head back to the drawing board.

    The Opens highlight came in the 7th/8th teams with the 8ths thrashing their opposition.

    16s

    The ever-improving 16s squad popped up with a big win in the 16Bs. Charlie Roche remains undefeated, and Angus D also produced a big singles win!

    15s

    The 15s were down a few players with injuries and illness affecting the teams but they still competed and fought for every point. Hamish B had the supporters on the edge of their seats before eventually going down in an intense singles battle. Coach Jack has added a few more games to training to lift the boys’ spirits and noted they were eager to learn from a tough weekend.

    14s

    The 14As led by Harry S produced some high-level tennis. They split the singles matches 2/2 with Massimo producing his match of the year for the win and Samuel also digging deep to get over the line. The boys were let down a little by their doubles and coach Xavier was going to focus on a few tactical plays to help for next weekend.

    13s

    It was a tough weekend for the 13s who had spent the week at camp and looked a little weary. The boys were up against a strong Grammar team and struggled to find their composure. Even the previously undefeated 13Cs hit a speed bump losing close. The highlight came in the 13Ds with Brodie S and Connor O securing the doubles win before going down in tough singles battles.

    It’s been a great week of training and the boys are eager to take on Shore.

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    Golf Report - T1 Week 5

    CO-CURRICULUM DEPARTMENT

    It was a privilege for the boys to play at Bonnie Doon Golf Club last Saturday. The course was set up beautifully as it had, only days before, hosted a professional competition.

    Our lads took on Barker College. Although Barker is sitting down the ladder, every day is a new day when it comes to match play. Ronan, our No. 1 player was off a similar handicap to his opponent and the match was close all the way. Ronan was striking the ball well, but his opponent’s putting was exceptional. Unfortunately, Ronan lost the match on the 18th hole. A very solid effort.

    Jim played No. 2 and way caught up in a see-sawing affair. The result came down to the last hole, and despite losing his ball, he squared the hole to win the match 1 up.

    Archie, ever reliable, seemed to be comfortable throughout the match and won with four holes still to play.

    Isaac completely dominated his opponent winning the first 8 holes. He eventually won his match on the eleventh hole. The easiest victory this season.

    The 3-1 result elevates Saint Ignatius’ to a share of the top of the table with just 3 rounds remaining, with one of those being a bye. We are destined to play equal leaders St. Aloysius’ in the final round. It should be interesting.

    Despite Ms Bird not being 100 percent on Saturday she turned up so the boys could play their 9 holes. So many of the boys who play at Lane Cove will be vying for a place on the Interschool team next season.

    Current Table:

    Saint Ignatius’ - 78
    St. Aloysius’ - 78
    Knox - 76
    Newington - 75
    St. Patrick’s - 72
    St. Joseph’s - 68
    Barker - 57b

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    Table Tennis Report | T1 Week 5

    CO-CURRICULUM DEPARTMENT

    Congratulations to Division 2, Ben T and Jaden L (3-2) and Division 6 comprising Zac S, Rafe M and Malachi L (4-1) with some well earnt wins!

    Although Division 1 came away with no points, the doubles match went to 5 sets and one of the singles matches to 4 sets .

    Students competing: Sebastian F-D, Sidney AY, Lachlan P, Benjamin T, , Lochlan F, Seth, Callum L, Lochlin P, Ben R, Rafe M, Zac S, Malachi L, Will H, Jaden

    Div 1: Sebastian F-D & Sidney A-Y – 0-5

    Div 2: Ben T & Jaden L – 3-2

    Div 3: Lachlan P & Lachlan L – 1-4

    Div 4: Ben R and Callum L – 2-3

    Div 5: Seth C & Will H – 1-4

    Div 6: Zac S & Rafe M and Malachi L – 4-1

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    Kings/PLC and AAGPS All Schools #1 Regatta

    MR JIM BUSTEED

    Last Saturday the GPS and Year 10 crews returned to the Sydney International Regatta Centre for the Kings /PLC Regatta while the Year 8 and 9 Quads of crews raced at Hen and Chicken Bay at the AAGPS All Schools Regatta.

    Unlike at the Gold Cup Regatta last week, the crews at Penrith rowed in straight finals against their GPS competitors. Another strong performance from all crews resulted in an increase in their lead in the GPS Senior Point Score competition.

    The GPS Squad results were as follows:

    • 1st Place:  1st VIII, 2nd VIII, 3rd IV, 4th IV, 3rd VIII
    • 2nd Place: 1st IV
    • 3rd Place: 2nd IV
    • 4th Place: the 5th IV raced in the 4th IV event and the 4th VIII raced in the 3rd VIII, both finishing fourth.

    The 1st and 2nd VIII also raced in the Men’s Under 19 VIII. This event was divided into two Divisions with the 1st VIIIs and 2nd VIIIs grouped together. Both crews won their division impressively.

    The Year 10 VIIIs continued the good form they have displayed in earlier, achieving the following results:

    • 1st Place: 10.3 and 10.4
    • 2nd Place: 10.2
    • 3rd Place: 10.1

    The Year 9 and 8 Quads raced in Divisions at the AAGPS All Schools Regatta at Hen and Chicken Bay. Strong performances by all crews resulted in the Junior Crews maintaing their lead in the GPS Junior Point Score Competition.

    • 1stPlace: 8.1, 8.5, 8.6 | 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6 and 9.7
    • 2nd Place: 8.2 and 8.3 | 9.1 and 9.8

    This week the Year 8 and 9 Quads will again be at Hen and Chicken Bay for the AAGPS All Schools #2 Regatta and the GPS and Year 10 Squads will compete at the Sydney Rowing Club Regatta at Penrith.

    Good luck to all our crews!

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    Riverview at NSW All Schools Triathlon Championships

    CO-CURRICULUM DEPARTMENT

    Last Thursday and Friday a few boys went out to (SIRC) at Penrith to compete in the NSW All Schools Triathlon championships.

    Ethan Nandlal and Hudson Thompson competed in the individual event on Thursday coming 29th and 31st respectively.

    On Friday two teams competed, the first team in the boys intermediate division with Hudson Thompson (swim), George Field (bike) and Ethan Nandlal (run) placing 9th overall and 6th in CIS. The second team competed in the boys' senior division with Jack Thompson (swim), Michael King (bike), Zachary Nandlal (run) placing 6th overall and 3rd in CIS.

    Well done to all!

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    Basketball Report | T1 Week 5

    CO-CURRICULUM DEPARTMENT

    Last Saturday, Riverview basketball faced Sydney Grammar, a well-respected GPS basketball program who always get up for the Riverview matchup. Tough games would ensue up and down the fixture, however in this particular round, it was the 15A and B sides that shone through with some exceptional performances.

    The 15A and B sides are a talented group, however in recent weeks both sides had hit some road blocks. With Coach Phillips and Coach Wilson shaking things up at training over the week, the boys returned reinvigorated and responded with some excellent showings.

    Firstly, the notoriously strong 15Bs side played with some newcomers this week. One of these came by way of 15A regular Charlie Loneragan, who joined the side and put in a very strong performance. Leading the team defensively, Loneragan shut down the opposition playmakers and simultaneously managed to lead his team offensively with many strong plays of his own. The 15Bs emerged victorious, 35-26.

    In the 15A match, Charlie “The Lumberjack” Lund dominated the paint and steered the As to a 41-27 victory on Grammar’s turf. Whether it be racking up tough rebounds in crowded spaces, or sending opposition shots packing with big blocks, Lund was unstoppable and a force to be reckoned with. Grammar had no answers for Lund and the As in this one.

    The 15s age group is one of the stronger groups in the school, and we look forward to the continuing to build the right way in years to come.

    This week Riverview Basketball takes on one of the GPS’ strongest programs in Shore Grammar. A host of tough matchups face Riverview in this fixture, however of particular note will be the significance of the Opens division. This Saturday marks the final home game for Yr 12 students. Be sure to stop by the Gartlan and give our senior students a cheer and a high five as they take the Gartlan floor against a strong rival one last time!

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    Year 7 STEM Club | Week 5

    MRS ERIN JOHNSON, HEAD OF INTEGRATED LEARNING

    Year 7 STEM Club has started on Tuesday afternoons in WA222, 3:30 – 4:30pm. All Year 7 students are welcome to attend.

    Together we build and code with our LEGO Spike Prime kits. This semester we will be entering the RoboCup Junior Spike Prime Competition and the theme is ‘Robotic Creatures’.

    Students need only bring their laptop, afternoon tea and imagination!

    For more information please see Mrs Johnson or email ejohnson@riverview.nsw.edu.au

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    Around the College

    Good Luck Miller!

    MS DENYSE GIBBS, CLAVER HEAD OF HOUSE, AND MR JOSHUAH MORRIS, YEAR 9 HEAD OF DIVISION

    Miller Siasat joined Claver House and the Year 9 Boarding Division at the start of this year. The accomplished young athlete from Kiama on the South Coast has been part of the Gerringong SLSC for the past two years and recently competed in NSW Junior Age Championships at Queenscliff Beaches taking out Gold in both Beach Flags and Beach Sprint.

    As a result Miller will now be competing in the National Championships in Perth later this month.

    While Miller enjoys great support from his Gerringong teammates, this support will also be echoed by his new schoolmates from Riverview who all wish him the very best of luck for the upcoming championship.

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    Congratulations Henry Perkins (Year 7, More House)

    RIVERVIEW COMMUNITY

    We extend warm congratulations to Henry Perkins (Year 7), who was selected to receive a meritorious sporting award in the form of a CIS Red at the Annual New South Wales Combined Independent Schools Sports Council (NSWCISSC) Awards Presentation Evening, held on Saturday, 18 February.

    The CIS Red is awarded to students who have been selected in a NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Team and go on to perform at an outstanding level at the School Sport Australia (SSA) Championships.

    Henry's Red was for his participation in the sport of Touch Football, where he was a member of the CIS team and then went on to achieve selection in the PSSA NSW team, which ended up winning the championship at Wagga late last year.

    Well done Henry!

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    Boarding

    Boarders Outings | Rugby and Sydney Tower Eye

    MR ANTHONY BEGG, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

    Over the past week, boarders have enjoyed a number of exciting outings.

    Waratahs versus Brumbies

    Last Friday night, 180 staff and students from our boarding community attended the Waratahs v Brumbies game at Allianz Stadium, joining 25,076 fans who together created a brilliant atmosphere.

    A highlight for the boys was watching the debut of Max Jorgensen, who less then 12 months ago was playing for Joey’s versus Riverview at Leichhardt Oval. The 18-year-old, who became the youngest Waratahs debutant since Kurtley Beale, snared two tries in a promising maiden outing in Super Rugby. This certainly created much conversation amongst the boys as to who could make the step up first year out of school. I wish to thank all the boys for their outstanding behaviour on the night and the support from the Boarding supervisors.

    See the photos in the gallery below!

    Sydney Tower Eye

    Last Sunday boarders from Years 7, 8 and 9 travelled into the city and experienced travelling up the Sydney Tower Eye, previously known as Sydney Point Tower. The boys were amazed at the height of the building and the scenic views of the city and beyond to the Blue Mountains, some even joked that they could see their properties!

    After a guided tour of the 360 degree views, the boys enjoyed exploring around the bustling Pitt Street mall, discovering shops they have never heard of whilst enjoying a bite to eat before venturing back to the boarding houses.

    The boys had a ball and were so thankful for the opportunity, what a wonderful experience and day out!

    See a few more photos below in the gallery:

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    Boarding Schools' Leaders Gathering

    MR ANTHONY BEGG, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

    On Monday 20th February, two of our boarding leaders Charlie Bull and William Garnsey travelled to Loreto Normanhurst to meet with other boarding student leaders from Sydney. This is the first catch up of this kind since 2020, and one which all the students enjoyed.

    It was a social event with the intention of forging connections and considering opportunities as boarding rebounds from the depths of COVID guidelines. To further this end, Riverview boarding has upcoming events with both Loreto Normanhurst and Pymble Ladies' College.

    We commend Charlie and Will, who have been tremendous role models and have both made a brilliant start in leading the Proctors this year.

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    From the Year 10 Boarding House

    MS CHRISTINA MIKAN, YEAR 10 HEAD OF DIVISION

    The year has started well for the Year 10 Division with twelve new boarders warmly welcomed into the large cohort.

    Being a boarder in Year 10 provides the boys with an opportunity to live together and share the same routines, including study, shared meals, daily run around time in the Gartlan, and warden duties to assist the running of the Division house. The first few Friday nights have provided opportunities for the boys to enjoy the Proctors BBQ, Lane Cove dinner outing together, and the Wallabies match at Allianz Stadium.

    Now with all the assessments rolling in, the boarders are working out how to use all the resources available to them, including term planners and tutors in the Division each night, to prioritise and complete the assigned tasks to the best of their ability.

    Being a large cohort also means that birthdays are being celebrated regularly and the boys love sharing cake and sweet treats together as boarding brothers on their journey through Riverview.

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    Community News

    You're Invited to Join us at the OIU Voice Dialogue

    THE OLD IGNATIANS' UNION

    All Riverview parents, guardians, carers, friends and students (i.e. everyone, Old Boys and non-Old Boys alike) are invited to attend the Old Ignatians’ Union (OIU) event ‘The Voice Dialogue’, to be held on 23 March in the O'Kelly Theatre at Riverview.

    Australians will soon be asked to vote in a referendum asking 'Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?'. In the past a range of options to realise Indigenous constitutional recognition have been on the table. All those proposals have now been replaced with the Voice.

    Join us for a night of dialogue as our panel explores answers to key questions, including:

    Is the Voice to be a Voice to Parliament or a Voice to Parliament and to Government?

    Is the Voice to be primarily concerned with special laws applying specifically to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders?

    Or is the Voice to be able to make representations on all manner of things, including laws and policies which impact both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Indigenous Australians?

    Special guests include Fr Frank Brennan SJ and Riverview old boy, Kyle Wallace.

    6.00pm, 23rd March
    O'Kelly Theatre
    $20 for adults / free for students
    BOOK HERE

    Light refreshments will be offered on arrival and, at the conclusion, Fr Brennan will sign copies of his new book An Indigenous Voice to Parliament: Considering a Constitutional Bridge .

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    Careers News | Week 5 Term 1

    MS PETA BIRD, CAREERS ADVISOR

    See what's coming up this month:

    • ANU Direct Applications are open! Please complete and submit your application by Monday 15 May 2023
    • iCanMed free webinar - How To Finish UCAT Prep In 50% Of The Average Prep Time
    • UNE - Highlands Science and Engineering Discovery and Challenge Days , March 7 to March 8, 2023
    • Charles Sturt - Charles Sturt | Explore Days 2023 , March 7 to March 28, 2023
    • SCCE - Exchange Webinar , March 7, 2023
    • Cambridge University applications – webinar for International students
    • WEP - Student Exchange Info Session , March 7, 2023
    • N ational Art School (NAS) – short course, Saturday 1 April

    For more information on these events and other important news, see this week's CAREERS NEWSLETTER .

    Stanford University Qualia Global Scholars

    Organised by Stanford University undergraduate and graduate students, Qualia Global Scholars is a selective pre-collegiate virtual summer mentorship program matching talented students in grades 6-12 with Stanford mentors. The program features personalised mentorship, interdisciplinary research, project-based learning, and guidance on college applications. The program aims to empower students to become future global leaders by teaching them about leadership and problem solving, emerging areas in STEM and liberal arts, critical thinking and communication skills, and real-world impact through research & innovation. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Need-based financial aid is available for the program.

    View the program flyer here

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    Christopher Brennan Library

    Callout for Lego and Game Donations

    MS REBECCA HOAD, HEAD OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

    Got a game at home with missing pieces? Do you keep stepping on Lego, no longer played with?

    The Library would love donations of games, dice or spare pieces of previously loved games – Connect Four, Scrabble, and chess are very popular.

    Any Lego pieces that you would like to donate – complete or incomplete - can always be put to good use at Riverview.

    Dungeons and Dragons – players handbook or pieces would also be welcomed.

    The Library is a highly used space before school, and during recess and lunchtime – with high energy and focus on Lego, Chess and other activities. Come and donate and/or come and play - all welcome!

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    What's New at Christopher Brennan Library? Term 1 Week 5

    CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN LIBRARY

    We had a visit from Paul McDonald (The Children's Bookshop) today and purchased a big pile of new books. These will be available for borrowing by next week.

    What’s on?

    The Children’s Book Council of Australia released their list of Notables 2023 this week. The Christopher Brennan Library already has many of these in our digital library and on our shelves.

    Who’s reading?

    Anya joined some classes for wide reading this week.

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    Viewpoint editorial staff

    viewpoint@riverview.nsw.edu.au

    Senior School

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    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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