In this Issue
Show allImportant Reminders
Reminder: Apply for Your Free School Opal Card by April 11
Parents and carers are reminded that students must have a valid
School Opal card
when travelling on school buses. The School Opal card is free and allows eligible students to travel to and from school on public transport. Applications can be made online
HERE.
To ensure students are ready for Term Two, please submit your application
by Thursday, April 11
.
Please note:
From the start of Term Two, students who do not present a valid Opal card when boarding the bus may receive a
demerit
.
We encourage all families to apply as soon as possible to avoid disruptions to travel.
Changes to the 691W Morning Service - Waringah Mall to Saint Ignatius' College Riverivew
Please see HERE the new timetable that will come into effect from 5th May 2025. Please check the timetable carefully as the service will be operating 11 minuets earlier throughout the trip.
From our Rector
Remaining with Jesus
FR TOM RENSHAW SJ, RECTOR
As we come to the conclusion of this term, we enter into the holiest week of the year for us as Catholics. Next week, we will recall the gift of Holy Thursday, especially the beginnings of the Eucharist and the humble example of Jesus’s servant leadership in washing the feet of his disciples. Following this we walk with Jesus in his passion and death. Unlike his disciples, we do so knowing and believing that God’s victory over sin and death is already assured with the gift of the resurrection.
This week Year 12 students have been on retreat at various locations around Sydney and country New South Wales. Both Fr Joe and I have been involved in the Kairos retreats which is why we held our Holy Week Liturgy last Friday.
For many people, being a person for and with others is a key focus of Jesuit education. I reminded the students last week, that Jesus is the best expression of what it means to be a person for and with others. Following the example of Jesus, Mark Tannock and I washed the feet of 12 students and staff members. At Riverview, we seek to be people of service so that we can become more like Jesus, following his example.



We then recalled three key moments in the passion of Jesus: his appearance before Pilate, the interaction between Jesus and the Good Thief, and finally Jesus’ death on the cross. The focus of the third week of the Spiritual Exercises is the passion of Jesus. Among other things, Saint Ignatius invites to pray for the grace to be able to remain with Jesus in his sorrow and his suffering, while acknowledging that Jesus is enduring this horrendous suffering for all of humanity, including each one of us.
Many of us know that it is difficult to remain with another person when they are suffering. We often do not know what to say or do. More often than not, fewer words are best, and our company and presence are more important. When another person knows you are with them in their suffering and their grief, they are deeply appreciative. This is the gift we can offer Jesus next week, prayerfully entering into our commemoration of his passion and death, imagining what the experience was like for him, savouring this expression of love.
Over the weekend I was reading a book titled “ The Catholic Church- Into the Future ” by Fr Frank O’Loughlin, a retired Melbourne priest. It was published in 2024. In this book, Fr Frank talks about how human self-centredness and the misuse of power led to the death of Jesus. He went further saying,

the human attitudes and actions of those who brought about the death of Jesus are still at work among human beings in our time as they have been in all times. But a way ahead out of them has been forged into a new and unexpected future beyond the power of any of those ever-present human forces that were at work in Jesus’ death. He was subject to and victorious over the forces which continue to bring about human suffering and death.
This is the promise of Easter, that God has conquered sin and death and, in the person of Jesus, we have the model of a fulfilled human life, who through his passion, death and resurrection opened us for the possibility of the gift of eternal life with our God. We remember and savour Jesus’ words to the good thief, “Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23:43).
Fr Frank suggests that the future of the Church can be drawn from the post-resurrection experience of the disciples of Jesus. In the Acts of the Apostles we are told “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). The teaching of the apostles, the believing community, gathered together for the celebration of the Eucharist, praying for each other and the world are integral for the future of the Church.
Wishing you and your families every blessing for the celebration of Easter and the Term One holidays.

From our Principal
Love is showed more powerfully in deeds than in words
MR MARK TANNOCK, PRINCIPAL
Thank you to all Riverview families for your efforts in support of the College’s mission over the last term. Thank you in particular for the efforts of our students across the years. Our new students in Year 5 and Year 7 have settled in well and our Year 12s have led the College with distinction.
A reminder for all families that the first day of classes in Term 2 is Tuesday 29 April with all boarders returning the previous evening. All boys are expected to be in their full winter uniform with hair cut to an appropriate length.
As we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week, I wish all Riverview families a blessed Easter. For those of you who are Sydney-based and who are looking for a Catholic parish to attend over the break, our local parish is St Michael’s Lane Cove and their Easter mass times can be found here. Alternatively, Our Lady of the Way, North Sydney is a Jesuit parish in the Archdiocese of Sydney and there mass times can be found here.
There are a number of student programs taking place over the holiday period including a History Tour to Europe, a Language Tour to China, a Rugby Tour to New Zealand, the Rugby Competition in Armidale, The Jesuit AFL Carnival in Adelaide and the Swimming National Championships in Brisbane. We thank all staff and parents who are supporting each of these programs and wish every member of our community safe travels.
I am appreciative of the welcome that my family and I have been offered by the community as we have commenced at the College.
The following is the reflection I gave on John’s Gospel at the Boarders’ Liturgy on Tuesday night in the Dalton Chapel.
We have just heard John’s account of Holy Thursday, and I want you to place yourself in that little room above the inn where Jesus and his Apostles have gathered to celebrate the Passover – that ancient Jewish custom of remembering and honouring their escape from captivity in Egypt. These 13 men, gathered around a table, sharing a meal. Enjoying each other’s company. Sharing stories. Just like you do in the ref every day here at your home on the Lane Cove River.
Jesus is there, as calm and as measured as ever, but there must have been a sense of foreboding in the air. For three years Jesus had been in public ministry spreading His message of God’s Kingdom. His message of the Good News. A new covenant with God that completes our salvation.
Jesus had built a following amongst the people of Judea, but he had also collected enemies. Powerful enemies who hated what he represented to their authority and their claims on the Law. That night, the Apostles must have felt like something was coming. They did not share in Jesus’ mission-awareness. They loved him and he had told them that he would be put to the test, but they did not know what this meant.
And Peter. Loud, passionate Peter. Here he was espousing his complete and total loyalty to Jesus, not knowing that that the following evening he would betray him. But Jesus knew.
And Judas. Judas knows what he is about to do. How did he feel at that time? How heavy was his heart? Jesus knew.
Jesus knew all these things. He knew that he was going to be put to death. He knew that his death was divinely necessary for the Covenant to be made. He was scared. We know this. But he knew He had to do as his Father commanded.
Knowing this, that in only hours he was to be tortured and to be nailed to a tree, what message did he want to share with his closest friends? The ones whom he hoped would continue to spread the good news of God’s Kingdom? Not a message of vengeance. Not a message of his power and authority. Not a message of triumph. Not a plea for assistance.
No.
Jesus washed their feet. Work reserved for slaves in the ancient world of Jesus’ time. As his last act before his Passion, Jesus provided evidence that love is showed more powerfully in deeds than in words. Jesus showed that for those who want to follow him to salvation, that they must become, like him, a servant of others. And especially a servant of God.
As you reflect on the last term here at Riverview and especially over your time in the Boarding House, seek out those memories of those who showed you that same message by their actions. A message of love.
The friend who was there when you needed him.
The staff member who showed you compassion.
The older boarder who gave you advice.
The younger boarder who made you laugh.
The parent who travelled a long distance just to see you and to show you their love.
As you might hear, I am a man of faith. I choose to believe. That Jesus came to show us God’s love. That Jesus was crucified for our sins. That God loves us anyway like any true Father. That we are loved unconditionally.
As you finish this term at Riverview (for some of you your first). You might consider what you are grateful for. As we enter Holy Week and Easter, you might extend that gratitude to God for giving us His Son as the model of all our lives.




From the P&F
P&F Update - Term 1 Week 11
MRS LEESA FEILEN, 2025 P&F PRESIDENT
Happy Holidays from the P&F Committee!
This term has been filled with social events and celebrations, and we are proud of the hard work our students have put in to lay a strong foundation for the year ahead.
A special congratulations to our community for the warm and welcoming start we gave to our new principal, Mark Tannock, his wife Kristie, and their family. It’s been wonderful to have them join us at Riverview, and we truly appreciate the time and effort they’ve dedicated to settling in and embracing the heart of what Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview represents.
As we finish Term 1, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on all the hard work, achievements, and growth we’ve experienced together. Parents, students, and teachers have all been busy, and everyone has settled into the rhythm of the new school year. There’s much to celebrate individually and as a school community—congratulations to all!
The P&F Committee hopes that you and your families take this opportunity to rest, recharge, and reflect over the Easter holidays. It’s a favourite time for many to step back from the busy pace of school life and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. If you’re travelling, please stay safe on the roads.
When school resumes, we will enter with renewed energy, motivation, and excitement, especially with the busy co-curricular calendar ahead. The Saturday sports calendar will be packed, and we look forward to the drama and musical performances.
The P&F Committee continues to encourage everyone to support each other, work together, and approach Term 2 with engagement, enthusiasm, and determination.
Take time to recharge but also look forward to the many exciting events and opportunities that will help strengthen our inclusive and vibrant school community.
Wishing everyone a restful and peaceful Easter break! See you all in Term 2 at the Winter Canteen!
P&F Events
Year 7 Mums and Carers’ Weekend Away
An annual tradition for Year 7 Mums’ is to join together and have a weekend away. We are pleased to announce that the weekend away will be held in Orange from Friday, 23rd May to Sunday, 25th May 2025. We now have the itinerary and kindly request that you select the events you wish to attend via Humanitix. Book HERE.
Year 11 Welcome Drinks
Last week, we hosted the Year 11 Welcome Drinks at The Oaks in Neutral Bay. With over 150 attendees, the atmosphere was fantastic. The Thursday evening timing, later in the term, and the fact that the boys are now in Year 11 proved to be a great combination—everyone seemed to really enjoy it.








Year 6 Welcome Drinks
The Year 6 Parents Night Out went really well last Saturday evening and a great night was enjoyed at Woolwich Pier Hotel.








P&F Updates
Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview Art Show – Save the Date
We are excited to announce that Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is hosting an Art Show, on the evening of Wednesday 25 June and the morning of Thursday 26 June.
We’re inviting all artists (whether amateur or professional) in our Riverview community— current & former students, current & former parents/ carers and current & former staff —to showcase their talent.
What Artworks We're Looking For:
Paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, woodwork, jewellery, digital art, mixed media and handicrafts.
How To Register Your Interest:
If you are a Riverview Artist and interested in exhibiting (and/or donating an artwork), please email artPandF@gmail.com by 1 May 2025 with your name, connection to the Riverview community (student, parent/ carer or staff) and what type of artwork you would be interested in exhibiting.
Calling All SIC Families and Friends!
The P&F Committee are gearing up for an exciting raffle event to support the Saint Ignatius’ College Riverivew bursary fund for 2025 and we need your help to make it a success! If you have items, services, or gift certificates you’d be willing to donate, we’d love to include them in our raffle.
Winter Canteen Volunteers
Sign up links will be provided next term for volunteer shifts. The link will also be sent via email and WhatsApp.
Please contact P&F President Leesa Feilen if you would like to volunteer at the Winter Canteen or donate to the raffle ( pandfpresident@riverview.nsw.edu.au ).

Regis Campus
Regis Term 1 Wrap Up
It’s Darcy & Bill, the 2025 Regis Captains reporting from Regis this week. It's been an amazing Term 1 at Regis. We have welcomed Year 5 to our Campus and enjoyed getting to know so many great new boys.
In sport we have participated in our Annual Swimming and Cross Country Carnivals, where we had lots of great results and fabulous participation and energy were shown. Congratulations to all boys who have progressed to CIS teams; Harry C & Jude D - CIS cricket; Austin W - CIS AFL; Charlie L & Jimmy K - CIS Cross Country; Josh G - CIS Basketball; and a huge shout out to Aidan M who has made it through to PSSA state level in Swimming. Good luck also, to our 5 boys trialling for CIS touch football next term.
Year 6 have really embraced their leadership ministries with 6.4 confidently leading at morning assemblies and communicating to us all, while 6.3 have been champions with the chickens and have led us to be environmental warriors with our wolf bins and trying to always keep Regis looking clean and inviting. 6.2 fed us delicious pancakes for Shrove Tuesday and raised funds for Solar Buddies as well as having time to connect and interact with our new Year 5 students and our neighbours Mirrabrook. 6.1 hosted wellbeing week for our campus with fun lunchtime games like touch footy, UNO, kick tennis and the world’s biggest ‘Noud Ball’ game. They also led our celebrations of International Women’s Day.
To finish our term, we all generously donated to the Jarjum hampers and today the mini bus from Jarjum was packed to the brim with love and generosity from all of our Regis boys and families. A wonderful sign of hope for Jarjum and a reminder to our boys to not take any of what we have for granted and that giving to others can really be more rewarding than receiving.
As we finish this week and start our Easter break we invite everyone to have fun, have some rest, stay safe and give yourselves some time to prepare for Term 2.



Co-Curriculum
GPS Swimming Presentation
MR MICHAEL WEBB, SWIMMING SPORTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Last week, the GPS Team Presentation was held at Newington College. The GPS team was announced, and congratulations to the following swimmers who were selected:
- Adam Walters
- Jack Findlay
- Ellis Hazelton
- Bon Ethan Au-Yeung
- Luke Jamieson
- Luca Bet
- Alexander Scanlon-Dawson
- Raff Toohey
- Thomas Martin
- Angus Reardon
- Traevion Forrester
- Campbell Conna
- Hudson Thompson


Australia Age Championships 2025
Good luck to the 10 swimmers competing at the Australian Age Championships this week in Brisbane.
They will be racing the fastest swimmers in the nation. They are all excited to compete at the highest level. Congratulations to the following swimmers who were selected:
- Hudson Thompson
- Bon Ethan Au -Yeung
- Raff Toohey
- Liam Chenery
- Thomas Martin
- Luke Jamieson
- Ellis Hazelton
- Luca Bet
- Traevion Forrester
- Patrick Welsh


Villa Maria vs Riverview | Speak Up Success!
MS MARILYN FITZGERALD, PUBLIC SPEAKING COORDINATOR
Last Friday, April 4, for the very first time, we invited the students from Villa Maria to join us in our “Speak Up” Public Speaking Competition, held at Regis Campus.
Our boys, many of whom had little experience speaking in public before, courageously braved an audience of parents, peers and teachers, to talk on a variety of topics such as:
- It’s getting late
- If I could be anyone in history
- Let it go
- Bad habits
- Three wishes
- An incredible discovery
For the boys, it was the culmination of their six-week co-curricular course in public speaking, and we congratulate them on their achievements, particularly Jack Pfafflin who ensured that Riverview won the event once again and Tim Finniss who achieved a “Runner-Up” award.
It was a great experience to battle the Villa Maria girls, and we thank them, the parents and all those who offered enthusiastic support on the day. A special vote of appreciation to Michael Opoyan (OR2022) as well, who provided a wonderful adjudication for the students.
Regis Public Speakers:
- Jax Ashcroft
- Mason Banco
- Hugh Buriak
- Christian Cullen
- William Douglas
- Timothy Finniss – Runner Up
- Reginald Ormes
- Tom Pettersson
- Jack Pfafflin – Winner
- Mathias Sanz-Chafardet


Around the College
The Riverview College Foundation’s 2024 Impact Report
MR IAN LAWTON, HEAD OF PHILANTHROPY
The Riverview College Foundation has just published its 2024 Impact Report which can be found HERE . This inaugural report reflects the generosity that defines our community and is central to the College’s Jesuit mission.
The Impact Report shares some highlights from 2024, including;
- Testimonials from previous bursary recipients.
- 127 new donors, and 868 donors who have kindly supported the College for over 10 years.
- Specific ways that community members can make a difference.
We are profoundly grateful to all who support the College’s focus on excellence - in education, co-curricular activities and pastoral care. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference, benefitting our students and staff today and for generations to come.

A Big Term for Our GAP Students
MR MICHAEL WEBB, GAP STUDENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR
This term has been a busy and fulfilling one for the GAP students at Riverview. They’ve been involved across various parts of school life, bringing energy and enthusiasm to everything they’ve taken on.
They’ve spent time coaching rowing, travelled to Thredbo to support the Mountain Biking Championships, and assisted with cricket coaching — all while becoming familiar faces around the campus. A new experience for many was the Year 7 Camp, where they got stuck into the activities and enjoyed getting to know the students. A couple also attended the Year 5 Camp, adding to the sense of connection across year groups.
More recently, the GAPs have answered the call to join the Old Iggies rugby team, playing alongside former students and enjoying the warm welcome from the wider Riverview community. They’re now giving back by coaching rugby themselves — something that’s quickly becoming a highlight of their time here.
It’s been a long and active term, and the GAP students have become a valued part of the Riverview family. We’re grateful for all they’ve contributed and look forward to seeing what the next term holds.

Celebrating the End of Term 1
Term 1 comes to a close after 11 busy weeks of learning, growth and connection. As we head into the break, here’s a look back at some of the moments that defined the start of the year!
Watch the video here:

Boarding
The Boarding Roadshows Begin
MR ANTHONY BEGG, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
In a wonderful display of connection and community, our recent Meet the Principal Boarding Roadshow took us to Dubbo and Orange. The purpose of this regional visit was to strengthen ties with our current, future, and past boarding families — reaffirming our commitment to the strong relationships that define our College community.
This year’s Roadshow held special significance as it marked the first regional visit for our new Principal, Mark Tannock. He was accompanied by College Rector, Father Tom Renshaw SJ, who introduced Mr Tannock to the Riverview community in Dubbo and Orange. Together, they shared their hopes for the future of the College and spent valuable time engaging with families. Meeting with our regional community offered a meaningful opportunity for both leaders to listen, learn, and deepen their understanding of the lives and landscapes that shape our boarding families.
In Orange, we were generously hosted by the Madigan Family, who welcomed staff, families, and friends into their home. Richard Madigan delivered a heartfelt toast to the College, and in Dubbo, the gathering was held at the Macquarie Club where Jeanagh and Christopher Condon also shared a warm toast in honour of the Riverview community.




On our way between Orange and Dubbo, we took a memorable detour to Spicers Run , the beautiful mixed farming property of Joe and Kristy Mason near Spicers Creek. The visit began with a delicious home-cooked lunch shared around the family table — a true celebration of country hospitality. Joe and Kristy welcomed us with warmth and generosity, sharing stories of family life and farming in the region. After lunch, they gave a relaxed and informative tour of the property, including a walk through the shearing shed, offering insight into a key part of their operation. We are sincerely grateful to the Mason family for their kindness and unforgettable welcome.
We were also privileged to be joined by Brian Shanahan, who travelled from Sydney as a representative of the Old Ignatians' Union (OIU). Brian spoke about the OIU’s work and encouraged families to remain involved in this lifelong community.
These events were rich in warmth, generosity, and pride — a powerful reminder that Riverview’s spirit lives well beyond the school gates.





End of Term Boarders Liturgy
MR ANTHONY BEGG, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
The end of term Boarders liturgy was a moving and reflective celebration that brought our community together in prayer and song. Students were deeply engaged, singing with pride and passion throughout the service. The Gospel reading according to John captured the humility and love of Jesus, as he washed the feet of his disciples – a powerful reminder of servant leadership.
Mr Tannock’s reflection invited the boys to close their eyes and imagine sitting at the table with Jesus on Easter Thursday, sharing a meal with friends, much like the shared experiences in our dining hall. This moment of contemplation offered a meaningful connection between the Gospel message and daily life at school.
The liturgy concluded with a presentation of awards to students who received the highest merits this term, embodying the values of Compassion, Commitment, Conscience, and Competence. It was a fitting end to a term marked by faith, friendship, and formation.







Thank You to Chartwells Catering Team
MR ANTHONY BEGG, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
A big thank you to the Chartwell’s team for the surprise Easter Egg Hunt in the Dining Hall on Wednesday. Our boarding students were thrilled and truly appreciated the fun and festive gesture. Moments like these bring joy and build a strong sense of community among the boys. We’re grateful for the thoughtfulness, effort, and care that went into making it a special occasion. Thank you for going the extra mile to support our students!





Year 8 Division Easter Egg Hunt!
MR MICHAEL WEBB, YEAR 8 HEAD OF DIVISION
The Year 8 Easter Egg Hunt was a hit, with students scouring the boarding house in search of hidden eggs! It was a fun and relaxed way to wrap up the term and spend time together before the break.

Performing Arts
Junior Theatresports starts in Term 2! Sign up as a performer or a mentor.
MS LARA STERN, THEATRESPORTS COORDINATOR
Get ready to think fast, get creative, and have a laugh! Theatresports is fast-paced, unscripted Drama where teams play hilarious improv games and create scenes on the spot.
Each week, you’ll:
- Learn improv games
- Build confidence and teamwork
- Sharpen your quick thinking
- Create unforgettable characters and stories
Year 7 & 8 Students:
Sign up here to join the Theatresports!
Join Theatresports
Year 9–12 Students:
We are looking for Senior students to assist training sessions as Mentors.
Build leadership skills, share your drama experience, and help younger students shine!
Sign up to be a mentor:
Become a Mentor

Riverview & Monte's Friendly Theatresports Competition
OLIVER SCHMID (YEAR 9, MACKILLOP HOUSE)
On Tuesday, the Riverview Intermediate State Theatresports team with Harry Johnston, Bede Egerton Warburton, Benny Dickinson, Hugh Wentiro, attended a Friendly Theatresports Competition at Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College to take part in a Friendly Theatresports competition with the Monte teams. The night was filled with excitement and laughter, with standout scenes from the Riverview boys including the hilarious “Ban Twitter” sketch and the Genre Rollercoaster game “Giraffe at the Zoo.”
Another major highlight was the "All-In Game", which saw the Riverview and Monte teams combine forces to create an improvised musical, based on the infamous Minecraft movie. The night ended on a high note for the Riverview team, as we took home first prize.
A big thank you to Monte for hosting the event and to our coaches, Ms. Stern, Mr. Heydon, Ms. Cuschieri and Mrs Ellis for preparing us for such a fantastic night. We are very grateful to Old Boys Tom Doyle (OR2024) and Charlie McKay (OR2024) for judging, to Antonette for helping with transport and to all the family and friends who came along to cheer for us.
If you are interested in supporting our team or want to come along just to have a fun night, the ImproAustralia School’s Theatresports Challenge will be held in Term 2.
Year 7 and 8 students can also sign up for Junior Theatresports training starting next term. Click HERE for more information.


Community News
The 2025 Boarding Roadshow is heading to Scone!
The 2025 Boarding Roadshow is heading to Scone—and it’s just weeks away.
Join us for our Meet the Principal evening with new Principal Mr Mark Tannock and Director of Boarding Mr Anthony Begg. It’s a special chance for prospective families to connect with current and future Riverview families, Old Ignatians, and past parents.
Arrowfield Pavilion, Arrowfield Stud
Friday 2 May
Information Session for prospective parents | 6pm - 7pm
Cocktail Function | 7pm - 9pm
RSVP by 25 April
HERE
.

Christopher Brennan Library
What's new in the Christopher Brennan Library?
MS JENNIFER POCKNALL, LIBRARIAN
Read our quarterly newsletter for a wrap up of Term 1 in the library.
We hope everyone enjoys their break and has a chance to read something inspiring or entertaining.
We are excited to commence Term 2 with the launch of the Jarjum Readathon on Thursday, 1st May. Throughout the term, we will continue sharing our regular updates on new book releases and ongoing competitions.
