Consolidating & Charting Transition
2024
2024 will be a significant time of consolidation and transition for Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview.
2024 marks an important period in the College’s history as we pursue the latter stages of the Strategic Directions 2020-2025 document.
With ambitious annual school goals leading the College towards its strategic directions, and the appointment of a new Principal, 2024 will embed our focus on continual improvement.
IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY AND FAITH FORMATION
2024 SCHOOL GOALS
Embracing faith, service & sustainability
Implementation of recommendations from Ethos and Identity Review. Resumption of the International Immersion program to India and Nepal.
Map the College’s environmental footprint with the digital dashboard.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Enhancing literacy & teaching excellence
Ensure optimum implementation of the new NSW syllabus reform: Years 5 to 12.
Review and modify the use of Canvas as a learning tool to develop and incorporate LMS policy and framework in conjunction with the data dashboard.
Improve student literacy by focusing on student ability to write accurately, clearly and succinctly.
CURA PERSONALIS
Prioritising student & staff wellbeing & safety
Ensure all College policies and procedures remain consistent with the Child Safe framework. RESOURCE, ENVIRONMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Transition, innovation & security
Complete recruitment and induction of the new Principal in preparation for 2025.
Construction of the College’s new science & technology building - Wingaru.
Implementation of the ICT security & records policy and infrastructure.
COMMUNITY
Progress the co-curriculum programme review to ensure all processes and experiences meet the sporting and cultural needs of students and their families.
Redevelop and strengthen the Year 9 Challenge to optimise learning and pastoral outcomes. Develop and implement a Staff Wellbeing Strategy with associated programs.
Strengthening communication outreach, & community engagement
Engage prospective families with regional and metropolitan roadshows with a supporting
A Year of Transition
Greg Mackay CHAIR OF THE BOARD
PRINCIPALSHIP
As we embark on a new year, we acknowledge that it marks a period of change for Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview. After twelve years of exemplary leadership and service, Dr. Paul Hine’s tenure as Principal will conclude at the end of 2024, signalling the start of a new chapter in the College’s history.
Recognising the pivotal role of this position, the search and selection process is a significant priority for the Board, in preparation for the role handover.
Our collective commitment is to appoint a highly qualified and visionary leader to build upon Dr. Hine’s legacy beginning in Term 1 in 2025, and we look forward to sharing an appointment announcement with you prior to Term 2, 2024.
GOVERNANCE
In December we said farewell to two valued members of the College Board; Harvey Gaynor and Elisabeth Murphy. Harvey and Elisabeth have been of profound service to the College Board since 2014 and 2015, respectively. Their unwavering commitment to the College’s Mission has been invaluable, giving strategic shape and direction to the challenges provided by the COVID impacted years. We are deeply grateful for their many years of service.
We warmly welcome three new Directors who have recently joined the College Board, Geraldine Magarey, David Hurford and Angela Bull. Geraldine, David and Angela bring a wealth of experience, having previously served on College Committees, and we are delighted they have joined our dedicated team. Their expertise and passion will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview.
GERALDINE MAGAREY Director
DAVID HURFORD Director
ANGELA BULL Director
Our Mission
As a Jesuit Catholic boarding school, Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is imbued with a commitment to ‘Magis’.
We are dedicated to nurturing spiritual, academic, social, physical and experiential growth, and empowering students to achieve their own individual potential within a supportive and aspirational environment.
The Jesuit educational program at the College is characterised by:
A COMMITMENT TO FAITH AND GOSPEL VALUES
QUALITY TEACHING AND LEARNING
HOLISTIC PASTORAL CARE
AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
RESOURCE AND FACILITIES STEWARDSHIP
Faith Formation & Ignatian Spirituality
The Ethos and Identity Review conducted by JEA in 2023 affirmed the robust spirituality, liturgical life and service programs at the College. Some recommendations stemming from the review will be implemented throughout 2024, enriching our mission.
College Immersions will return to India and Nepal, reestablishing relationships with some of the most vulnerable people in South-East Asia.
For more information on the College’s Immersion Program, click here.
In alignment with the Universal Apostolic Preference of ‘Caring for Our Common Home’, the College will enact a strategic road map to reduce our environmental impact. Employing an innovative digital dashboard, the College will collect, analyse and disseminate data that will enable improvements in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Evolving Teaching & Learning
Building on the College’s outstanding academic profile, established over a number of years, 2024 will see enhancements across the curriculum beginning with the implementation of the first round of reformed NSW syllabuses.
The College’s course offerings will also be expanded to include Year 10 Philosophy, Year 11 Software Engineering and HSC Construction and Earth & Environmental Science.
Supporting these enhancements in Teaching and Learning will be some significant developments in learning spaces, including a new Agriculture Precinct which will add tech-driven greenhouse management to the suite of skills our students will take into their future.
Wingaru
As the College’s new science and technology building project evolves, an array of initiatives are being implemented to ensure continuity in teaching and learning, and to prepare the College for this exciting new facility.
/ Wingaru will evolve over the next 12 months with the overarching construction and fit-out intensifying towards the end of 2024, in preparation for the opening of the building in early 2025. Some of the more visible milestones will include landscaping and connection of the building with the existing Vaughan and Therry buildings and establishment of the East-West thoroughfare.
/ Six Houses will move into the new Wingaru building from early 2025. The process determining the selection of those Houses will consider the current House system sizes, equity in gathering environments, and future learning space requirements. Houses that will be relocating will be advised in Term 4 of 2024.
/ Changes to science spaces are in place for the beginning of the 2024 school year. These new spaces will allow for the connection works to take place between the existing O’Neil science wing and the Wingaru building.
In order to support the transition to the new building, Therry Hall will be converted to three science learning environments to ensure continuity in teaching and learning.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Philanthropic support from our community enables the College to improve our campus and learning environments at a rate not otherwise achievable through school fees alone. We are grateful to those who partner with us in our Jesuit mission, thereby supporting our diverse community, many of whom are not able to contribute financially beyond school fees.
Interconnecting Pastoral Care
In 2024, Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview will continue the prioritisation and comprehensive enhancement of Co-Curricular programs and facilities, as well as deliver Masterclasses to improve the coaching and management of teams.
The Jesuit philosophy of holistic education promotes the symbiotic virtue of cura personalis (care of the individual), academic learning, mental health and well-being, and the vitality of engagement in physical activity through sport as well as cultural and artistic endeavour.
In 2024, we will continue to progress the co-curriculum program review to ensure all processes and experiences meet the sporting and cultural needs of students and families.
Planning for the revitalisation of First Field, Fr. Mac Pavilion and visitor amenities has begun and will continue throughout 2024.
The College will engage in a collaborative research initiative with the University of Canberra to advance pro-social development and foster respectful adolescent behaviour. The research will explore a range of stakeholder perspectives, review and validate College programs and inform future respectful relationship education goals.
Security, IT & Risk Mitigation
1
Digital Security Awareness training for staff and students
INFORMATION, RECORDS & DATA
2 SECURITY
Implementation of the Information Security Policy and delivery of the Records and Data Management Policy and infrastructure
Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview remains dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of students and staff. Following a thorough examination and review of the Strategic and Macro Operational Risk Register, the College is committed to ongoing improvements in policies and procedures.
This proactive approach ensures a secure environment for the entire school community. With a focus on continuous improvement and development, the College strives to create an atmosphere where both students and staff thrive, fostering a supportive and nurturing educational experience.
IT priorities include a steadfast adherence to digital security awareness through external audit, training and continuous improvement. Robust Information Security and Records Management Policies will be implemented. Organisation of documents will be strengthened using Microsoft SharePoint for streamlined access and enhanced security. Additionally, an expansion of CCTV coverage aims to ensure security across the campus. Strategic enhancements underscore the College’s commitment to ensuring a safe and technologically resilient environment for students, staff, and the broader school community.
3
CENTRALISATION
SharePoint centralisation of organisational documentation
DILIGENCE
Expansion of CCTV at the College to support our child-safe environment, aiding in preventing and addressing security concerns whilst promoting accountability and transparency
4
Community, Communication & Connection
As we reflect on 2023, our heartfelt appreciation is extended to David and Jacqui McKay for their outstanding leadership and dedicated service with the P&F Committee to the Parents and Friends (P&F) community.
We warmly welcome Liz Thorp as this year’s P&F President and Leesa Feilen as the P&F Vice President. Deepest thanks are extended to Liz and Leesa for stepping into these important roles and we commend them for their service and commitment. Together with the P&F Executive and the P&F Year Group Co-ordinators and in collaboration with the Boarder Parent Association, we anticipate another year of vibrant, inclusive, and engaging community initiatives. The year begins with the Welcome to 2024 Social and will be followed by the Gold Cup Cake Stall, City Country Fathers’ Dinner, Charity Morning Tea, City Country Mothers’ Luncheon, and many more activities for each year group. These standout occasions are pivotal in fostering a strong sense of connection within our community.
The P&F’s vision for 2024 is to continue building a community that embodies Ignatian values, fostering connection, inclusion, generosity, and collaboration. We look forward to supporting the Bursary Program while providing opportunities for everyone to connect, engage, celebrate, and support our wonderful community.
LIZ THORP 2024 P&F PRESIDENT
COMMUNICATION
Following the comprehensive College-wide Communication Audit conducted in 2023, we are implementing a range of communication initiatives designed to enhance our services to our parent community.
In response to the valuable feedback from the Audit, the College is pleased to share that a parent-facing app will be delivered in the first semester of 2024. This initiative aims to streamline correspondence and communications in a single convenient platform, building upon and integrating with Clipboard, the new Co-curricular Management Software.
Additionally, the app will facilitate the dissemination of a broadened suite of school-related information through push notifications, ensuring timely and effective communication for all members of our community.
2024 Boarding Roadshows
In 2024, the College will hit the road again, connecting with our boarding community from Moree to Henty. We look forward to meeting new faces and connecting with current families, former students, and friends of the College.
21-22 Jun Wagga Wagga Boarding Expo 12-13 Jul Mudgee Small Farm Field Days
We will continue to develop our Boarding Activities Program in 2024. This will see greater opportunities for our boarders to engage in recreation activities, life skills and social programs. Included in the program will be optional courses that build knowledge and qualifications which will support students with their transition to post school life and employment.
Blue & White Weekend Café
One of our proudest achievements in 2023 has been the development and implementation of the Blue & White Weekend Café, run by our Inclusion Program team, with current and past Inclusion students.
The College is grateful to the staff and volunteers who will assist our current, and recently graduated Inclusion Program students in developing social skills, work-related competencies and independence through this important initiative.
We look forward to the Blue & White Café continuing its service and evolution in 2024.
Gratitude
ALUMNI
We sincerely thank Daniel Bolger (OR1980), 2023 OIU President, for his exceptional leadership of the Old Ignatians’ Union and support of the College community over the past year.
A special note of appreciation is extended to Sean Cunial (OR1987) for assuming the OIU Presidency in 2024. We eagerly anticipate Sean’s contributions this year and look forward to seeing our alumni at the myriad of community events during the year.
The OIU remains closely connected with the College through the successful Dialogue Series, various College-based reunion events, the Jesuit Mission Bazaar, Boarding Roadshows and the invaluable OIU mentoring program. Our sincere gratitude is extended to the OIU for their continued support and active participation in the College community.
THE OIU MISSION
To engage, connect and support OIU members; to assist the College in the promotion of education and continuing development of a Jesuit way of life; and be true men for others by serving the broader community.
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Throughout 2024, the OIU will continue to focus on its core mission to engage, connect, and support its members and serve the broader community. Key initiatives will include stabilising St Francis House operations, strengthening the Indigenous Mentor Program and revitalising mental health initiatives.
SEAN CUNIAL (OR1987)
2024 OIU PRESIDENT
