In 1880, Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview was founded as a Boarding School under the care of the Society of Jesus. While day boys were officially admitted from 1923, the boarding community remains central to the heart and soul of the College.
Comprised of a special mix of students from around the globe and across the country, including a strong contingent of rural and regional families, the boarding community at Riverview is unlike any other. The humour, generosity of spirit and unique perspective of these boys bring something special to Riverview, enriching what could simply have been just another Sydney private school.
As the Director of Boarding, it is a privilege for me to witness the boys grow and mature in the boarding house into “men for others”. The journey is one that I have seen many times but never tire of: a young, homesick new boarder arrives and is greeted by their senior buddy, who helps them organise their room and shows them how to tie their tie. They soon find themselves surrounded by mates and supportive boarding staff, developing lifelong friendships through all the simple things: walking to the refectory for breakfast together, sharing laughs over games and movies in the common room, and playing touch footy on the field outside. Fast forward a few years and now they are the leaders of the boarding community, a senior buddy to a newbie to whom they now show the ropes.
While the College has provided all the amenities and furnishings to make the boarding house a home, it is the people who make this community truly special. What the boys receive here is not just a bed in a school, it’s a place in the world.
The annual Boarding Roadshow is an opportunity for the College to connect with members of the Riverview community and prospective families in various towns and cities across country NSW and different parts of the world. In some locations, we join existing field days and expos, and in other locations we host our own information sessions for prospective parents. Either way, our aim is to make it easy for you to connect with us.
Wherever we go, we also do our best to host a lunch or dinner to celebrate all the wonderful things that hold our community together and keep us strong and connected, despite the miles that might separate us. We hope you can join us and we welcome your family and friends to also attend.
Charles Fraser House is named after the legendary Jesuit who spent much of his long life here at Riverview both as a student and teacher and is situated on Regis Campus. In both Junior and Year 8 Divisions boys have their own cubicle within a mini dormitory of eight students. Married staff and their families live within, and attached to, both divisions in this building.
JUNIOR DIVISION
Usually comprising 30–35 boys, Junior Division is for Boarders in Years 6 and 7 and is located on the ground floor of Charles Fraser House.
YEAR 8 DIVISION
Year 8 Division on the upstairs floor usually has around 35 students and is a very similar layout to Junior Division.
HOMEWORK AND STUDY
There is a communal study area inside each division where each boy has his own individual desk. Two teachers assist with homework in the evening and there is also a roster of volunteer parents who assist with homework, reading, projects, etc. Each desk has access to the internet through the College’s computer servers and filters, should students choose to bring their own computer. However, computers are provided for the Boarders to use.
FACILITIES
Students have access in the Division to kitchenette facilities which include toasters, instant hot and cold filtered water, refrigerators and microwave ovens. Each division has two large recreation areas and plenty of room for the boys to relax. The extensive leisure facilities include large screen televisions with Foxtel and DVD players, as well as pool tables, table tennis, play stations and computer games. Boarders also have access to the basketball courts, ovals and cricket nets located on Regis Campus during recreation time.
In Years 9 and 10 Divisions boys may sleep in either a shared room of four or a single room. Each term the students change rooms. Year 9 Division is situated in the northern end of the building and Year 10 the southern section. Boys have an increased level of freedom as they get older, and so Year 9 and 10 students are able to walk to Lane Cove shops in the afternoon when they have no other co-curricular commitments.
HOMEWORK AND STUDY
Each division has a computer room with a networked printer and every study desk has internet access. Students study at their own desk in their room. Teachers supervise study at night, and there are extra tutors available to assist on a one to one basis for those who need extra help. Students have access to the College library until 6.00pm each week night and extra tutors are available to help there.
FACILITIES
Each division has its own spacious recreation room with large screen televisions, Foxtel, DVD players, pool tables, kitchenettes, table tennis, air hockey, etc. The parents retreat area has tea and coffee making facilities, a shower and toilet for parent use only while they are visiting their sons.
Our Senior Boarding House is named after an eminent Old Boy from the 1920s who was a war hero on the Thai-Burma railway. Kevin Fagan was also a famous surgeon and his life exemplified the ‘men for others’ philosophy which we encourage in our Boarders. A spacious and modern facility Kevin Fagan House was built in 2000. In Year 11 Division at the southern end boys share a room while at the northern end Year 12 Division boarders have single rooms. Each room has underfloor heating for the winter months. There are panoramic city views looking out across the College’s First Field.
MOTIVATION, ROUTINE AND STUDY
Each Division houses 80 students and has a large recreation area as well as a number of smaller break out spaces with their own kitchenettes on each floor. There are computer and tutorial rooms as well as a small chapel and parents retreat area. Teaching staff on duty grade students six times a night on their study effort. Tutors are also available each evening to assist with extra help in the major subject areas. Students choose who they share a room with in Year 11 Division and many find that this helps with their study routine and motivation to work.
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