Foundation Members

Jayanthi McGrath

Foundation Chair

What you do:
I am a Magistrate of the South Australian Magistrates Court.

Your Connection with the College:
We are parents of four children, one is an Old Scholar and the other three are attending the Senior School. My husband, Damian, is an Old Scholar along with his five brothers.

Why are you here:
I have seen the spirit of social justice and community which the school emphasises as part of the education of its students.  The Foundation is in my view integral to reflect that spirit in a corporeal way through the development of projects which aim to benefit those within the Saint Ignatius community and the more general community who may not otherwise have access to certain opportunities which an Ignatian education can provide.

The provision of bursary subsidies to current and prospective students focussed on financial support for families who would otherwise not have the opportunity to enrol their children at the school, and of course families presently at the school who may require assistance, noting of course the support provided by the school already.

I am particularly interested in developing a focus of support for minorities most in need, including indigenous families, refugees and the like.

In continued cooperation with College Council and administration I hope that these projects may flourish in coming years, which can only benefit the entire Ignatian community.

Peter Britten-Jones

Foundation Member
Past Chair 2007 - 2014

What you do:
I am a barrister at the independent bar practising from Bar Chambers.

Your Connection with the College:
I am an Old Ignatian (Class of '86) and so are my brothers, Mark (Class of '80) and Tony (Class of ’81), and uncles, Bill and Alan. My father boarded at Xavier College in his senior years.  We have four children, one is an Old Ignatian, two are at the Senior School and one at the Junior School. 

Why are you here:
The College relies on support from current parents and old scholars.  This has enabled a steady growth from humble beginnings to the magnificent educational facility we have now at Norwood and Athelstone. I received a wonderful education at Ignatius and I feel a duty to give something back in return. 

David Prescott

Foundation Member

What you do:
Director and Portfolio Manager, Lanyon Asset Management Chairman, Invest for Kids Foundation

Your Connection with the College:
Old Scholar (Class of ’93). A parent of four children attending the Junior School.

Why are you here:
I am privileged to have benefitted from an Ignatian education and grateful to be able to offer that opportunity to my children.  The Foundation has an important role in assisting with the funding of bursaries to members of the community who do not have those same opportunities.  The Foundation has also played a pivotal role in helping to fund a number of major building works at both the Junior and Senior campus.  As a Foundation Board member I hope, over what I expect to be a continued long involvement with the college, to be able to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing growth of the foundation and achievement of these objectives. I feel that a Foundation that continues to be well supported by the broader college community is critical to the continued growth of the College and will provide a tangible and everlasting benefit to all current and future students.

Chris Sexton

Foundation Member

What you do:
I am a Medical Specialist in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.  As well as running my own private practice I am a Senior Visiting Medical Specialist at the Womens and Childrens Hospital.

Your Connection with the College:
We have three children, our eldest is an Old Scholar and the twins are at the Senior School.  

Why are you here:
While at University later in my working life whenever I met old scholars from Saint Ignatius' College I was always impressed by their broad range of interests, their commitment to social justice and their great affection for the school.  I have been able to watch this first-hand as my children make their way through the College.

When we joined the College community I knew members of the Foundation and it was explained to me that while school fees keep the school running it takes extra funds to grow and improve the school.  My own children now benefit from the good work done by those that have gone before them so I am committed to helping further improving the school both for them and for future students.

Susan Dodson

Foundation Member

What you do:
I have had the privilege of working in the education sector for many years. I work at Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) in their People and Culture Department, supporting the Assistant Director.

Your Connection with the College:
Upon moving from Sydney to Adelaide, the first Mass I went to was at Saint Ignatius’ Parish, Norwood.  It quickly became clear to me how special the Saint Ignatius community was.  Andrew, my husband, is an Old Scholar along with his two brothers and our two children are now students of the College.

Why are you here:
I have witnessed this community in action for many years and it never ceases to amaze me just how fortunate I am to be a part of it.  Whilst the payment of school fees educate our children, the Foundation Board has the opportunity to lead the community to build.  Whether it is the building of stronger relationships, friendships or structures – they all enhance the community to ensure it becomes the best it can be.  It is particularly important for the Foundation to maintain and develop the Saint Ignatius’ College community in order to continue to provide young people with a high quality education of both their minds and hearts.

Craig Whiteman

Foundation Member

What you do:
I am a Partner and lead our tax practice at EY (Ernst & Young) in South Australia. I am also a member of the EY Oceania Tax Executive.

Your connection with the College:
I am an Old Ignatian (Class of 1990) and have three boys, Thomas at the Senior School and Henry and James at the Junior School.

Why you are here:
The education I received at Saint Ignatius' College has had a profound and enduring impact upon on my personal and professional life.  Without appropriate support the College cannot continue to improve its facilities and to extend the educational opportunities to those less fortunate.  I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the growth of the Foundation and the College.