From the Rector and Faith & Service Department

In recent weeks, we’ve been farewelling our Year 12 students, filled with mixed emotions as they prepare to move forward. The Class of 2024 is a generous and talented group, and we are grateful for their leadership and the responsibility they’ve shown. As they look back on their journey—in classrooms, on sports fields, through the arts, on retreats, in service, and in social times—they’ll remember those who inspired them to be inclusive, fair, and kind.

‘Go forth and set the world on fire’ reminds us of St Ignatius’ legacy of courage in the face of change. Today’s world presents significant challenges, and now more than ever, we need leaders who unite others, bridge divides, and act with integrity. With the virtues nurtured here, we believe our graduates are ready to serve others, embrace change, and work towards a just, connected future.

We hope the Catholic and Ignatian values they’ve encountered here will guide them in life’s choices—between generosity and self-interest, love and indifference, the material and the spiritual. Inspired by Christ’s compassion and service, we pray they’ll care for others and for creation.

Every student, whether here for many years or a short time, has contributed to a sense of belonging and commitment to making the world a better place. Relationships are central to a meaningful life, and we hope they’ll always value the family and support they’ve found here. Vision and purpose guide us to strive for what is better.

Saint Ignatius’ College is more than a school: it’s a community rooted in friendship, human excellence, and deep values. They now step into a wider world, always keeping an eye out for those who are forgotten, alone, or struggling. Their vision is to create a world that is welcoming, generous, and full of hope for everyone. Go forward with confidence, courage, and faith, ready to ‘set the world on fire’ and build a kinder, fairer world.

I am also pleased to announce that our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has been updated, reflecting significant achievements and advancements. This latest RAP update highlights our College’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and celebrates the progress we have made together.

I encourage each of you to take some time to read through our updated RAP. You can access the RAP on SEQTA by clicking on the "Documents" tab.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to building a culture of respect, understanding, and inclusivity within our College community.

Fr Peter Hosking SJ
Rector

OREMUS (Let us pray)

We remember all in our College community. May our prayers comfort those suffering at this time. May God’s blessing be a source of support in their sorrow and loss, and bring courage, patience, and hope.

For those who have died:

• Fr Michael Head SJ
• Fr Ferruccio Romanin SJ

“Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door will be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7)

If you would like someone to be remembered by the College community in prayer (even anonymously), please provide details to the Rector, class or Mentor Teacher, or House Leader.

We welcome Emma Lilley and Anna Dodson to Faith & Service

The Faith and Service team comprises the Rector (Fr Peter Hosking SJ), Director of Faith Formation (Danika Baker), Director of Mission (Shane O'Brien), Director of Faith & Service Junior School (Anne Mercorella), Sustainability Coordinator (Nick Hauschild), Sustainability Coordinator JS (Caroline O'Halloran), Aboriginal Education Coordinator SS (Dani Kind), Aboriginal Education Coordinator JS (Kate Westland), and Jane McCaffrey (the Cardoner Network).

With Ms Baker commencing maternity leave, we have appointed Emma Lilley as acting Director of Faith Formation and Anna Dodson as Campus Minister in 2025.

As we approach the Christmas season, the Senior School is focused on the Catholic Charities Appeal, encouraging our community to come together to support those most in need. Christmas can be a particularly challenging time for many, and our faith calls us to respond with compassion, empathy, and service. This Term, each House will support a specific charity, ensuring a wide reach and impact across the community:

• Centacare – Supported by Campion
• The Otherway Centre – Supported by Kostka
• St Vincent de Paul – Supported by Regis
• The Adelaide Day Centre – Supported by Xavier

By donating specific items, you’ll be helping these agencies to bring comfort and support to those facing hardship during this season. We are deeply grateful for your continued generosity in our Faith and Service initiatives. Thank you for making a difference this Christmas.

Shane O'Brien
Director of Mission

We’re excited to announce two meaningful immersion opportunities for Year 11 students in 2025, with applications opening soon. Year 10 students will receive details on how to apply shortly, and we encourage families to explore these experiences together and consider the value they offer in personal growth, compassion, and service.

The Cambodia and Vietnam Immersion will take place in December 2025, offering students a chance to engage with local communities and visit significant locations, including the Xavier Jesuit school in Sisophon, important historical sites and agencies around Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Timor Leste Immersion is set to occur in the first half of the year, where students will visit the Jesuit parish and school in Railaco and the Jesuit school in Kasait. These immersions provide an exceptional opportunity to learn about global issues, experience local cultures, and build lasting connections.

Shane O'Brien
Director of Mission

On 26 September, we celebrated the 73rd anniversary of Mission Fete Day at Saint Ignatius' College Junior School, continuing our long-standing tradition of supporting Jesuit Mission. Jesuit Mission, serves vulnerable communities in over ten countries, following Jesus’ teachings and the Ignatian spirit of service. They provide education, food aid, healthcare, and pastoral care to those in need across the globe.

We gathered in prayer, asking for blessings on our community and seeking the inspiration to make a global difference. Senior School students shared their transformative experiences from their Timor Leste immersion with Jesuit Mission, reinforcing our shared goal of becoming men and women for others.

The Junior School Choir performed “A Million Voices,” a song about peace and love, which perfectly captured the spirit of the day.

The fete was student-oriented and led, with students running stalls, showcasing their entrepreneurial skills, and agency in service to others. The day was filled with fun, featuring a flash mob performance by our talented Year 6 musical students, and ending with an exciting tee ball match between Year 6 students and teachers.

A heartfelt thank you to our entire community for supporting this year’s Mission Fete Day, continuing in supporting our shared mission.

Anne Mercorella
Director of Faith and Service Junior School

On Wednesday, 23 October, forty-one Year 3 students celebrated a significant step in their faith journey as they received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation.

This sacred moment allowed both our students and the community to reflect on God’s boundless compassion and unconditional love.

Through this sacrament, students were reminded of God’s steadfast love — a love that strengthens us to do good and offers forgiveness in times of need.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to the parents and families who attended, recognising the crucial role you play as the first faith educators in your children’s lives. Your support and presence made this experience even more meaningful.

We are also deeply grateful to the Jesuit priests, whose guidance and presence enriched this special occasion by providing spiritual support to our young students.

Anne Mercorella
Director of Faith and Service Junior School