The Ignatian - December 2016 Vol 26 December 2017 Vol 28 | Page 49

Past Parents' Association
A New Day, A Fresh Start
The College motto “As much as you can do, so much dare to do”, chimes in some way
with JB Priestley’s quote: ”I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a
fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning”.
When advised of the theme New Beginnings for this final edition of the Ignatian for
2017, Priestley’s words came to mind. As past parents of the College, it is not realistic
to contemplate beginning again – goodness, how could any of us ever attempt to
climb that mountain again! However it may be timely to reflect on ‘the now’ and
pray for that ‘bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning’ to evolve.
Our final function for 2017 – the Annual Spring Luncheon – held on Friday 6 October
last, was indeed a change of plan for the Past Parents’ Association in that our Guest
Speaker was, for the fir st time, a young man, Elijah Williams, who is a former College
Bursary recipient. We took the decision to go with a bursary recipient for this event,
given that any monies we raise above our expenses are donated to the College
Bursary Fund – and therefore Elijah Williams seemed to be the perfect choice.
Elijah spoke of his escape journey as a four year old boy from war torn Sierra Leone,
with his mother and little brother, his arrival in Fremantle and then on to Sydney
where he commenced primary school. A chance visit to Riverview in 2007 to see
a former primary school friend (who was ill) ended in Matron Neil’s office on a
Saturday afternoon with Elijah stating firmly, “I want to come to this school.” He
spoke of James Rodgers and Matron Neil doing their best to calm him down, and
then the passing of over a year before he was accepted as a Bursary Boarder in Year
7, 2009. Indeed Elijah’s story described his ‘new beginning’ from that moment
onwards. We were so moved to learn how this young man had, over the years, found
ways to grow through sadness and loss, to discover his talents in Athletics and
Drama and to develop these gifts which now define the young man he has ultimately
become. He lives his new life surrounded by his friends and Riverview family; he has
moved on to a future which holds so much promise in both Athletics and Drama.
Thank you Elijah for your profound words – you indeed are a man for others.
Vale, dear Fr. Ross Jones SJ. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend, for
celebrating our Liturgies and so generously finding time to encourage us. We valued
your words, for keeping us in touch with stories about the Boys and happenings at
the College. We will miss you, dear Fr. Ross.
Welcome Fr. Jack McLain SJ as new Rector of the College. Many of us know you
already, however we all look forward to developing a strong and lasting liaison with
you in your new role.
Finally for 2017, the Committee of the Past Parents’ Association wishes all past
parents a joyous Christmas and a peaceful New Year in the real hope you may share
these blessings with those you love, wherever they may be.
A N N E DA LT O N , P R E S I D E N T
Above Anne Dalton with Elijah Williams
PA S T PA R E N T S ' A S S O C I AT I O N | I G N ATI A N | 4 9