But a change in policy to close the north shore school campus during term time to outsiders has sparked a backlash from neighbours who are angry that the school has blocked their access to the harbourside trails and a ferry wharf.
Riverview’s sprawling grounds were once open to the public but the school has now restricted that to just the school holidays.Dominic Lorrimer
“It is really disappointing – it was something we always really enjoyed,” Riverview resident Nicole Braude said.
“I grew up in Riverview. I went there riding my bike as a kid … since COVID,they have put the gates up. It has definitely affected my enjoyment of being in the suburb.”
“It feels a lot more segregated now from the school.”
Riverview was established in 1878 and,for as long as residents can remember,has allowed them to wander into the grounds,amble around harbourside bush tracks and use sporting facilities any day of the year.
Previously,people were allowed to use the sports facilities at St Ignatius College in Riverview at any time.Supplied
The policy change comes after the campus was closed during COVID lockdowns in 2020 to protect the 330 boarding students inside.
Since adopting the policy of closing the grounds to the public in term time,the school has planted a hedge of shrubs along its perimeter and in May built a fence around the junior campus.
In the week leading up to Christmas,the school slipped letters into mailboxes telling residents of the changes to access,informing them they could enter the grounds “as students have departed the College for the end of year break”. Large signs are positioned at the gates saying if the school is open or closed to the public.
Some residents believe the school,which occupies about one-third of the suburb and does not pay rates,should allow them access all year round so they can walk to the harbour foreshore.
‘The community is mainly angry about the restriction to the foreshore bush track.’
Riverview resident Kirsten
“We’ve been here for 17 years. We’ve always used the grounds for bike riding,walking the dog and exercising … the community is mainly angry about the restriction to the foreshore bush track,” resident Kirsten,who did not want her surname published,said.
“This is a bush track that goes around the edge of the water,that goes around to the edge of the river. There is also a private ferry stop. A lot of us catch water taxis from that wharf.
“It has also given the school a lot of free security;there has been people on the grounds looking out for them.”
Riverview principal Dr Paul Hine told theHerald the school had a duty of care to provide a child-safe environment during the school week and on weekends when boarders were in residence.
Dr Paul Hine,principal of Sydney's St Ignatius' College,Riverview.Matt Wrixon
“The College grounds are utilised for school-related activities during this time and therefore the property is closed to members of the public on these occasions,” he said.
“We ask members of the public to enjoy the property when it’s open,however to please be respectful of the grounds and observe any signage at the College’s entrance such as closure at New Year’s Eve.”
“We understand that our school is a large part of the local community,and we welcome neighbours to the College where and when possible.”
Not everyone is against the school’s decision to fence off the school. Riverview resident Annette Winning said the move was “perfectly reasonable” for a school to do what it wanted with its own land.
‘They’re probably dog walkers complaining,if they open the grounds up when the students aren’t there,I think they’re being very generous.’
Riverview resident Annette Winning
“They’re probably dog walkers complaining. If they open the grounds up when the students aren’t there,I think they are being very generous,” she said.
“I know we’re paying their rates,but they still have to pay to maintain the grounds.”
Over the past few decades,public schools have installed large black metal fences around their perimeter in a bid to discourage vandalism on school grounds but some are open to the public in school holidays under the Share Our Space program.
Most private schools are closed to the public but some such as The King’s School in North Parramatta said organised groups could use the facilities if they requested prior access.
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