Ethos and Identity at Saint Ignatius College Geelong

Jesuit Culture

…… in the footsteps of Ignatius

"our way of proceeding" "the way we do things"

The Jesuits trained every recruit to lead, convinced that all leadership begins with self­ leadership.

Four pillars of Jesuit culture:

1. Self-awareness: "to order one's life"

The importance of

• understanding our strengths, weaknesses, values; and worldview

• self reflection and learning

2. Ingenuity: "the whole world will be our house" 

The importance of

• confidently innovating and adapting to embrace a changing world

• "living with one foot raised" - always ready to respond to emerging opportunities

3. Love: "with greater love than fear"

The importance of

• recognising that individuals perform best when they are respected, valued, and trusted by someone who genuinely cares for their well-being

• organisations/ teams perform best when team members respect, value and trust one another

• engaging others in a positive, loving attitude

4. Heroism: "eliciting great desires" 

The importance of

• Energizing ourselves and others through the "Magis" - always searching for something more, something greater

• Understanding that the "switch" for motivation (for each one of us) is on the inside

"Heroic leadership" Chris Lowney

With best wishes,

Paul Lewis 

Deputy Principal – Staff, Identity and Operations