The Visit of Fr. Jimmy Bartolo, S.J., to Kolese Gonzaga High School
On Friday, July 24, 2026, Kolese Gonzaga High School welcomed Fr. Jimmy Bartolo, S.J., the Secretary for Secondary and Pre-Secondary Education of the Society of Jesus, for an official visit. The visit began with a tour of the campus grounds. Accompanied by school officials—including Fr. Leonardus Evert Bambang Winandoko, S.J., Fr. Eduard Calistus Ratu Dopo, S.J., and Fr. Emmanuel Baskoro Poedjinoegroho, S.J.—Fr. Jimmy visited the teachers’ room. The faculty received him warmly, greeting him and shaking hands with him individually. He delighted the staff by offering a light-hearted word of encouragement in Indonesian: “Gonzaga itu keren” (Gonzaga is cool).
The itinerary continued with a collaborative meeting in the school’s conference room, bringing together the management, moderator, pastoral, and student representatives alongside the faculty. Rather than delivering a formal lecture, Fr. Jimmy opened the floor to dialogue and posed two reflective questions: What is currently going well? And what areas of the school can still be developed?
As teachers shared their insights, a recurring theme emerged: the ongoing challenge students face in balancing rigorous academics with non-academic activities. Drawing from his previous experience as the Rector of St. Aloysius College in Birkirkara, Malta, Fr. Jimmy proposed a practical solution. He suggested implementing an agreed-upon short break—such as one week—where students are entirely excused from classroom responsibilities, assignments, and tests. During this designated period, faculty would refrain from grading or assigning tasks, allowing students to recharge. However, once the break concludes, students are expected to return to their schedules fully focused and ready to resume their responsibilities.
Another critical topic raised during the meeting was the challenge and opportunity presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Rather than resisting technological advancements or viewing AI as an adversary, Fr. Jimmy emphasized that the education community must accept and embrace it. He urged faculty to study the technology deeply to use it wisely and, crucially, to guide students toward ethical and intelligent usage. This recommendation perfectly aligns with Gonzaga’s initiative to provide specialized AI training for teachers in August 2026. Alongside tech literacy, Fr. Jimmy stressed the vital importance of continuously honing “human intelligence”—reminding educators to cultivate students’ emotional and spiritual depth just as much as their minds.
The dialogue also highlighted Gonzaga’s unique community programs. Ms. Odilia Galuh, a faculty member, shared details of the school’s annual Study Excursion program for Grade 12 students. In this immersive experience, students live alongside peers at an Islamic boarding school (pesantren) for four days and three nights. She noted that parents shared deeply moving feedback afterward, observing practical growth in their children—such as a newfound humility in bringing packed lunches to school and treating their private drivers with greater courtesy and respect. Fr. Jimmy warmly praised the initiative, expressing his hope that the school would sustain the program for its profound lessons in tolerance, empathy, and real-world application.
Fr. Jimmy Bartolo’s visit left a lasting impact on the entire Kolese Gonzaga community. Through this brief yet meaningful encounter, he celebrated the school’s excellent current practices while challenging everyone to adapt dynamically to modern complexities. By reinforcing the value of holistic education, the wise integration of technology, and the cultivation of human intelligence, Fr. Jimmy beautifully renewed Gonzaga’s enduring mission: shaping individuals who are truly capable of finding God in all things. Omnia Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam!
