Interview with Jordi Ollé, new director of Sant Ignasi
We interviewed Mr. Jordi Ollé Rigol, the new director of the Escola Jesuïtes Sarrià-Sant Ignasi.
Mr. Jordi Ollé is a former student of the Sant Ignasi School of Hospitality and Tourism. His professional career at the school began in 2011 as a teacher and head of training in work centres for vocational training cycles. He later took on the coordination of the Hospitality and Tourism department and, from 2019 until last year, was the director of the Professional Studies at Jesuïtes Sarrià.
Have you always wanted to work in education?
In previous stages of my professional career, I have always accompanied and coordinated teams of people in their personal and professional growth. When the time came, I felt that education was what truly gave meaning to what I wanted to do with my life. Being able to accompany young people on their journey, seeing how they learn, how they grow, how they discover the world... Working in education was my calling.
What memories do you have of your own school days?
They are memories with lots of emotions. I fondly remember some teachers who, beyond simply teaching, listened to you and made you feel important. School was full of discoveries, friendships, and lessons that still resonate within me today.
How did you come to this school?
I remember that first day I excitedly walked the corridors as a student at Sant Ignasi, in September 1992. Then I began my Hospitality studies within a vocational training model that is very different from the current one, full of challenges and opportunities for the future. In 2011, I rejoined as a teacher in Professional Studies until today, during which I have taken on different responsibilities, the latest as director of Professional Studies at Sant Ignasi.
What motivated you to accept this position as director?
The opportunity to actively contribute to the educational transformation that we have been striving for in Jesuit schools for some time. I have always believed in a student-centred education system that helps them grow not only academically, but also as a citizen. I would like to be able to help make this vision a reality, accompanying the teaching team and the entire educational community on a shared path towards a more humane, more committed, and more connected education in response to the challenges of today's world.
How do you believe that Ignatian spirituality can be taught today in an increasingly diverse and secularised world?
From the heart, from a life lived with meaning. In an ever-changing world, the most important thing is to offer spaces where one can pause, listen to themselves, and ask themselves who they are and where they want to go. Support is not just a school matter, but something for the entire community to take care of, and in this regard the help of the AMPA (Parents' Association) is essential. Thanks to your support and involvement, we can create these spaces of dialogue and care that reach all families and young people, thus reinforcing the values that we want to instil in students at the school.
What are the challenges that new generations face, and how can schools help them?
The speed with which everything changes, the pressure of social media, the environmental crisis, and also the need to find purpose in the midst of a complex world, are some of the current challenges. It is essential to educate them in terms of responsibility, solidarity, social justice and care for our common home. At Sant Ignasi, our role is to offer support in facing up to these challenges: encouraging critical thinking, adaptability, self-exploration and various emotional skills.
How can we ensure that the school is an inclusive space for all types of students and families?
Diversity is clearly enriching for everyone, and our challenge is to create an environment where everyone can be themselves, without fear or barriers. It means really listening, adapting to each person's needs, and walking the path alongside families and students. At Sant Ignasi, we believe in a school that becomes a true community, in which everyone has a space, a voice, and an open heart to share.
Jesuit schools have always been committed to social justice. How will this aspect be carried on in your work?
Of course, every day we make things happen so that this commitment remains alive and present. From supporting families and students, with the help of theAMPA and the great collaboration of theAlumni Association once students leave the school upon completing their studies. We want to continue moving forward so that our students become future citizens and agents of change, aware of the inequalities that exist in the world.
What is your greatest hope for this stage as director?
I am excited to be able to continue moving forward together with the entire team of people inside Sant Ignasi and its educational community, families, students, and others, creating a community to construct a living project that adapts to the challenges of today, anticipates those of tomorrow, and remains faithful to the values that define us as a Jesuit school.
This school has a vocational training campus. What initiatives will be implemented to promote these studies?
At Jesuïtes Educació we want vocational training to be an open door to the future, connected to the needs that the business sector requires at all times. That is why at Sant Ignasi we have long been promoting alliances with companies and institutions that help in this regard. From the current LaNovaFP model, we are committed to learning by doing, to accompanying students in their entrepreneurship, innovation, and the various projects, challenges, and interdisciplinary seminars that awaken their vocations and talents. Currently, with a presence in 7 professional families and 16 training cycles, we understand that vocational studies at our school are a way to build a future with meaning and passion.
What are the plans for the future at Sant Ignasi?
Sant Ignasi always looks to the future with enthusiasm and commitment, moving forward without faltering to create a vibrant, welcoming, and transformative school. We want to work with students so that they can find out and discover who they are and what they can contribute to the world. We are committed to active methodologies that continue to give meaning to what we learn and help us grow as people. We listen to students and their families to build together. We transform learning spaces and classrooms to make them more sustainable. All this without ceasing to care for our environment with a hopeful outlook.
Final questionnaire:
- How you like to disconnect:
I like to walk and find time for myself. I find peace by sharing simple moments with the people I love. I like collecting coins and I take advantage of my free time to devote a good amount of time to it.
- Favourite song:
I have a few, but if I have to choose one, I'll stick with This Is Me by Keala Settle.
- Book or movie to recommend:
The Greatest Showman and Les Miserablesare much more than musicals for me; they are true emotional journeys that speak of the struggle to be loved just as we are.
- Place to travel:
Although there would be many, one of the trips I would most highly recommend is a route through the towns and villages of Asturias... Cudillero, Luarca, Taramundi... These are places that are not only visited, they are experienced and remembered.