From the Principal

Mother’s Day Breakfast & Liturgy

Mothers entrust their children to be educated and guided at an Edmund Rice school, and that is the mission we celebrated as a school last Friday at our Junior School Campus. In this mission we keep in mind and seek the prayer and intercession of Mary, the Mother of God  who provides the model of motherly love. This is also something we remembered when we celebrated Mother’s Day. 

A particular thank you to Mrs Jo Messer for organising our lovely Mother’s Day Breakfast & Liturgy with the support of the Parents & Friends Association and many staff.  A special thank you to all the Mothers and Grandmothers who were able to join with us for this very special celebration. Your role in the education of your boys at St Virgil's is recognised and greatly appreciated. 

Senior School Open Day 

We had many visiting families – parents, boys and others, pass through the College on Tuesday. Thank you to our student leaders for showing many prospective families around our Senior School campus. The feedback was very positive from those who toured the College and in reference to students leading tour groups.

Thank you to the following boys who did an exceptional job in welcoming our guests and taking very informative tours: 

Connor Churchill

Ben Scattergood

Jacob Clothier

Ethan McLeod

Ollie Hill

Harry Caswell

Harry Sylvester

Charles Lennon

Ryan Dobson

Riley Stocks

Coby Stocks

Joel Vallerine

Nick Chivers

Fletcher Horne

Chris Turner

 The College presented itself very well on the day and I thank the staff and students for making families feel welcome. I thank Mr Mark Waddington and Mrs Shelley Medhurst from the Marketing Team and Mrs Lauren Langford, College Registrar for their coordination of the day.  

Staffing Update 

Director of Music

 It gives me great pleasure to announce that Mr Jack Machin has been appointed to the position of Director of Music. Mr Machin has held positions as Director of Music, Dean of Professional Learning and Acting Head of Senior School at Hunter Valley Grammar School and more recently was Deputy Principal at the Fahan School, Hobart. Mr Machin complements this experience with a Master of Educational Leadership, Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary Music Teaching) and a Bachelor of Music. On behalf of the St Virgil’s College community, I congratulate Mr Machin on this significant appointment, and we look forward to introducing him to staff and students when he commences on Monday June 20.  

Learning Support Teacher

I am pleased to announce that Mr Michael Farrell has been appointed to the position of Learning Support Teacher commencing on Monday May 23. As you may be aware, Mr Farrell has been a Learning Support Officer at the College for a number of years. He has developed the respect and admiration of the boys with whom he works and his colleagues. I congratulate Michael on his appointment to this important role and the contribution that he will make to the Learning Enhancement Team.  

EREA Principal & Business Manger’s Conference 

This week I attended the National EREA Principal’s and Business Manager’s Conference in Wollongong, NSW. We heard from our Executive Director, Dr Craig Wattam about the place of servant leadership in the context of Catholic Education and changes to EREA’s governance structure as we move to incorporation. 

A presentation from Emeritus Professor Robert Gascoigne assisted deepening our understanding and awareness of a liberating education which linked nicely to workshops on the EREA Learning statement. As always it was great to connect with colleagues from across Australia and to hear about the good works happening in EREA schools. 

2023 Year 11 Subject Selection Evening 

I am very much looking forward to welcoming parents, carers and their sons to our Year 11 Subject Selection Evening on Tuesday June 7 at 6.30pm in the Edmund Rice Hall. This is a great opportunity for families to learn more about the exciting pathways available in Year 11 and 12.  

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Jon Franzin 

PRINCIPAL