Assistant Principal – Religious Identity & Mission

Year 9 Service Day  

It has been some time that we have had a whole year level group go out into the community to engage in service activities. Our Year 9 students volunteered at the following venues:  

• Vinnies Warehouse  
• Vinnies Stores – (Claremont, Moonah, CBD, South Hobart, Kingston, Rosny)  
• Holy Rosary Primary School  
• Rokeby State Primary School  
• Clarendon Vale State Primary School  
• Food Bank Preparation (Derwent Park)  
• Food Bank Preparation (SVC)  
• St Virgil’s Junior College  
• Work with Bushy (SVC)  
• Work with Mr Venter (SVC)  

This service day is part of the Retreat Program for our students. It also supports the learnings within the Year 9 Religion unit “What it Means to be a Man of St Virgils” which has examined our College values. Students have chatted to OVA members about their experience here at the College and questioned them on how our College values have impacted their lives after leaving St Virgil's. To build on these experiences and the in-class theory, the students have now undertaken service activities in a range of placements across the wider Hobart. 

The feedback from the various venues was outstanding with comments such as:  

“The SVC boys did a great job at creating connections, especially with some of our students who need them most.  All the boys were role models and extremely proactive.” (Clarendon Vale State Primary School)  

“We had two SVC Year 9 boys at Vinnies today. Henry and Riley. Henry worked with me and I just wanted to say what a wonderful pair of boys. They did well and were very polite and helpful.” (Vinnies CBD)  

“Hello all, I would like you to convey a message to the St Virgil’s College. Archie and Tex, the boys representing their School were an asset and a pleasure to have here at Vinnies Kingston. If I were to mark them on their attitude and work performance I would give them both an A+. Not only have they represented their School in a valuable light, they have made a pathway for other students from St Virgils to represent their School here.” (Vinnies, Kingston)  

The feedback from the students has also been very positive, and we look forward to reading their reflections on their experiences as part of their final assessment for the unit. This program will be expanded so that eventually every year level will be involved in service activities of some sort, reflecting our values of “By Deeds, not Words Alone” .

Year 10 Retreat  

On Monday 16 September our Year 10 students attended their Spiritual Retreat.  Facilitated by Dave Jorna (Project Hatch), the students investigated and reflected on their unique worth and value so they could live life to its fullest. They examined how to take accountability for the person they are being and becoming. During the day they competed in song, reflected on their own actions and wrote a letter to themselves which they will receive back at the end of the year.  It is our hope that the retreat gave our students time away from the ‘every day’ to reflect on significant relationships and personal experiences, to build a positive self-image, and to explore the presence of God in their lives. 

Term 3 Masses 

This term, many of our Senior School students have attended Year level Masses in the College Chapel. As a Catholic College, it is important that all our students feel comfortable in participating in this expression of our faith. Coming together, and assembling, is at the heart of worship. The purpose of the Mass rites is to bring us together into one body, ready to listen and to break bread together. A good way to describe the Mass is to say that it is Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday made present today in ritual. It is not merely a meal that reminds us of the Last Supper, a Passion play that helps recall Good Friday or a Sunrise Service that celebrates the Lord’s Resurrection. The basic “shape” of the ritual of the Mass can be compared to a meal. This is not to say it is “just another meal” or that we are ignoring the Mass as a sacrifice. The point is, the shape of the Mass, even when viewed as a sacrifice, is that of a meal. When friends gather for a meal, they sit and talk: Eventually, they move to the table, say grace, pass the food eat and drink, and finally take their leave and go home. We thank Father Suresh for the instructional Masses that he has led with our students, guiding them gently through these steps, and helping them to understand and appreciate these rich rituals.   

Holiday Wishes 

Have a happy, safe and blessed holiday break.  

We thank you Lord, for this term. For our challenges, our successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt. Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.  

Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith. Help us to be a practical Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others. To be peacemakers in our family.  

Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun. Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term. We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us.  

May we always be conscious of you in our lives. 

Amen