From the President  

Dear Old Virgilians,

The College is now drawing closer to the end of the academic year. This provides a time for reflection of the efforts of not only the College students but also the families and teachers that are supporting them as they advance their learning and career aspirations. We wish them well in their pursuits and endeavours and trust that the leavers will remember the College with pride and affection and those returning will have a well-earned break before continuing their voyage with the College.

We are proud of the achievements of all students.

Of interest is the number of school reunions that are being organised from the 1978, 1983 and 1993 College years. I am sure there will be mixed feelings as many reflect on their time at St Virgil's, some with passion and joy but also those that have endured feelings of sadness or sorrow because the experience may not have been as enjoyable.

As the years pass we all reflect on our experiences as a student at St Virgil's and our ever-increasing life experiences which enable us to put our time at the College in greater context. We all learn from life experience and the hope is we can translate that into better outcomes for all in the future.

Your OVA Committee continues its desire to consult with our members on how we can improve outcomes and deliver meaningful input into the College as well the membership we serve.  I will be joining the Committee at the Melbourne Reunion on 27 October 2023 at the RACV Club to welcome Victorian based members and hear their views and experiences as we formulate a plan for the future. There is still time to attend and it will be a fantastic opportunity to meet collectively with a common background but with vastly different experiences. Organising a Melbourne based gathering was a passion of the late Mark Waddington and I am pleased we could finally bring his mission to fruition in this regard.

I encourage as many as possible to attend the Memorial Mass & Luncheon at Austins Ferry on Tuesday 21 November. In addition to Mass & Luncheon, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the site and take in the enormous developments that have been made over many years but particularly the past couple with the re-introduction of Year 11&12 classes. Further details can be found in the Calendar section of this newsletter.

I also make special note of the passing of Sue Blizzard – loved wife of Terry, both of whom were advocates of the values of young persons and the role of the College in developing futures for them.

More opportunities for consultation with you will be at the following planned OVA events:

• Melbourne Reunion 
• Memorial Mass / Luncheon
• End of Year Drinks
• Various Group Reunions

PLEASE NOTE – Unfortunately plans for the reunion of the 1955 Group have encountered difficulties and have had to be cancelled.

Furthermore, 2024 events will be announced in the December edition of the OVAtions newsletter.

David