From the Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Friends of St Virgil’s,

It was wonderful to see so many well‐presented, organised and keen students here, on time and ready to launch into the 2024 academic year. A few students may be understandably anxious, starting at a new school with unfamiliar people and ways of doing things. They and their parents can be confident that St Virgil’s is a friendly and welcoming school and feel confident in approaching Classroom and Pastoral Care Teachers or other relevant staff with concerns they may have. It is important that any worries are sorted out as soon as possible. 

The 2024 academic year marks a significant milestone for St Virgil’s with Kindergarten to Year 12 now being offered for the first time in the College’s history. This year, St Virgil’s and the Hobart community will also be proudly celebrating its first Year 12 graduates in 30 years; our students will venture out into the world not just as individuals, but as friends, brothers and a foundation for lifelong bonds. 

I look forward with great anticipation watching these rites of passage unfold for our year 12’s: the Year 12 Formal, Valedictory Dinner, Year 12 Mass and Speech Night and Awards Ceremony. Such experiences create opportunities for our community to recognize the gifts, talents and character traits of our young men and acknowledge their shift into adulthood. 

Opening Liturgy & Commissioning of College Student Leaders

It was wonderful to see so many parents and carers in attendance at our Student Leaders Commissioning. The Commissioning was an opportunity to gather as a whole College community, recognising and acknowledging our College student leaders for 2024. This significant milestone for these young men called to leadership comes through the love and support of many people – parents, grandparents, family, and teachers. In my address to the students, I spoke about what it means to be a leader in a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition. Leadership at St Virgil’s College takes inspiration from the Christian Gospels. Jesus said very little about leadership, rather than talk about it, Jesus modelled leadership. His and all leadership in the Christian context must be focussed on service and in that spirit, we congratulate the following young men on their appointment to these significant leadership positions.

Ash Wednesday & Lent 

The cycle of the Church year turns towards Lent and the 40 days of looking within – of reflection and retrospection in preparation for Easter and the great feast of the Resurrection. Life works in cycles, including through the flow of a school year, and as a Catholic school we work those key moments from the Church’s cycle into the pattern of our year. Students will begin to have opportunities for reconciliation, be it sacramental or otherwise. On Tuesday next week, we mark Shrove Tuesday – the last day before Lent begins, starting with Ash Wednesday where we will come together as a College community to celebrate our Catholic tradition. In all the great religions there are traditions of fasting and penance, to improve and free ourselves and to reconnect with the simple heart of our humanity – a temporary life on this earth that God has given us, to live and share with each other, as a precursor and path to eternal life. Ash Wednesday rituals can be participated in by all students in that spirit.

Staffing Update 

There are 7 new staff members who commence their journey as members of the St Virgil’s College community. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new staff to the College and trust that their time will be both personally and professionally rewarding.

Belinda Straatsma                  Food & Technology Teacher

Gabrielle Ball                            Director of Music 

Montgomery Wilson              Head of The Arts 

Lili Wrigley                                Mathematics & Science Teacher

Damian Green                         English & Humanities Teacher 

Sam Dunn                                 Wellbeing Officer 

Eliza Gerke                                Humanities Teacher 

Ms Carissa Briggs has advised me of her intention to resign from her position as Finance Officer after 10 years of dedicated service with her last day being Friday 9 February. The College had an opportunity to farewell and thank her for her committed service and we wish her all the very best in the future. 

Important Dates for your Diary

I draw your attention to the following important dates and ask that these are noted in calendars and that a priority is placed on attendance at these events. Further details will be circulated via EdSmart. 

Junior School Parent Information Night & Welcome BBQ                 

Wednesday 21 February  

5pm - 7.30pm

Senior School Athletics Carnival (Domain Athletics Centre)               

Friday 23 February  

Middle School (Years 7-9) Parent Information Evening               

Thursday 29 February  

 6pm - 7.30pm                                                                                 

Senior School (Years 10-12) Parent Information Evening             

Tuesday 26 March  

6pm - 7.30pm

Vale Br Peter Clinch 

Please keep the Clinch family and the Christian Brothers in your thoughts and prayers after the sudden passing of former St Virgil’s College staff member and Congregational Leader of the Christian Brothers, Br Peter Clinch. 

Br Peter was on staff at St Virgil’s College for seven years 1976-1977 and 1985-1990. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord 

and may perpetual light shine upon him

May he rest in peace

Best wishes for the week ahead and safe travels to those heading away this long weekend. 

Jon Franzin 

PRINCIPAL