Deputy Principal

Firstly, I would like to commend our young men for how they have returned and started the year thus far. There has been a really welcoming vibe throughout the college and something we intend to build upon.

“You’ll Never Walk Alone”

As the boys know well, I am an avid Chelsea supporter and I enjoy our chats around games and score lines. Our recent loss to Liverpool wasn’t great which I am sure the Liverpool supporters amongst the boys will remind me. What I do admire about Liverpool is their anthem prior to every match. You’ll never walk alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers. It symbolises the support the fans offer to their beloved team. It reminds them of their loyalty to past fans who unfortunately passed away in the Hillsborough disaster of 1989. It sends a very important message to the players that no matter the score line the supporters are with them. In most instances at Anfield Stadium the crowd have been described as a 12th player, due to their emphatic support of their team.

This theme of never walking alone should also apply to school life. At every opportunity both staff and parents are avid supporters of our boys. At times they may feel as though we are too hard on them but in fact, we are simply pushing them to be the best version of themselves. The classroom or school yard can be similar to games/matches where things don’t always go to plan, regardless our support and encouragement is unwavering. Walking with our boys as they journey through school life has always been a focus for us as a staff. To ensure that our boys feel as though they are never walking alone is our desire. I strongly encourage students and parents to reach out to your Pastoral Care Teacher so we can support you through whatever obstacle you may face.

The Start provides an Advantage

With a new and fresh start to the year ahead the commencement provides us with an advantage. An advantage in terms of getting off on the right foot, getting setup and prepared, providing a fresh and positive attitude toward what lies ahead. Last year’s results and achievements are now a thing of the past. For those young men who achieved outstanding marks, worked tirelessly and exercised a positive attitude the challenge for you is to pick up where you left of and push yourself further ahead. If you didn’t achieve what you were capable of last year, then reflecting on what needs to change is important. Simply adopting the same attitudes and routine will receive the same outcome, so something must change. Attitude and effort are always the key ingredients to any form of improvement or success. Focusing on you and what you need should be a priority as classes commence and not what your friends want you to be. Getting into clear and planned routines and habits early is so significant. Map out what your time after school will entail and ensure you have a balance between leisure, study, sporting commitments, work commitments and family time.

Class Allocations

As outlined in my communication in January, throughout Term 4 of 2023 the College performed a data driven exercise in discerning class groupings for 2024. Data in the form of PAT Testing, NAPLAN, assessment data, application to learning, student engagement and social behaviour have all been taken into consideration when forming class groupings. The college has also taken into consideration parental feedback sought at the end of Term 3.

As you can appreciate accommodating the individual preferences of each student at the College is simply not achievable. All recommendations have been taken into consideration within the class allocation process. Simply being with friends is not sufficient and from our experience does not always support academic success. Settling into a new environment will always take some time and we encourage all students to give the best version of themselves to support this transition which will ultimately support their learning.

2024 Commencement, any requests for change will be assessed at the end of Term 1, 2024 within the class change policy. Consultation with your son’s Head of House or PC Teacher as the first point of contact is strongly encouraged.

Bus Routes

With boys getting back in the routine of bus routes. A reminder to check the below schedules and routes to meet your needs. I will continue to speak with all students around routes. Year 7s will be placed on buses until they are comfortable. Please encourage them to come and speak with me on bus duty at the end of each afternoon.

https://www.metrotas.com.au/schools/st-virgils-college/  Metro St Virgil’s College Services 

https://derwentvalleylink.com.au/timetable-maps/st-virgils-college-austins-ferry/ - O’Driscoll St Virgil’s College Services