From the Principal

Dear Parents, Friends and Students of St Virgil’s

Mother’s Day

A story was told of a letter written by an Irish mother who delivered her recalcitrant son to ‘Mr Rice’ to be educated. It was a letter of deep gratitude from an old lady who had seen her son change, become educated, and lead a successful life. 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 Monday at our Junior School Campus. Edmund Rice had a particular devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and this is reflected in every Edmund Rice school. Mary was and is a model of love and constancy, not in a remote or merely symbolic way. She was a real mother, who in giving birth to her son would have wrapped him in love and hope, not then knowing what would happen to him at the cross, dying with criminals. And through his life, she loved him and was devoted to him, right until the end when she held his body, and afterward, when she discovered he lived again.

Sons, and all children, need their mothers, who in loving them and teaching them to love are a reflection of God and a lesson in constant hope. Mothers will give infinite time to their children, as many mothers of the boys did in coming to last Monday’s Mother’s Day Breakfast, much to the open happiness of our students to see their mothers there. As boys get older, they may be less obvious or open about the need for their mother’s presence and attention but need it just as much in different ways. This is most starkly demonstrated when things go wrong for a boy, who in adolescence and youth can make poor choices and serious mistakes. Despite her frustrations, it is often the mother who is constant in her support and care throughout it all because such love can never give up.

A particular thank you to Mrs Jo Messer, with the support of the Junior School Parents & Friends Association, for leading and assisting with the Mother’s Day celebrations.

Subject Selection and Careers Expo Evening

I thank our Year 10 families who joined us for our information night last Tuesday evening where we shared information about the subject selection process. Following the presentation, parents/carers and students were provided with light refreshments from our Senior Hospitality students while they explored various career pathways from industry professionals and training organisations. It was wonderful to see students and parents/carers gathered to consider various careers and tertiary options on display in the Callan Centre and Doyle Wing. Consultations between subject teachers, students, and parents/carers are critical for the success of subject counselling that took place for Year 10 students late last term, so that the best choices are made by students for the 2025 subject options – remembering that an open mind must always be kept for other possibilities. I take this opportunity to thank Mr James Dalton, Careers Advisor, and Heads of Department with the support of many for their coordination of our Subject Selection and Careers Expo. Parents/carers are reminded of the following steps:

• May 8: Release of Year 11 2025 School Intention Form
• May 31: Final day to submit Year 11 2025 School Intention Form
• May 8: Subject Selection Year 11 2025 email sent to Year 10 students
• May 31: Final day for students to submit subject selection choices for Year 11 2025

Rowing Awards Evening

Congratulations to all of our rowers on another successful season and to those who achieved special recognition at our awards evening last Thursday night. We also had an opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of our coaches who played a pivotal role in the development of each of our rowers. Notable performances that were acknowledged and celebrated on the night included:

• Head of the River Junior Shield winner for the fourth year in a row
• Winner of the All School Junior Shield for the third time in four years
• Gold medalists in the national U17s Men’s Quad and Double
• Finished as the 3rd ranked all-boys rowing school in Australia

Much of the success of the program could not have been possible without the dedicated support from the Director of Rowing, Mr. Oliver Wilson-Haffenden. Oliver has been instrumental in the development of each of our rowers and has built a positive culture among our young men.

I would like to thank Mr Andrew Pinelli for his coordination of the night and all the staff, parents/carers, and students who have been part of the program for their involvement and commitment, be it as rowers, coaches, managers, or generally as supporters. In our sometimes fragmented and disconnected world, being involved in the College on a physical, enjoyable, competitive, and team sport-based level is increasingly important to help produce well‐rounded young men for the future; men who know the value of commitment, endurance, self‐discipline, pride, and strong relationships with each other.

Staffing Update

I have received resignations from the following staff:

• Mrs Nadia Jones will be taking on a teaching position at St Paul’s Primary School, Bridgewater, with her last day being Friday 31 May.
• Mr Aaron Tan will finish up at the end of Term 2 to take time to travel overseas. On his return, Mr Tan will be relocating to Brisbane.
• Ms Jamie Symons will be moving to London at the end of the term to take on a teaching position.
• Mrs Alicia Jones, PA to the Principal, has been appointed to the position of Executive Officer of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and will conclude her time at St Virgil’s on Friday 24 May.

Advertising has commenced for these positions and once appointments have been confirmed, I will advise the College community accordingly. We will have an opportunity to thank staff for their significant contribution to our College community prior to their departure.

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Jon Franzin

PRINCIPAL