Deputy Principal

Student Leadership

The Transfer of Leadership for 2025 has continued with our newly appointed current Year 9 students elected as Year 10 leaders for 2025. With our formal commissioning taking place in Week 1 it was great to see so many parents in attendance. This week we also held our Transfer of Leadership meeting with our outgoing Year 12 students and current Year 11 students. An opportunity to collaborate and reflect on the achievements that have been made and what areas we would like to target in 2025. Our attention now moves towards our Year 9 Peer Support Leaders for 2025. Applications open this week so please consult with your PC Teacher and or Ms Van Heerden.

When we speak of student leadership it is my opinion that badges do not make leaders, nor do you require a badge or title to demonstrate the characteristics of a leader. Every single student has the ability to be a leader in some way, shape or form. Leading by example is one phrase we hear often. Simply getting on with the job or task at hand with no complaint is a simple way of achieving this. Not joining the crowd or doing something because a mate or fellow class member has prompted you to, is a common challenge teenagers are faced with. All students know what the right thing to do in any situation is, it is their ability to be led which can often lead to a negative outcome. I congratulate all our young men who have received leadership responsibility for 2025 and put the challenge towards all our students to reflect on their own leadership potential.

The Virgilian Way – A Mindset

I would like to commend the young men who go about their business in such a mature and committed manner. It is so great to see as I wander the corridors moving through the various classes to see students who want to engage and who want to do well. This doesn’t happen by chance, and I strongly believe this is the impact of a positive mindset. A mindset that is;

• Willing to focus on themselves and what they need to do. Less concerned with what their friends are doing.
• Willing to ask questions and seek feedback when unsure.
• Willing to take risks and try/attempt something they are not necessarily confident in.
• Willing to be brave and push themselves when they know full well this won’t come easy.
• Willing to put in the extra time.
• Willing to sacrifice the easy option and just get into it.

No one achieves a successful outcome by accident. It is the result of effort and attitude combined. Something which I know our teachers are always referencing. This mindset is a timely reminder for all our year levels. With Years 10 - 12 exams fast approaching and with Years 7 – 9 in managing those major assessments. I encourage all families with their sons to reflect on their current mindset.

Term 4 Key Dates

A reminder of the events surrounding Term 4, please see below as communicated at the end of Term 3.