The Star

From the Principal

Mr Jon Franzin

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

 

Pope Leo XIV 

Together with the Church, St Virgil’s College celebrates the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. We acknowledge the joy and pride felt by the North American and Latin American Churches and the international Augustinian community, as Pope Leo assumes leadership of the People of God, our Church, at a time on unprecedented challenge. 

 

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide our Church through the courageous leadership of our new Pope and we pray that Pope Leo be strengthened in his ministry and continue to build bridges that connect us to one another. 

 

Mother’s Day Breakfast 

Mothers entrust their children to be educated and guided at an Edmund Rice school and in this mission, we keep in mind and seek the prayer and intercession of Mary, the Mother of God and model of motherly love. With this mission in mind we celebrated Mother’s Day with a breakfast at the Junior School to which, mothers, grandmothers, significant female figures along with their children attended. Despite the chilly conditions it was great to see so many mothers and grandmothers enjoy some quality time with their children / grandchildren. Many thanks to Jo Messer, with the support of many staff for their organization of this important event. I also take this opportunity to thank the Parents & Friends Committee for coordinating the Mother’s Day Raffle and preparing the bacon and egg rolls. The Year 11 & 12 students with the assistance of Mr. Lucas and Mr. Tsakiris for coordinating and serving hot drinks on the day should also be commended for their efforts.   

 

Rowing Awards Evening 

Congratulations to all of our rowers on another standout and successful Saints Rowing season and to those who achieved special recognition at our awards evening last Friday 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:

  • Winners of the 5th straight Head of the River Junior Shield

  • All Schools Champions Aggregate Shield winners, a first in the College’s history

  • Year 7,8 & 9 team won almost every event at the Head of the River and TAS All Schools Championship 

  • Our U17’s Men’s Quad Crew of Ryan Lamprey, Hamish Godfrey, Finn McManamay, Henry Mollon coaxed by Oscar made the A-Final at the 2025 National Championships 

  • We congratulate Llwellyn Gray, Saxon Van Anholt and Alex Lamprey all of whom received a Scholarship with Rowing Tasmania Institute of Sport

  • Our First VIII competed for the first time in 30 years with Year 11 & 12 students who finished 3rd at the Head of the River (less than 1 second behind Grammar, and 5 seconds behind Hutchins) 

Much of the success of the program could not have been possible without the dedicated support from our Director of Rowing, Oliver Wilson-Heffenden and our Boat House Manager Susan Weeding. Both Oliver and Susan have been instrumental in the development of each of our rowers and have built a positive culture amongst our young men.

 

 

Parents & Friends BBQ and Cake Stall 

I wish to express my gratitude and thanks to the Parents & Friends Committee who organised the BBQ and Cake Sale fundraiser on Saturday 4 May. It was wonderful to see the community come together in support of our College community to assist with our fundraising efforts. I wish to thank Maria Bond – Co President of the Senior School P&F for her coordination of this event and the many individuals and businesses who donated goods and services on the day. Most impressive were our young men who assisted on the day representing the College with pride. 

  

Best wishes for the week ahead. 

 

Jon Franzin 

PRINCIPAL