Assistant Principal - Religious Identity & Mission 

Edmund Rice Feast Day

St Virgil’s College celebrated Edmund Rice Day on 2 May. This day is a time to honor the life and legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice, the founder of the Congregation of Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. It's a day for reflection, celebration, and looking ahead with hope for a more just future. Our Edmund Rice charism, at its core, represents presence, compassion, and liberation. It reflects our gospel values by recognising the dignity of every individual and advocating for a world where all can fully participate. 

We began the day with a Mass presided over by Father Steven Smith as Father Suresh was visiting family in India. Following the Mass, we recognised the following staff with Recognition of Service awards  

Brett Scanlon – 10 Years  

Theresia Thomas – 15 Years 

Janet Stary – 15 Years 

Julia Stokes  - 20 Years 

Justin Mahoney – 25 Years 

Simon Orlowski - 30 Years  

John Waldock – 35 Years  

The whole college then came together to share a lunch prepared by the Hospitality department and learning support team, no mean feat for a school of over 800! We thank them for the coordination and preparation of this meal. 

During the afternoon session, our Year 3 to Year 12 students engaged in a rotation of activities – Catholic Jeopardy, Edmund Rice Anthem Singing, Catholic Charades and 4-way Tug-a-War. The activities were chosen to inspire our students to display teamwork and leadership, emulating Edmund Rice, within a range of sporting, cultural and artistic endeavours across the afternoon. We concluded the day with a concert from our Senior Stage Band and a cross house competition where each house displayed their vocal talents (and enthusiasm!) in singing the Edmund Rice Anthem. 

Just as Edmund Rice did, we continue to encourage our young men to think differently, to act boldly and to aspire greatly. 

May – Dedicated to our spiritual mother – the Blessed Virgin Mary 

May is a special month. It is the month that the Church dedicates to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our mother. May is a time for us to renew the love that all of us who are baptised ought to profess for the woman whom God chose, from eternity, to be the earthly mother of his Son, Jesus Christ, the word made flesh for the redemption of humankind. 

On August 24, 2021, Pope Francis called Mary “the first disciple of Jesus” and reminded us that “Mary is there, praying for us, praying for those who do not pray. Why? Because she is our mother.” 

The Virgin, through Jesus, has brought heaven closer to us, and her life is the best proof that it is possible to reach it.