From the Principal
Mr Jon Franzin
From the Principal
Mr Jon Franzin
Pictured above: Brave the Cold. Brave the Conversation. Participation in the Stay ChatTY Shorts Day today saw increased awareness and funds raised for mental health.
Dear Parents, Students and Friends of St Virgil’s College,
It has been a busy time for our Year 10s who for the past week have been engaged in mid-year exams. I wish to commend our Year 10s for the manner in which they have engaged with this learning experience. Their commitment to their learning, organisation and engagement has been noted and acknowledged by teaching staff during this period. My thanks also to our Heads of Department for their organisation of exams and teaching staff for preparing our students in the lead up to this important period of the semester. I trust that our students have found this experience to be a good opportunity to test their own learning and to establish positive study habits and routines in preparation for end-of-year exams.
It was wonderful to acknowledge the collective and individual efforts of our rowers on Saturday night. St Virgil’s College has a proud and distinguished tradition of rowing excellence, and this was on display Saturday night at our presentation evening. This year our rowers won their third Junior Shield in a row, something the College has not won prior to 2021. I take this opportunity to thank Mr Oliver Wilson-Haffenden – Director of Rowing for his outstanding contribution to the development of our young men in our rowing program and for overseeing our coaches throughout the season. I also wish to acknowledge Mr Andrew Pinelli for his role as our Master of Ceremony on the night and for all his coordination of our boats on and off the water throughout the season. This success could not have been achieved without our wonderful group of coaches who so generously give of their time and expertise:
U13s Marita Coad
U13s Sam Vaszocz
U13s Susan Weeding
U14s Rosie Griffiths
U14s Thomas Weeding
U15s Paul Vaszocz
U16s Jarrod Connolly
I reminder to all current Year 10 families to submit the 2024 School Intention EdSmart Slip by Friday 30 June. This will allow the College to commence planning for 2024 including staffing, subject planning and the provision of resources well in advance and in readiness for next year. For those families who are still unsure about Year 11 in 2024 please indicate this in the submission by choosing ‘Undecided’ and College staff will make contact with you to answer any questions and clarify any concerns you may have. Thank you for your support with this matter.
Please refer to the EdSmart Slip sent on Wednesday 7 June and a reminder sent today to parents who have not yet responded.
Next Friday 30 June the College will be celebrating Mary Rice Day, raising awareness and much needed funds for the Edmund Rice Centre (formerly known as the Mary Rice Centre) in Kenya. The Edmund Rice Centre supports young people with disabilities by providing access to learning, prevocational and vocational skills, therapy services and outreach programs. It also provides support to parents offering skill training and income generating activities in bead work, tailoring and dressmaking. St Virgil’s College has a long-standing commitment to the Edmund Rice Centre and our annual fundraising provides much needed support with the operational costs of running this much needed facility. The day will commence with a presentation from our guest speakers from EREA, Tommy Nyawir and Jason Bongers, followed by Mass, a soccer match, shared lunch and walkathon. I encourage all students to seek support from families and friends by making donations via the Qkr! app so as to make a significant difference in the lives of those attending the Mary Rice Centre.
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Jon Franzin
PRINCIPAL