Head of Junior School 

Mid-Year Assembly: Celebrating Achievement, Talent and Virgilian Values 

Our recent Mid-Year Junior School Assembly provided an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and accomplishments of students throughout the first half of the year. It was a wonderful celebration of learning, creativity, and community, and a fitting way to mark the midpoint of the school year. Students shared their talents and successes, reflecting the enthusiasm, effort, and growth that have been evident across the school. We look forward to building on this momentum during the second half of the year.

It began with a thoughtful Acknowledgement of Country presented by Kinder in a beautiful bush setting. Our Prep class then led us in prayer beginning with the sign of the Cross, that they had learnt, and the Hail Mary. This was followed by a beautiful prayer the class had written in praise of their mums which was accompanied by a slideshow of our mums and their sons. 

School Captain Angus Hardaker and Vice-Captain Hugo Helmers confidently introduced each item as students received certificates recognising Virgilian values including Kindness, Justice and Integrity, alongside Music and Learning awards.

The assembly showcased performances from across the Junior School. Year 3 entertained the audience with Baby Shark on recorders, while Year 4 performed Riptide on ukuleles. The choir impressed with renditions of Radioactive and Lean on Me, and the Junior School Band, joined by staff members, added to the celebration. Years 1 and 2 also entertained the audience with their xylophone performances.

Congratulations to Ben Houareau and Christopher Xavier, who were awarded Music Scholarships for 2027. As Mrs Ball noted, both students were "incredibly brave during auditions and interviews in front of a panel of adults".

Congratulations also to Angus Hardaker, who received a Year 7 Academic Scholarship for 2027, and to Hugo Helmers, who was awarded a General Bursary for 2027, both presented by Principal Jon Franzin.

Braving the Elements at All Schools Cross Country 

This week, members of our Junior School Cross Country Team travelled north to Symmons Plains to compete in the All Schools Cross Country event accompanied by Mr Beard and Mr Zeeman.

The weather was certainly challenging — cold, wet, and very muddy! However, this did not dampen the boys’ spirits. They embraced the wintry conditions with enthusiasm and gave their very best in their respective age-group events.

We are incredibly proud of the determination, resilience, and sportsmanship they displayed throughout the day. Their positive attitude and commitment were a credit to themselves and the College.

A special thank you to Mr Beard who generously shared his knowledge, experience, and passion for running. His encouragement and knowledge was greatly appreciated by all involved.

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Shorts Day and MND Awareness Day: Friday 19 June

It was a sea of colour on the morning as students proudly bought and wore MND beanies or their own colourful beanies, along with crazy shorts for Speak Up! Stay ChatTY's Shorts Day. 

We have members of our extended community who have been diagnosed with MND, so by purchasing and wearing a beanie, students helped raise awareness and provide support for those affected by the disease. 

The crazy shorts are a wonderful way to start conversations as they raise awareness about physical and mental health, encourage us to support one another, and help create a caring and connected and show our support.

Our Mini Vinnies boys are to be thanked for arriving early to help prepare for the morning and are to be congratulated for their enthusiasm and outstanding efforts as salesmen. Through their willingness to serve others and contribute to the success of the event, they are truly embracing their role as servant leaders, inspired by the example and values of Edmund Rice. Their commitment to helping others and supporting worthy causes was wonderful to see. 

Thank you also to staff members who helped out throughout the morning, in particular, Mrs Graves and P and F President, Mr Umgeher who were setting up the BBQ well before 7am!

Year 5 Bush Experience

Last Friday, it was Year 5s turn to head out on a bushwalk, with students venturing up to The Springs on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Throughout the day, they had the opportunity to practise navigation skills with our Outdoor Education staff, learning how to follow routes and find their way around The Springs.

The excursion also provided a valuable connection to their recent Science learning about erosion. Students observed and discussed the natural features they encountered, including The Sphinx, the waterfalls, and the Organ Pipes formations, deepening their understanding of how these landscapes have been shaped over time.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, embracing the challenge and adventure of exploring the mountain together. They loved spending time with the Outdoor Education staff and are already looking forward to their next bushwalking experience.

Chess Competition

Congratulations to our chess team who came third in their Term 2 interschool tournament.  Both experienced and brand new interschool players represented the Chess Club at the competition at New Town Primary School. The boys showed great team spirit and supported each other throughout the day.

Wednesday 8 July: Mid Year Reports Released. Parent/Teacher Interview Bookings Open

Monday 27 Jun: (Day 1, Term 3): Student Free Day: Mid-Year Parent/Teacher Interviews