Head of Junior School 

Farewell to treasured staff members

As we begin to near the end of the 2025 school year, we take this opportunity to farewell two valued members of our Junior School community this week. 

After nine years of dedicated service, Mrs Katrina Berry will be leaving St Virgil’s Junior School. Katrina has been a much-loved and respected Learning Support Officer, whose warmth, patience, and commitment have made a lasting impact on countless students and staff. Her care and encouragement have supported so many boys in their learning and growth, and she will be greatly missed.

We also extend our best wishes to Mr Mark Narkowicz, our talented and passionate Music Teacher, who has finished up this week, for family reasons. Mark’s energy and enthusiasm have filled our classrooms and assemblies with music and joy, inspiring many of our boys to discover and nurture their musical abilities.

We thank both Katrina and Mark for their outstanding contributions to the life of our school and wish them every success and happiness as they embark on the next stages of their journeys. They will always be part of the St Virgil’s family.

Mrs Jill Norton will be taking over music lessons for the final weeks of the year.

Water Awareness Wrap-Up

Over the past two weeks, our boys have taken part in our annual Water Awareness Program, an important part of our Health and Physical Education curriculum that helps students develop vital swimming and water safety skills.

Despite some challenging weather conditions — with plenty of rain showers to dodge and cold days to brave — our boys showed tremendous resilience, enthusiasm, and commitment. Whether walking or catching the bus to and from the Collegiate Pool, every student embraced the opportunity to learn, improve, and have fun in the water.

The program not only strengthens swimming ability but also builds confidence, teamwork, and respect for water safety — essential skills for life in and around Tasmania’s many waterways.

A huge thank you to our dedicated staff for their organisation and supervision throughout the fortnight, and to our boys for their outstanding participation and positive attitude, even when the weather was less than kind! Thank you Mrs Graves for transporting the boys in the bus!

Save the Date:  Speech Day

When:  Wednesday 3 December

Where:  My State Arena

Year Groups:  Kindergarten to Year 12

Time:  12pm - 2.00pm

This year sees a change in the format of Speech night. This will now become Speech Day for all students between Kindergarten and Year 12. On Speech Day, Major Awards for the College will be awarded including Junior Edmund Rice, Junior Virgilian and Sportsmanship Awards, Dux for each class, Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. There will also be performances from Choir and Year 5 and 6 bands.

Save the Date:  End of Year Assembly

When:  Monday 8 December

Where:  SMC Nagle Centre

Year Groups:  Kindergarten to Year 6

Time:  1.00pm - 2.30pm (approx)

Our annual End of Year Assembly is being held  between 1pm and 2.30pm in the Nagle Centre of St Mary's College on Monday 8 December. This assembly will be the last for our Year 6 boys, will include a video montage of our boys time here at the Junior School, have performances from the choir and presentation of End of Year Class and Specialist Certificates.

Save the Date:  Junior School Thanksgiving Liturgy

When:  Thursday 11 December

Where:  St Mary’s Cathedral

Year Groups:  Kindergarten to Year 6

Time:  6.00pm - 7.15pm

On Thursday 11 December, all students and families from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be invited to attend our Junior School Thanksgiving Liturgy in St Mary’s Cathedral between 6.00pm and 7.15pm.

Bethlehem House 

St Virgil's College is once again supporting Bethlehem House this Christmas.  

Bethlehem House is a St Vincent de Paul centre that provides accommodation and 

24-hour support for men experiencing homelessness in the Hobart area. They are the largest provider of crisis and transitional accommodation in Tasmania.  

We are asking families to make donations of any of the following new items:

• Soap, shampoo, razors, deodorant;
• Socks, underwear, beanies, caps;
• Drink bottles and reusable coffee cups;
• Bags of lollies or chocolates;
• Mini Christmas puddings;
• Crackers/bon-bons;
• Fruit mince pies; and

• Christmas biscuits

   

Please send your donations to the Junior School Office by the end of November. This will allow us enough time to make up the Christmas parcels.  All donations, big and small, are much appreciated. This is a wonderful way to support those less fortunate in our local community this Christmas.