Acting Director of Student Wellbeing

Social Media Age Restrictions 

From 10 December 2025, new laws will prevent young people under 16 from creating or holding accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook and others. This shift aims to support healthier online habits and reduce exposure to pressure driven digital environments.

We acknowledge that this change may feel challenging for some young people. Social media has, for many, been a space for connection and interaction and the adjustment may lead to feelings of missing out, uncertainty or frustration as they navigate different ways of staying connected with friends.

Here are some practical ways parents can support their son:

Talk honestly and openly

Discuss how your son currently uses social media, how it makes him feel and reassure him that any emotional reaction to these changes is valid.

Help him find alternative ways to connect

Encourage face-to-face friendships, group activities, community sport, gaming with trusted friends or messaging through age-appropriate channels.

Set clear expectations around device use

Establish agreed routines for screen time, phone-free meals, break periods and healthy bedtime habits.

Support emotional resilience

If he feels left out or disconnected, help him name those feelings and talk through them, reminding him that friendships extend beyond online platforms.

Model balanced digital behaviour

Let your own digital habits demonstrate boundaries through device-free time, meaningful conversation and intentional presence.

Orientation Day

It was truly a joy to welcome our incoming 2026 Year 7 students to the Senior Campus for their Orientation Day on Monday. The atmosphere was full of energy, curiosity and anticipation as the boys explored new spaces, met new teachers and began forming the connections that will shape their next stage of learning.

We were exceptionally proud of how well the students conducted themselves throughout the day. Navigating a new campus can feel both exciting and overwhelming, yet they approached each activity with enthusiasm, respect and a genuine willingness to engage. Their behaviour reflected maturity and readiness for the transition ahead.

A special acknowledgement must be made of our student leaders, who exemplified what it means to be a Virgilian. They guided students between sessions, answered questions patiently and offered reassurance and encouragement every step of the way. They ensured that our new Year 7s not only felt welcomed but truly seen and looked after. 

Josh Topham, our 2026 College Vice Captain, supported by Peer Support Leaders Davis Walker, Rory Loader, Ben Pigden and Finn Knowles-Jones, proudly led the teaching of the War Cry to our incoming Year 7 students. This was a wonderful demonstration of leadership in action and a clear reflection of the positive example our leaders continue to set within our community.

It was a wonderful preview of the year to come, and we look forward to partnering with families as these students prepare for the exciting journey ahead at the Senior Campus.

Waddo’s Walk

On Tuesday we had the privilege of accompanying some of our senior students on Waddo’s Walk, an important tradition within our Headstart program. 

This experience offers our 2026 Year 11 cohort the chance to connect beyond the classroom environment, reflect on the journey ahead and gain insight into what it truly means to step into the senior years of College life.

The day was shaped by meaningful conversations, leadership guidance and peer connection. Our 2026 Year 12 student leaders shared their experiences of responsibility, balance, and personal growth, providing our young men with a clearer understanding of the expectations and opportunities that await them.

Central to the day was the spirit and legacy of Mark Waddington. Mark played a pivotal role in re-establishing Years 11 and 12 at St Virgil’s College, driven by a deep commitment to ensuring boys could complete their full educational pathway within the Virgilian environment. His love for this College and the sincerity with which he served students, staff and our community continues to influence the culture of our Senior campus.

Waddo’s Walk is far more than an excursion or Headstart Activity. It is a moment to pause, reflect on personal responsibility, honour the past and consciously shape the leadership character of the young men stepping into Year 11. We are incredibly proud of how our students embraced the experience and grateful for the lasting legacy that continues to inspire them to lead with humility, compassion and courage.