St Virgil’s College to celebrate the new Year 12 graduates after 30 years

The following article by Sue Bailey appeared in the Sunday Tasmanian (The Mercury) on 8 December.

One of Tasmania’s oldest Catholic schools has some famous alumni. Read about its latest milestone.

Catholic boys’ school, St Virgil’s College, which has prominent alumni including three premiers, will mark another milestone in its history with the first year 12 students graduating in 30 years.

After a restructure of Catholic education the school stopped taking year 11 and 12 students with the opening of Guilford Young College in 1995. However, it re-introduced Years 11 and 12 two years ago and 40 students would graduate on 10 December.

Jon Franzin, who has been principal for three years, said the move to Years 11 and 12 was “seamless”, and gave the students the “opportunity to pursue their goals and reach their aspirations”.

“I think it’s been 30 years in the making, since we moved to the College system, our old Virgilians have been concerned with that,” he said.

“We can see with our boys how well they’ve gone academically but socially, in their leadership skills, that they’re going to benefit greatly.

“The outcomes for the boys are going to be far above the state and national average for boys.”

Principal Jon Franzin with students L-R Harry Fulton, Jacob Clothier, Charles Lennon, Samuel Nadler, and James Pinelli who are some of the students graduating. 

Mr Franzin said the older students had also encouraged and supported younger boys at the Austin’s Ferry campus which has about 650 students with enrolments growing next year for Years 11 and 12.

“It’s been demystifying what college life is. Our young boys can see firsthand, and speak with our older boys, about just what’s involved.”

Vice-captain Charles Lennon, 18, who started in Year 3, said it was helpful to continue studying in an environment he knew so well.

“It has equipped me with all the knowledge I need to take forward into uni and how to deal with people and talk to people.

“I’ve made really good friendships with my mates here, our bond has been really close.”

House prefect Jacob Clothier, 18, who started in Year 7, said St Virgil’s had given students “opportunities to strive outside the classroom”.

“It’s offered me exactly what I’ve needed and more,” he said.

“It’s set out a clear plan for me for my future.”

Charles and Jacob both plan to study exercise physiology and sports science at UTAS.

St Virgil’s alumni include former Labor premiers Paul Lennon, Doug Lowe and Albert Ogilvie, governor William Cox and AFL footballer Jack Riewoldt.