Director of Student Wellbeing

Celebrating Student Leadership

It was wonderful to celebrate our 2027 Student Leaders at the Transfer of Leadership Assembly as they officially begin their leadership journey at St Virgil’s College. This was a significant occasion for our students and their families, marking both an achievement and the beginning of an exciting responsibility. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the assembly such a special occasion and hope it was a memorable day for the families involved. We look forward to seeing our new leaders grow into their roles and make a positive contribution to our College community.

I would also like to sincerely thank our 2026 Student Leaders for their contribution to the College. It takes courage to step forward, represent others and accept the responsibility that comes with leadership. Each of these young men has contributed to the life and culture of St Virgil’s in their own way. Their leadership, service and example have left a lasting impact and their legacy will continue to live on at the College.

Creating Healthy Screen Routines Over the Holidays

As students head into the school holidays, it is natural that many will spend more time on their devices. With fewer school commitments and changes to their usual routine, gaming, social media, streaming and other online activities can quickly take up a larger part of the day.

Rather than focusing solely on limiting screen time, the holidays can be a good opportunity to establish a healthy and predictable screen routine. Having agreed expectations around when devices are used can help young people balance their screen time with sleep, physical activity, family time, friendships and other interests. Importantly, developing these expectations together can also help young people build greater responsibility for managing their own technology use.

Families can access a Creating a Screen Routine resource through the St Virgil’s College Online Safety Hub. This resource (see link below) can be used with your son to discuss expectations and establish a routine that works for your family over the holiday period.

Creating a Screen Routine - SVC Safety Hub

Supporting Your Son During the Break

As we approach the school holidays, families will receive an EdSmart communication from our College Psychologist, Annaliese Arthur, with information to support your son’s wellbeing over the break. Please take some time to read through this information and discuss it with your son where appropriate.

While some students may have accessed support from our Student Support Team during the term, please be aware that our team will also be taking a break and will not be accessing emails during the holiday period. Changes in routine can sometimes impact wellbeing so we encourage families to continue checking in with their young person, maintain open conversations and support healthy routines. This might include regular physical activity, time outside, enjoyable and relaxing activities, consistent sleep, staying connected with friends and reminding your son that support is always available.

If you have concerns about your young person’s mental health or notice significant changes over the holidays, please consider the following support options:

• Mental health emergency: Call 000 and/or take your young person to the Emergency Department if they or someone else is at risk of harm, or they are presenting with very concerning behaviour.
• Your GP: Your GP can provide support and information, and assist with referrals to other services through a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
• The Peacock Centre, North Hobart: 03 6166 0755. The Centre provides support through the Mental Health Integration Hub, Safe Haven and Peacock House.
• Headspace Hobart: 6231 2927. Free mental health support and counselling for young people aged 12–25 years.
• Relationships Australia Tasmania: 1300 364 277. Counselling, education, early intervention and support services.
• Aboriginal Health Service Hobart: 6234 0777. Services for Tasmanian Aboriginal people of all ages.
• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14. Available 24/7 for crisis support and suicide prevention.
• A Tasmanian Lifeline: 1800 98 44 34. Available 8 am–8 pm, 7 days a week for crisis support and suicide prevention for Tasmanians.
• Mental Health Hotline: 1800 332 388. Available 24/7 for advice, assessment and referrals in Tasmania.
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800. Available 24/7 for free, confidential telephone and online counselling for children and young people aged 5–25.
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467. Available 24/7 for free telephone and online counselling for anyone at risk of or affected by suicide.
• 13YARN: 13 92 76. Available 24/7 for free and confidential support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Butterfly Foundation: 1800 33 4673. Available 8 am–12 am, 7 days a week, offering support for eating disorders and body image issues.

We encourage all families to look after themselves and each other over the two-week break. We look forward to welcoming our students back refreshed and ready for Term 4.