Deputy Principal

All things Exams

Exams are officially over at Austins Ferry for 2024. Our new facilities accommodated multiple exams from various TASC subjects to our entire Year 10 cohort simultaneously. I would like to commend our young men for the manner in which they applied themselves to what is naturally a stressful period. My comments to our Year 10 students was about reflecting on their own approach and being critical and aware of what works best for them and what they would need to adjust in the future. As they approach their adult studies being self-driven and independent is a massive asset.

Year 10 Luncheon

Our Year 10s concluded their last day on site as Year 10s this Tuesday. The students went through their last Mass together as a cohort concluding with a luncheon. I would like to commend the students on the manner in which they represented themselves on the day. It was a day to enjoy each other’s company and reflect on their time thus far which was all achieved in good spirits.

Waddo’s Walk

Our new Year 11s for 2025 combined with our Year 12 Student Leaders commenced their first day of Head Start on Wednesday. Waddo’s Walk in honour of our dear friend and colleague Mark Waddington is a rite of passage for our newest members of our Senior School. A time to reflect on the qualities of Mr Waddington and to connect with one another as we embark on a new and exciting chapter that is Year 11.

The Bystander Effect

I am pleased to have witnessed many young men speaking up and taking action when they believe something does not align with our Virgilian Way values. The context of what we deem wrong or not up to our standard will differ as we get older. But what remains the same is the feeling we get, that tells us this is not on. Having the courage to A not join in but B to speak out and call out what is wrong is critical. From a teenager’s perspective, this is no easy task, and the easier option can be to simply join in. This is exactly what our Virgilian Way aims to combat. I cannot stress enough the importance of open dialogue in working through any issue. The role of the Pastoral Care teacher is aligned with supporting this outcome. 

Be Proactive, Be Organised – Use of SIMON

As the term is fast getting away from us, I cannot stress enough the importance of being organised and up-to-date. Our SIMON dashboards are a great resource for tracking what is due and what is required. Teachers love nothing more than students going that extra mile to check in with what is required of them when they are uncertain. So, ask questions, send an email, or hang back at the end of class and get that extra clarification on what you need to do and how you can improve.

Term 4 Key Dates

A reminder of the events surrounding Term 4, please see below as communicated at the end of Term 3.