Principal
Mr Jon Franzin
Dear Parents, Students and Friends of St Virgil’s,
Archbishop’s Pastoral Letter
His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Ireland, has recently released his first Pastoral Letter, Pilgrims of the Eucharist: Towards the International Eucharistic Congress Sydney 2028. Printed copies have been distributed to students, and families have been advised via EdSmart that a hard copy will also be sent home. A digital version can be accessed here:
In this letter, Archbishop Ireland invites the faithful to deepen their understanding and relationship with the Eucharist as the heart of Catholic life. He encourages individuals, families and school communities to see themselves as “pilgrims” on a shared journey of faith, preparing spiritually for the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028. The letter emphasises renewal, reflection and active participation in the life of the Church, highlighting the Eucharist as a source of unity, nourishment and mission in our everyday lives. I warmly encourage parents to take the opportunity to read the letter and engage with its message as a family.
Senior School Examinations
Today, we commence examinations for our Senior students. While examinations were once somewhat out of favour — largely as a reaction against their overuse as the sole measure of learning — they remain an important and valuable component of a balanced assessment program.
When used alongside other forms of assessment, examinations provide an opportunity to objectively measure student learning against expected standards, without undue external assistance or influence. They also offer students a valuable opportunity to challenge themselves, much like they do in many other areas of their lives.
We wish all students every success in the weeks ahead and encourage students and families to access the resources provided to support effective exam preparation.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Each year, all Australian schools participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). This process involves identifying information already held by the school regarding the supports provided to students with disability, in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, and aligned with the 2019 NCCD guidelines.
The information collected includes:
- year of schooling
- category of disability (physical, cognitive, sensory, or social/emotional)
- level of adjustment provided (quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial, or extensive)
The NCCD enables schools to:
- formally recognise the adjustments and supports provided to students
- strengthen inclusive practices
- review and improve learning programs to enhance outcomes for students with disability
Importantly, the NCCD does not involve any additional testing of students and will have no direct impact on your child. All data is de-identified before being provided to the Australian Government, ensuring strict privacy and confidentiality.
Further information is available via the https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy and the NCCD parent fact sheet nccd_parent_fact_sheet_english_0.pdf.
Announcement of Executive Officer – Tasmanian Catholic School Parents Council
I take this opportunity to congratulate current parent and Co-Chair of the Senior School P&F, Maria Bond, on her recent appointment as Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Catholic Schools Parents Council.
We congratulate Maria on this significant achievement and thank her for her ongoing service and support of the College, as well as parents across Catholic schools in Tasmania.
Vale Fr Michael Tate
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Fr Michael Tate.
Fr Michael attended the College from 1958–1962. In his final year, he received scholastic prizes for Religious Knowledge, English and Modern History. He was an Under Officer in the cadet corps, Secretary of the Mission Group, and actively involved in debating, public speaking and the Junior United Nations.
Fr Michael was a man of deep faith whose presence and guidance profoundly impacted many. His commitment to service, wisdom and pastoral care will be remembered with great gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, parish community and all who mourn his loss. May they find comfort in the lasting difference he made in the lives of others.
Several Senior School Student Leaders will attend the funeral next week, representing the College in honouring this notable and well-respected Old Virgilian.
As a faith-filled community, we pray for the repose of his soul:
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Jon Franzin
Principal