From the Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Friends of St Virgil’s College,

Speech Day Wednesday 3 December 

With St Virgil’s now offering Kindergarten to Year 12 the College is in a unique position to review and update how we celebrate as a community. Last year we gathered students from Years 3-12 and this year we look to further enhance our engagement with all students being present. In 2025 the College will gather as a Kindergarten to Year 12 community acknowledging the academic achievements and major award winner recipients across all year levels as well as provide an opportunity to showcase our talented group of musicians and performers. It will also be an opportunity to celebrate our Year 12 Graduates who will complete their final year of education at the College.   

Speech Day will be held on Wednesday 4 December at MyState Arena and held during the school day ensuring that this event is accessible for all students, especially those students in the early years. This event will be broadcast online, and students will be transported to and from the venue from both the Junior and Senior campuses. Exact times for this event will be circulated soon, and I look forward to welcoming students, parents and the broader College community to this very important event where we will celebrate our young men and their achievements. 

Planning for 2026

Planning is well underway for 2026 with subject selections processes being finalised and staffing being determined for next year. To provide certainty with our planning a letter will be forwarded to all families seeking feedback from you about your child’s enrolment in 2026. Once received I would ask that you respond accordingly to assist with the College’s planning.

Samuel Karanja – Edmund Rice Foundation

On Monday 1 September the College welcomed Samuel Karanja from the Edmund Rice Foundation in Kenya, Nairobi. Samuel’s powerful presentation was well received by staff and students alike and was an inspirational story of the impact that education can have on the lives of those living in poverty. Karanja spoke of the long standing connection that St Virgil’s College has had with the Edmund Rice Centre in Kenya and the impact that this relationship has had on the students who have attended this centre. Karanja thanked the College for its fundraising efforts over many years and the inspirational work of the late Mark Waddington who was pivotal in developing this long lasting connection between our two school communities. 

Choomalaka Festival & Feast

A reminder that our whole of College performing arts festival will take place on the evening of Friday 19 September at our Austins Ferry Campus. I know that students and staff alike are looking forward to the opportunity to showcase their gifts and talents in front of family and friends after months of rehearsals. Food vans will be available on the night, and I look forward to seeing our College community coming together to celebrate the Performing Arts.  

Staffing Update 

We welcome Mr. Enzo Botte who has been appointed to the position of OVA Community and Development Officer. Enzo has previously held positions as General Manager, Grove Blueberries, Commercial and Partnership Manager, Passability Group and Chief Executive Officer, Health Focus Products Australia. Enzo will work closely with the Old Virgilian Association and College staff to develop strategies for Alumni engagement, fundraising, events coordination and management and serve as the Secretary for the OVA  Committee. This is a 12-month contract position and is funded by the OVA.  

This week we farewelled Mrs. Stacey Pyecroft who will commence parental leave on Monday 8 September.   We wish Mrs. Pyecroft all the very best for this very special time for her family. 

I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Elanore Taylor will replace Stacey Pyecroft at the beginning of Term 4. Mrs. Taylor is currently the Year 1-2 Teacher at Austins Ferry Primary School where she has been employed since 2019. Mrs. Taylor holds qualifications in a Masters of Education (Primary Specialisation) from the University of Tasmania and a Bachelor of Tourism from the University of South Australia and comes highly recommended to this position. 

We thank Miss Sarah Mazengarb for taking on the role of Prep Classroom Teacher until the end of this term. 

Father’s Day

Finally, whether you are a father, have a father, are remembering a father, are a father figure, or a father is absent in your life – this Sunday is a time to acknowledge the importance of fatherhood and individual fathers. And as God is our divine Father and Creator of us all, being a father is the greatest and most creative gift and responsibility a man can be given. In your own way, have a great Father’s Day. 

Best wishes for the week ahead. 

Jon Franzin 

PRINCIPAL