Head of Junior School 

Farewell and Best Wishes to Mrs Pyecroft

This week, we farewell Mrs Pyecroft as she begins her maternity leave. We would like to wish her all the very best during this exciting new chapter and thank her for the compassionate and caring nature she has brought to her teaching. She will be missed by both students and staff.

We are pleased to announce that Miss Sarah Mazengarb, will be taking on teaching duties until the end of Term 3. Joining the class in Term 4, taking on the Prep teaching role is Mrs Eleanore Taylor. Mrs Taylor brings a wealth of teaching experience and enthusiasm to our school community. I know you will join me in welcoming her to our Community. We look forward to a smooth transition and continued learning for our students.

Celebrating Mrs Pyecroft’s Baby Shower

This week, we celebrated a special occasion — a baby shower for Mrs Pyecroft! The staff joined in the fun with some creative games, including a challenge to guess children's books and nursery rhymes using emojis. Laughter and friendly competition filled the room! We showered Stacey with gorgeous gifts, thanks to the generous contributions from our wonderful staff. It was a lovely way to show our support and excitement as she prepares to welcome her little girl. Wishing Stacey and George all the very best on this beautiful journey into motherhood!

Thank You to Our Amazing Learning Support Officers

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. We are blessed to have the most supportive, patient, knowledgeable and caring Learning Support Officers working with our students every day. Their dedication makes a real difference in the lives of our students—whether it’s through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being there when someone needs support. They help create a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student has the chance to thrive. Their compassion, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes work do not go unnoticed. The whole school community is grateful and thankful. As part of our gratitude, our boys wrote lovely affirmations and we shared a lovely morning tea, provided by the College. Our Learning Support Officers are: Nicole Read, Hudson Arkley, Ethan Hine, Mandy Tollard, Katrina Berry, Julie Stokes, Sarah Mazengarb, Heather Priest, Diana Cubit, Theresia Thomas, and Michaela Priest.

First Holy Communion: A Moment to Remember

On Sunday, eight of our Junior School boys: Jake Di Santo, Theodore Kline, Levi Briggs, Cooper McGee, Oskar Jankowiak, Isaac Whitfield, Alexander Jones and Christopher Xavier, took a beautiful step in their faith journey as they received their First Holy Communion at St Mary's Cathedral. We are incredibly proud of their preparation, understanding, and the reverent way they approached this special milestone. A heartfelt thank you to our families, Mrs Rootes from St Mary's College, and the Cathedral parish community for their ongoing support and guidance.

Breakfast Buddies: A Morning of Celebration at the Junior School

We had a fantastic morning celebrating our wonderful Junior School Father's Day Breakfast! It was heartwarming to see so many dads, grandads, and special father figures join us for a delicious start to the day. A huge thank you to the amazing mums who generously gave their time to cook up a storm, serving up mouth-watering egg and bacon rolls that everyone enjoyed. We’d also like to give a big shoutout to our talented VET Hospitality boys, under the guidance of Mr Aaron Lucas, who kept the crowd happy with perfectly brewed coffees and warm hot chocolates. It was a true team effort that made the morning so special—thank you to everyone who helped make it such a memorable event!

Choomalaka Festival & Feast: Friday 19 September

Choomalaka Festival & Feast is a celebration of our talented boys from Kindergarten through to Year 12, showcasing the talents of our boys and the spirit of the College.

This College-wide event is on Friday 19 September, 5.30 pm - 8.00 pm at the Austins Ferry campus. All Junior School students will be performing in the Joyce Performance Centre between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm. Class items will be presented in Year level, commencing with Kindergarten, who will be accompanied by their Year 6 buddies, through to our Years 5 and 6 Band items.

We ask that all Junior School students are present for the start time of 5.30 pm.

Please note that the times listed below are approximate only.

5.30 pm: Kindergarten/Year 6

5.40 pm: Prep

5:50 pm; Year 1 and 2

6.00 pm: Year 3 and 4

6:10 pm Choir

6.20 pm: Year 5 Band

6:30 pm: Year 6 Band

We understand that some boys may have sporting commitments on the night but ask that this evening be made a priority, so as not to let class or band mates down.

Swapping Balls for Books and Board Games: Tuesday and Thursday morning changes

We are making changes to Tuesday and Thursday mornings before school for the wellbeing and benefit of all students. From 8.15 am the boys may read or play a game in the library, on the futsal court or any of the play areas. All classrooms open from 8.30 am, so boys might choose to read or play in there. Swapping a ball for a book or board game before school can offer students a calm and focused start to their day. Engaging in quiet activities like reading or playing a board game helps to settle the mind, improve concentration, and encourage positive social interactions. These activities can also support literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. By starting the day with gentle, mindful play or reading, students are more likely to enter the classroom feeling calm, connected, and ready to learn.

It has been wonderful to hear such positivity emanating from our students as I've visited the classrooms discussing the change with them. Archie Benka (Year 2) was excited because ‘You can learn so much from reading a non-fiction book’ and Mason Chandler from Year 2, told me that when he reads a book, ‘It's like going on an adventure’. 

A Glimpse into Life in Kibera: Samuel Karanja’s Powerful Message

This week, we were honoured to welcome Samuel Karanja from the Edmund Rice Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, to our school. Samuel shared his personal story with the entire Junior School, describing his childhood in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. He spoke about starting school at just five years old and walking barefoot for two hours each way to get there. His school day ran from 7.00 am until 5.00 pm, and at school, he received the only meal he would have that day. These powerful details made a lasting impression on the boys, highlighting just how different their lives are compared to Samuel’s and how every cent we raise here can impact the lives of those in the Edmund Rice Centre.

Checkmate! St Virgil’s Chess Team Advances to State Championships

On Thursday 28 August, eleven representatives from our Junior School Chess Club competed in the Interschool Chess Competition for the Hobart City South region at South Hobart Primary School.  Representatives were from Years 2 to 6, and for some of the students it was their very first interschool tournament.  Across the day the boys played seven tournament games against students from other schools. The top four scoring players from each school team make up the competition points against the other schools.  After not finding so much success in our earlier tournaments this year, this term our team played strongly, picking up in the final round, and our Year 6 boys brought us to third place for the day, earning us a spot in the Interschool Chess State Championships in Term 4.  Congratulations to all the boys for representing St Virgil's with pride and sportsmanship.  

Time Travellers for a Day!

On Tuesday 2 September, excited and inquisitive, Year 1 students stepped back in time during their visit to Narryna – The Merchant’s House, where history came alive before their eyes! They explored the fascinating world of the past, comparing it to their own lives today – from marvelling at curious old objects to imagining life without plumbing. While the antique dolls didn’t win everyone over, the experience sparked endless questions and turned the students into eager young researchers. A visit to the post office to buy postcards (watch your mailbox!) added a modern (or not so modern) twist, followed by an adventure through Arthur Circus to explore historic homes and streets, imagining life long ago. The day ended with laughter and energy at the Battery Point Park Playground – a perfect finish to a journey through time.

Upcoming Dates:

Thursday 11 September: House Athletics Carnival: Years 2 to 6

Monday 15 September: Choomalaka Rehearsal day at Austins Ferry (K - 6)

Wednesday 17 September: Year 6 Try Rowing Day

Friday 19 September: Choomalaka Festival and Feast: 5.30 pm - 8.00 pm

Wednesday 24 September: Year 4 Camp Spring Beach

Thursday 25 September: Footy Colours and Donut Day 

Thursday 25 September: Year 4 return from camp

Friday 26 September: last day of Term 3

Wednesday 22 October: Grandparents Day