From the Principal

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

Head of the River 

Last weekend’s Head of the River delivered outstanding results for St Virgil’s and was a wonderful celebration of the strength of our rowing program. We are incredibly proud to once again be awarded the Junior Boys Aggregate Shield, marking an exceptional six consecutive years of achievement in this category. 

Apart from the many individual and collective achievements was the performance of Year 10 Eight, who claimed victory in their event for the first time in 28 years — a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication and perseverance of both students and coaches. A special mention to Joe Langdale (Year 6) whose maturity, calm-decision making and leadership as cox were remarkable for someone so young and instrumental in the crew’s success. 

Our Open Eight also did the College proud with a superb race, finishing second to Hutchins in a highly competitive field. Congratulations to our Director of Rowing, Mr. Oliver Wilson-Haffenden, to all rowers, coaches and families on a fantastic regatta and for representing St Virgil’s College with such pride and sportsmanship. 

School Effectiveness Survey

As part of our College Registration requirements with Catholic Education Tasmania, we are required to complete an annual School Effectiveness Survey for students, parents/carers and staff. Parents and carers will receive an envelope sent home with your son today containing the information needed to complete the survey along with an EdSmart broadcast. While we understand that surveys can be time-consuming, your feedback is highly valued and strongly encouraged, as it plays an important role in informing our ongoing improvement. Students will complete the survey during extended Pastoral Care in the Senior School or during designated class time for Years 3-6. Please note that the parent survey is not open until Monday 23 March with the deadline for completion being Thursday 2 April.

Scholarship Testing

We wish all Year 7 (2027) applicants and current Year 10 students the very best as they sit the EduTest Scholarship Test this Saturday morning. Students entering Year 7 and Year 11 in 2027 have the opportunity to receive a tuition fee discount, with scholarships awarded based on test results. I look forward to reviewing these results and determining academic scholarships for 2027.

Senior School Information Evening

Correspondence has recently been sent to families regarding our upcoming Senior School Information Evening, to be held at Austins Ferry on Tuesday 24 March at 6pm. This evening will provide an opportunity for students and families to learn more about curriculum and pathway options for students moving into Years 11 & 12 and to receive important information to support a smooth transition through the senior years.

Our Hospitality students will be in attendance, serving light refreshments, and families will have the opportunity to speak with Heads of Departments, key College staff, and view displays from university and career providers. We look forward to welcoming you on the night.

Parking Reminder – Austins Ferry Campus

To help ensure the safety of our students and staff, we kindly remind parents and carers at the Austins Ferry campus to park only in designated spaces near the Front Office. If these spaces are unavailable, please use the overflow car park at the bottom of the driveway or park on Main Road. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment during drop-off and pick-up times. 

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Jon Franzin

PRINCIPAL