From the Principal

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

Term 4 is now well underway, and the energy across the College reflects both the opportunities and the important milestones that characterise this time of year. In the weeks ahead, students will complete significant learning, assessment and co-curricular commitments, while our community gathers for celebrations that bring another busy year to a close. I encourage families to review the key dates and organisational information shared by Deputy Principal Mr Daniel Lapolla through EdSmart and Facebook and to retain that communication for reference. Our Administration Team is available to assist with any questions as end-of-year arrangements approach.

Grandparents Day: Celebrating a Special Bond

The Junior School was filled with warmth and joy as more than 200 grandparents joined us for Grandparents Day. The morning began with a reverent liturgy at St Mary’s Cathedral, led with confidence by our Year 6 leaders, before guests visited classrooms and shared lunch prepared by our Senior School Hospitality students. More than an annual event, the occasion recognised the wisdom, encouragement and steadfast presence grandparents bring to the lives of our young men. 

I extend my sincere thanks to Jo Messer, Head of Junior School, and the Junior School staff, together with Hospitality Teacher Aaron Lucas and Hospitality staff Natalie Reid and Chris Tsakiris, whose thoughtful preparation made the morning so memorable.

Staffing and Leadership for 2027

Planning for 2027 has reached an important stage, and I am pleased to share the outcomes of several recent appointment processes. These appointments strengthen the leadership supporting students across the Middle and Senior Schools and reinforce our commitment to high-quality learning, wellbeing and co-curricular opportunities. I thank Daniel Lapolla, Rohan Mitchell and Mary-Jane Anders for their valuable contribution to the selection processes.

Staff exchange: Amelia Daun and Suzie Pritchard — Year 3 Junior School Teacher, Ms. Amelia Daun has accepted a one-year transfer to Sacred Heart College from the beginning of the 2027 academic year. As part of this reciprocal arrangement, Mrs Suzie Pritchard will join St Virgil’s College for 2027. We wish Ms Daun well for this valuable professional opportunity and look forward to welcoming Suzie to our community. Mrs Pritchard is currently Assistant to the Deputy Principal (Primary), and teachers across Years 3-6 and her experience will be a great asset to our Junior School community.

Head of Middle School — Congratulations to Ms Annalé Van Heerden on her reappointment through to January 2030. Ms Van Heerden's leadership will continue to support students in Years 7–9 as they grow academically, socially, spiritually and personally.

Head of Senior School — Congratulations to Mr Daniel Robinson on his appointment as Head of Senior School from 2027. Mr Robinson will succeed Mr Dave Webster, whose leadership since 2024 has established a strong foundation for Years 10–12, particularly through the development of meaningful rites of passage for our senior students, especially those in Year 12. I sincerely thank Mr Webster for his leadership and unwavering support of students during these significant years. Mr Webster and Mr Robinson will undertake a comprehensive handover later this term.

Director of Sport — Congratulations to Mr Jayden Hey on his appointment, commencing in 2027. Mr. Hey brings extensive experience in teaching, sports leadership and administration, program co-ordination and coaching. His expertise and commitment to creating high quality sporting opportunities will be a great asset to our students. A comprehensive handover will take place before Mr Michael Moschogianis concludes. He will take on the role of General Manager with Race One Surf Craft, a Queensland-based company operating in the surf lifesaving and ocean paddling industry. 

Honouring the Class of 2026

This week marks a defining moment for our Year 12 students as they complete their final days of formal classes at St Virgil’s College. Their journey has been shaped by much more than academic achievement. Through leadership, service, friendship, creativity and perseverance, the Class of 2026 has contributed meaningfully to the character of our College. They have supported younger students, represented St Virgil’s with pride and demonstrated what it means to be a Virgilian through their actions.

As attention now turns to examinations and the pathways that follow, I encourage every graduate to draw confidence from the preparation, relationships and experiences that have brought them to this point. We look forward to gathering with families at the Year 12 Graduation Mass, Speech Day and Valedictory Dinner to recognise their achievements and give thanks for their time among us.

To our graduates: carry forward the values of courage, compassion, faith and service. Meet new opportunities with curiosity, face uncertainty with resilience, and remember that your connection to St Virgil’s does not end when you leave the classroom.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Your College community is proud of you and wishes you every success for the future.

Best wishes for the week ahead. 

Jon Franzin

PRINCIPAL