Head of Junior School 

Celebrating Our Teachers and Standing Together for Breast Cancer Awareness

Today, at the Junior Campus, we take the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge our wonderful teachers as part of World Teachers’ Day. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated, passionate and caring team at St Virgil’s College Junior School. Every day, our teachers go above and beyond to inspire, encourage and support our boys, making a difference not only in their learning but also in the young people they become. We thank them for their commitment, patience, enthusiasm and the many things they do, both seen and unseen, to make our College such a special place.

This year, we have also combined our celebrations with an opportunity to raise awareness of Breast Cancer and show our support and solidarity with those whose lives have been touched by this disease. What some in our community may not realise is that members of our own staff have faced their own breast cancer journeys with incredible courage and strength, as have members of their immediate families. We also recognise that many families within our wider College community have experienced the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Today is about more than wearing a splash of pink; it is about acknowledging those who have faced this challenge, supporting those currently navigating their journey, remembering those we have lost and reminding one another that no one should have to face it alone. It is a small but meaningful way for our College community to come together, show compassion and stand alongside those affected.

To all our staff, families and members of our community who have been touched by breast cancer, please know that we are thinking of you and standing with you. Together, we celebrate, support and care for one another. 

A Special Day of Love and Connection on Grandparents' Day

At St Virgil’s College Junior School, we absolutely love our grandparents, and our recent Grandparents’ Day proved this beyond a doubt.

The day began with a beautiful and inclusive liturgy in the Cathedral, where a sea of happy, smiling and incredibly proud faces filled the pews. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the special place grandparents hold in the lives of our boys.

The celebrations continued with classroom visits, where grandparents had the chance to experience a little of what school life is like today. From brain teasers to body twisters, there was plenty of fun and laughter.

The morning concluded with a relaxing light luncheon, where guests enjoyed delicious mushroom or pumpkin soup, followed by freshly served scones with jam and cream made by the VET Hospitality in the Senior School. It was a lovely opportunity to sit back, share stories and enjoy one another’s company.

Grandparents’ Day is an annual highlight for us, and it is always wonderful to see just how much the boys enjoy welcoming their grandparents into their school. Being able to share their classrooms, introduce their teachers and show off the places where they learn, play and grow each day makes the occasion particularly special.

Thank you to all our grandparents and special visitors who joined us. Your presence, love and support mean so much to our boys, and we feel very privileged to share these precious moments with you. We look forward to welcoming you back again next year.

An Afternoon of Music, Creativity and Talent

Our Spring Celebration of the Arts was a wonderful showcase of the creativity, confidence and musical talent within our Junior School. It was a joy to see our boys take to the stage, sharing their hard work and enthusiasm with such pride and energy.

Our Kindergarten and Prep students entertained everyone with their Minecraft-inspired performance, and combined with their Year 5 and 6 buddies for My Lighthouse. Our Year 1 and 2 waddling penguins brought plenty of smiles as they marched along to the Penguin March song and accompanied by boys playing the xylophones. 

Year 3 took us back to the farm with their rendition of Old MacDonald, showcasing their developing recorder skills and singing talents. Year 4 entertained us with their own ukulele version of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, complete with costumes to match.

Our Big Band of 58 Year 5 and 6 boys demonstrated their musical talent playing Lava Chicken and Power Rock. During the intermission the crowd was entertained by the Junior Rock Band. 

From our youngest performers taking their first steps on stage to our older boys confidently entertaining the crowd, the afternoon was a wonderful celebration of our community and the many talents across St Virgil’s College Junior School. Of course, these talents have all been fostered by our own talented music teachers, Mr Peter Hope and Mrs Gabi Ball as well as our  music tutors.

A very special thank you goes to our talented — not to mention incredibly patient — Art teacher, Ms Jan Stary. Her dedication, creativity and enthusiasm have helped our boys develop and discover their artistic skills, the products of which were on display. 

Let’s not forget the army of workers who, tirelessly, behind the scenes, put everything together — Mrs Gina Graves, Mrs Heather Priest, Ms Stary, and all other staff members who contributed. Thank you also to our Parents and Friends Committee members who gave up their afternoon to cook and serve sausages as well as sell cakes: Mr Ricky Umgeher, Mr Rosco Aulich, Ms Sam Rowe, Mrs Ella Mckay, Mrs Kaylie Bowman and Mrs Michelle Spotswood.  Thank you to the parents who sent in delicious baked items for the cake stall. 

Finally, thank you to all our families and friends who came along to support the boys and to everyone who helped make the afternoon such a success. It was a celebration filled with music, laughter, creativity and plenty of College spirit.

Swimming Program

In Weeks 3 and 4, our Prep through to Year 6 students will be attending Collegiate Pool each day. Your son will be required to wear his bathers to school each day and in a separate bag, bring underwear, a towel, goggles, and a swimming cap. All boys will be wearing their sports uniform every day. This is a huge undertaking for all students and staff. 

Our students in Years 3 to 6, will be walking at least one way to the pool, and most completing the return trip. Please make sure your son has his water bottle daily and adequate nutritious food for each day.

End of School Events

Can we believe there are only six weeks of the school year left? With that in mind, here are some important dates for you. There will be specific information pertaining to each event sent out in the preceding weeks.

I would like to point out that ALL students, Kinder to 6, will be attending Speech day and Prep to Year 6 for the Junior School End of Year Thanksgiving Liturgy. Parents and family members are invited and warmly encouraged to attend both of these important events.

Monday 2 November — Friday 13 November: Prep to Year 6 Swimming Program

5 November: JSSATIS Athletics Carnival (selected athletes only: years 3 -6)

10 November: STCPSSA Athletics Carnival (selected athletes only: years 3 -6)

16 November: Early Years Athletics Carnival: 9.00am - 10.45am

17 November: Sports Photo Day: students to wear their polo (not HOUSE shirts)

18 November: Choir performing at the Tasmanian Parliamentary Breakfast

18 November: Junior School Open Day

19 November: Prep-Kinder Orientation Morning: Parent Session

30 November: Junior School Step Up Day for 2027 and Year 7 2027 Orientation Day

2 December: Kinder to Year 12 Speech Day at My State Arena

7 December: Kindergarten Nativity: 11.30am: St Mary’s Cathedral

8 December: Kinder, Prep and Year 2: Pantomime at Botanical Gardens

9 December: Kinder Last Day: Picnic at Soundy’s Park

10 December: Prep to Year 6 Thanksgiving Liturgy: St Mary’s Cathedral: 1.30pm

11 December: Prep to Year 6 Picnic at Tynwald Park and Last Day