From the Principal

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

As we reach the halfway mark of the term and I look back over the past five weeks, I am in awe at what our students and staff have accomplished. A quick review of the College Facebook page reveals the extraordinary opportunities available to students across Kindergarten to Year 12. To see our young men and staff embrace Mary Rice Day, strongly support mental health initiatives, music, sport, community and celebrate student achievement is rewarding and satisfying for all involved. At St Virgil’s College, we challenge all of our students to achieve their personal best and be willing to serve their community.

St Virgil’s College Advisory Council Membership

St Virgil’s College has recently completed the extension to its educational offering to now be Tasmania’s only Kindergarten to Year 12 Catholic School for boys. During this period the College has also completed a significant program of capital works to provide a contemporary learning environment for both students and staff. An opportunity now exists to contribute to the College’s continued growth and to be the preferred choice for Catholic boys’ education in Hobart.

St Virgil’s College is currently seeking applications for new membership for the College Advisory Council. The College Advisory Council work collaboratively with the Principal to support faithfulness to the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition and quality stewardship aimed at offering the best possible learning environment for students attending the College.

Members of the College Advisory Council also contribute to several sub-committees including, Finance, Risk & Compliance, Publicity & Promotions and Building Committees.  Applications are also being sought for new membership of the College’s Advisory Council Committees.

Appointment to the College Advisory Council are recommended by the Advisory Council Chair and Principal, through the Nominations Committee, to the Regional Director of EREA College’s Ltd. for approval. 

St Virgil’s College is seeking applications from current parents, Old Virgilian's or community members with experience in either the finance, legal, marketing, or building industries. 

For further information about the College Advisory Council please refer to ‘The Design: A Charter for EREA School Advisory Councils’.

Applications can be submitted to Peta Jelkic – PA to the Principal using the following link  SVC Advisory Council EOI  with interviews conducted by the College Advisory Chair and the Principal shortly thereafter to determine suitable candidates.

Should you wish to obtain further information about the College Advisory Council, please reach out to the Chair of the St Virgil’s College Advisory Council, Mr Andrew Mazengarb by contacting Andrew.Mazengarb@treasury.tas.gov.au or Jon Franzin, College Principal principal@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

Subject Selection Evening 

It was wonderful to see so many parents/carers and students at the College for our Years 8 & 9 Subject Selection Evening. The discussions between students, parents/carers and Heads of Departments were evident on the night and it is hoped that not only did this help inform subject selections for next year but also started a conversation about pathways into senior secondary education. My thanks to Mr Rohan Mitchell – Director of Learning & Innovation and Mrs Mary-Jane Anders, supported by the College Leadership Team and Heads of Department for ensuring this evening was a success.

A reminder that students have been sent a link to commence the subject selection process with web preferences closing on Thursday 12 September. Students should seek advice from the relevant Heads of Department, or their Pastoral Care Teacher should they have any questions about the process. 

Father’s Day Breakfast

Thank you to the fathers, grandfathers and significant males who attended the Father’s Day breakfast on Wednesday morning at the Junior School. The gathering beautifully acknowledged all the kinds of fathers we have in our School and the important impact and place they have for our boys. Boys love fathers, and fathers love their boys. Whether this is always clearly articulated or not is not always important. The smiling faces of our young men were evident and demonstrated that their father’s presence was valued and appreciated. Many thanks to Jo Messer and the P&F Committee supported by many staff for their organisation of this wonderful gathering.

Choomalaka Festival & Feast

There is much excitement in the air and great anticipation from staff and students as they prepare for the Choomalaka Festival & Feast which will be held on Friday 20 September. Students have been practising their performances and the Parents & Friends Associations from the Junior and Senior Schools have been busily organising the food stalls and offering their support on the night. Building on the success of last year’s festival is a result of the strong and dedicated group of people, parents/carers, staff, students and supporters. This coming together of this event symbolises the great connection and relationship St Virgil’s College has with its community.

Student Free Day – Senior School (Moderation Day) 

A reminder that next Friday 6 September, the Senior School will be having a student free day for the purpose of moderation. The Junior School will operate as usual with no impact to students on the day.

Vale:  Mrs Hayley Rose 

It is with great sadness that I advise you of the passing of Mrs Hayley Rose, mother to Ollie (Prep) after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ollie, Isla, Ben and the extended Rose family and friends at this very difficult time.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May God hold her gently in the palm of his hand.

Jon Franzin

PRINCIPAL