From the Principal

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

Opening and Blessing of the Waterford Centre

Today we welcomed Archbishop Julian Porteous, Mrs Philomena Billington – President of the Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia, representatives from Catholic Education Tasmania, members of the College Advisory Council and Principals from local Catholic Schools to undertake the blessing and opening of the Waterford Centre. The Waterford Centre is a superb addition to the educational opportunities we are able to provide our students and will be a focal point for student learning and wellbeing at the College. It is the result of a great deal of work by many people both within and outside the college, many of who we thanked at the ceremony today. The Waterford Centre comprises the newly refurbished Library, Student Services including Learning Enhancement, Careers, Counselling and Psychology services, general learning areas and outdoor education office and general learning areas. We are grateful for the support from Edmund Rice Education Australia and the College Advisory Council for bringing this facility to fruition.  

Staff Update

I am pleased to announce that Mr Thymon Venter has been appointed to the position of Head of Dwyer House. As communicated previously, Mr Venter joined us this term from Mt Maria College, Petrie, Queensland where he has held the position of Curriculum Leader – Performing Arts as well as Teacher of English, Religion, Drama and Humanities. We congratulate Mr. Venter on his appointment and trust that he will be well supported by our families in this important role. 

I have been advised by Mrs Claire Graham that she will not be returning to the College next year after a year of leave so that she will be able to spend more time with her family in New Zealand. 

Mr Oliver Wilson-Haffenden will take on the Director of Rowing for both St Virgil’s College and St Mary’s College. This is an exciting and purposeful change, one which will bring efficiencies and unity between the Colleges and offer an excellent co-educational experience for our students. On behalf of both Colleges, I congratulate Oliver on his appointment and wish him well as he takes on this important role. 

Vale Br Russell Peters

I received the sad news of the passing of Br Russell Peters on Sunday night. Br Russell was the last Principal of St Virgil’s College at Barrack Street when the site became Guilford Young College in 1984.  He remained at the site to manage the final Year10 class and supported the remaining classes with the transition to Austin’s Ferry. Br Russell worked closely with Sr Pam Davis, the first Principal of Guilford Young College, and Mr Chris Smith, Dean of GYC. In spite of strong and vocal opposition, especially from SVC Old Virgilian’s and even many brothers, Br Russell supported the Archdiocese and the brothers’ governing body in their development of a central Year 11 and 12 College.   At the time it was seen as the most effective use of resources. 

We keep Br Russell’s family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. 

We live Jesus in our hearts…forever.

Jon Franzin

PRINICPAL