From the Principal

Mr Jon Franzin 

Senior School photo as at June 30 

 

Winter Sleep Out

 

With the middle of the year approaching, winter settling in, it is important that everyone takes care of themselves and those around them. We notice it in some of the boys when they lose a bit of motivation in the face of pending end of semester deadlines and exams, on top of the usual winter coughs and colds. And the boys are not alone. Still, it is part of the cycle of each year, so there are no surprises, and each season brings its own benefits. 

 

As winter bites with darker, wetter days and long nights, it is not only time to knuckle down to the routines of school, particularly study and meeting end of semester deadlines, but it is also time to think of those still left out in the cold – one way or another. The homeless of Hobart who each night hunt for some kind of shelter, in doing so students are reminded how fortunate they are to have a safe and warm home to go to, a school to attend each day and a future of opportunities and choices in front of them.

 

Last Thursday night students from our Junior School experienced ‘One Night of Homelessness’ providing them with some insights into the conditions many young people in Australia experience on any given night. There are reported to be 36,000 homeless young people in Australia, with one in seventy young people aged between 12-25 years sleeping rough every night. With only a blanket and a warm cup of soup students were exposed to the elements (figuratively speaking) along with input from those who have experienced homelessness firsthand providing for a powerful learning experience. Many thanks to Ms Amelia Daun and Ms Mikayla Lack supported by a number of staff for their organisation and running of this very important event.

 

Annual School Report

Each year schools are required to prepare an Annual Report on school performance for their parents and the community as a requirement of the Schools Assistance Act. I write to advise you that the Annual Report for St Virgil’s is now available on the College website and can be accessed via the following link:

 

https://media.digistormhosting.com.au/svc-au-tas-512-website/content/St-Virgils-College-Annual-Report-2021.pdf?mtime=20220629044816

 

I would encourage all members of the College community to take the time to look through this important document. For those who do not have access to the internet, hard copies will be available from the Front Office upon request. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions in relation to the Annual Report. 

 

OVA Luncheon

It was wonderful to connect with a number of Old Virgilians at our recent OVA luncheon held at the Maypole Hotel in New Town. I was struck by the friendships that had endured over time and the connectedness that this group had for one another and their College. I enjoyed the recounting of many stories, of boarders, rivalries on the sporting field and the impact that St Virgil’s College had on their lives. 

 

I provided the OVA with an update of our plans for Year 11 & 12 as well as some of the priorities that the College has set for the next few years. It was clear that the return to Year 11 & 12 is much anticipated by this group of men who continue to keep alive the traditions, hopes and dreams of this wonderful College community. Many thanks to Graeme Rainbow, Bruce Woods, Mark Waddington for their coordination of the day and to Old Virgilian – publican Justin Devine for opening up his premises on the day. 

 

Attendees included: 

 

Back: Mark Waddington (SVC- OVA Liaison) Jon Franzin (Principal), Tony McGee, Rene Sluyters, Damian Bugg, Peter Headlam, Kevin Morgan, Noel Leary, Peter Dixon, Bob Ashby, Gerald Jones, John Redeker, John Cleary, Alan Robertson, Max Corney, David Mazengarb, Peter Tracey, Robert Scanlon, Bruce Woods.

Front:  Paul Morgan, Chris Wright, John Bowes, Graeme Rainbow, Greg Ray.

 

Zac Piesse (OVA President attended but had to leave early due to work commitments) 

 

International Mud Day!

This week Kindergarten students from the Junior School and St Mary's College came out to Austins Ferry to celebrate International Mud Day. I had the good fortune to welcome the boys before they got muddy! The visit is part of the experiential focus of Kindergarten and is a critical part of the boys' development. Thank you to Mrs Sandra Mazengarb and her team for giving our boys and the girls from St Mary's this unique experience.