From the Principal

Pictured above: Year 11&12 Centre Building Works as at September 8

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

Subject Selections

It was wonderful to see so many parents and students at the College for our Year 8 & 9 Subject Selection evening last Tuesday. The discussions between students, parents 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 Deputy Principal Mr Daniel Lapolla, supported by the College Leadership Team, and Heads of Department for ensuring this evening was a success.   

Working through subject selections for Year 10 students going into Year 11 next year is probably our most important school activity at the moment, for two reasons: for the school it determines timetabling, employment and budgeting; for the student (and parent) it is about his individual future. Subject selections must be a constructive partnership between school, student and parent. This partnership will result in the best course of action being negotiated, taking into account all the inevitable strengths and limits of both school and student, maybe with a workable compromise – never forgetting, of course, that it is ultimately about the student. I take this opportunity to thank Director of Administration Mrs Mary Jane Anders and Careers Advisor Mr James Dalton for their support of students and families in working through these very important discussions and decisions.  

Father’s Day Breakfast

Thank you to the fathers, grandfathers and significant males who attended the Father's Day Breakfast last Wednesday and Friday 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 the most important thing. Many thanks to Jo Messer and Sandra Mazengarb, supported by many staff for their organisation of this wonderful gathering.

Father Son / Mother Son Evenings 

I draw parents/carers to two very important nights that will be offered to Year 7s and Year 8s next week. 

Bill Jennings from ‘Time & Space’ will help facilitate the Mother Son and Father Son Evenings at the Joyce Performance Centre at the College. I have included information about both nights and would encourage parents / mentors and students to attend these very special evenings. 

Mother Son Evening (Year 7)

Tuesday September 13, 6.45 pm for 7.00 pm start

Father Son Evening (Year 8)

Wednesday September 14, 6.45 pm for 7.00 pm start 

Please refer to recent communications for Mr Lapolla about the evening and please make contact with the College should you require any additional information about the evening. 

Best wishes for the week

Jon Franzin

PRINCIPAL