From the Principal
Mr Jon Franzin
Dear Parents, Students and Friends of St Virgil’s College,
For teachers these last few weeks are the busiest and most pressured time of year, with reports being written at the same time as preparing units for next term and assessments and other tasks to be completed.
Considering the above, it is a good thing that we head into school holidays after a very busy but productive term. This will also mean a well-earned break for students from the pace of the term and the pressure of getting organised and getting to school – not always easy on cold winter mornings.
NAIDOC Week
During National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week, we spent time celebrating and honouring First Nations cultures, and recognising the significant and ongoing call for justice by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Karadi Touch Football Tournament was a highlight for some of our Senior School Aboriginal students, taking part in a fun day at Wentworth Park and also the win of the tournament (pictured left).
Kindergarten learnt about Aboriginal symbols, made and decorated rice shakers, danced to 'The Animated Story of the Mimis' (pictured above) and enjoyed the Aboriginal story 'The Echidna and the Shade Tree’.
Yesterday’s Middle Years Assembly had a NAIDOC Week focus with a presentation by Head of Reconciliation Education - Mrs Bridget Jenkins about the Elders who have played a significant part in our life here at St Virgil’s.
Middle Years Assembly
The Middle Years Assembly provided an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of many of the boys from Year 7-9 who received a commendation for upholding our College values in their words and deeds. Creating a culture where modelling our Virgilian values are aspired to and celebrated is a key priority at St Virgil’s College. Therefore, it is pleasing to see so many boys being acknowledged in front of their peers. Congratulations to all those boys who received a silver commendation (five or more commendations) this year and for being great role models to all students at the College:
| Sam French | Charlie Cooper | Alex Hanstein | Riley Simpson |
| Kai Martin | Jaxon Cockshutt | Caleb Hollis | Liam Nichols |
| Kooper Holden | Jonte Tummon | Daniel Pur | Marcus Hay |
| Ollie Sharpen | Fletcher Gibbons | Isaac Carrol | Darcy Hickey |
| Xavier Bearman | Hunter Kamaric | Lincoln Rubenach | Kayne Percy |
| Xavier Wright | Fletcher Pigden | Maverick Bradley | Mitch Gray |
| Oliver Griffiths | Hayden McKay | Ryan Lamprey | Joe James |
| Connor Stone | Mahli Bird | Will Turner | Mitch Noble |
| Spencer Hallsworth | Riley McCreghan | Cameron Birchall | Josh Cook |
| Tate Browning | Riley Stocks | Deegan Hill | George Fulton |
| Thomas Alomes | Archie Condon | Jacob Pursell | Lucas Foerder |
| Joel Vallerine | Elliot Davies | Oliver Rhodes | Jerry Horne |
| Sam Lee | Ricky Cooper | Ryan Gunn | Chaise Hunter |
| Edward Turnbull | Ayrton Bronw | Ryan Wangai | Jaxon Chick |
| Eamon Lawler | Baylan Wilton | Jesse Wade | Josh Topham |
| Blake Lancaster | Henry Mollon | Ethan Hodgson | |
| Noah Evans | Jacob Milzarek | Riley Wickham | |
| Jamie Gibbs | Ini Akintunde | Hamish Beechey |
Reports
Semester 1 reports were uploaded and available via PAM this week. Please take the time to discuss their content with your son. Look out for the Interview Request, as some teachers may have requested an interview with you and your son on Monday 24 July when Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences have been scheduled. Parents can also request interviews and we strongly encourage parents to take up this opportunity to engage with College teaching staff.
Curbing Screen Time
I recommend to parents and carers the following article which came across my desk recently and explores the concept of ‘anti-dopamine parenting’ as a strategy to reduce children’s excessive cravings for screen time. The concept involves creating an environment that minimises dopamine triggers by setting limits, providing alternatives, and promoting healthy habits. I hope you find this resource useful as we assist our young men to maintain appropriate screen time and setting appropriate limits for themselves.
Office Closure
On Monday 17 July and Tuesday 18 July the College will be closed (Junior & Senior School). The College server will be moved to its new location in the new Callan Centre and as such internet and phone services will be unavailable onsite. Please be aware that phone services will be diverted during this time should the need arise. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding with this matter.
Farewells
On Wednesday we had an opportunity to farewell Mr John O’Keefe and Ms Jo Morgan who retire from their respective roles at the end of the term. Both Mr O’Keefe and Ms Morgan have given outstanding service to our College community during their time at St Virgil’s and it was fitting that we had the chance to farewell them appropriately as a staff. On behalf of the College community, I thank Mr O’Keefe and Ms Morgan for their dedicated service and wish them all the very best in the future. May they continue to live Jesus in their hearts, forever.
Staffing Update
I congratulate Mr Jason Moles – Maintenance Staff who has been appointed to the position of Property Services Manager at Guilford Young College commencing next term. We thank Mr Moles for his service to the College community and wish him all the very best as he takes on this important role. The College will commence the recruitment process for Mr Moles’ replacement in the coming days.
As this is the last edition of The Star for the term, I wish all families the very best for the upcoming school holidays and safe travels to those travelling interstate or abroad. A reminder that the College returns on Monday 24 July for Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences, with students returning on Tuesday 25 July.
Jon Franzin
PRINCIPAL