From the Principal

Pictured above: Joyce celebrating their win at the Junior School Swimming Carnival

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

Athletics and Swimming Carnivals

Thank you for the high level of support which contributed to an excellent Athletics and Swimming Carnival. The level of parental support, student attendance and involvement in both events and organisation was the best we have seen in some years. With a number of outstanding performances, the winning House on both days was Joyce House. Particular thanks go to Director of Sport Mr Michael Moschogianis (Athletics Carnival – Senior School) and Mrs Karryn McCullagh – Sports Coordinator (Swimming Carnival – Junior School), with the support of the HPE Department for their meticulous preparations to ensure a well-run day. We have been rebuilding the culture and organisation of our House system at St Virgil’s this year, which is the basis for organisation and competition on events such as Athletics and Swimming Carnivals, and this was reflected in a good level of House spirit amongst the students. Student engagement with school activities, most importantly via success in their learning, but also through such things as House activities, are vital for keeping students connected and successful at school. Athletics and Swimming Carnival’s is about so much more than sport – it is about educational success and community building for young people.

Cocurricular News

We wish our 2nd XI Cricketers all the very best as they take on Hutchins in the grand final this Saturday. We also wish our rowers success at the All-Schools Rowing competition this weekend at Lake Barrington. My thanks and appreciation to the staff and volunteers involved in these events and for supporting our young men throughout the term.

Student Free Day – Senior School 

Next Tuesday March 14 the Senior School will be participating in a systemwide moderation day for Years 11 and 12 with all Level 3 and 2 Subject Teachers engaging in this process on the day. To ensure that these sessions can occur the Senior School will be holding a Student Free Day and as such students in Years 7-11 are not required to attend school on this day. Other teaching and support staff will engage in professional learning on the day. 

Scholarships

A reminder that registrations are open for All-Round Excellence Bursaries and Academic Entry Scholarships for students attending Year 11 at the College in 2024. All-Round Excellence Bursaries are for two years and will provide tuition fee relief ranging from 25%-50% and Academic Scholarships offer tuition fee relief for two years ranging from 25%-100% and will be awarded from results of a Scholarship Test conducted on Saturday March 25. Registration is required by March 17 with recipients being announced early in Term 2, 2023. Please register by using the links below.

BURSARY APPLICATION - CLICK HERE

Further information can be found on the College Website or please contact Mr Daniel Lapolla – Deputy Principal, dlapolla@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

SCHOLARSHIP REGISTRATION - CLICK HERE

Further information about academic scholarships and the testing process can be found on the College Website or by contacting Mr Rohan Mitchell – Director of Learning & Innovation, rmitchell@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

Open Day 

We look forward to our upcoming Open Days on Wednesday March 22 (Senior School) and Wednesday March 29 (Junior School). These events help parents make decisions about whether to enrol their son at St Virgil’s, and the quality of our community on display – students, staff, and others – is usually what has a greater impact than buildings and facilities, important as these are. We are currently processing enrolments for 2024 and 2025, so if you are intending to submit an enrolment application or know someone who is, now is the time to do that.

Staffing Update

I write to advise you that Mr Kade Applebee (Learning Support Officer, Senior School) has informed me of his intention to resign from his position and return to his previous line of work in grounds and maintenance. We will have an opportunity to thank Mr Applebee for his dedicated commitment to the students and families at St Virgil’s College in the coming weeks and we wish him all the very best in the future. Advertising is underway for Mr Applebee’s replacement.

As mentioned in last week’s edition of The Star Trish Vernyik will commence as Payroll and Administration Officer. Trish will be a welcome asset to the Business Services Team at the College with her extensive business administration and payroll experience. 

Covering Lucinda Gear’s maternity leave as College Counsellor, Annemarie Francis joins the College while currently completing her Graduate Diploma of Psychology, to add to her Bachelor of Education and Graduate Certificate of Counselling for Education Professionals. Along with her teaching experience in Victoria, Annemarie is a mental health ambassador and was previously Wellbeing and mindfulness Program Coordinator, Female House Mentor and Acting Head of Campus. Annemarie will share her time between both school campuses.

Melissa Barwick will commence as Student Services Officer at the Senior School. Melissa will be managing the day-to-day of the Student Services hub, absentees and the immediate needs of our students. Melissa brings with her a wealth of customer service experience and knowledge.

Best wishes for the week ahead and safe travels to those heading away this long weekend. 

Jon Franzin

PRINCIPAL