From the Acting Principal

Mrs Heidi Senior 

This week, we journey through Holy Week, calling to mind the final days in the life of Jesus. Today, on Holy Thursday, we remember specifically the Last Supper where Jesus broke bread with his disciples to share his own self with them in faith. From tomorrow, Good Friday, we enter in Passion of Christ - his condemnation, crucifixion, death and concluding with his resurrection on Easter Sunday. I wish all of our families great peace during this season, and much joy as we spend Easter Sunday with our loved ones.

 

Stations of the Cross

Today the school community observed the Stations of the Cross through prayer and reflection. The boys have had the opportunity to think about the experiences of Jesus and how his choices have created freedom for us. The boys were encouraged to think about their own attitudes and choices and how they might be more Christ-like in their lives. We thank Fr Suresh for leading us in this prayerful observance.

 

Project 23

Action is continuing in our progress towards delivering Year 11 in 2023 on the Austins Ferry site. Yesterday saw the concrete popular for the slab of our new Maintenance and Outdoor Education facility which is due to be completed in the next few weeks. We are also proceeding with the plans for the JPC to create a modern and professional space for the Performing Arts. We are also working collaboratively with our colleagues in the other Project 23 schools to explore how we can maximise the opportunities for our young people. More information and a photo is included in the Acting Deputy Principal's section of The Star. 

 

Student Voice Congress

In response to our EREA Empowering Student Voice and Participation Framework, we have decided to create a Student Voice Congress at the Senior campus. This will include student leaders and other boys and will enable the boys to have a platform to raise and discuss issues and ideas relevant to them. One of the first tasks of this group, along with the Junior school leaders is a Values Project, exploring what our core values of Integrity, Justice, Community, Kindness and Learning look and feel like in action. We will also be including the Junior School leadership team in this project.

 

EREA Adolescent Men’s Project

Throughout 2019 and 2020, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), Jesuit Social Services and VicHealth worked in partnership to ascertain boys’ attitudes towards what it means to be a man. The research was conducted at St Bernard’s College, Essendon and in four of the Flexible Schools in the Northern region. This project is now being expanded, and I am pleased to announce that St Virgil’s will be participating in the next research phase of the project. 

 

Through fostering positive attitudes, the EREA Adolescent Men’s Project hopes to assist adolescent boys improve their well-being, form greater positive self-concept, engage in safer behaviours and develop more respectful and fulfilling relationships with the people in their lives. I look forward to being able to share with you more details from this exciting project.

 

On behalf of all of our staff I take this opportunity to wish all members of our community a safe, relaxing and joyous Easter and term break. May the joy of the risen Christ sustain and inspire all members of our community.