From the Principal

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

Edmund Rice Beyond Borders Congress 

I recently attended the Edmund Rice Beyond Borders Congress which was held in Dublin, Ireland. Prior to the Congress I attended a pre-Congress gathering in Limerick where we met with educators and toured local Edmund Rice Schools. This was a wonderful opportunity to speak with educators and young people from these school communities and to see first-hand how the Edmund Rice Charism is lived out each day in these educational communities. This was followed by a pilgrimage to Edmund Rice’s birthplace Callan and the city of Waterford where he established his first school, Mt Sion, a school which continues to this day. 

The ERBB Congress was a gathering of more than 200 delegates from over 85 countries and was an opportunity to engage with educators from all over the world. Of particular importance was the opportunity to meet with staff from the Edmund Rice Centre, formerly known as the Mary Rive Centre, Nairobi, Kenya which St Virgil’s College has been supporting for over 20 years. 

I would like to thank Mr Daniel Lapolla, Mrs Sandra Mazengarb and Mrs Kim Mooney for taking on additional responsibilities in the leadership of the College during my absence. It is reassuring to know that the College has a number of exceptional and capable staff who are able to support in the leadership of this wonderful College community. 

National Reconciliation Week 

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. St Virgil’s College is committed to reconciliation, and this commitment is reflected in the College’s Strategic Directions. The College has been recognized as a leader for its work in this area especially with regards to the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan which has had widespread community input and ownership. This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme: Be a Voice for Generations, urges all Australians to use their power, their words and their actions to create a better, more just Australia for all.  

Student Free Day – Staff Spirituality Friday 9 June 

On Friday 9 June, the staff from the Senior and Junior School along with staff from St Francis Flexible Learning Centre (another EREA network school) will gather to reflect on our mission as an Edmund Rice school. Staff will participate in a number of presentations on the day to reaffirm our commitment and understanding of what it means to be a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition. I thank Mrs Kim Mooney for her organisation of the day and a reminder that this will be a Student Free Day with no supervision available for students. 

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Visit

It was a great opportunity for our Junior School students to learn first-hand the vital work that those involved in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service undertake each and every day in support of all Tasmanians. This visit was facilitated and organized by Miss Stacey King – Prep Teacher and was the result of an investigation the class was undertaking. My thanks and appreciation to the Westpac staff for their attendance and for being so generous with their time. This will be a lasting memory for all staff and students who were in attendance. 

Year 11 & 12 2024 Subject Information Evening 

A reminder that the College will be holding a subject information evening for all current Year 10 & 11 students and their families on Tuesday 6 June commencing at 6.00 pm in the Joyce Performance Centre. Following the presentation students and parents will move to the Callan Centre where they will be able to speak with Heads of Departments to discuss relevant subject offerings in 2024. I look forward to welcoming Year 10 families and students on the night. 

Staffing Update

You may be aware that Mrs Jenni Sutton – College Library Services Manager was taking leave for the remainder of the term. Unfortunately, due to family reasons Mrs Sutton has had to resign from her position effective immediately. Mrs Sutton has been instrumental in developing a warm and welcoming environment for all students in the library particularly at break times and I know that she will be greatly missed given her significant contribution to College life. I will commence advertising for her replacement and will advise of the successful applicant in due course. We wish Mrs Sutton all the very best in the future and thank her for her work at St Virgil’s College both at the Junior and Senior School. 

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Jon Franzin 

PRINCIPAL