Acting Deputy Principal 

Isaiah 43:2

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

In all of this God does not say it won’t be freezing and rough, or hot, uncomfortable or hard to deal with. He simply states he will be there with them and together they will get through.

Dealing with Challenges and Change

Last week's snap Covid lockdown provided our community with an insight in to life on the mainland as well as a fair share of challenges. I commend our young men for the manner in which they returned on Tuesday October 19, all equipped with face marks and a positive attitude they were able to take it all in their stride. It provided a very different feel within the Quad and no doubt within each classroom. It is of course worth remembering that these responses from students were required through no fault of our own, but were done without question to support all members of our community. 

Meeting challenges head on and dealing with them as they arise is something we are all exposed to in one way or another. Over the past week we have been tested but it is also timely to reflect on how others have experienced far more difficult circumstances. My focus for our young men has never been regarding the problems or issues but in how we respond and overcome these challenges. Working with our young men to develop the resilience to overcome anything which stands in their path is essential as we look to form them as young men of faith, optimism and resilience. Whether this be on the sporting field, within the creative arts, struggling with guitar, feeling overwhelmed with assignment, falling behind in English, struggling with trigonometry or falling out with friendship groups, such challenges provide real opportunities for students to experience real growth. The list is endless, but the approach and response remain the same. As is expressed in the passage from Isaiah, the struggle can be overcome by the support of those around us. As teachers we endeavour to support and encourage our boys through any obstacle they face.

Year 10 Examinations

As discussed in our welfare sessions recently, beginning your preparation immediately is significant. The best preparation year 10 students could enact is utilising their class time wisely and to full effect. Asking for assistance, clarifying content or instructions and utilising resources are all possible in each and every lesson. Having a sound routine and structure outside of school hours to facilitate study and preparation is vital. Organising of resources and time within each 

Student Absence

It is imperative that when your son is going to be absent that this absence is notified to student services. With 630 young men on campus our Admin staff work tirelessly to have up to date and accurate records that meet our legal requirements around attendance. Parental support in this area is crucial and greatly appreciated. 

The Virgilian Way

This week we officially begin what is at the heart of our welfare programme here at St Virgil’s in what it means to be a Virgilian. With this comes with what our community expects of our young men and how we intend to work with and support them. Everything in which we do will be done through the lens of our core values of Community, Justice, Kindness, Integrity and Learning. Above all our connection and relationship between school, home and the student are imperative in working towards successful outcomes. 

SPEAK Up! Stay ChatTY

This week all of our Year 9 students went through a mental health awareness programme conducted by SPEAK UP Stay ChatTy. I wanted to commend our boys for the manner in which they engaged with this important programme. Our aim is to ensure that boys are armed with a range of tools that will help them effectively manage the many and varied challenges they will encounter, both now and into the future. Knowing how to identify when others around them are struggling or just not themselves, will enable them to also look after their mates as well. Please find some time to discuss with your son some of the key messages he has taken away from involvement in this programme.