From the Principal 

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

Vale Mr Mark Waddington 

Passed away peacefully on August 25 2022, aged 57, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Late last week, we received the sad news of the passing of our much loved and respected staff member Mr Mark Waddington. As a community, we join in prayerful support for Mr Waddington and his family, his wife Jacinta, his children Declan, Elijah (dec), Tadhg and Matilda and his parents Margaret and Michael. 

In his role as Director of Development (2012-22), Mr Waddington got to know so many students and their families and the tributes which have poured in since his passing are a clear indication of how much people loved him as a colleague, mentor and friend.

Mr Waddington provided great support to the Old Virgilian’s Association, Parents & Friends Association and College Advisory Council. He had a deep commitment for the Mary Rice Centre in Kenya and was instrumental in supporting this community during his time at the College. Mr Waddington established our Reconciliation Action Plan, serving as Co-Chair for 10 years and will be remembered amongst his many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends, specifically those within the palawa, koorie and Timber Creek Aboriginal communities. 

The College joins with the Waddington family in mourning the loss of their beloved husband, father and son. The funeral for Mr Waddington was held at Austin Ferry today, on Thursday September 1 and was a wonderful celebration of his life. 

I am both grateful and encouraged by the tremendous level of support the College has received this week as we mourn the loss of Mr Waddington as a community.

May you see God's light on the path ahead

When the road you walk is dark. 

May you always hear,

Even in your hour of sorrow,

The gentle singing of the lark. 

When times are hard may hardness

Never turn your heart to stone, 

May you always remember

when the shadows fall,

You do not walk alone.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. 

May he rest in peace.

St Virgil…pray for us

Blessed Edmund Rice…pray for us

Live Jesus in our hearts forever

Amen

Jon Franzin

PRINCIPAL