Director of Student Wellbeing

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Shorts Day 

Last Thursday we braved the cold in our shorts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage students to seek help when needed, reminding them that it’s okay not to be okay. Staff and students braved the cold wearing shorts to symbolise we can also brave the conversation about mental health. Speak Up Stay ChatTY is close to our hearts at St Virgil’s College as Mitch McPherson, the founder of Stay ChatTy is an Old Virgilian himself. We appreciate Mitch coming out on the day to share his personal story of loss and encourage the boys to speak up or seek help when they are faced with adversity or going through a difficult time. 

As a boys' school, we know that for men and young boys the struggles with mental health are higher. Boys and men naturally find it more challenging to communicate around how they are feeling. Shorts Day was an opportunity to remind students of their Pastoral Care Network at the College and the services of our Student Support Team. Annemarie, Kelsey and Jo - our College Counsellor and Psychologists on site daily to support students. They are welcome to drop by their offices in Student Services anytime. They also have access to the Student Support Self Referral Form on SIMON where they can arrange an appointment. 

I’d particularly like to thank Tom Marr (College Captain) and Charles Lennon (College Vice Captain) as well as Heads of House for their organisation and support of the day. 

Pat Cronin Foundation Workshops

On Tuesday all students from Year 7 – 11 participated in the Be Wise Presentation facilitated by the Pat Cronin Foundation. The Pat Cronin Foundation was established by Matt and Robyn Cronin in memory of their 19-year-old son who died from a coward punch on a night out in Diamond Creek in 2016.

Students learnt about the natural emotion of anger and how to deal with that emotion before it becomes aggression. They also learnt strategies to diffuse conflict and avoid violence in tense situations. Students participated throughout the presentations as they learnt to Be Wise - Think Carefully - Act Kindly.

Pat’s story was used as an illustration of what can happen and how wiser choices can be made. If this raised any concern for your son please don’t hesitate to contact his Head of House.

Mid-Year Reports

Mid-Year Reports will be released to students and their families next week. This report not only demonstrates student achievement in each subject area but also their attitude and application to learning. I often discuss the importance of attitude and application to learning indicators with students as they provide great insight into how effectively they engage with learning in the classroom, are able to organise their time and resources, meet deadlines and interact positively with peers. These are important life skills students will take with them beyond the College gates and be looked upon favourably by future employers. I encourage students to reflect on their Mid-Year Report with their families, celebrate personal growth and success as well as identify areas for further improvement and develop goals to work towards in the End of Year Report.     

Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences will take place on Day 1 next Term, Monday 24 July. These requests will be included in Mid-Year Reports, sent home via PAM next week. If a teacher requests a meeting, I highly encourage you to attend and bring your son to the conference. It is well known that strong relationships between parents and teachers encourage positive student outcomes. The purpose of these conferences is to support student growth academically and socially. It is important they are a part of this process and engage with the feedback provided as they strive to achieve their personal academic best. 

If you are unable to attend on the day, please make contact with the teacher via email or phone. They may be able to arrange an alternative time to meet or discuss their reasons for requesting the meeting with you. Likewise, if you would like to request an interview to discuss your son’s progress please do not hesitate to do so.