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

As we come to the end of another very busy term I am always amazed at the wonderful opportunities that our young men have access to and this is only possible through the support and dedication of our staff across both school campuses. As is highlighted in this edition of The Star there is much to be grateful for. As we move into the last week of the Term we give thanks for our students successes and the wonderful contribution they make to our College community.

Archbishop of Hobart

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Anthony Ireland as the new Archbishop of Hobart. Bishop Ireland will succeed Archbishop Julian Porteous who is retiring after almost 12 years at the helm of the Hobart Archdiocese.

Bishop Ireland has been described as a wonderful shepherd of the Church and “the faithful of Hobart will be blessed with a leader who is both a scholar and a compassionate shepherd, devoted to guiding the Church with wisdom and humility”. As a College community we extend our congratulations and prayers to Archbishop-elect.

I also include correspondence from Dr Gerard Gaskin, Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania in relation to the appointment of Bishop Anthony Ireland.

Changes to Main Road Austins Ferry

Members of the College Leadership Team recently met with representatives from Glenorchy City Council who are proposing to undertake improvements on Main Road between the school crossings at our Austins Ferry Campus. The Council has been responsive to our requests, including improved signage and the relocation of the bus stop adjacent to the College. These works along with the addition of bike lanes will occur during the Christmas school holidays and it is envisaged that these changes will improve safety for our students and road users. Further information about these proposed changes can be obtained by using the link below.

Road Safety – Austins Ferry Campus

I remind parents/carers who access our Austins Ferry campus that the speed limit on our internal roads is 10 km/h. There have been reports from concerned staff that parents/carers are driving well above the speed limit when dropping off/picking up their son from school. I would ask that in the interest of student safety that parents/carers take due care when driving on our school grounds and that particular care is given when students alight school buses of a morning. Thank you in advance for your support with this matter.

Annual Report

Each year schools are required to prepare an Annual Report on school performance for their parents and broader community as a requirement of the Schools Assistant Act. The Annual Report is available on the College website and I encourage members of our College community to view this document by accessing the link below.

Annual Report 2024

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Please use the link below to obtain further information about the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please make contact with Michael Farrell (Senior School) or Sue Burrows (Junior School) at the College.

Staffing Update

I am pleased to announce that Nathan Sharman has been appointed to the position of Design & Technology Teacher replacing Tim Smith who leaves St Virgil's College at the end of the term. Mr. Sharman is a former staff member of St Virgil's having been employed as a D&T and VET Construction Teacher from 2013 - 2017. Since his departure from SVC Mr. Sharman has been employed at Mackillop Catholic College where he was the D&T and VET Construction Teacher for three years. Since 2020 Mr. Sharman has undertaken relief teaching at various schools and College's across greater Hobart. Mr. Sharman holds qualifications in a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Environmental Design, Bachelor of Architecture (incomplete), Certificate I Construction and Certificate IV Workplace Assessment & Training. Mr. Sharman will be undertaking a thorough handover with Mr. Tim Smith next week ensuring a smooth transition next term. Please join with me in congratulating Mr. Sharman on his appointment and please make him feel welcome.

As this is the last newsletter for the term, I wish all in our College community the very best for the upcoming break and safe travels to those heading away.

Jon Franzin

PRINCIPAL

The Star

A Connected, Engaged and Caring Community

Term 2 2025 Ed.9 · 27 Jun 2025

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