Vol. 5, Ed.4, March 3 2016 PAGE 1

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL MR DAMIAN MESSER “Faith finds expression in concrete everyday actions meant to help our neighbours in body and spirit” The Year of Mercy As we continue our Lenten journey, it is wonderful to see our young men undertaking good works around the College and in the wider community. It is an integral part of our New Beginnings programme for Grade 7 students and the inspiration for our fundraising and awareness raising activities that form part of our support for Project Compassion. Our boys through their deeds and words are living our College’s motto and providing great inspiration for others during this the Year of Mercy.

All the fun of Grade 5 Camp … and yes it went back in!!

P&F AGM, 7pm at Austins Ferry

Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews

Wednesday March 16 – SATIS Swimming Carnival

Interviews

Tuesday March 15 – Junior School Parent Teacher

Monday March 14 – Labour Day Public Holiday

WEEK 7A

School Formal Photos

Friday March 11 – Junior

Thursday March 10 – Senior School Formal Photos

Carnival STCPSSA Swimming

Monday March 7 – Grade 7 Mother-Son Night, 7pm

WEEK 6B

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Pope Francis has reminded us that Lent is a time of conversion and a time to deepen one's faith, demonstrating and sharing it through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Pope Francis in his pre-Lenten address reinforced that, "Faith finds expression in concrete everyday actions meant to help our neighbours in body and spirit. Feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, welcoming strangers, offering instruction, giving comfort - "on such things will we be judged".

Particularly during the Year of Mercy, the Pope noted, Catholics are called to recognise their own need for God's mercy, the greatness of God's love seen in the death and resurrection of Christ and the obligation to assist others by communicating God's love and mercy through words and deeds.

I encourage all boys to reflect upon this simple message and in their own lives find simple ways to show love and mercy to others – for as the Pope highlights and our crest proudly proclaims, it is about “communicating God’s love and mercy through words and deeds”.

Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) VisitMr Paul Williams, Director of Regional Support from Edmund Rice Education Australia visited the College this week. He toured both campuses and took the opportunity to view our new facilities. He was impressed with what he saw and as always, reiterated his support for the ongoing work of the College.

Galvin Wing UpdateIn exciting news, it is almost certain that by the end of this week the re-development of the Galvin Wing will be all but complete. It will deliver eight outstanding learning and teaching spaces and specialist offices for our staff who work closely with students each day.

It is our intention that classes will begin back in the facility next week. Once the building works are complete there will still be some minor works to be completed over the remainder of the term, of significance the covering of the quadrangle which will continue through until the end of the Term 1 holidays.

It is our sincere hope that on our return after the Term 1 break, all works will be completed and we can all enjoy these amazing facilities whilst getting on with our core business of learning and teaching!

Time and SpaceA reminder that our Time and Space programme continues over the coming week as outlined below:

Grade 8 Father/Son Stepping Up – tonight, Thursday March 3 at 7.15pm. Grade 7 Mother/Son Evening – Monday night, March 7 at 7pm.

It is not too late to register – all details are available at http://www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/time-and-space-programmes/

If you require more information about our Time and Space Programme please contact Mr Cameron Alexander – calexander@stvirgils.tas.edu.au or phone 6249 6555.

SportAs Term 1 continues our summer sport programme is well and truly underway and it is great to see so many boys proudly representing the blue, green and gold across many different sports. The teams rowing calendar is well under way with two regattas already completed and the State Championships happening this weekend. Swimming kicks off tomorrow with Southern SATIS at Secondary level and the Primary

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Catholic Carnival on Monday. Sports such as cricket, tennis and basketball are currently in their roster and are catering for a large number of enthusiastic boys.

I wish all competitors well for the rest of the season and thank all participants for their involvement, whether as a participant, coach, water boy, time keeper, scorer or supporter.

Formal PhotosFormal school photos are being held at both campuses next week with the Austins Ferry photos happening on Thursday March 10 and Junior School on Friday March 11. I ask all boys to please be in full formal uniform for these photos.

VolunteersThe College as a part of its commitment to community and integral home/school partnership welcomes parental involvement in a wide range of activities including Music, Sport, Canteen, Events, Camp, Classroom help, Tutoring and Fund Raising activities. With the current legislation for volunteering, it is essential that all parents have a Working With Vulnerable People card. These are required for all community organisations including Scouts, Sporting Clubs, Art, Craft and Music activity or any other activity that brings adults in contact with children.

Information about the Working with Vulnerable People card can be obtained through the Service Tasmania website: http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/working_with_children/application

Combined P&F AGM- Wednesday March 16The Parents & Friends Committee at both campuses do a wonderful job in supporting the College through building community, enhancing the home-school educational partnership and raising valuable funds for projects that benefit all students. I encourage anyone who is interested in joining the Parents & Friends Committee to complete a nomination form which is available from the website - http://www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/parents-friends/

Enrolments 2017As we begin a new year we are always planning for the future and as a part of this we are holding our annual Open Day on Thursday March 17, from 9am to 5.30pm. More details of the day will be in subsequent editions of the newsletter but parents are reminded that enrolments for 2017 Grade 7 close on April 22.

If you know anyone who is thinking of sending their son to St Virgil’s, please encourage them to lodge their enrolment form. Recommendations from you are our strongest advertisement!

Please note that current Grade 6 SVC students are not required to submit an enrolment form. Siblings attending schools other than St Virgil’s must submit an enrolment form, copies of which are available from the website http://www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/enrolment-online-expression-of-interest/ or the Front Office.

Scholarships Included in this newsletter you will find details of two scholarships available to current and former students of St Virgil’s. Please note that applications for these scholarships close on Wednesday March 24.

In the spirit of Blessed Edmund.

Damian Messer

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL 3

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MR TERRY BLIZZARD “Every boy has been issued with a sticker for their diary with the following email address that allows them to report in confidence any instances of bullying of themselves or others. bullyreport@stvirgils.tas.edu.au”

Formal PhotosThe formal photos for 2016 will be taken next Thursday, March 10. These photos form a very important function in the long-term history of the College, and of course are a wonderful record for parents of their son’s secondary school years (they are also make for great interest at 21st birthday celebrations!). This is a day when we strongly encourage all boys to be in attendance so as not to miss out. Formal uniform must be worn on the day and I would ask boys to ensure that their hair is in keeping with College expectations.

Organisation and the Student DiaryThis week we spoke to the Grade 7 and 8 students about the importance of using their diaries to help organise themselves. There is much to be remembered each week such as when to wear sports or formal uniform, sport and other meetings to be remembered and all important homework details. The diary is also an important means of communication between teachers and parents. As with many aspects of school the outcomes are better when a shared approach between school and home are in place and I would ask parents to remind boys of the importance of using the diary well. Signing the diary each week to acknowledge it has been monitored is very much appreciated. There is so much about secondary school that is new to the younger boys and we aim to do all we can to make day to day school life as stress free as we can.

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence: Friday March 18I would like to acknowledge the Spirit Leaders Hayden Goldsmith, Jack Fagan, Harrison Loveless and Harry Burgess for initiating a school response to the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. This initiative will be formally announced to the community at the Prefects Assembly next Friday March 11. A number of activities are being organised to highlight the theme of Bullying: No Way!

Bullying unfortunately happens in many areas of life including schools. This topic is openly addressed with the boys and they have been assured that the College will do the following in any instances of bullying behaviour:

We will take all allegations of bullying seriously and act on them; Provide support for all parties involved; Seek to restore damaged relationships through use of restorative practices. This could include a

meeting involving all those affected; Provide suitable assistance and support for the victim and bully; and Implement the school discipline system – restorative practice, detention, suspension, behavioural

contract etc.

Every boy has been issued with a sticker for their diary with the following email address that allows them to report in confidence any instances of bullying of themselves or others. bullyreport@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

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JUNIOR SCHOOL MR ANDREW PINELLI , HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL Inclusive CommunityOur community is accepting and welcoming, fostering right relationships and committed to the common good.

EREA Touchstone

During the Church’s season of Lent (the period of time from Ash Wednesday through to Easter Sunday) we ask the boys to reflect upon how fortunate they are to live the life that they do. Whilst we can all look on the other side of the fence and think the grass is greener, it is most likely that someone is looking into our ‘paddock’ thinking it is very green. Caritas Australia are an important arm of the Catholic Church which is an agency that supports both local and international causes – every boy was given a project compassion box, sponsored by Caritas, earlier this term. Caritas also has a very good app that the boys have been encouraged to download and use a part of their own personal reflection.

Very soon, the Mini Vinnies boys will have some activities for the boys to participate where we will ask them to reflect but to also generously donate money for this most important cause. It is important that we ask the boys to really think of the significance of this not only now but into their future lives. Later in the year, we will divert our attention to the Mary Rice Centre in Africa which St Virgil’s has a proud association with. These are important Catholic organisations that are worthy of our full support. I encourage all families to reflect on this especially during Lent and to contribute to these causes as generously as possible.

It was certainly a busy week last week at the Junior School Campus with a variety of activities that the boys and their families have been involved with.

Junior School Swimming CarnivalWhat a fantastic day we had last Thursday for our annual House Swimming Carnival at Glenorchy Pool! We were blessed with fantastic weather and a huge number of parent volunteers which all helped to make the day a great success. Thank you so much to all the parents who gave up their time to help make our carnival a success. Thank you also to all the staff for their efforts leading up to and on the day. Special congratulations to all the boys for displaying such enthusiasm, determination and good sportsmanship.

P & F Welcome BBQ After a glorious day at Glenorchy Pool for our Swimming Carnival, many families headed into the Junior School Campus for the P & F Welcome BBQ. With nearly 200 people in attendance our volunteers were very busy with their tongs on the BBQ. There was a very positive atmosphere as families, new and familiar, mingled and got to know each other or renew acquaintances. Thank you to the P & F for their organisation of this initial social gathering.

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Leadership Commissioning Last Friday, the SRC, Aussie Sport Leaders and Mini Vinnies Leaders were formally commissioned to their roles by Mr Messer. Thank you to the boys for considering being elected to these positions of service for our Junior School community. I look working with you all during the year. Thank you to the parents and friends who were able to attend the ceremony and share morning tea with their sons and the staff.

Home ReadingThis week, all boys across Grades 3 – 6 have been given a Home Reading folder. Reading is an invaluable skill that does need regular practice and observation. Many boys, according to research, avoid reading as they either have difficulty with it or can’t find books to engage with that match their reading ability. The staff have worked very hard to ensure that this programme is a positive experience for your son.

Inside the Home Reading folder is: a book aimed at your son’s reading/comprehension level; a page for you to log his reading; and a question starter sheet to help devise a wider variety of questions to see if he has comprehended

what he has read.

We are thankful of the P & F Association who purchased many of the books that the boys will be bringing home to read. If you have any questions about the Home Reading Programme, please discuss these with your son’s homeroom teacher or Mrs Messer.

Formal School Photos – Friday March 11The 2016 formal photos are being taken on Friday March 11. All boys should have brought home their school photo envelope. A big thank you to all those families who have already returned it. Please don’t forget that family photos are available. We will make arrangements with St Mary’s if your son has a sibling who attends SMC.

Please note:

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EVERY boy needs to return their photos envelope – even if your family does not wish to purchase photos.EVERY BOY MUST be wearing their full formal uniform even if they have sporting commitments on this day.

Grade 5 Camp As you are enjoying this week’s edition of The Star, Grade 5 are on their annual camp to Port Arthur and surrounds. The boys have been enthusiastically looking forward to this year’s trip. Hopefully the weather will be a little nicer to us than it was last year. We will be tweeting photos as we go and have a full report next week.

Parent / Teacher InterviewsParent / Teacher interviews have been scheduled for March 15 and 16. These initial interviews are compulsory for all parents and guardians to attend. The main purpose of these interviews is for parents and teachers to meet and discuss how our boys have settled into the new school year. For some boys, this happens very quickly as they are able to adjust to all the things that are different from the previous year. For others though, this transition time can be quite difficult as they try to work everything out that is new. What is critical is that school and home work in partnership for the benefit of every boy. If these days or times do not suit, please ensure you discuss an alternate arrangement with your son’s teacher. Further details, including the booking procedures, will be available soon.

P & F AssociationOn Monday of next week, your son will be bringing home a nomination form for positions on the Junior School P & F. As evidenced at the recent welcome BBQ, the P & F is an industrious group with a focus

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on social gatherings and some fundraising. We need to fill the vacated positions of Secretary and Treasurer. On behalf of our Campus I would like to sincerely thank outgoing Secretary, Leisl Wylie and Treasurer, Neil Macdonald for the work they have done over recent years.

Of significance is the upcoming SVC P&F Association Annual General Meeting which will be held in the Joyce Performance Centre at the Austins Ferry Campus commencing at 7.00pm on March 17. All parents are encouraged to attend this whole of College meeting and to consider their availability for one of the Committee positions.

Junior School NoticesMany notes have been going backward and forward since the commencement of the new academic year – it has certainly been a very busy start to the year. We fully understand that sometimes your son may not bring home information in a timely fashion. Could I please encourage all parents to check out the “In the School Bag” link on the College website as it will contain any current, relevant notes that you may need.

Calendar Update Parents and guardians are reminded to subscribe to the College’s online calendar. The great advantage of this is that if there are necessary changes to dates these changes can be made immediately. Please check the calendar at: http://www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/calendar/

Significant, upcoming events are summarised below

FebruaryWeek 5 AGrade 5 Camp to Port Arthur March 2 – 4MJR (Making Jesus Real) – Grade 6 C March 4

Week 6 BSTCPSSA Swimming Carnival March 7MJR (Making Jesus Real) – Grade 6 R March 8Formal photos March 11

Week 7 A8 Hour Day Public Holiday March 14Parent / Teacher Interviews March 15 & 16AFL 9’s Competition – Grade 6 March 18

Week 8 B – Holy WeekJSSATIS Swimming Carnival March 24

Grade 3 Mrs Karen Ogle

The First 5 Weeks...It was wonderful to welcome 39 new young Virgilians to the Junior campus in Grade 3 at the beginning of the year. The boys came from 16 different schools, but have quickly become friends and settled into life at St Virgil's College. We have spent lots of time getting to know one another and what it means to be a great Virgilian.  We visited the History Museum at Austins Ferry Campus after the commissioning of the College leaders and this gave us an insight into the rich traditions of St Virgil's. It was amazing to see one of our Grade 3 boys' Dad’s Australian Cricket top (Luca Di Venuto!)

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We have been busy learning about different Celebrations around the world. We have also learnt lots about how we celebrate Lent and the lead up to Easter. We are about to begin learning about States of Matter in Science. Mr Scanlon brought in a fantastic picture of a wolf that he painted, to ignite our imaginations and write some interesting narratives.

It's wonderful that most of the parents have signed up to our class Dojo and we can send photos of our day as well as give rewards for outstanding behaviour. We love to celebrate positively in Grade 3! We watched some informative short video clips on Class Dojo about how we need to challenge and exercise our brain in order for it to grow, to always try our best and never to give up.

Our first Swimming Carnival was a huge success and we all barracked madly for our own teams. Congratulations to Dwyer and Joyce, our first ever joint winners.

Mrs Graves took us up to the Veggie Patch and we picked potatoes to take home. It was so much fun. Some of us are thinking of joining the Green Thumbs Club.

It has been a tremendous start to what we believe will be an outstanding year for Grade 3!

Canteen   Friday March 4 J Hills / S AshbyWednesday March 9 J Jacobson / T MillerThursday March 10 E Faux / M RobinsonFriday March 11 – M Careless / K McMillan

The Junior School Canteen is looking for a volunteer to assist on the second Thursday of each month which works out to be six sessions for the year.  If you can assist please contact Olga Leon on 62342440 or oleon@stvirgils.tas.edu.auJunior School Sport Mrs Jo Messer

Students are asked to visit the College’s Sport Website and enter their Term 2 sport selections by Friday March 18 - http://sport.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/sports-overview-junior-school/

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Please note that STCPSSA Football will be played on Fridays during Term 3 – not Term 2 as previously communicated.

House Swimming CarnivalOn Thursday February 25 we held our annual House Swimming Carnival at the Glenorchy Pool.  We were blessed with brilliant weather for the day …. Not too hot and not too cold!!  It was a fantastic day of spirit from all team,s led ably by their House Captains.  Some stand out performances on the day were from: Lachlan Hutton, winning all Grade 6 events in convincing style, despite being unwell and helping Dwyer bring home the bacon in the 4 x 50m relay.  Daniel Wylie in Grade 4, taking out all Grade 4 events and finishing in 2nd place to Lachlan Hutton in the 50m butterfly – watch out for this name in the years to come!!!!  A mention must go to Hamish Menzie for being a true Hessian Captain by hopping  in the pool with an equally brave Jace Farrer- Bailey, Grade 3, to give him the confidence to get from the start to the finish of his event. 

The points at the end of the day were exciting.  With two events to go it was Hessian in 4 th place (with some much needed training called for before next year’s carnival), Doyle in 3 rd and Joyce ahead of Dwyer by 8 points.  The Grade 5 and 6 four x 50m relays made all the difference with the final tally of points for the day: Hessian 264, Doyle 305, with Dwyer and Joyce on a draw for first place on 330!  This is the first time we have had a draw in our swimming carnival and it made for an exciting end to the day.

Many thanks must go to go all of the staff and parents who helped made the day such a success with their much needed assistance on the day.  It was a wonderful day for the SVC Community. Swimming Team for STCPSSA (Monday March 7) and JSSATIS (Thursday March 24) Swimming Carnivals:Grade 3: Lucas Dunnewijk, Luca Di Venuto, James Lyden, Oliver Stanford, Joshua Faux.Grade 4: Noah Boonstra, Tommy Direen, Patrick Harman, Dylan Scott, Daniel WylieGrade 5: Charlie Banks, Jensen Cooke, Jack Pritchard, Riley FergusonGrade 6: Lachlan Hutton, Dylan Graves, Hamish Menzie, Sahib Singh, Harry Williams, Kye Direen   I look forward to letting you know how all the boys compete in each of these carnivals. CRICKET Grade 3-4SVC GOLD V SHC BLUEWhat a great team effort where every single player had a red-hot go.! There were fours being hit over and over and the boys were doing a fantastic job running between wickets. Awesome game boys!PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Luca Di Venuto / Ryan Hodge for being great team players.

FLIPPABALLSVC Dolphins 4 defeated Dominic Maroon 0 Great win and well played by all the team.PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Brodie Wills for being a great team player.

SVC Stingrays 3 defeated Sharks 2The boys played really well with great passing around of the ball. The group played well as a team and passed the ball around to all their teammates. Well done boys!

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Tyler Medwin for a great effort all round. Lucas Dunnewijk for a great job in goals.

JSSATIS Tennis ReportSVC (0-9) lost to Hutchins Black (2-12)

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Will Mooney and Daniel Lucas played the first set.  Scores were 5 -5 with the winner been the first to 6.  They ended up going down 6 – 5 in a nail biting finish. Daniel Tang and Charlie fought a hard battle against their Hutchins opponents going down in the end 6 – 4. 

DIRECTOR OF IDENTITY MRS RENEE MACGREGOR Staff and students have continued to have informed conversation about the importance of Caritas and why the College participates in the Project Compassion Appeal.  An interesting link to a relevant video is:

http://www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion/secondary-school-resources 

Hessian 5 are leading the way with their art competition for Project Compassion and our staff Produce Table this week raised $57.95.

Gracefest 2016

‘Gracefest’ is an exciting event for Tasmanian Christian youth, aged 15-25, being run by the Archdiocese of Hobart. On Saturday March 5, 6-10pm, at St Peter’s Hall next to St Mary’s Cathedral, the evening of prayer and worship will include special performances from Christian singer, Steven Kirk. Food for sale, festival for free! Fully supervised. Attendance is by registration only.

For more information please visit http://www.gracefesttasmania.org.au/about or

join the Gracefest Facebook pagehttps:// www.facebook.com/events/935052309881840/

A Lenten Prayer

Lord as we begin this holy season of Lent, grant us a change of heart we may turn away from sin and follow the Gospel.  We ask you to fill us with hunger for what is just.  By your grace may our lives become less selfish and more deeply rooted in self-sacrifice and a willingness to share. May your reign of justice fully flourish in our class during Lent, truly showing itself when we greet your risen Son at Easter.  We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

World Youth Day 2016 – Registrations Closing! Don’t miss the opportunity to join with young Tasmanians as we explore the historically and spiritually rich Rome, Assisi, Milan, Czestochowa, Auschwitz, Krakow, Wadowice and Prague en route to the largest

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and most vibrant display of our catholic Church that will inspire you in more ways than you could ever imagine at World Youth Day 2016. Experience the energy, spirit and faith of millions of young people gathered together with Pope Francis. Discover, Learn, Explore, Pray, and make life-long friends.

You need to be 16 – 35 years as at December 31 2016. Registrations are closing really soon…don’t miss out! Contact Rachelle Smith before March 12 on 0400 045 368 or rachelle.smith@aohtas.org.au. More info at: www.wydtas.org.au   

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING AND TEACHING MRS BEV PETTIT Resource Centre NewsMrs Jeni SuttonOver the break we rearranged the library space so that we could accommodate at least two classes. It has been a great start to the year with so many boys in the Resource Centre using the space whilst the developments continue with the Galvin Wing. We have started some new lunchtime activities such as the Resource Centre puzzle and mindfulness colouring. The boys are quite engaged in these activities and it’s good to see them giving their brains a break and working together on the puzzles.

If families have an old puzzle at home we would appreciate any donations to the Resource Centre. We started with some 500 piece puzzles but are happy to have any from this size upwards.

Turnitin is up and running at SVC and the boys are adjusting well to this new tool to help them improve their work. If any boys are in need of assistance with submitting their work through Turnitin and then interpreting the originality report it produces, please encourage them to come and see Mrs Sutton. If parents also have any queries please feel free to make contact on jsutton@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

The Resource Centre is again using the eplatform app which delivers eBooks to the students. Books can be accessed at home as well as at school but do require the internet to download initially and then can be accessed offline. The students just need to use their normal school login to access the books that are available. This applies to the junior school students as well. If any junior school boys wish to use the app and they don’t know their log on their class teachers can help them with this. If parents or students have any questions/requests please contact Mrs Sutton.

Grade 9 Outdoor Education Programme 2016Mr Simon Harder

This week Grade 9 students brought home their Outdoor Education Programme trip information and medical consent forms. The Outdoor Education team are once again very excited to offer such a range of exciting, challenging and educationally rewarding programs across our wonderful state of Tasmania.

If parents/guardians could ensure that they go through this trip information with their Grade 9 boy and complete and return the medical consent form by the end of the week this would be much appreciated and help us in providing the best possible experience for the boys.

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Below is the schedule for the Grade 9 Outdoor Education programme. Please note that students are heading out in their learning groups with learning groups A,B and C completing their trips prior to the holidays and learning groups D,E and F completing their trips early in Term 2. Also please be aware that the Rafting and MTB trips form learning group D,E and F will be heading out on the Sunday before ANZAC day so these students will be away for both the public holiday and the student free day on Tuesday.

If you need to get another copy of your sons trip information, gear and equipment list, food list or medical consent form please go to the ‘in the school bag’ section of the College website.

Learning Groups A,B,CWeek 1 MTB (Derbey)

March 20-23Rafting (Central Tas)March 21-23

Week 2 Kayaking (Southern Tas)March 4-6

Coastal (Coles Bay)March 4-6

Learning Groups D,E,FWeek 3 MTB (Derbey)

April 24-27Rafting (Mersey River)April 24-27

Week 4 Kayaking (Southern Tas)May 2-4

Coastal (Coles Bay)May 2-4

Homework Club Homework Club has commenced and will run each Thursday this term. Teachers across different learning areas are present to help boys with their school work. Students who have attended so far found it to be most beneficial – and they loved the hot chocolate and snack provided!

For more information please contact Ms Claire Graham – cgraham@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

Visual ArtMs Graham & Mrs Jenkins

The Grade 8 Art classes have all begun to explore the cross-curricular theme of change by investigating movie monsters. The 8 Majors have been researching some iconic movie monsters in popular culture such as Nosferatu, werewolves and Frankenstein’s monster. They have been using a variety of media such as pastel, charcoal and Indian ink to fill the art room display boards with alarmingly creepy and eerie artworks. Next they will create their own Movie Monster, describing its transformation from one creature into another in a series of black and white linocuts.

The Grade 8 Minor classes are also focussing on change by morphing one creature into another and capturing the moment of transformation in clay. Each of the finished sculptures will be fashioned to fit together to form a larger standing sculpture for a group exhibition.

As part of our literacy focus all the Grade 8 students are extending their vocabulary with words such as Scale, Proportion, Contrast, Polarity, Dual and Balance and using them in their research and also to meaningfully describe their own visual art works.

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Visitors to the art room display are always more than welcome but beware; it’s not for the faint hearted!

Health and Physical Education (HPE) NewsMr Mark Beck Over the first couple of weeks in Grade 7 HPE classes and New Beginnings, students have been introduced to the outstanding programme that is ‘Rock and Water’.

“When I lose my basis, I have lost my balance. When I lose my balance, I lose my self-control. And when I lose my self-control, I risk losing everything”

Rock and Water aims to provide students with a strong self-confidence and self-control. By using the two contrasting symbols of:

1. Rock (Hard, strong, aggressive, assertive, violent, take individual responsibility)Rock attitude: Assertive with a strong sense of self-preservation and when used appropriately still in control.

2. Water (Smooth, calm, flowing, unbreakable, genuine communication)Water attitude: Patient and calm and in control with a strong awareness of the feelings of others.

Students are taught to apply appropriate actions for specific situations. Within the programme there are certain Physical Martial Arts activities that aim to build the students physical development while connecting them to aspects in real life. Both approaches have positives and negatives and participants need to exercise the right attitude in the right situation.

Check out these great photos!

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‘Rezza’ is the symbol for resilience, everytime he gets punched, he bounces back!

ASSISTANT DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – MIDDLE SCHOOL&TRANSITIONS MR CAMERON ALEXANDER

Time and Space Programmes – Change the DatesThis week we have commenced our annual Time and Space programmes. On Tuesday night seven of our Grades 9 and 10 boys started the Complete Time and Space extended programme, which will continue until later in the month. These families have made a significant commitment and we look forward the celebration evening at the conclusion of the programme to see the growth in leadership of these young men and the strengthening in their relationships with each other and particularly the role models who have undertaken the programme with them.

Grade 8 Time and Space for Stepping Up Evening - TONIGHTThursday March 3 – 7:00 – 9:30pm

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ST VIRGIL’S COLLEGE – THE STAR

Registration: mail: svc.dads@book.time-space.com.au or Web: http://bit.ly/SVC-2016 Grade 7 Mother/Son Evening Monday March 7 – 7:30 – 9:30pmRegistration: mail: svc.mums@book.time-space.com.au or Web : - http://bit.ly/SVC-2016

March is Middle Level Educator Month!St Virgil’s College is a member of the Australian organisation Adolescent Success, which focuses on the Middle Years of Education. As a College a priority throughout 2016 is in the implementation of best practice in Middle Years education throughout our programmes in Grades 7 and 8. Adolescent Success along with other world wide Middle Years groups have joined together to declare March the official month to focus on students ages 10 to 15 and celebrate middle level education. The key messages for the celebration are

The importance of parents being knowledgeable about young adolescents and being actively involved in their lives;

The understanding that healthy bodies plus healthy minds equal healthy young adolescents;

The realisation that the education young adolescents experience during this formative period of life will, in large measure, determine the future for all citizens; and

The knowledge that every young adolescent should have the opportunity to pursue his or her dreams and aspirations, and post-secondary education should be a possibility for all.

Throughout this month I will highlight in The Star some important resources that may be of interest to parents of out middle years students. This week I recommend a reading from the American Organisation AMLE (Association of Middle Level Education) titled Living With and Teaching Young Adolescents: A Teacher's Perspective by Rick Wormeli. Focusing on the challenges of living with and teaching Adolescents whose lives are very different to the ones that we remember.The full article can be found at: http://www.amle.org/portals/0/pdf/mlem/perspective.pdf I will leave you with a short section from the article which clearly illustrates the differences we need to consider:

So How Are They Different?As adults we sometimes forget that most young adolescents:

don't remember a world with anything other than Windows 95 or 98 or a Pentium processor have not known a time without mini-vans have never known movie tickets to be less than $6 or $7.00 weren't even alive when the space shuttle blew up have never known the world without AIDS don't understand the expression, "you sound like a broken record" think that roller-skating has always meant inline think that the Vietnam War is as ancient history as World War I or even the Civil War.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

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MRS JODIE WILL IAMS Private Music TuitionAll private music lessons begin next week (Monday February 29). Parents who have enrolled their boy into music lessons will receive an email regarding their son’s first lesson time Friday afternoon. The boys will be able to access their music timetable using Filebrowser or Foldr on their iPads. They need to go to Subjects/Arts/Music/Instrumental Timetables 2016 and then click on the instrument that they are learning. Lesson times will change each week to ensure boys do not miss the same lesson more than once every six weeks.

If your son is unwell or unable to attend a music lesson on the day of their lesson it is important that I am emailed and made aware of the absence before the lesson. We will make every effort to rearrange the lesson. If your son is absent without reason, the lesson will not be made up.

For parents who still need to enrol their sons in music lessons for Term 1 – you have until Sunday 28th February to complete the online enrolment. After this date students can only be enrolled for Term 2 onwards.

For Term 1 music tuition the boys will have six lessons. From Term 2 onwards they will have eight lessons per term.For all enquires about music @ SVC - please contact me at:jwilliams@stvirgils.tas.edu.au 6249 6555

SPORT NEWS MR JAMES DALTON 1st IV Tennis Sam Plunkett-Smith, Captain The SVC 1st IV team travelled to the Friends school this week. It was a very warm afternoon and all the players handled the conditions well. St Virgil’s managed to get their first win of the roster as all players performed very well. Thanks to Mr Mahoney for both transporting us and coaching us on the afternoon.

SVC defeated Friends 4 – 2 (28 – 22)S. Plunkett-Smith lt B. Cawston 2 – 6, J. Haas d H. Ostler 6 – 4, J. Plunkett-Smith d O. Targett 6 – 2, J. Kelly d M Keating 6 – 1, S. Plunkett-Smith / J. Plunkett-Smith d B. Cawston / M. Keating 6 – 3, J. Haas / J. Kelly lt H. Ostler / O. Targett 2 – 6. 

Grade 7&8 Cricket Development Programme

Teams for Round 3 games are posted on the College’s Sport Website - http://sport.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/ Please note we have added two games on to the roster against Hutchins for March 21 – the games are for boys who have played in the internal games on March 7. Programme Overview

Monday March 7 Session: Games v Hutchins (3 teams) and one internal game (Main Oval) – teams

are on Sport Website. Time: 3.30 pm-6.30 pm

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Location: Hutchins and Main Oval SVC 1 v Hutchins 1 @ Hutchins (Turf)SVC 2 v Hutchins 2 @ Hutchins

SVC 3 v Hutchins @ Lower Queenborough. (Concludes 6pm) SVC Green v SVC Blue @ SVC Main Oval

For all enquiries please contact Mr Waddington – mwaddington@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

Week 2 Results

SVC 1 1/123 (Tom Vallerine 35 ret., Jordan Baker 25 ret., Will Collins 31no, Luke Kreune 18 no) defeated Hutchins 1 6/42 (Rhys Crennan 1-4) SVC 2 2/186 (Lachlan Boorsboom 31 ret., Angus Norton 28 ret., James Bourke 26 ret., Sebastian Brown 25 ret,. Ryan Boorsboom 12 no, Tadhg Waddington 12, Jordan Young 10 no) defeated Hutchins 2 10/76 (Jacob Young 2/12) SVC 3 7/53 lost to Hutchins 3 3/67 SVC Blue 3/115 (Tyrone Fyfe 17, Mitchell Hayers 16 ret., Matthew Direen 15 ret., Max Newitt 13 no) defeated SVC Green 10/56 (Kyeden Booth 12 no, Riley McMahon 2-6)

Congratulations Callum Bishop (bottom left) did particularly well in Round 2 of the Rotax Pro Go Kart Tour in warwick, Queensland last weekend. After strong performance sin a number of heats he ended up finishing as the runner up in a highly competitive field. After the completion of the first two rounds, Callum is sitting third for the series and is only 150 points off first position.

Ben Spinks of Grade 10, was the bronze medalist at the ACT Judo International Open in the Under 18 years, under 66kg category.  He also was in the Bronze medal play-off for the Under 21years and took a senior Japanese  black belt to the distance in Seniors, only losing by a quarter of a point.

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BUSINESS OFFICE MRS NARELLE GREEN, BUSINESS MANAGER Tuition Fees

By now parents should have received their 2016 Tuition Fee statement. A reminder that all accounts settled by March 25 will attract a $100 discount. Families who elect not to settle their fee account by this date are reminded that they must have a payment plan in place with the Finance Office.

For all fee enquiries please contact Mrs Tracy Moschogianis – tmoschogianis@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

2016 Parent Permission and Information Forms

Parents are reminded to please return the permissions form as soon as possible. At present we have only received about 50% of forms. Failure to return the form could mean that boys are not able to participate in excursions, sporting or musical activities. Forms are available from ‘In the Schoolbag’ on the College website.

COLLEGE COMMUNITY NEWS ESTATE OF THE LATE BARRY WILLIAM AND MARY JEANETTE WOODS SCHOLARSHIP Applications are invited for the Estate of the late Barry William and Mary Jeanette Woods Scholarship.

The Scholarship provides partial payment of school fees for two students selected from Years 7 and/or 8 and two students from years 5 and/or 6. It is a once only payment to assist with the costs of attending St Virgil’s College.

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There are four such scholarships provided each year.Written applications are invited by March 24 2016.

The criteria to be applied in awarding of the Scholarships are as follows.

• The endeavours applied by the student to his educational studies• The character of the student• His participation in Catholic religious studies and practices• The financial circumstances of the fee paying parents or guardian

GL Curtis Scholarships for Old Virgilians

Applications are invited for the GL Curtis Scholarship for first year university students.

The GL Curtis Scholarship provides a sum of $1,000 to an Old Virgilian beginning university studies. It is a once only payment to assist with the costs of attending university in the first year and is to be used for the purchase of essential texts or materials, the payment of university charges or the establishment costs necessary to provide university accommodation (country or interstate students).

It is normally expected that the student will be enrolled at the University of Tasmania unless there are significant reasons why this is not the case (such as the courses not being offered there).

Criteria

1. Recipients must be graduates of St Virgil’s College.

2. The recipient will be enrolled for the first year of a university course.

3. In line with the terms of the endowment, priority may be given to those enrolled in medicine, law or chemistry.

ApplicationsWritten applications are invited by March 24 in the year of intended university enrolment. Applications should outline:

the intended university and course, including proof of enrolment; the reason for this choice of course; the intended use of the funds; the personal circumstances of the applicant, particularly any relevant financial difficulty.

Selection

The selection panel will include the Principal and two Board members of St Virgil’s College. The panel may wish to make personal contact with applicants to gain further information about the application. As funds are held in trust by the Archdiocese the final decision will be ratified by the Archbishop.

Parents and Friends Association Mrs Susan Roberts, President

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Easter Raffle and Community Giving Project

At its first meeting for the year the P&F decided to conduct a major Easter raffle which will benefit students at the College and some of the service groups that we support. To this end we need your help! We are asking that in the coming weeks all boys bring an Easter egg or eggs that can be used for a raffle or as a gift for residents of nursing homes or for families in need. Our P&F committee will bundle up a good number (there will be in excess of 50 prizes in the raffle), with the remainder being delivered by boys to our service partners. This will be used to reinforce to boys the true message of Easter and our commitment to serving others.

So next time you’re at the shops please buy some extra eggs, bunnies or other chocky goods to support our raffle and community support initiative. All Easter eggs can be delivered to the Front Office at Austins Ferry.

Boys were given raffle tickets to sell in Pastoral Care with all monies going to projects that support all our sons.

If you can help by way of donation or would be available to bundle up our Easter bounty please email Mrs Susan Roberts at dsaj4@hotmail.com

Entertainment Book

“St Virgil’s Senior School are excited to announce that we will be selling Entertainment Books and Apps this year to raise funds for projects that benefit all boys at the College. These will be on sale from the middle of March this year, with fantastic early bird offers available for anyone who purchases before the books launch late April. These memberships sell out every year in Tasmania and are fantastic value – if you have any questions please contact Jackie Geale at jackie@propertytas.com

Please feel free to let your friends and family know they can purchase from us this year too!” 

College Uniform Shop 2016 UNIFORM SHOP OPENING HOURS Tuesday and Thursday 8.00 am to 4.00 pm

New uniform items including polo shirts, socks and bucket hats are now in stock. Caps will be available at the end of February. Also check out our new range of sporting apparel including SVC basketball and soccer shorts, cricket shirt and training top (to be worn to sport training sessions only in Term 1).

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Please contact Manager Caitlin Butterworth on 03 6249 3610 or Email: st.virgils@midford.com.au for all uniform matters.

Austins Ferry Canteen Mrs Carol Hilyer

A reminder that lunch orders can be organised online via the following mediums:

1. The College Website - http://www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/senior-school-grades-7-10/senior-canteen-food/

2. QKR – a downloadable App for smartphones and tablets. To download the App and order lunch please go to the following link - http://www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/download/newsletters/attachments/SVC%20Canteen%20-%20How%20to%20use%20QKR.pdf

Weekly Roster Friday March 4 Tina Jenkins Tracy Noble

Monday March 7 Olivia Gardner

Tuesday March 8 Michelle Moran

Wednesday March 9 Shae Schultz Meika Stibbings

Thursday March 10 Leanne Masters-Bellgrove

Sarah O’Halloran

Friday March 11 Sally Feldmanis Jocelyn Huigsloot and Elisha Berry

For all enquiries please contact Carol Hilyer, Canteen Manager – chilyer@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

Newsletter Attachments – Available from website - http://www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/news-publications/

- Fit Kids Active Kids’ Program - Clarence Junior Football Club Registration Information - OHA Hockey Club Junior Registration Day Flyer - AFL 9s Flyer – School Competition Details - Claremont Football Club Registration Flyer - Derwent Strikers Hockey Club Registration Day - Hobart Junior Football Club ‘Come and Try’ Programme - Richmond Youth Choir – Information Flyer - Clarence United Football (Soccer) Club Registration Flyer - Zebras Soccer Skill Acquisition Program Flyer - Moonah Taste of the World Festival

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