Early HandbookParentYears
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to St Virgil’s College. We trust that your journey with us will be a positive one as we work in partnership to build and develop your child’s God given gifts and talents.
St Virgil’s provides a safe, nurturing and faith-based educational environment where each child receives a quality Catholic Education in the Edmund Rice tradition, built on mutual trust and respect.
With best wishes, Jon PRINCIPALFranzin
We believe that an outstanding start to school sets the tone for success. Our experienced educators are committed to ensuring that each child settles into the routines of school and that through positive learning experiences that they will feel empowered, engaged and valued members of this wonderful school Containedcommunity.inthispublication are useful tips and suggestions to support your child make the transition in the Early Years and beyond. I trust that you will find this information useful and should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced staff who will be ready to support you and your child with this significant and exciting milestone.
Why Do We Exist?
Our Scriptural Context
“Providing an authentic expression of the touchstones of the EREA Charter by ‘acting justly, loving tenderly and walking humbly with God’ (Micah 6:8)”.
St Virgil’s College Hobart, as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice Tradition, is an integral part of the mission of the Catholic church and continues to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ – to evangelise, to reconcile and to renew. We contribute to the development of young men through education and promote their formation in Christian virtue and conscience.
“Inspired by the example of Jesus and the faithful service of Blessed Edmund Rice, we strive to create a learning community where each boy is known and valued, in spired and empowered to contribute to the realisation of a just, peaceful and hopefilled world for all.”
Our Values
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our values are an authentic, lived representation of who we are and who we aspire to be. They shape and inform our culture and are clearly evident in all interactions with members of our community.
The authentic expression of our values defines our community and is the basis for all planning, decision making, reflection and renewal.
“We strive to build a Catholic learning community where we can become people of faith, generosity, excellence and integrity, connected in our desire to serve and care for each other, the marginalised and our environment.”
• Community • Integrity • Justice • Kindness • Learning
From 1994 the College ceased to offer Year 11 and 12 due to the opening of Guilford Young College.
At the invitation of the Archbishop of Hobart, St Vir gil’s College was founded by the Christian Brothers at Barrack Street as a boarding school and as a day school for Hobart boys. The College overlooked the centre of Hobart and was formally opened on January 22 1911.
On January 28, 1911, the first boarder, Master Phillip O’Reilly of Geeveston arrived. He was greeted by the first day-boy, Master Leo Doyle, the father of the previous Archbishop of Hobart, the Most Reverend Adrian Doyle.
In 1970, the boarding section of the College was closed and since that time St Virgil’s has been a day school only.
In 1962, a secondary campus was opened at Austins Ferry and with it the gradual transition of secondary classes from the Barrack Street campus.
History 1911
With the introduction of Year 11 at Austins Ferry in 2023, St Virgil’s College will offer a seamless Catholic education for boys from Kindergarten to Year 12 from 2024.
In 1996, St Virgil’s College and St Peter’s School amalgamated to become St Virgil’s College on the Patrick Street campus.
1962-197020211994-19962024
From 2021 the College offered Kindergarten for the first time in its distinguished history, with subsequent grade levels being added through to 2024.
We believe nature and experiences in the natural environment are intrinsically treasured by all children and are essential to the development and wellbeing of boys. We believe everyone has the right to belong. We embrace diversity and value the respectful relationships, which develop when boys are allowed to navigate their own learning through meaningful and reciprocal relationships with educators and with the world around them.
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We believe in the value of time - time to discover, time to engage, time to wonder and time to inquire, problem solve and reflect. Time and space to be amazed, fascinated and curious. Time to love learning, time to share learning and time to build deep understanding. Time to flourish and learn in the here and now.
As a compassionate community connected through faith, we invite children into a close relationship with Christ and aspire to be faithful to the four touchstones of the Charter for Edmund Rice Education Australia schools.
At St Virgil’s College Early Years Learning, we have created an environment which values creativity, kindness, citizenship, engagement, inquiry, wonder and joy.
We value and respect the innate curiosity that drives boys to explore and make meaning of the world and their place in it.
We believe that boys learn best through authentic play experiences and the excitement and joy of discovery.
Philosophy deeds not words alone!
We believe that every child is capable, rich in possibilities and potential and as such has a right to a quality early year learning program.
Shared discussion and the development of inquiry projects is a key component of learning experiences within Kindergarten. The early years educators at St Virgil’s listen intently to each boy’s ideas, they value their contributions, and they record their dialogue so that it can be revisited for discussion and deeper thinking.
Virgil’s College community and to Early Years Learning. Within this Handbook is information which will support you and your son’s smooth transition to primary school. Please contact the College should you have any questions or concerns.
“Nothing without joy.”
Loris Malaguzzi
Our experienced and highly qualified Early Childhood educators cherish creativity and provide rich engaging environments that invite boys’ sense of wonder and mystery where they can develop and use different ‘Languages’ of expression.
Information and communication technologies are embraced as learning tools and modes of expression. Educators support boys to develop the skills they will need to use information and communication technologies as tools for inquiry and learning.
The Early Years Learning at St Virgil’s embraces the joy of childhood and the spontaneity of learning for boys. We rejoice in the teachable moments, the moments of wonder and the moments of deep learning which stem from meaningful inquiry.
WelcomeWelcometotheSt
The wonder and joy of learning grows from rich play experiences with openended materials, and the time for boys to imagine and ponder. Interwoven in these experiences lies the capacity, confidence and disposition to use language in all its Personalisedforms. learning experiences cater for unique interests and individual learning journeys. Each boy’s passions and gifts and preferred ‘Languages’ of self-expression and communication are identified, embraced and developed.
Educators respectfully document each boy’s joyful moments of discovery, their dialogue and interactions, their explorations, and imaginings, to be shared with the class and their Aparents.nurturing and caring environment and supportive educators’ welcome boys and families into our learning community where a sense of belonging and mutual respect is fostered and trusting Ourcultivated.relationshipsreciprocalareapproachtoevery boy is influenced by our image of the child, as an image of God, a capable and competent citizen who makes contributionsvaluabletoour world and whose rich potential will blossom with nurturing.
“Play is the work of the child.” Maria Montessori
• Children are confident and involved learners; and
Curriculum
the Reggio Emilia Approach we value and respect innate curiosity.
We follow the Australian Curriculum guidelines for all subject areas, including the general capabilities and cross curricular priorities.
At St Virgil’s College, we embrace the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia which provides the foundation for quality learning and practice in early years settings. Fundamental to the framework is the view of all children’s lives as characterised by belonging, being and becoming. The Framework identifies five Early Years Learning and Development Outcomes for all children.
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
• Children have a strong sense of identity.
Being out in nature is important for the health and wellbeing of everyone, especially children. Spending long uninterrupted periods of time in nature provides opportunities for boys to learn through play and exploration which leads to authentic inquiry and the potential of a spontaneous moment and extended deep Inspiredthinking.by
Our experienced Early Years Educators work with the boys to develop their ideas and theories, to explore different modes of expressing ideas and to make their voice visible through documentation and community engagement. The development of thinking is a key component of all learning experiences.
Nurturing creativity we acknowledge that all boys are unique and as such embrace learning in different ways. Our holistic approach to learning reinforces that young boys learn best through play and that a quality environment and quality educators enable children to make the most of every learning opportunity.
• Children are effective communicators.
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
Wellbeing
As part of a Catholic education community spirituality will be at the centre of our hearts and each boy will become aware of God’s Love for them. Educators allow time for peace and reflection.
We celebrate the development and joy of friendship. We will support your son as he builds relationships and skills in cooperation, empathy, patience and sharing.
Your son and his development are at the forefront of everything we do. The social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual wellbeing of your son will shape their development and influence their life-long view of learning. The ways of being, the dispositions for learning and the sense of identity your son develops in the early years are all influenced by a strong sense of wellbeing.
Your son will be supported to develop a sense of identity and the skills that enable positive social interactions to occur. Care and respect for all are the foundation of our community where we welcome, accept and foster right relationships.
Your son will be supported with self-management skills, regulating their emotions and behaviour through positive guidance and modelling. Socially appropriate behaviour will be modelled and encouraged with a clear emphasis on care and respect. All boys will be encouraged to recognise and express their emotions, developing appropriate modes of self-regulation, communication, and expression.
You are your son’s first and most important educator and we value the knowledge and support you bring with you into our community of learning. Families, educators and the community working together for your son’s wellbeing.
Educators acknowledge and support each boy’s aspirations and unique ways of being. They scaffold learning to support each boy, allowing them to develop confident self-identities, a positive self-image and a sense of belonging. In this knowledge boys happily learn, and positive cognitive wellbeing is promoted.
“Once children are helped to perceive themselves as authors or inventors, once they are helped to discover the pleasure of inquiry, their motivation and interest explodes.”
Your son’s physical health is essential to their wellbeing. Healthy eating and drinking water will be encouraged. Boys will develop an understanding of the crucial contributors to wellbeing, such as physical activity and rest, which significantly impact each boy’s ability to learn. Our learning environment is designed to promote daily physical activity, mindfulness, and healthy eating. This is enhanced by physical education sessions developed by a specialist Physical Education Teacher which focus on motor development and skills.
Loris Malaguzzi
Library
Music
Physical activity and gross motor development are an important part of the Early Years programme and developed according to the individual needs of boys by a specialist Physical Education Teacher. Specifically designed, developmentally appropriate experiences are tailored to the interests and needs of our boys. Boys will attend Physical Education lessons as part of their weekly programme.
We value the power of stories and sharing stories, so we encourage boys to borrow a book from the Junior School Library selection to bring home until the following week. A Library bag is part of the requirements for Early Years and will enable your son to respectfully care for the books they borrow. There will be a designated day each week for borrowing and returning books.
Early Years Learning Experiences
Cooking
Physical Education
Music is an integral part of the Early Years programme, in addition throughout the Kindergarten day. In addition, a specialist Music Teacher engages children in age appropriate music sessions once per week. During these sessions boys will explore song, dance and experiences with a variety of instruments.
Cooking is an integral part of the programme and encompasses many learning and developmental experiences. The aim of the programme is to encourage healthy routines and practices, promote oral language and numeracy and the development of fine motor skills. Where possible we use produce from our vegetable patch and promote healthy eating choices. We cater for the needs of all boys including those with cultural or specific dietary requirements.
Connecting to Nature
Our Bush Programme provides boys with time to wonder and explore the world. Weekly visits to a bush environment enable them to experience connections to the natural world and in so doing step in time to its natural beat. We participate in this outdoor programme during all weathers and encourage boys to be prepared for all experiences. For these experiences boys will need hats and sunscreen in summer and during the wetter winter months children will wear waterproof overalls, gumboots, coat, beanie and scarf so that they are able to comfortably explore the natural environment. This programme gives boys the opportunity to freely engage with the environment, collecting and sorting natural materials, exploring, discovering, building cubbies and climbing trees. Rain, puddles and mud will be part of these experiences, so please ensure a change of clothes (including socks) is packed in your son’s bag at all times. This will ensure that the experience can be fully embraced by all boys. These activities encourage the development of important dispositions for learning such as curiosity, risk taking and resilience. This programme is called Bush Kinder in your son’s Kindergarten year.
Excursions
Sustainability and Gardening programme
Buddies
Excursions are a valuable way of connecting with our community and form an important part of inquiries by enabling boys to actively investigate and form understandings about the world around them. Parents and carers will be advised of each excursion prior to the event via our communication system EdSmart. Excursion dates will be listed on our website calendar as early as possible so that parents/ carers can make arrangements if they wish to volunteer.
Japanese
St Virgil’s College Early Years classes value the connections and relationships we build with the older boys. Students will be involved in the buddies’ programme with students on the Junior School Campus and will have times when they can engage with the older College boys at a range of special events and celebrations.
Early Years Learning Experiences (cont...)
In the Early Years we offer a specialized Language programme in Japanese. An experienced Teacher of Japanese works with the boys to develop their oral and written skills in Japanese. The boys will be introduced to the Japanese Culture and experiences. Children in Kindergarten are offered the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) Programme, supported by a specialist Japanese teacher. Japanese is part of the curriculum at all year levels at St Virgil’s College.
We build on boys’ understandings of sustainable practices through experiences in our weekly gardening programme and management of waste and recycling. We encourage the reduction of waste through package free lunch boxes, re-using and recycling, composting and feeding our worms. Boys develop an appreciation for the natural world and are involved in the care and maintenance of the vegetable patch.
Kindergarten Monday to Wednesday, 8.45 am – 2.45 pm
The classroom is open from 8.30 am. For safety, security and compliance reasons, parents are required to sign their son in and out of the Early Learning Reception. If someone other than a parent is collecting your son, please notify the College if this person is not listed on your son’s enrolment form. In such circumstances this person will be required to show identification. Please call or email Reception if there are any changes for your son’s pick up on the day. Please also inform us if there are any special arrangements in place around permission to pick up your child.
Prep to Year 2 Monday to Friday, 8.45 am – 3.00 pm
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is available on the St Mary’s College site before and after school. Care is provided through Catholic Care Children’s Services. Students registered for OSHC are collected by OSHC staff each day from the Toclassroom.makeenquiries, check availability and register your interest, please contact Catholic Care Before School Care on 1300 119 455 or via www.catholiccaretas.org.au.
2023 School Terms
Term 1 starts on February 6 for Kindergarten. Term dates for 2023 will be confirmed and updated on www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au. School term dates are set by the Department of Education Tasmania. St Virgil’s has the discretion to a day or two start earlier or later and confirm at the end of each Day
Outside School Hours Care
Ouryear.
Arrival and Departure
Commencing the Early Years Programme
During Term 4 of each year in the boys will be introduced to the classroom space and the staff who will work with them in the next grade. At St Virgil’s we are fortunate to have the Early Years Learning classroom spaces closely connected so the students are already familiar with the space and feel safe and secure, which enables them to smoothly transition into their next year of school.
To begin the school year, a transition programme enables boys to develop a sense of belonging by feeling secure in the Kinder environment whilst developing their relationships with other children, families and educators.
Absences
Transition - Kinder
Schools are legally required to maintain a register of daily attendance for each student. Attendance is taken first thing each morning with any student absences noted and forwarded to the Office.
Experience tells us that some boys settle into an early learning programme quickly and happily and some feel shy and may cry on their first days. As boys become familiar with the programme and their new surroundings and educators, they will be eager to start each day’s experiences. A Pre-Kindergarten programme is offered in Term 4 of the year prior to your son attending Kindergarten. Research highlights that the programme has proved beneficial in ‘softening’ the transitions process. Please be assured that we will do everything we can to make your son feel secure and happy in what may be their first time away from parents.
Transition - Prep to Year 2
If a student is absent a parent or carer must contact the College by 9.30 am by phone (03) 6234 2440, email jsadmin@stvirgils.tas.edu.au, using the College App (downloaded from the website) or using the absence link on the website.
Eating time creates opportunities for important social learning and your son will be encouraged to join with peers to eat together and engage in conversation. As part of our cooking programme we will at times make meals which we will share at this time. Please advise the College if your son has any specific dietary or cultural requirement which may affect this part of our day.
Boys’ Health and Wellbeing
Physical wellbeing is essential to your son’s development and contributes significantly to every boys’ capacity to learn. It is for this reason that we explore healthy eating throughout many early years programmes. Soon after your son starts their day in Early Years, they will be encouraged to have a healthy snack of fruit or vegetables, and a drink of water. For morning tea and lunch, we encourage you to pack simple, package free healthy food options. Our package free approach is part of the sustainability focus which forms part of our Early Years programmes.
Food and Nutrition
Full details of all medical conditions including management plans for Asthma and Anaphylaxis and appropriate medication must be provided prior to commencing school. Parents must provide all medical, health and emergency contact information via the College’s Excursion and Risk Management system, Concent2Go. A Permission to Administer form from your son’s doctor will be required before we are able to administer medication. For safety reasons, medication will only be administered if still in the original container, clearly named, with expiry date and dosage instructions clearly visible.
Notification of infectious diseases within the Early Years occurs through signs in the room and reception and via email to parents with confidentiality of the child Ifmaintained.yoursonis
suspected of, or diagnosed as having an infectious disease, please notify the College as soon as possible so that appropriate measures can be taken to ensure the health and safety of others. We encourage all families to ensure appropriate immunisation of your child in accordance with recommendations of the National Immunisation Programme schedules.
Boys’ Health and Wellbeing (continued)
Members of our community may experience anaphylaxis to various food items. Anaphylaxis allergies to nuts are of concern and we ask for your cooperation in keeping the classroom environment a safe one by avoiding packing any nuts or nut products as part of your son’s school lunchbox.
Infectious Diseases
For short term medication such as antibiotics parents will be required to fill out a medication administration permission form, which can be filled out on the day and stored with medication.
Minimising the spread of infectious diseases is of paramount importance. Educators will do their upmost to minimise the spread of infections and we ask that you support them by recognising the signs of infectious diseases such as gastro, headlice and impetigo and excluding your son from attending school until they are cleared by a medical practitioner to return to school.
Medication
Allergies
Minor scratches or bumps are managed within the Early Years. If additional medical treatment is required, parents will be contacted immediately. If your son bumps his head at any time you will be contacted. Should you not be contactable, the person listed as your Emergency Contact or your Doctor will be contacted.
“SunSmart recommends that all early childhood education and care services and schools implement a SunSmart policy to ensure a healthy UV exposure balance.”
Our health and wellbeing policies promote hand washing and other personal hygiene practices. Boys will wash and dry their hands thoroughly before eating, after toileting and after coughing or blowing their nose. Your son will be encouraged to cough or sneeze into their elbow rather than their hand, to minimise the spread of germs. To ensure the comfort and health of everyone in Early Years, please ensure your son remains home if they are unwell. If your son becomes unwell during the day you will be contacted and asked to collect them for the safety and wellbeing of others.
Therefore, it is essential that boys wear their hat during times of high UV rating. At St Virgil’s College hats are part of the daily sun safety policy. At lunch time children will be supported to apply sunscreen they have brought from home. Please note that Sunscreen is not automatically applied to all children. Personal sunscreen is to be kept in your son’s bag. We recommend the roll-on type for ease of application.
Boys spend a large amount of time outdoors each day. Shady spaces are part of our outdoor environment. We are guided by the Cancer Council recommendations for Tasmania, specifically:
Accidents and Injuries
Please ensure your contact details including Emergency Contacts are to be kept up to date via Consent2Go.
Sun Protection
If your son receives an injury at home that will affect their participation in the Early Years programme, please provide information from your medical practitioner.
Illness
All early childhood staff hold the required first aid qualifications and we strive to maintain safe and nurturing learning environments. Early childhood educators believe that all boys are capable and competent and as such encourage them to be actively engaged in their learning environments. As part of this process occasionally during play an accident or injury may occur.
Victoria Moran
It is expected that all boys entering Early Years will be able to manage all aspects of toileting independently unless they are medically unable to do so.
Relaxation and Mindfulness
A change of clothes should always be packed for every boy in Kinder to allow for those unexpected accidents. If your son has a need to borrow clothes could you please ensure they are laundered and returned to the Kinder as soon as possible.
Safety
Toileting
Students in Early Years will experience times of mindfulness, where they can release their anxieties and experience relaxation. Restful and quiet experiences allow boys time to regulate and navigate their busy world. This is an important part of our wellbeing programme for every student.
St Virgil’s College Junior school is situated on a busy city site. Please ensure your son’s safety by walking him to the Early Years Reception where their attendance can be registered. From there, please go through the self-locking doors into our Early Learning Environment and your son’s classroom. Please ensure gates and doors close behind you. Boys are not permitted to exit the Early Years environment without their parent or carer. Please ensure another boy has not joined your group as you go through the Reception. Awareness of road safety will be a component of your son’s learning. Please model appropriate road safety to your son and others by crossing only at traffic lights.
“In this moment, there is plenty of time. In this moment, you are precisely as you should be. In this moment, there is infinite possibility.”
“Life is a dance. Mindfulness is witnessing that dance.”
Amit Ray
Boys’ Health and Wellbeing (continued)
Special Events and Celebrations
Events and Celebrations
We enjoy celebrating Birthdays. Parents are welcome to send along a special treat for the class to share for morning tea. Cupcakes or individual treats are the most practical. Please send a list of ingredients along as well, as this enables educators to monitor boys with allergies. We recommend for boys with allergies that they bring along a supply of treats which we can store, and which will be available for them when they celebrate with their peers.
Family is vitally important to your son and any connections that can be made between learning at school and family events and celebrations will be powerful experiences for them. Ensuring a strong link is established between home and school is vital for your son’s sense of security and wellbeing. Please share with us special events that occur within your family and any traditions or customs that are part of your son’s world. We encourage the active involvement of parents at all times in our programme and provide a number of events and celebrations throughout the year which families will be invited to attend.
Birthdays
• Short sleeve polo top
Details about the uniform including Uniform Shop opening hours, pricing and ordering options can be found at www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/shop/uniform-shop.
• Sport shorts
• Track pants
• Sport jacket
• White, blue or black sports shoes
• Beanie
• Bucket hat (with name embroidered on side)
As your family joins the St Virgil’s College community, you will recognise that wearing the school uniform with pride is an important part of the College’s culture and traditions. The Early Years uniform is designed to enable boys to actively explore and learn in comfort. Students wear the sport uniform every day.
• Waterproof overalls
Winter Uniform
• Long sleeve polo top (optional)
The St Virgil’s College Uniform Shop is situated at the Austins Ferry campus and operated by Midford. For any enquiries please phone or email Shop Manager, Louise Bennett on (03) 6249 3610 or stvirgils@midford.com.au.
All Year Requirements
• White socks
• Raincoat
Boys’ hair is to be neat, clean and should conform to community standards. There should be no dramatic grading in length or undercutting. It is also unacceptable to have hair cut with a number one blade. If hair touches the collar or obscures vision it must be tied back with a plain hair tie (available from the Uniform Shop) in a neat and tidy fashion. Tinting, bleaching and highlighting are not permitted.
• Gumboots
• Library bag
• School bag
College Hair Policy
Uniform
• A spare change of clothes
• Items as listed in summer, as well as:
Summer Uniform
College Newsletter
‘The Star’ is the weekly newsletter of the St Virgil’s College community. It provides details of College events and activities and celebrates the amazing achievements of our boys. To receive it via email each week, please sign up via the College website link: www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/news-a-events. The newsletter is also available via the College App. The App can be downloaded from the College website.
EdSmart is an email communication and permission system which is used to provide parents with details of College activities, excursions and events. All parents are automatically enrolled in EdSmart if they provide the College with a valid email address. The College uses EdSmart to honour its commitment to sustainability by reducing the use of paper for communications.
Communication Evenings
Communication
Seesaw App
EdSmart
From time to time we will conduct information sessions for parents and carers. Details of these sessions will be communicated via EdSmart and The Star.
Seesaw is an online journal which complements our Learning Journals. Seesaw will give you a window into your son’s learning in Early Years. When staff add new examples of learning you will receive a notification to see, hear and respond to your son’s learning journey. Your son’s individual page is completely private. Only you will have access to the page and all the content is stored securely. The online access to Seesaw is only available for parents, and instructions will be provided during Term 1.
Parent Access Module (PAM)
The College has a Learning Management System (LMS) called SIMON. This is an online platform for all student attendance, assessment reports and learning resources. As part of the LMS, parents have access to a Parent Access Module (PAM), which enables them to access reports and other curriculum information. Details of how to log in to PAM and its use in the Kindergarten will be distributed in Term 1.
Educators can also be emailed using their College email address which is their first initial, surname @stvirgils.tas.edu.au. For example smazengarb@stvirgils.tas.edu.au.
Ongoing communication which supports your son’s learning and development is valued and educators are always willing to meet to discuss this with parents. Scheduled individual learning conferences are held in Term 1 and Term 3. Invitations to make an appointment will be sent electronically and online booking will be available. Formal reports will be completed for each boy twice a year.
The Communication Folder travels from home to Early Years and back everyday and allows for ongoing communication between home and school. If you have any information you wish to relay to us on a particular day for example, “John was awake at 5 am today” or “John’s nan is picking him up today”, this is a good place to share this information with us.
Communicating with the College
Learning Conferences
Communication (continued)
Communication Folder (Kinder only)
We will also use the communication folder for daily notes. It is important that you check your son’s bag and folder each day so that you do not miss information. If you have invitations or cards for other students, please put these in your child’s communication folder and we will mail them in the relevant folders to ensure the information goes to the right place.
Educators are available for brief information conveyance at drop off and pickup. However, if you require a longer or more formal meeting please make an appointment to ensure there is adequate time to discuss any issues without interruption. Educators are available before and after school hours and are always happy to make a time that suits you.
Valuing Relationships and Partnerships with Families
Volunteering
As we build strong relationship through connecting with the boys, parents and their families we invite you to be active participants in your son’s learning and within the College community. There are many opportunities for parents and families to engage with the college as volunteers in the classroom, with sports or excursions, and through membership of our Parents and Friends’ Association. Find more information about the Parents and Friends’ Association on our website.
It takes time for students to build secure relationships within their new Early Years Learning environment and for this reason we allow a settling time before we welcome parents, carers and grandparents into the Early Years. Arrangements for volunteering in the classroom can be made with your son’s Early Years teacher. In Kindergarten it takes time for the students to build secure relationships and settle into their classroom environment and for this reason we allow a settling in time before we welcome parents, carers and grandparent into Kindergarten. To be a volunteer with children, Tasmanian Legislation requires that you have a Working With Vulnerable Persons card. Further details can be obtained at www.justice.tas. gov.au/working_with_children. When you have obtained your card, you will then need to register it at the Junior School office prior to volunteering.
Head
of Early Learning Years Mrs Sandra Mazengarb College Office (03) 6234 jsadmin@stvirgils.tas.edu.au2440
A connected, engaged and caring community
of Junior School Mrs Jo Messer
Director