The Principal's Desk

Dear parents, families and friends,

We have come to the end of Term 1, the first full term of onsite learning since Term 4 2019. It has been a busier than normal term and we are all ready for the Term 1 holidays. It is fitting that we celebrate Easter at the beginning of the school holidays, at a time as we emerge from the trials and hardships of Covid 19, we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ and the new life that Easter Sunday brings to us all. We can clearly see and experience that out of tragedy comes triumph. This is the hope that the Easter story gives us that out of darkness comes light, out of sadness comes joy and that out of defeat comes victory. In an increasingly secular and commercial society, the images, symbolism and meanings of the seasons of Lent, Holy Week and Easter are being lost and forgotten. In the Northern Hemisphere Easter occurs at the start of the season of spring. The world is returning to life with flowers blooming and baby animals being born, new life is all around. This is why chicks, bunnies and lambs are symbols of Easter. The chocolate Easter Eggs we have today, replace the coloured (dyed) real he eggs that used to be given as a symbol of the Resurrection (as the chick emerges from the shell of the egg, Jesus emerges from the rock of the tomb). In the Resurrection Jesus shows to us what will happen to us at the end of time, we will be resurrected, our spirits and bodies will be reunited for all eternity.

On Monday of this week Mary Fryer completed her last day of work and entered retirement. Mary has served St. Augustine's school community for 38 years, managing the administration, financial and accounting needs of the school. In all that time Mary has been one of the friendly voices answering the phone, one of the smiling faces that greets and welcomes all visitors to St. Augustine's and the backbone of St. Augustine's school. I thank Mary for all the support she has given me over my two years and a bit here at St. Augustine's. We wish Mary all the very best in her retirement. May she enjoy the time to rest on her new outdoor deck, spending time with the family, travelling (once it is allowed again) and finding hobbies and activities to fill her spare time. Mary, we will all miss you and you will be welcome back at anytime, so pop in whenever you are free for a chat and a cuppa. 

On Tuesday we had our Holy Week and Easter Paraliturgy. This was our way of commemorating these most important events in the life of Christ and the life of the church. The students did an amazing job in presenting these events in a reverent and prayerful manner. Thank you to all teachers for preparing the students thoroughly, especially Mrs Witchell and Mrs Ady. Thank you to all the families who attended, especially grandparents. I believe that all of us who attended and took part in the paraliturgy had a moving experience. I do encourage all families and staff to attend the Holy Week and Easter ceremonies here in St. Augustine's Parish or in your own parishes. The ceremonies and liturgies of Holy Week and Easter, most especially the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday) allow us to journey with Jesus through his Passion, Death and Resurrection. Each of these ceremonies is a unique and engaging experience that allow us to deepen, understand and express our faith more fully.

When we return next term we transition to Winter School Uniform. There may still be some warm days during April and on these days it is fine for students to still wear their summer uniform, however, by May all students should be wearing their winter uniform. Next term there will be a focus from myself and classroom teachers on students wearing the correct school uniform on correct days, in particular the wearing of school shoes and runners.

Our 2021 Easter Raffle has been a huge success. Congratulations to all our winners! Enjoy the chocolate eggs!! Thank you to all families that purchased tickets to generously support our major fundraising effort for this term. 

Thank you to Rachael (Stella's mum 1/2 J) and Coburg Dental Group for  their very generous donations of electric toothbrushes and toothpaste. We have to make sure no cavities are caused from eating all that chocolate.

On a sad note my nan passed away on the morning of Sunday 28th March. Nan was 97. She lived a happy and full life and is survived by 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Thank you for the lovely flowers and kind words from the parent community. The funeral was held today which is why I wasn't at school today on the last day of term.

I wish all students and families a happy and safe Easter and a restful school holidays. Enjoy the time off and we look forward to seeing you all back for an exciting Term 2.

As always, please view each page of the newsletter, you never know what you may find!!

Quotes of the Week:

"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime."

– Martin Luther King Jr.

"The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies."

– Kate McGahan

Kind regards,

Matthew Stead

Principal