From Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity and Community

Welcome to Term 2!

With joy we welcome the announcement this morning of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Catholic Church.

We share a special connection with Pope Leo XIV as the first Pope to come from the Order of St Augustine.

Heavenly Father,

Guide Pope Leo XIV with wisdom and strength. May the Holy Spirit inspire his leadership, and may he shepherd your Church in truth and love.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

We are excitedly looking forward to another amazing term of celebrations, Masses and Liturgies and opportunities for growth and learning.

Easter Liturgy and Project Compassion

Thank you to our incredible school community for your support of our Caritas ~ Project Compassion fundraising efforts for Term 1!

Through your donations to the TA Caritas Boxes, your attendance at our events, and your purchase and donation of Easter products for the Easter Raffle and tickets, the compassion, strength and care of our community really shone!

We are proud to announce that we raised a total of $2002.30!

Caritas Boxes $727.20

Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Day $408.95

Raffle $866.15

Congratulations to our raffle winners (we had 27 winners and prizes!) and thank you again for your wonderful support of our fundraisers. We also had a visit from the Easter Bunny on our last day of term!

Thank you to our staff and students who assisted with all aspects of our Shrove Tuesday morning, Ash Wednesday and Easter Liturgies and Masses, the raffle and more!

Our Easter Liturgy encompassed all aspects of Easter time, exploring and reflecting on the Stations of the Cross, the Crucifixion and Resurrection. As Pilgrims of Hope we continue to celebrate the work that has been done, and our undertaking to continue to be of service to others.

Our School Captains, Year 8 and Year 4 Student Leaders were brilliant in leading our Liturgy, and our Choir were fantastic.

ANZAC Day Commemorative Service

Thank you to our students, staff and school community members who participated in and attended ANZAC Day Commemorative Services in Kyabram and surrounding areas.

We worked collaboratively with Kyabram P-12 College and are proud of both school's captains who spoke at the service.

Thank you to Tia Harrison, our College Captain, whose speech epitomised the importance of the ANZAC spirit and legacy; encouraging all of us to continue to live our lives with courage, a sense of community and mateship and care for others.

Lest We Forget.

Family and Community Partnerships

Thank you to our 2025 Family and Community Partnerships members for attending our meeting on the 5th May. Our next meeting will be Monday 16th June at 9am.

Sandhurst Switches Off!

On 7th May, 2025, Catholic schools and offices across the Sandhurst Diocese took part in Sandhurst Switches Off, an annual event held during Catholic Education Week to raise awareness about climate change. As part of the initiative, participants were encouraged to turn off lights when possible during the day – a simple but powerful gesture symbolising our shared commitment to caring for the planet. More than just an energy-saving act, this day stands in solidarity with those already suffering the impacts of climate change and serves as a reminder that thoughtful energy use must extend beyond a single day. Together, we strive to ensure a liveable world for future generations.

At St Augustine's, we encourage you to 'switch off' lights and other electrical items and devices where possible; and to reflect on how we can be more conscious of this not only today, but every day.

Bishop Joe Grech Scholarships

An incredible opportunity is open to Years 10 and 11 students to apply for the Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship.

Bishop Joe was tireless in bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to all. His episcopal motto - Come Lord Jesus! - inspired his every action! He was a much-loved champion of young people and was enthusiastic in his commitment and leadership of many World Youth Day celebrations across the world. He was always available to young people in particular. He always had such faith in young people across the world. Bishop Joe was very committed to Catholic schools – he loved the students, knew so many by name and was always interested in the staff and their families – he had an enormous capacity for love and was always available for school community celebrations.

The scholarship will enable you to access programs and/or activities, and we really encourage you to apply!

Some examples of programs and opportunities that may be considered are:

• Stronger Retreat

• Ignite Conference

• CSYMA Conference

• Australian Catholic Youth Festival

• Edmund Rice Centre Indigenous Immersion Programs

• Self-devised and approved programs

Applications are due by 16th May. Please contact Mrs Shannon or Mrs Chapman at school as soon as possible if you wish to apply, and we can provide further details and information, and assist you with this!

Mother’s Day Celebrations

We were so blessed to celebrate our mums, mother figures and special women in our school community on Thursday 8th May!

Our Mother’s Day Breakfast was a wonderful start to the day, with an amazing assortment of delights, including muffins (sweet and savoury), croissants, fruit, yoghurt, juice and more. The Brigidine Centre was abuzz with laughter, chatter, music and excitement as we had the opportunity to spoil and treat our mums, grandmothers, aunties and other special people.

We celebrated our Mother’s Day Liturgy in St Augustine’s Church, reflecting on the important roles significant women play in our lives. Our students engaged so beautifully with their singing, reading and participation, and we are so proud of everyone’s efforts.

Our special guests were provided with a small gift as they left the Liturgy to participate in classroom visits and activities.

It was such a beautiful celebration and we are so grateful for all those who were able to attend.

Thank you to our staff for all of their efforts and work in preparing for the day.