From Brad Downie

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2025. 

After serving as 9-12 Community Leader for Student Learning for the past five years, it is with great pride that I move into the role of Deputy Principal. In my new role I will be working closely with the new Student Learning and Professional Practice Leadership Team of Harney McKinnon (F-4), Corey Carver (5-8) and Katelyn McIntyre (9-12), as we work with all of our staff to deliver an engaging and challenging curriculum for the students of our school.

The 2025 academic year has begun very positively across the school, with the classrooms and yard exuding a happy busy-ness as we settle into the new routines and classes.

2025 sees the introduction of “Magnify Sandhurst”, an integrated learning and teaching program that has been rolled out across all 55 schools in the Sandhurst Diocese. The purpose and goal of Magnify is to deliver programs that aim to expand students’ knowledge and skills with programs that are taught with fidelity and consistency: 

Every Student

Every Teacher

Every School

Every Day

Over the next three years, a range of curriculum programs will be introduced to our students to provide a broad reaching, skills and knowledge based education. Catholic Education Sandhurst has engaged with leading educational experts to develop innovative and effective curriculum programs in literacy, numeracy, science and behavioural management designed to enhance the learning for all students.

Staff and students have made an impressive start to the year as they have adapted so positively to new programs such as MultiLit and OCHRE, and new classroom Entry, Exit and Commencement routines. The way in which our staff have introduced these programs so professionally and positively and the way in which our students have responded, has provided a very positive 'feel' to the first days and augurs well for the journey that we will all share together as we embrace the Magnify Sandhurst Programs.

I look forward to working with staff, students, families and all members of the St Augustine’s community as the year progresses.

Brad Downie

Deputy Principal 

Student Learning and Professional Practice