From Alison Dietrich

As I write my first newsletter report for St Augustine’s College, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredibly warm welcome I’ve received from so many of you. It has indeed been a joy to join this vibrant and caring community.

I would also like to thank Mrs Carolyn Goode for her invaluable support during my transition into the Deputy Principal - Wellbeing role. Carolyn’s dedication to the College has been greatly appreciated and we all wish her well in her new role at Sacred Heart Primary School in Tatura.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue getting to know each of you and working together over the coming months. I will focus on fostering positive relationships and a strong sense of safety and wellbeing for all students and staff here at St Aug’s.

Personal Digital Device Policy

At the start of the school year, we introduced the new Catholic Education Sandhurst Personal Digital Device (PDD) policy at St. Augustine’s College. This policy promotes a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment. Neuroscience highlights the impact of excessive screen time on cognitive and emotional development, which is why our policy limits access to PDDs during school hours. 

Policy Details:

Storage of Devices

Students must keep their mobile phones and other personal digital devices (e.g. earbuds) switched off in their bags or designated lockers during school hours or school-related activities. Smartwatches must be switched to aeroplane mode during school hours.

Access to Devices

Personal Digital Devices are not to be accessed during the school day or school activity (except in an emergency or when necessary to manage a medical condition).

Three-Step Response System 

If a student is found using a device without permission, the following steps will be taken:

1. The device will be confiscated.

2. Parents or carers will be informed.

3. Further action may be taken if the behaviour persists.

This policy will help foster a more focused, engaged, and safe environment for our students. Thank you for your support in helping us achieve this goal.

School Level Response Procedure - Student Use of Personal Digital Devices

Uniform

Please familiarise yourself with the St Augustine's summer uniform requirements. Staff check uniforms daily and we appreciate your support in ensuring consistency. If your child cannot wear the correct uniform, please provide a note to your child’s TA explaining why they are out of uniform and when they will be back in the correct uniform.

Our Uniform Guide can be found on our College website via this link.

Summer Academic Uniform

Summer dress is worn with white socks

Polo shirt with structured waist shorts or elastic waist shorts (not sports shorts) are worn with navy socks

Black leather lace-up shoes

Important Reminders for Our Community

School Drop-off and Pick-up Times

Please avoid dropping students at school before 8:30am or picking them up after 3:30pm as the College offers limited supervision outside of these times. We appreciate your cooperation in helping to keep your children safe.

College Office Visits

All visitors to the school must report to the College Office before entering any areas of the College (outside of school drop-off and pick-up times). This ensures a safe and secure environment for everyone.

Tulloh Street Crossing

A reminder to all students and parents to please use the designated crossing on Tulloh Street. The safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us and we appreciate your support in keeping our school environment safe.

Thank you once again for your warm welcome. I look forward to working with all of you as we continue to build a safe, supportive and thriving community at St Augustine’s College.

Warm regards,

Alison Dietrich

Deputy Principal 

Wellbeing