From Rach Chapman

Grandparents Mass and Celebrations – Thursday 15th October  

Yesterday we celebrated the role our grandparents and special people play in our lives. The old saying, “it takes a village” highlights the significance of ‘our tribe’ in raising, influencing, growing and nurturing our young people.  

The impact of grandparents cannot be understated. Grandparents hold a special and treasured place within families and communities. They are often the keepers of family history, traditions and values, sharing wisdom gained through a lifetime of experiences. Through their stories and guidance, grandparents help younger generations develop a stronger sense of identity, belonging and connection to their heritage. 

Grandparents also provide a unique source of love and support. Their presence can bring comfort, encouragement and stability, especially during times of change or challenge. The relationships they build with their grandchildren foster mutual respect, understanding and affection that enrich the lives of both generations. 

In the Christian tradition, grandparents play an important role in passing on the faith. Through prayer, example and conversation, they help nurture the spiritual lives of their children and grandchildren. Like Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, they remind us that faith is often handed down from one generation to the next through loving witness and steadfast commitment to God. 

Grandparents also teach valuable life lessons such as patience, resilience, gratitude and compassion. Their experiences offer perspective and insight that can help younger family members navigate life's joys and challenges. By sharing their time, talents and wisdom, grandparents contribute significantly to the wellbeing of families and the strength of communities. 

This week, we give thanks for grandparents and all older people whose lives have enriched our own. Their love, sacrifice, faith and guidance are precious gifts, inspiring us to cherish family relationships and to honour the generations that have gone before us. As we celebrate them, we acknowledge the profound blessing they are and the lasting legacy they leave for future generations. 

Socktober Launch - Catholic Mission - continuing the good work! 

In our last newsletter I spoke of attending the Socktober Catholic Mission Launch alongside Mrs Angela Shaw and four of our Year 8 Leaders. Mrs Shaw, supported by some of our Year 9 students, created a day focusing on the work and efforts of Catholic Mission, celebrated at St Augustine’s College on Friday 9th October.  

Each TA and Year Level created a ‘sock ball’ creating awareness and understanding of the plight of many people who do not have access to sporting equipment, so create balls out of collected rubbish tied together with string.  

The Kick Off competition at recess had an amazing cheering crowd as students showed their creative sock balls and what they could do! Congratulations to the students and TAs/Year Levels whose balls made the distance and provided joy and entertainment for all involved.  

All students and staff were invited to wear casual clothes and bring a gold coin donation, with funds raised going to support and assist Catholic Mission with their work for students and schools in Malawi.  

Thank you to everyone for their support in this space, especially Mrs Shaw and her Year 9 helpers! 

Thank you and farewell to our Year 12 students  

As we farewell our Year 12 students of 2026, we reflect on their amazing 13 year school journey. At the beginning of the year, our Year 12 students attended their Retreat, spending time connecting, engaging and reflecting on their journey so far, and the work, adventures and opportunities to come.  

It has been a privilege to work with, support and be a part of our Year 12s education and all of us at St Augustine’s are proud of them and wish them every blessing as they complete Year 12 and move forward to their next chapter.  

We look forward to celebrating their Graduation Mass with them on Thursday 19th November. 

Term 4 Masses and Liturgies 

• Thursday 29th October – Years 9 – 11 Community Liturgy (9:10am St Augustine’s Church) 
• Thursday 12th November – Years 5 – 8 Community Liturgy (9:10am St Augustine’s Church) 
• Thursday 19th November – Year 12 Graduation Mass (6pm St Augustine’s Church) 
• Thursday 26th November Foundation – Year 4 Community Mass (9:10am St Augustine’s Church) 
• Thursday 10th December – Whole College Liturgy 11:30am 

Our Prayer for the beginning of Term 4  

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Loving God, 

As we begin Term 4, we pause to give thanks for the wonderful opportunities, experiences, relationships and learning that we are privileged to have here at 

St Augustine’s College. 

We thank You for our amazing Grandparents and Special Friends that guide, support, care for and love us.  

Bless our Year 12 Students as they finish their final school year and look toward their future and next chapter with joy, gratitude, anticipation, courage and enthusiasm. May they continue to be proud, curious, kind, lifelong learners who value each person they meet, every opportunity they are afforded and the world in which they live.  

Continue to bless our whole College Community as we embrace Term 4 and all it has to offer. May our words and actions reflect the teachings of Jesus, who calls us to love one another and to care for all that You have made. 

May our school be a place where gratitude is lived, where creation is respected and where we continue to be stewards, caring for our common home. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community