From Rach Chapman

As we continue to journey through this term, our theme for the year - “Seek Peace and Pursue It” (Psalm 34:14) - feels especially meaningful during the season of Lent. Lent is a sacred time in the Church’s calendar when we are invited to slow down, reflect and draw closer to God. It is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving - practices that gently guide our hearts back to what truly matters. 

To seek peace is to intentionally look for God’s presence in our daily lives - in our classrooms, in our friendships and within our families. To pursue peace is to actively choose kindness, forgiveness and understanding, even when it can be challenging. During Lent, we are reminded that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but a way of living that reflects Christ’s love. 

As a community of St Augustine's, we are called to be peacemakers in both word and action. Through small acts of compassion, moments of quiet prayer and opportunities to support those in need, we live out our theme in practical and meaningful ways. 

May this Lenten season be a time of renewal for our whole community, as we continue to seek peace in our hearts and pursue it in our world. 

So, what is Lent? 

Lent is a sacred season in the Catholic Church that lasts for 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and leading to Easter. It is a time of preparation as we remember the suffering, death, and celebrate the Resurrection, of Jesus Christ. 

In the Catholic tradition, Lent focuses on three key practices: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through prayer, we grow closer to God. Through fasting, we learn self-discipline and make space for God in our lives. Through almsgiving, we show love and care for those in need. 

Lent is a time of repentance, renewal and conversion of heart - an opportunity to reflect on our lives and recommit ourselves to following Jesus more faithfully. 

Shrove Tuesday 

Shrove Tuesday at St Augustine’s was a wonderful morning filled with pancakes, hospitality and community. Shrove Tuesday is a significant Catholic Tradition that is the last day before the beginning of our Lenten season.  

We launched our efforts for Project Compassion (Caritas) as our awesome Student Leaders and staff provided delicious pancakes with cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, butter and jam.  

Thank you to our students, families and school community for their generosity, enthusiasm and participation.

Ash Wednesday  

Our St Augustine’s community gathered to pause and reflect as we marked the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Lent gives us this space to slow down, to reflect honestly on our lives and to ask: What needs to change? What can I let go of? Where is God calling me to grow? 

As we begin Lent, may we open our hearts to God and others. Let this be a time of reflection and renewal, as we walk with Jesus towards Easter. Together, through our compassion and actions, may we ‘Unite Against Poverty’ (Project Compassion ~ Caritas) and bring hope to those in need.  

We ask God to continue to show us how to be kind and to build a world where everyone belongs and can live in peace.  

Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) 

St Augustine’s College is looking forward to undertaking the Enhancing Catholic School Identity Survey (ECSI) in 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to gain meaningful insights into how our school community views our Catholic Identity and how such identity may be shaped for tomorrow.  

The survey is provided to staff, students and families and your input and feedback is incredibly important and appreciated.  

Further information will be provided to families to enable you to complete the survey – thank you for your time and efforts with this! 

Please note that responses are anonymous and confidential and provide us with significant and valuable information.  

Liturgies and Masses for Term 1 

Our Years 5, 6 and 9s celebrated their Liturgy on Thursday 26th February. It was an incredible reflection on World Social Justice and our own personal pledges during this time of Lent. Our students participated and engaged wonderfully and we are so proud of them! Thank you also to those who attended and supported our students and the Liturgy.  

Year 12 Retreat 

We are looking forward to our Year 12 Retreat from Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th March. 

Our Retreat is being held at Amberley Retreat, Lower Plenty, and is a wonderful time for our students and staff to connect with each other and their faith as we engage and participate in a range of activities and sessions together. This is an integral part of our Year 12 Program and we are looking forward to sharing this experience.  

Prayer 

Dear God, 

As we begin this holy season of Lent, 

we come before You with humble hearts. 

Help us to reflect on our lives, and guide us to 

grow closer to You through prayer, fasting, and service. 

Let this time of Lent remind us of the gift of Your love, 

and help us to turn away from what holds us back from following You. 

May we open our hearts to Your grace and mercy, 

and may we become more loving and kind to those around us. 

Bless our school St Augustine’s, our teachers and our friends, 

and help us to walk with You this Lent, growing stronger in faith and love. 

We ask this in Your name. 

Amen 

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community