From Rach Chapman

Laudato Si Week 17-24th May 2026 

This global Catholic observance marks the 11th anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on the care of creation. 

This year’s theme for Laudato Si Week is; “From Hope to Action”. This is an invitation for us all to move from passive hope, to concrete ecological actions.  

Hope is not passive; it is lived and shared through daily choices, community life, prayer, and concrete acts of care. This year reminds us that ecological conversion grows step by step - through relationships restored, creation protected and communities strengthened. The next chapter of Laudato Si’ begins with us, wherever we are. 

Concrete actions we can take (see the Laudato Si Week website for further information, ideas and resources): 

Responding to the Cry of the Earth 

• Reduce your energy use this week 

• Turn off unnecessary lighting in unused spaces 

• Adjust heating or cooling slightly 

• Plant native trees  

• Partner with a local charity serving vulnerable families 

• Volunteer time with a local service organisation 

• Buy food from local producers 

• Commit to purchasing recycled or sustainable materials where possible 

• Reduce plastic and waste in your community 

• Encourage reusable water bottles 

Caritas and Project Compassion 

Again, a huge thank you to our amazing St Augustine’s College for your support of our Caritas and Project Compassion efforts in Term 1. We raised $2128.90, thank you so much! 

Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) Prize Winners 

Thank you to all our families who completed the ECSI Surveys, providing us with valuable and important information and feedback.  

Congratulations to our Prize Winners! 

1st Prize (Fuel Voucher) ~ Jodie Elvey  

2nd Prize (Shopping Voucher) ~ Jo Davey 

3rd Prize (Coffee Voucher) ~ Petra Donaldson 

Justice Matters Camp 

This week twelve Years 9 and 10 students attended the Justice Matters Camp in Ovens.  

It was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and engage with students and staff from our Diocesan schools, focusing on Catholic Social Teaching Principles, current social issues in our communities and the world and the significance and impact of our actions.  

We attended workshops based on Welcoming the Stranger (Asylum Seekers), Celebrating All Creation (Earthcare), How do Aboriginal People Understand Justice (Indigenous), What We Know About Our World (Global Reality) and I am What I Eat (Sustainable Food).  

Our guest speaker was Moe Turaga from ACAN (Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network) who shared his personal story of being trafficked from Fiji to work on a farm in Victoria under false pretenses, with his passport confiscated, wages withheld and working under illegal conditions. Moe also spoke of how modern slavery still happens in Australia today.  

We created an Action Plan for our College to continue to raise awareness and advocate for others.  

We are so proud of our students and grateful to Catholic education Sandhurst and all the presenters for their work and efforts for a wonderful Justice Matters Camp. 

Liturgies and Masses 

• Yesterday we held our Years 9 – 12 Community Mass in the Church.  

• Next Thursday, 28th May, is our St Augustine’s Reconciliation Week Mass in the Brigidine Centre at 11.30am.  

• Thursday 11th June is our Years 5 – 8 Community Mass and Thursday 25th June will be our F – 4 Community Mass.  

All are welcome! 

Reconciliation Week and Mass 

Next week we will be acknowledging Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme ‘All In’. This acknowledgement and learning is embedded and interwoven into prayers, activities and dialogue, as we continue to work together to be culturally safe, respectful and inclusive.  

Next Thursday, 28th May, is our St Augustine’s College Reconciliation Mass at 11.30am in the Brigidine Centre. We look forward to Commissioning our new Fire Carriers and welcoming Uncle Rick Ronan for our Smoking Ceremony.  

Prayer for our Common Home and School Community 

Loving and gracious God, 

Creator of Heaven and Earth, 

We give you thanks for the beauty of our world 

And for the gift of our common home. 

As the community of St Augustine’s College, 

We are grateful for the land on which we learn, 

For the people who walk beside us, 

And for the opportunities to grow in faith, wisdom and love. 

Open our hearts to hear the cry of the Earth

 And the cry of the poor. 

Teach us to care for creation 

With humility, courage, and compassion. 

Help us to be good stewards in our school — 

To respect each person, 

To protect the natural world, 

And to act with justice and kindness in all we do. 

May we follow the example of St Augustine, 

Seeking truth and living with restless hearts for you. 

May we honour the spirit of Laudato Si’, 

Working together to build a sustainable, hopeful future. 

Bless our school community —

Our students, staff, families, and all who support us. 

Guide us to live simply, love deeply, 

And care faithfully for our common home. 

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord,

Amen. 

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community