PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

The start of a new academic year at St Augustine’s is always transformative, affecting the body, mind and spirit. One moment life is relatively serene as you enjoy the last days of summer holidays, and next you find yourself amid what can feel like complete chaos. This sentiment holds true for students and staff alike. The experience of the new year is vastly different for each year level. Having attended Year 7 Camp and Year 12 Retreat during Week 3, it is a clear reminder of the growth our boys experience during their education at Saints. 

Our Year 7s find themselves at the forefront of a radical change. Having ascended the ranks in primary school, they now face the challenges of starting anew,  and they have risen to those challenges admirably. It was clear during our Commencement Mass that these boys have embraced St Augustine’s as a group.  A number of staff commented, and I witnessed, Year 7s singing with great pride the Sub Tuum and our college song. 

At the other end of the scale, our Year 12s are beginning their "long goodbye" to the College. Their return marked the final time they would come back to school from summer break, and throughout the year they will check off each school milestone as a last. It's a unique mix of emotions.

Commencement Mass

We were privileged to have Fr Laurie preside over our Commencement Mass on Thursday 15 February. He is back after spending a year in Melbourne. Fr Laurie’s homily drew on the College theme for 2024, First Light – reveal the Spirit. He insightfully compared life to a sunrise, with details emerging gradually over time. Details don’t come automatically,  but rather through our cooperation with others and patience, our lives will be full of discovery and joy. 

He who sings prays twice

“He who sings prays twice” is a saying attributed to St Augustine. Throughout the Mass the participation by the student body was exceptional. This was evident in their respect, responses and singing. The way our boys embrace singing is a credit to them. Click on the image below to view the Mass.

Commissioning ceremony

A special part of the commissioning ceremony during Mass is when the mothers of our prefects present them with their  captains ties. Mothers have a special place in our Marian tradition, and as a Marist school we pride ourselves on the role mothers play in the lives of our young men. 

Parent Forum & New Parent Welcome Evening

Last Friday we held the first Parent Forum for the year. It was well attended with 64 parents gathered in an hour of dialogue with me and other staff. The evening is an opportunity to listen and respond to parent concerns and suggestions. Or as Emma Gelling explained, it “allows us to communicate and connect”. 

I thank the new Parent Forum committee who have worked behind the scenes and obviously promoted the event well. The members are: Emma Gelling (President), Jemma Picco (Secretary), Helena Tutoe, Josh Ferguson, Breanna Ellis, Hannah Brien and Leanne Kear.

If you would like to contact the Parent Forum with suggestions, email Lydia Roberts at sac.communications@cns.catholic.edu.au

Our New Parent Welcome Evening also occurred on Friday night. It was another opportunity for parents new to the school to meet and talk with one another and our staff. Many thanks to our Communications and Community Engagement Officer Lydia Roberts for organising both events.