PRINCIPAL'S PEN

Dear members of the Saints family,

Happy new year and welcome to this special edition of Saints News. I extend a heartfelt welcome to all members of our school community – students, families and staff, new and returning. The start of a new year entails fresh opportunities, challenges and moments of growth. Together, let us approach this new beginning with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to excellence.

In 2025 we will continue to honour our rich traditions while striving to look beyond, embracing new possibilities and forging pathways for innovation and growth. To our new students and families, we are delighted to welcome you and look forward to supporting you. Starting a new endeavour is always exciting. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by our Year 7s during Orientation Day were a testament to their eagerness to embrace new experiences. Their first week promises to carry that same sense of excitement and possibility, setting the tone for a positive start to their time at the College.

To our returning families, welcome back. Your contributions are integral to the vibrant spirit of our school. Together, let us make this a year of achievement, connection and personal growth.

For our returning students, the new year offers a fresh opportunity to build on past successes, face new challenges and grow in confidence. Let us begin this year with a sense of purpose and collective aspiration to improve and excel in all areas of school life. 

Here’s to a fulfilling and inspiring year ahead for all members of the Saints family.

ATAR results

Congratulations to our Class of 2024 who performed exceptionally well. These excellent results are indicative of the hard work of our staff and students. 

Strategic Plan

In 2025 we continue with our college’s three-year Strategic Plan, Gathered Around the Same Table 2024-2026. Our two main priorities for 2025 will be the documentation and refinement of our teaching practices for boys and a continuation of our writing focus using the Writer's Toolbox program. We have a number of other key projects, available in the document below. They will ensure the continued growth and success of our college community.

We are well placed to deliver a world-class, faith-filled education thanks to the outstanding work of our predecessors. However, we will not rest on our previous successes but will continue to critically review our practice and strive for improvement. We will not "cruise" as a school but rather keep "moving" so we can continue to offer our students a relevant, holistic Marist education. 

Upgrades & building works

Much work has continued over the Christmas break, and I thank our maintenance team for having the school in great shape for the return of our students. This work has involved:

• Maintenance and upgrading of the showgrounds oval which has included goal posts, line marking, aerating, fertilising and topsoil. 
• Completing the Stage 1 refurbishment of the Upper Ambrose Residence.
• Continuing the Stage 2 refurbishment of the Lower Ambrose Residence. 
• Installing Year 7 and Year 10 full-size lockers.

The 2025 Marist theme 

Pilgrims of Hope – Look Beyond is this year's theme. It's about an odyssey or a trek with and towards God, a God whose love we know and experience through human kindness, generosity and compassion. I told the following story at a Mother's Day Assembly some years ago, but it is worth repeating as it captures well the essence of our new theme:

One day in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Mother Teresa took a woman off the street. Her body was a mess of open sores and infested with bugs. St Teresa cleaned and dressed these while the woman shrieked and threw insults. The saint only smiled at her. Finally, the woman snarled, "Sister why are you doing this? Not everyone behaves like you. Who taught you?” 

Mother Teresa replied, “My God taught me.” 

The woman asked to know her God. 

St Teresa kissed her on the forehead and said, “You already know my God. My God is called love.” 

Such an encounter of love is the source and reason for our hope. When we experience love something happens within us, we feel it, it marks a beginning, and our instinctive response is to return the love that has been given to us. 

An exciting academic year ahead

At the Academic Awards Assembly at the end of last year, I challenged our men of Saints to not be afraid of failure. As we embark on a new academic year, I challenge them to try something new; try something difficult. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learning occurs best when we are challenged and must work hard at something. We learn best from our mistakes. This is often when we get our best results, and this is what a growth mindset is about. Consider nominating yourself for a leadership position later in the year, do a service activity, try out for a team, learn to play a musical instrument and make new friends. Don’t be afraid to take good risks. 

Prefects

Before closing, I draw your attention to our new student leaders:

Thank you for your ongoing support of St Augustine’s. I look forward to welcoming our new families and familiar faces later this month.

Finally, welcome to all those new to Saints. We have a new group of Year 7s, but also a warm welcome to our new students in other year levels, new boarders, new parents and new staff members. I trust your time with us will be enriching.