PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

Valedictory Assembly

At the recent Valedictory Assembly, I told a story that the Year 12s first heard when they entered the College as Year 7s. The story was of how God, at the beginning of time, resolved to hide himself in his own creation. Ultimately, on advice from his angels, God hid himself deep within the hearts of all his creatures. He did this so that they would not find him too quickly, as they would not think to look within their own hearts. Therefore, they would have enough time to do their own growing. 

At the assembly I spoke of facing challenges and difficulties and, during times of need, searching deep within your own hearts – to risk the journey into the secret core of your being to find strength. 

“You are part of Saints, you belong here and the brotherhood that you have will stay deep within your heart forever.

And if times get tough – if you feel overwhelmed, anxious or down in the future, look inside your hearts, call upon your classmates, or come back and visit Saints”.

Please click on the link below to view the Valedictory Assembly. Photos from the celebrations are on the Parent Portal.

We have had a sad and difficult week

It’s often during difficult times that we turn to our faith. Faith can serve as a guiding light and help illuminate the path ahead. Faith can provide solace, hope and help us to endure. It gives us courage to face adversity and allows us to draw on an inner strength.

The Marist characteristic of family spirit has been especially noticeable this week. Families offer a warmth of welcome, acceptance and belonging. We relate to one another and, as a school, to young people in our care as members of a loving family. 

Families suffer together

This week, even though we are grieving the loss of a student, we have witnessed how the boys have reacted by supporting one another, how parents and families have come together and how staff have given so much. 

On behalf of St Augustine’s, I express our profound gratitude for the outpouring of condolences, support and kindness. While we have been left with a void in our hearts, the heartfelt messages, flowers and gestures of sympathy have provided us with solace and strength. 

Please, if you are finding times difficult, do not hesitate to reach out.

Supporting a child through grief and loss

BeyondBlue Grief and Loss

BeyondBlue After a Suicide Loss

Supporting a Child After a Suicide

Ms Marijke Keller mkeller@cns.catholic.edu.au 07 4052 9136 or

Br Roger Vallance brroger@cns.catholic.edu.au 07 4052 9135

In these difficult times, we all need to remember to take good care of ourselves so that we can offer the best of care to our loved ones.

World Teachers' Day

We recognised World Teachers’ Day at St Augustine's College last Friday with our Parents Forum generously providing and hosting morning tea for our teaching and support staff.

Representatives of the Parent Forum, Jane Hislam, Rachel O’Sullivan and Leanne Kear, acknowledged the strong contribution of Saints teachers and staff to the education and general welfare of our boys in a speech at the morning tea. 

Outstanding Service to Marist Education

Congratulations to Max Churchward and Bryan Carswell who have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to Marist education. They were presented with their awards last month at Marist College Ashgrove. Both are deserving recipients.

Max Churchward has been a passionate science teacher for 27 years at St Augustine’s and embodies the essence of enthusiasm in education. With an unwavering zeal for his subject, he thrives on the dynamic interaction with his students. Max’s teaching approach is marked by an innate ability to engage and captivate young minds, infusing every lesson with excitement and curiosity. He effortlessly transforms the classroom into a realm of discovery, where learning is not just a task but a delightful adventure. Through his dedication, Max breathes life into his subject, creating an enjoyable world of exploration for his students.

Bryan Carswell, our Indigenous Liaison Officer, with 26 years of dedicated service stands as a beacon of humility and care within the Saints community. His primary focus is on assisting First Nations students, and their needs are his unwavering priority. Beyond this, Bryan acts as a trusted role model for them. His unassuming demeanour and genuine concern create a nurturing environment, fostering a sense of belonging and security. Through his long-standing commitment, Bryan has become an indispensable figure, embodying the essence of an Indigenous liaison officer dedicated to the wellbeing of those in his care.

India Night

This is always a relaxing and welcoming evening to spend with friends and family of the College. Approximately 200 people attended and helped raise $5966. Many thanks to the many staff and the Marist Association for organising the event. 

A special thank you to Glenn McKenzie and his staff in Tolle's for the beautiful food. Many families and local businesses donated prizes for raffles too. They are listed later in the newsletter, and I thank them deeply for their generosity.