From Rach Chapman

Religious Education Leaders Network Day - Wednesday 19th March

It was a wonderful privilege to be commissioned at St Brendan’s Church during Mass as a part of our Religious Education Leaders Network Day. It was a productive day of learning and collaboration with RELs and the Catholic Identity Team from Sandhurst Diocese. 

Harmony Day and World Down Syndrome Day - Friday 21st March

Harmony Day

Harmony Day is part of Harmony Week, with the 2025 theme of 'Harmony - We All Have a Role to Play!' 

Harmony Day is a celebration of Australia's cultural diversity and is a time to recognise and promote respect and understanding among Australians of all backgrounds. 

We can all continue to do our part to promote inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians. 

World Down Syndrome Day

The theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2025 is all about support. Everyone needs support sometimes. The support that we may need will be different for every person, and that's just the same for people who have Down Syndrome.

Every year on March 21, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly coloured, mismatched socks. March 21 is symbolic because people with Down Syndrome have three copies of their 21st chromosome.

Our school community was invited to show support for World Down Syndrome Day by 'Rocking their Socks' and wearing bright, fun, mismatched or awesome socks!

It was a wonderful day of awareness, recognition and celebration embraced by our students from all year levels, families and staff!

Pilgrims of Hope

Our theme for this Jubilee Year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Last week provided a wonderful opportunity for us as a staff to reflect on work we had undertaken at the beginning of the year based on this theme and how we can best continue to be Pilgrims of Hope this year and beyond. 

Below is a word cloud highlighting the words and actions that resonated most with us as we continue our work and efforts in this space. 

50 Year School Reunion

On Sunday 23rd March, I was privileged to have the opportunity to showcase our wonderful school and facilities to the amazing group celebrating their 50 year school reunion. 

It was incredible to meet this wonderful group of people, hear their stories and proudly share St Augustine’s with them. 

They were in awe of the facilities and resources and it was an absolute joy to be a part of their celebrations. 

It was a delight to hear their stories, experiences and memories of their time at St Augustine’s and how it shaped and contributed to their lives!

Thank you to the Class of 1975.

Caritas Australia - Project Compassion

Please note that each TA has their own Project Compassion donation box, thank you for your donations and generosity. Please continue to bring in your loose change and keep donating!

Our Catholic Social Teaching Student Leaders are running our Easter Raffle for Project Compassion and ask that each family please bring an Easter egg for this. Easter eggs can be given to the Office. Raffle tickets are $1. Our CST Leaders will visit TAs selling tickets, please bring your money to purchase tickets! The winners will be announced at the end of term. 

Thank you!

Easter Liturgy

A reminder our Easter Liturgy will be held in the Brigidine Centre at 11.30 am on Thursday 3rd April. 

Sacramental Preparation 2025

Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist Information Evening for parents and children will be held on Wednesday 30th April at 6.30pm in St Augustine’s Church Kyabram. 

This preparation is designed for Baptised children in Year 3 or above who wish to prepare to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. 

If your child is not baptised and wishes to receive these sacraments, please contact the Parish Office. 

Expressions of interest by Thursday 3rd April please.  

Significant Dates in March

March has been a time of reflection, fasting, almsgiving and solemnity as we observe Lent. We have also acknowledged St Patrick’s Day on 17th March, St Cyril of Jerusalem on 18th March, St Joseph’s Day on 19th March, Feast Day of St Oscar Romero 24th March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord 25th March (celebrating the coming of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce to her the special mission God had chosen for her in being the mother of His only son) and 14 years of the Pope’s Papacy. 

Heavenly Father,

As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we reflect upon the blessings of fasting, almsgiving and prayer. We remember the lives of saints who have shown us the way, like St. Patrick, St. Cyril, St. Joseph, St. Oscar Romero and the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation. 

May their faith and dedication inspire us to walk humbly in Your light.

We give thanks for the leadership of Pope Francis, whose papacy has guided us closer to Your love and truth. May we continue to open our hearts to Your will, embracing the mission You have set before us, just as Mary did.

We pray for grace to carry forward the lessons of this season and that our reflections and sacrifices may bring us nearer to Your divine presence.

Through Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community