College News
Laura selected for 2025 Top Arts!
Laura Graetz, a talented 2024 Year 12 student, has been selected to showcase her work in the prestigious 2025 Season of Excellence, Top Arts Exhibition at Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
Laura undertook Art Making and Examining as part of her VCE in 2024. Laura is a passionate and driven artist and is among a select group of students whose artwork will be displayed at one of Melbourne's most iconic cultural venues. The Top Arts Exhibition is renowned for celebrating the best and brightest art students from across Victoria, and this year, Laura's work stands out for its creativity, technical skill and thought-provoking theme.
As part of the exhibition, Laura’s artworks, titled Prying Eyes and Portrait, both explore Laura’s creative process, analysing her emotions and feelings as a painter. Her piece was chosen for its innovative approach and emotional depth, which resonated with the exhibition’s curatorial team. At St Augustine’s, we are beyond excited for Laura to be part of such a renowned exhibition. It a dream come true for us to see one of our students work displayed alongside so many other incredible artists. This exhibition represents the culmination of years of hard work by Laura.
The Season of Excellence is a series of exhibitions that highlight the achievements of Year 12 students, and the Top Arts Exhibition is one of its most highly anticipated events. The exhibition not only provides an opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talent, but it also allows the public to witness the diverse range of perspectives and ideas that students bring to contemporary art. Laura’s artwork is currently displayed at Federation Square and will be on show until 20th July.
Laura is a shining example of the incredible talent emerging from our school. We’re so proud of her achievement and excited to see what the future holds for her.
For more information on the 2025 Top Arts Exhibition, visit the NGV website or check out the event at Federation Square in Melbourne.
Well done Laura!
Communicating with Staff
We have had the privilege of meeting with parents and connecting with families on various occasions across the Term. At St Augustine’s College, we deeply value these opportunities to strengthen our partnerships and work together in support of our students. We recognise that parents are the first educators of their children and play a vital role in shaping their behaviours, both positive and challenging. Open and honest communication is key to fostering a supportive school environment and we are grateful for a parent community that shares our commitment to nurturing each child’s growth and development.
We ask that parents engage in conversations with our staff with respect, trust in our processes and support the follow-up actions necessary for their child’s development and wellbeing. Similar expectations exist in many other organisations and by working together with mutual respect and understanding, we can continue to provide a safe, positive and thriving learning environment for all.
Our staff are on site and available during the following times:
Monday: 8:30am - 3:45pm
Tuesday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 3:45pm
Friday: 8:15am - 3:45pm
However, whilst these are the working times, our staff are busy organising and planning lessons, teaching classes and/or engaged in relevant staff meetings. We ask that if you wish to make contact with your child’s teacher, please contact your child’s TA for a meeting.
Communication via email is also appropriate during work hours, however please allow staff up to 48 hours to respond. We thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Foundation and Year 12 Mass
On Thursday 13th March, Year 12 and Foundation students attended Parish Mass. The Year 12 students had explored the theme of growth and support on their recent Year 12 Retreat, through the scripture - 'The Parable of the Sower’ Matthew 13:3-9. As part of the Year 12 and Foundation Buddy Program, the theme was developed further so that the students would understand that to achieve growth the right conditions are important. Hands were traced before the Mass by all students and connected together during the reflection and placed at the base of the altar. This was to symbolise that to experience growth as humans we need support and good relationships. Students then planted seeds in some garden troughs so that they could experience first hand what conditions are required for plants to grow. We are looking forward to watering, providing sunshine and care, to the plants to see what growth can occur. We have our fingers crossed that we may see some beautiful blooms soon. There is one flower planter in the Foundation area and one planter in the Tolle Lege. The competition is on!
Loretta Shannon
Learning Leader Religious Education
Insight Creative Writing Competition for Years 7-12
This competition is open to high school students around Australia as Insight aim to ignite a passion for creative writing and inspire the voices of the future.
Entering the competition is free and all entrants will have the chance to share in over $3000 worth of cash prizes!
All shortlisted entries will also be judged by acclaimed Australian authors. Past judges have included Alice Pung, Nam Le, Cath Moore, Michael Pryor, Will Kostakis and Jack Henseleit.
The optional theme for 2025 is: Soulmates.
If you’re a budding writer in high school, we’d love to see your work.
2025 Important Dates
Competition Opens: 20th March
Competition Closes: 1st September
Longlist Announcement: 1st October
Shortlist Announcement: 22nd October
Awards Ceremony: TBA
Please see Mrs Bianca Moore at school if you would like to enter!
Robert Menzies Institute Speech Competition for Years 7-12
For Australian students in Year levels 7–12.
Topic: "If truth is to emerge and in the long run be triumphant, the process of free debate, the untrammeled clash of opinion must go on." How important is respectful debate to the health of democracy?
Competition Format: Speech filmed as a video
Deadline for entries: Sunday 20th July 2025
Prizes: Cash and Book prizes.
Special Features: The winner of the Year 11/12 category will be invited to deliver their speech at the Robert Menzies Institute Annual Conference in November 2025.
Opportunities for HTAV members: N/A
For more information: www.htav.asn.au/students/robert-menzies-institute-speech-competition
Website: www.robertmenziesinstitute.org.au/speechcompetition2025
Please see Ms Elise Clarke for any further information and/or assistance.
Project Compassion
SOLE Stars
Congratulations to our SOLE Stars for Week 9.
