PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

Building a cathedral

An image was shared at our Academic Awards Assembly on 5 February of Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral which took nearly 200 years to complete. Generations of builders contributed to its construction, many never seeing the finished masterpiece. Yet each played a part in something far greater than themselves. This image was paired with a simple story.

A traveller once walked past a large building site and noticed three people doing exactly the same task – each laying bricks. Curious, he approached the first worker and asked, “What are you doing?”

“I’m laying bricks,” the man replied.

He then asked the second worker the same question. 

"I’m building a wall,” came the answer.

Finally, he asked a young apprentice, the youngest of the group. 

The boy smiled and said proudly, “I’m building a cathedral.” 

Three people. Same task. very different vision.

The story reminds us that while the work may look the same on the surface, it is purpose that gives meaning to effort. Some see only the task in front of them. Others see part of a project. A few see the bigger picture – the vision behind the work.

A special feature of the assembly was the presence of Owen Downey, College Dux of 2025, and many of his fellow Class of 2025 graduates. Their return not only allowed the College to acknowledge their achievements but also provided a powerful example to current students. Their presence made visible what is possible through perseverance and commitment – and reminded students that with the right application, they too can one day be invited back.

We recognise that at St Augustine’s we are building the character of the whole person. The cathedral represents more than just academic prowess. Our Year 7 Camp was a great experience for the youngest and newest members of the Saints family and allowed for much bonding and relationship building among the year level. Our Year 12 Retreat offered our senior students an opportunity for reflection, personal awareness and spiritual development. 

Many of these young men understand the bigger picture. They know that every lesson matters. Every piece of homework, every early morning tutorial, every challenge overcome and every moment of focus contributes to something larger, brick by brick.

The challenge for all students is not to focus solely on the brick – the task, the assignment, the test – but to recognise the purpose behind the work. To understand that they are building something meaningful, something sacred – a cathedral of faith, character and future.

As the year begins, it is pleasing to see students settled, focused and engaged in their learning. The challenge is to sustain these habits – to keep building, lesson by lesson, day by day, brick by brick.

Parent Forum

Our first Parent Forum for the year was held last Friday and there was a fantastic turnout of approximately 60 parents. They heard an engaging and informative presentation on the College’s response to artificial intelligence, along with practical guidance for families navigating AI at home, delivered by Michelle Peut, Leader of Innovation and Pedagogy. We extend our sincere thanks to forum President Emma Gelling and Secretary Jemma Picco for facilitating the meeting, and to forum member Helena Tuto for leading us in prayer.

During the meeting, several thoughtful suggestions were raised regarding the use of the Parent Levy. Proposed ideas included returfing the Year 7 quad, upgrading the lighting in the drama room and installing a digital sign on Scott Street. 

We value the input and collaboration of our parents and look forward to continuing these conversations at our next Parent Forum on Monday 1 June at 5:30pm in C3. All are welcome.