MISSION CENTRAL

Commencement Mass

Our first whole-college Mass for the year was celebrated yesterday by Fr Martin Kenny and Fr Jerin Chandy, our new college chaplain. They were assisted by Deacon Tony Moore. The Mass gave Saints the opportunity to commission the prefects of 2026 as well as their fellow senior students. The Marist theme for the year: Full of Grace – Transform the World with God's Love – was explored and will play a central role in our faith life this year. This theme invites us to see, live and experience life more deeply, love more intensely and care for others more dearly. It encourages us to bring hope to others and it calls us to be models of faith to one other and to the world. Let us be the light for others and shine brightly. The prefects and the seniors read their pledges aloud, and we look forward to the legacy they will leave this year as they take action as good Christians.

Prefects' pledge

We, as the prefects of 2026, pledge to embody the Marist values in every action we take and every decision we make. We pledge to remain humble and present within our community, recognising that we serve alongside our peers. In times of challenge, we will lift others up ensuring no student walks their path alone. Following the example of the Marist Brothers, we dedicate ourselves to a life of work, faith and community spirit. We promise to be true to ourselves and others, leading with authenticity, and fostering a culture of honesty and humility. We will carry out our duties with grace, meeting every situation with composure and kindness. Under the mantra of “one in, all in" we will ensure our leadership is a unified force for good. Our mission is to serve with such heart that we succeed in leaving a better college behind for the generations of students yet to come.

Year 12' pledge

 We, the seniors of St Augustine’s, pledge our loyalty to this college. In all our pursuits, personal and collective, we affirm our commitment to achieve the best of which we are capable. We will strive to make St Augustine’s College a place where each student is welcomed, valued and can fulfil his dreams.

MAPS Launch

John Picco – Service Captain

Ash Wednesday marked the official launch of this appeal for our college. What is MAPS?

MAPS is the name of the fundraising drive we have been involved in for the last 20 years. Every year we have raised thousands of dollars to go to help young people get an education in our brother and sister Marist schools in the Pacific. As an overview, this is the video for this year’s campaign, which can be found at this link.

Every classroom activity, every fundraiser and every act of generosity, helps students stay in school, access support and believe in a positive future. This is more than fundraising, this is solidarity in action. It is students helping students, it is hope across the oceans. Together we can open doors, together we can restore dignity, together we can give people the chance to shape their future. Let’s get together and turn compassion into change.

In the past, homerooms have brainstormed ideas on how to fundraise and then they put their ideas into action. There have been thong-throwing competitions, milk shake stalls, spiders for sale, pizza and ice cream, fairy floss, chocolates for sale, just to name a few. Over $13,000 was raised for the education of people in the Asia-Pacific region last year. What an amazing gift we gave them. Let’s see what we can do this year!

What a way to start our MAPS appeal. Does this tempt you? Indulge your sweet tooth with our Krispy Kreme Doughnuts sale to raise money for MAPS. Treat yourself to a delicious assortment of mouth-watering doughnuts. Remember, when you donate to our MAPS program, you're also supporting our college commitment to service. Let's work together to make a difference! Order your doughnuts today! Last day to order is Thursday 5 March. 

Year 12 Retreat

The annual retreat was held at Genazzano Centre in Week 3. It was a wonderful time to reflect, refocus and recommit to goals for their final year of study at high school. The feedback from the students says it all:

• The retreat surprised me at how good it was.
• I liked it a lot. It was really fun and I liked the spiritual bits.
• I really enjoyed retreat and I am very grateful to experience it with good mates around me.
• Loved it. Had a lot more fun than I thought I would.
• Bonding and learning more about my group. I liked the time away from devices to reconnect with nature.
• Opening up about certain things in my life, spending time with my friends. Retreat was worthwhile.
• Spending time and making memories with my friends.
• A fun and worthwhile experience with friends.
• My high point was listening to Mr Gregory' and Mr Seivers’ life stories. Enjoying hanging with mates and learning more about myself.
• Learning about others and myself. This retreat was an eye-opening experience and was a good reset.

• The beatitude session and hearing people’s opinions on you is rare but also good to hear. A very good experience allowing me to find out more about the people in my group.

   

Leadership Day

Our prefects attended a Leadership Day on 27 January which was a great experience for them. They said it allowed them to learn what it truly means to be a Marist servant leader, and it was a valuable opportunity for them to establish goals for the year ahead. It also offered them time to develop trust for one another. Practical skills to improve public speaking were well received and I am sure we will see evidence of this in the coming months. They have a busy year ahead, so as a community please keep them in your prayers!

Rosies

Rosies once again provided valuable insight into the sad situation of homelessness in Cairns over the holidays. The patrons are grateful for the help and support they receive from the community and the volunteers. St Augustine’s is a valued part of the Rosies volunteer program. Thank you to the staff and students who continue to support this outreach.

Student Representative Council

Nominations, speeches and voting is well underway, and the College community looks forward to welcoming its newest leaders in the coming weeks. There will be a combined student leadership program that we will host at the College on 6 March where we will welcome students from Burdekin Catholic High school and Good Counsel College in Innisfail. More news in the next newsletter.