From the Principal

It only seems like a few weeks ago that we introduced our new Foundation students to our College community at our first assembly for 2019.  Yet, as of Tuesday (Orientation Day), these fresh faced ‘Foundies’ marched into Year 1 with a level of confidence that signified they have made St Augustine’s their very own.  I could not help but smile when a young girl (accompanied by her mum) told me on the morning of Orientation Day that she was now a ‘big girl’ because she was going into Year 1.

It has been a very special week for eight of our senior students who have spent the past week in Perth attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival.  The opportunity for these students to engage with other like minded students from across Australia has been something special for our students.  I sincerely thank Brendon Lane who has accompanied our students throughout this festival.

It was with great joy yesterday that we had the opportunity to celebrate the efforts of so many students at our annual awards celebration.  It was a time to celebrate students who have gone above and beyond in their pursuit of excellence and also students who, day in, day out, demonstrate the qualities of self-awareness, compassion, warmth and generosity.  At our awards celebration, we also acknowledged our student leaders who had the courage and confidence to be leaders of our College throughout 2019.  Excitingly, we also took the time to welcome our new leaders for 2020.  These students went through a rigorous process that included written applications, public speaking and interviews with staff leadership.  We congratulate the following 2020 College leaders:

School Captains

Julian Luvara, Zanthia Bowles and Madeleine Willsher

9-12

Social Justice Leaders:         Bailey Curtis and Brontie McCormick

Augustine House Leaders:  Molly Carver and Ritma Bhardwaj

Brigidine House Leaders:    Hannah Sully and Samuel Jackson

Delany House Leaders:         Abby Hargadon and Chelcee Schubert

5-8 

Community Leaders :             Isla Carver, Ethan Ciavarella and Piper Badgery

Augustine House Leaders:   Cohan Hooper  and Jesse Minicozzi

Brigidine House Leaders:     Tahni Davies and Ethan Ciavarella

Delany House Leaders:          Sebastian Caldwell and Sarah Whelan

F-4 

Community Leaders:               Kezia Bartholomeusz and Nate Schubach  

Augustine House Leaders:     Mia Kilpatrick and Jack Carver

Brigidine House Leaders:       Isla McCormick and Alyssa Morton

Delany House Leaders:           Cooper Wilson and Olivia Whelan

This week, correspondence was sent to all families regarding the policy and procedures surrounding school uniform and mobile phones in 2020.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the vast majority of families who have supported the correct wearing of our College uniform.  It has been disappointing that a small percentage of families have neglected their responsibilities of complying with our College expectations.  Our updated uniform policy and procedures ensure that a high level of accountability will support our expectations.  

We say farewell and thank you to Michelle Maudsley, Karen Myers, Aviva Lindsay and Cindy Hulands for their contribution as educators at St Augustine’s College.  We also wish Lauren Hall and Sophie Dickinson every blessing as they take leave for the 2020 school year.

We also say thank you to Kirrilee Westblade for leading our College in Catholic Identity and all her passion in making the celebration of 100 years of Brigidine Sisters in Kyabram such a special event that was celebrated by the community.  We wish her all the best back at St Joseph's.

I wish each and every one of you a faith filled and peaceful Christmas. As we gather with family to celebrate His birth, may each of us find time to appreciate the presence of Jesus, our friend in our lives. I look forward to our journey together in 2020.

. . . the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on Earth peace among those whom he favours!”

Luke 2:10-14

Brayden Stone

Principal