PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

We are well into the rhythm of Term 2 and our learning programs are well underway. In just these first few weeks, we have held ANZAC Day commemorations, and parent-teacher-student interviews, sport is in full swing, Carmina Burana has been extremely successful and we have enjoyed a welcoming Tablelands country dinner with our boarding families. 

With a learning agenda that is so acutely timebound, disruptions can be frustrating. However, importantly for Marist educators these disruptions or opportunities provide profound teaching moments for the young people in our care.

Term 2 is important academically. At the end of this term all students will receive their Semester 1 reports. I invite all students to embrace the challenges ahead of them this term, knowing that our teachers are closely journeying with them. 

Carmina Burana

‘O Fortuna – strikes down the strong man, everyone weep with me’

Last night I had the privilege of attending Carmina Burana at CPAC, the brainchild of St Monica’s Mr Chris Burcin. It was an outstanding example of collaboration between schools and dedication of staff and students. The ability for four schools, 180 students and 17 staff to come together and deliver such a polished performance of a complex and major work is a testament to their professionalism. A huge thank you to our staff involved; Mr Dan Darvanisa, Ms Christine Marnane, Mr Matthew Chandler and Mrs Kerry McKenzie. A special mention to Mrs Cherie Spannenburg who conducted throughout the night and has made such a large commitment to give our students this opportunity. 

ANZAC Day Commemoration

St Augustine’s held its annual ANZAC Day assembly on Thursday 20 April. We were fortunate to have special guest Captain Darryn Mullins address the College. Captain Mullins is an Old Boy who attended Saints from 1984 to 1990 and boarded in Years 11 and 12. Since 1994 he has served in the Royal Australian Navy and is a highly decorated captain. 

Captain Mullins spoke of his time at Saints and his experience in the Navy. Old boys who address our assemblies are incredibly important and really highlight the links we have with our community. In this case, Captain Mullins's address clearly articulated our deep connections to those who have served our country and our direct links to the ANZAC spirit.  

One point that h made was the distinction between "Commemoration" and "Celebration". Celebration implies enjoyment. We don’t enjoy conflict. However, we commemorate ANZAC Day as we show respect for those that have served. 

These assemblies are a crucial part of the fabric of Saints. They clearly display the values that we aspire to. In this case we value the ANZAC spirit which reminds us that when we are at our best, we are prepared to think about something greater than ourselves.

Click on the image below to link to our YouTube channel to view ANZAC Assembly.

Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

We sincerely thank our parents, teachers and students who wholeheartedly engaged in this vital occasion. Two hundred and eighty-four families attended 1673 meetings on the day with more interviews in the following week. These interviews are essential for affirming and enabling the parent-teacher-student relational triad. They provide an important time for parents and students to become more informed regarding specific areas for improvement, as well as strategies to enable this improvement. 

Mental Health First Aid – Tier 3 Master Workplace

The Mental Health First Aid Australian Workplace Recognition program celebrates organisations that invest in developing mental health first aid skills in their people and seeks to acknowledge their achievement and commitment to embedding MHFA training into their organisation's culture.

The program features three tiers of recognition of which St Augustine’s has recently attained the highest tier – Tier 3 Master Workplace. I would like to recognise the work of Br Roger who has, since 2018, been the driving force behind a push for our staff to become accredited in Youth Mental Health First Aid training. 

Since 2018 we have more than 65% of staff trained in YMHFA across all areas of the school, including boarding, teaching and support staff. It does take time to embed and sustain a focus on mental health training, but this is an area we know makes a safer community for our students.  

Happy Mother’s Day

May is traditionally associated with Mary, the Mother of God. Mary has a special place in the Marist charism – the very word Marist is the adjective that comes from the name Mary. As Marists, it makes perfect sense that we celebrate Mary in the same month that we celebrate Mother’s Day. 

On Thursday 11 May we will hold our annual Mother’s Day assembly. All are welcome, especially our mothers. Close to 250 fathers attended last year's Father's Day event, and we would love to see if our mothers can outdo our dads this year!