From Rach Chapman

Reconciliation Mass

This week, we came together as a College and faith community to mark National Reconciliation Week - a sacred time to pause, to remember, and to recommit ourselves to the journey of healing and justice. United in prayer and purpose, we reflected on this year’s powerful theme: Bridging Now to Next.

This theme is both a challenge and an invitation. It calls us to look honestly at where we are - as individuals and as a nation - and to consider where we need to go to build a more just and inclusive Australia. Bridging Now to Next reminds us that reconciliation is not a one-time act or an annual event. It is an ongoing journey - a living process that asks each of us to listen deeply, learn truthfully and live respectfully.

As our speakers reminded us, reconciliation demands courage, compassion, and commitment. It requires us to face the truths of our shared history - not with shame, but with honesty - and to honour the voices and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These voices have been echoing across this land for over 65,000 years, carrying stories of strength, culture and deep spiritual connection to Country.

We also commissioned our new Fire Carriers as they endeavour to honour and live the four core values of Spirituality, Cultural Recognition and Awareness, Practical Reconciliation and Justice and Ecological Stewardship. 

Through our Mass, the words spoken, the songs sung, and the collaborative artwork created by Kasey Cooper, St Augustine’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer, and our students and staff, we witnessed the power of community - the beauty of walking together in solidarity. Uncle Rick’s Smoking Ceremony and Welcome grounded us in the sacredness of this place and we are grateful to Uncle Rick and the presence of our guests, including Kate Fogarty (Executive Director CESL) and Sister Cecilia. 

May we carry with us the spirit of today’s gathering. May we be bridge-builders - people of hope and action - who honour the past, engage with the present and work toward a future where all cultures, voices and histories are respected and celebrated.

Let us continue to walk together with humility, truth and love — from now into what’s next.

Justice Matters Camp

We were privileged to attend the Justice Matters Camp (for students in Years 9-11) on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd May, presented by Catholic Education Sandhurst and Caritas Australia. This year’s theme was Hope in Action - Pilgrims of Hope and the focus of the camp was to:

• build students’ knowledge and awareness of justice in its many forms through workshops, formation and prayer experiences

• enable students to develop their leadership skills around justice in a Catholic context

• provide opportunities for students to network and develop friendships through the lens of justice in the Sandhurst Diocese

We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Catholic Education Sandhurst, Caritas Australia and other Sandhurst Diocese schools, and continue our planning and work to raise awareness and be active in the social justice space, being of service to others, especially those who are vulnerable. 

We have created an excellent plan to support our work in this space moving forward. 

Congratulations to our students who attended, we are so proud of you!

Sacramental Program

The Sacramental Program for 2025 is well underway. It has been incredible to see and experience the collaboration and support with the Parish and our students and families, as we learn, grow and thrive together whilst undertaking the program. 

Thank you to all involved!

Bishop Joe Grech Scholarships

Congratulations to our students who submitted their applications for the Bishop Joe Grech Scholarships. It has been such a joy to work with and support these students as they reflected on their proposals; highlighting their values, beliefs and gifts as they strive to be of service to their school and community.

We are so proud of you all!

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8

Loving God, 

You created all people in Your image, 

and placed us together on this ancient and sacred land. 

As we mark Reconciliation Week, 

we give thanks for the rich culture, spirituality, and wisdom 

of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — 

the First Nations peoples of this land.

Help us to walk gently together, 

with hearts open to truth and hands ready for justice. 

May we have the courage to face our shared history honestly, 

to listen with compassion and to learn with humility.

Inspire us, Lord, to be bridge-builders.

To live as instruments of peace, 

and to work for a future where all people 

are treated with dignity, equity, and love.

At St Augustine’s College, 

May we always be a community of inclusion and respect,

grounded by Your grace and guided by Your light. 

Strengthen our commitment to reconciliation, 

so that together we may walk forward 

with hope, unity, and faith.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community