AROUND THE COLLEGE & BEYOND

Careers in Cycling

By Chad Elliott

Larry Lanza (Class of ’98) recently spoke with a group of senior students about career and education choices he has made.  Larry owns Discovery Cycles, is a race commissaire, manages athletes, and is a long-term volunteer in the Cairns MTB Club. From managing to customer service, Larry stressed that taking opportunities, upskilling and being a person of good character are needed qualities for future career success. He acknowledged the role of social media in young people's lives and stressed the importance of maintaining an appropriate online presence. He also reinforced the many benefits to giving back to your community and doing what you love.

Exploring the Wonders of Science

By Ms Laura Harland

Year 8 students dive into the heart of science with dissection

In Science, Year 8 Biology students recently embarked on a captivating exploration of the heart’s inner workings through dissection. Before making incisions, students placed coloured pipe cleaners through arteries and veins to represent oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, setting the stage for deeper exploration. Students then navigated the heart’s chambers using scalpels, identifying blood-receiving and pumping chambers, unravelling the role of valves, and comparing wall thickness between heart sides. 

This hands-on experience not only deepened understanding of the circulatory system, but also ignited the students’ passion for scientific inquiry. 

Year 10 Biology students replicate DNA with lolly models

In our biology lab, Year 10 students embarked on a unique experiment: using lollies to recreate the DNA double helix. Pairing jelly babies by colour, they assembled candy kebabs on toothpicks, representing base pairs. As they twisted their creations, the double helix emerged, bringing genetics to life in a deliciously creative way. This hands-on activity not only deepened understanding but also fostered teamwork and creativity among the students. With lolly DNA in hand, they gained a sweet insight into the complexities of genetic code.

Year 9s spark interest exploring static electricity

Year 9 physicists embarked on an illuminating journey through static electricity, employing the Van de Graaff dome as their conduit. From defining static electricity to witnessing hair-raising phenomena and experimenting with charge transfer, students delved into the captivating world of electrostatics. They pondered the origins of charged rods, the behaviour of water under electrified conditions, and the potential of static electricity in transportation – by sending a shock wave through a chain of students. Through hands-on exploration, students ignited their curiosity and love for physics.

Our Junior Maths Students Did Well in a Recent Comp

By Mr Andrei Dobrota

St Augustine’s students across Years 7 to 9 showcased our school's prowess at the JCU-Newman Maths Competition. Our Years 7 and 8 students joined forces, forming two teams, one was comprised of Shuntaro Sato, Cooper McIlwraith and Sam Flynn, which clinched third place. Meanwhile, in the Year 9 category, 24 students from Cairns and neighbouring areas, representing seven different schools, engaged in a fierce individual competition. Notably, every Year 9 student from St Augustine’s secured a spot in the top 10, with James Panevin achieving an impressive second place.

Exploring French Cuisine in Food Technology 

By Mr Brent Van Dam

It's been a great experience working as a pre-service teacher with the Saints Year 9 Food Technology class. 

I've taught the boys how to make a Croque Madame, a classic French cafe menu item. A Croque Monsieur is a ham and cheese sandwich with mornay sauce toasted or grilled in the oven. It becomes a Croque Madame when topped with a fried egg.

And staying with continental food, the Year 11 Hospitality class cooked Penne Carbonara that was thoroughly enjoyed by Rosies' patrons last Sunday night.

Behind the Scenes - our Hospitality Students' Stellar Performance

By Mr Brent Van Dam

After a most successful production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, we would like to recognise the behind-the-scenes efforts put in by our Years 11 and 12 Hospitality students.

They produced a wonderful selection of very well-presented and tasty foods under the direction of Ms Kerry McKenzie and me.

Over six days, the students served morning tea and lunch for 20-30 staff members at Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

The hard-working musical staff greatly appreciated the food and were full of compliments.

The students didn't just participate; they immersed themselves in this authentic learning experience with boundless enthusiasm and unwavering commitment, making it a truly memorable experience for all.

Mrs McKenzie, the other Food Tech staff and the boys thank you for all your hard work and dedication while teaching at St Augustine's.

Take Action - Year 11

By Ms Katie Fulton

As part of their Social Justice unit, the Year 11 Religion and Ethics students have to take action on a human dignity issue. In class they have already studied gender inequality, violence against women, health and education outcomes for First Nations people, wealth distribution in Australia, homelessness, the isolation of the elderly and an array of other important issues. 

For their assessment task, students will plan and deliver an action plan that addresses an issue of their choosing. In previous years, students have played free concerts at a nursing home, participated in tree planting days in the Tablelands, held bake sales and fundraisers for important charities, or collected winter and hygiene goods to be handed out to Rosies patrons. 

To show the Year 11s that anyone can take action on an issue they care about, on Tuesday local musician and media personality Drew Brauer spoke to our students about what inspired him to start his own charity, KickOn, which promotes positive mental health through its various educational programs, events and campaigns. Drew also gave some great advice about the importance of good habits and choices that build resilience and promote physical and mental health. We look forward to seeing the many ways the Year 11s will make a difference in our community.