School Chaplain

Why Austin is an inspiration

Finally, a breath of fresh air in the news lately. We are hearing about the heroism of 13-year-old Austin Applebee from WA who two weeks ago, while kayaking in Geographe Bay, was swept out to sea with his mother and siblings. Austin swam 4km through rough, shark-filled waters to save his loved ones, an extraordinary feat comparable to swimming 80 laps in a pool or competing in an Ironman under stormy conditions. 

Motivated by positive thoughts and repeating, "Little engines can do big things," Austin defied the odds and reached the shore after four hours. He then ran another 2km to alert rescuers. Exhausted, he collapsed and later woke up in Busselton Hospital, initially fearing for his family’s safety, but soon realised his bravery had saved them from drowning. Austin was later seen in a wheelchair and walking with crutches. What a remarkable story of courage.

While our school theme last year was “Find Your Brave”, this year it is Embrace, Excel and Empower. Both are equally designed to inspire our students to pursue their personal goals with courage while also encouraging them to be selfless and outward-looking citizens who are passionate about serving God, their neighbours, and the world around them. This aligns with our School values of Wisdom, Grace, and Service. 

It was a pleasure to formally welcome our Year 9 prefects at chapel last Thursday. This followed the commissioning of our Year 12 students and leaders during chapel. Education is more than academics; it also includes character development. So, we kicked off the new academic year in chapel with the inspiring story of young Austin Applebee, emphasising Jesus’ new commandment to love one another (John 15) and Paul’s message to rejoice with the rejoicing and weep with the weeping. We encourage our students to support one another through Pastoral Care Groups, the School House system, classrooms and the chapel. No student at St George’s will feel uncared for when we embody such values.

Fr Gift Makwasha

School Chaplain