PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

From the opening weeks of Term 2, St Augustine’s has had many rich experiences that reflect the breadth and strength of our college life beyond the classroom.

Alongside the important work of teaching and learning, closely examined in our recent ACER review, students have engaged in a remarkable range of opportunities that speak to who we are as a college community. We have witnessed the extraordinary scale and complexity of Belshazzar’s Feast at CPAC, seen the determination and camaraderie of our Year 12 students in the Great Wheelbarrow Race, and held a moving Mother’s Day Assembly. We honoured over 400 mothers and mother figures and reflected on the Marist theme for 2026: Full of Grace – Transform the World with God’s Love.

Amazing Grace

During the assembly, the story behind this well-known hymn, written in 1772 by former sailor John Newton, was shared and sung. Newton was not always a good man. His early life was marred by anger, poor choices and involvement in the ugly slave trade, which he later looked back on with deep shame. During a violent storm at sea, believing his ship may sink, Newton cried out to God for help for the first time in years. He survived the storm, and from that moment his life slowly began to change.

Years later, as a Christian minister, he wrote the famous words:

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, 

That saved a wretch like me. 

I once was lost, but now am found;

 was blind, but now I see.”

Newton’s story is one of transformation through grace, with the understanding that God’s love is freely given, unconditional and capable of changing lives. For many of us, perhaps, our first encounter with grace is through our mothers. A mother’s love is patient, forgiving and enduring. Mothers continue to support their children through mistakes and setbacks, often seeing the best in them before they see it themselves. 

One of the most uplifting aspects of the morning was witnessing students openly expressing their love and appreciation for their mothers. It was a reminder that while boys grow and mature throughout their years at Saints, the values of gratitude, respect and family remain constant.

A special thank you to Christie King for her address and to Thomas King for his heartfelt response, and Jayveer Singh for sharing the perspective of one of our youngest students. Their contributions reflected both maturity and genuine appreciation. Thank you to all mothers and mother figures who joined us for the celebration. Your love, support and guidance continue to shape the lives of our young men in profound ways.

Camps, future careers and carnival glory

Our students have participated in two significant camps this week: Year 8s on tropical Fitzroy Island and Year 9s on Sugar Bag Station on the Atherton Tablelands. Each provided rich experiences of challenge, reflection and connection. All Year 10 students have been involved in work experience, gaining valuable insight into life beyond school. Additionally, it was a historic moment for Heavey House who won the Athletics Carnival for the first time in 24 years!

As an all-boys school, these immersive experiences are an essential part of forming young men of character. They provide opportunities to step outside the classroom, build relationships, serve others and engage more deeply with the wider community. It is in these moments that much of the growth that defines a St Augustine’s education truly takes shape.

ACER Review

St Augustine’s concluded its five-yearly ACER Review last week, an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to reflection, improvement and future-focused learning.

Guided by the National School Improvement Tool, the review brought together reflection on our practices and meaningful feedback from staff, students and parents. This process provided a valuable opportunity to affirm our strengths and identify priorities for continued growth as a learning community.

We extend our sincere thanks to independent reviewers Deb Hails, Peter Henry and Louise Morris, for their expertise, time and thoughtful engagement throughout the review.

We are now actively engaging with the findings, celebrating the many strengths identified while also working through the recommendations that will inform ongoing improvement and future planning as we move towards our centenary in 2030. 

Further information and key insights from the review will be shared with families in upcoming newsletters and at the next Parent Forum on Monday 1 June.