PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

We are nearing the end of 2024, and it is therefore timely to reflect on a successful school year. The past three weeks have reminded me of the many blessings we have as members of the Saints family. Foremost, the graduation of our Year 12s who are now sitting external exams. 

Year 12 Valedictory Celebrations

Finishing school is exciting. As a young person, you instantly gain the independence of being an adult. Two weeks ago we farewelled our Year 12 students. The whole college gathered for our Valedictory Mass, followed by our celebratory assembly and dinner.  These were moving occasions, and we were privileged to hear Mr Andrew Dorahy's last address as Head of Year to his Year 12 boys. To quote him in summing up our Senior Class of 2024:

“They have been a group that values to the nth degree friendship…they have listened to advice…they have represented themselves as leading members of the College in an exemplary fashion, they have acted at all times with respect…but most importantly they have been true to themselves.”

Or as Mr Brimstone aptly summed up after Mr Dorahy’s address, “You have done good”.

As a College community we congratulate and thank our Year 12 students for their significant contribution. We thank our families for the role they have played in partnering with us in the growth of our community and our young men. 

Photos of all the Valedictory Celebrations are in the Parent Portal.

Year 12 ATAR exams

We extend our best wishes and prayers to our Year 12 students as they continue with their external ATAR exams this week. Early anecdotal conversations with our Year 12s reveal that they have been well prepared for these exams. While they are not easy, most of our young men are extremely happy with how they have performed and grateful to their teachers for preparing them well. For those with upcoming exams, a reminder that each of the boys' teachers can be contacted for last-minute assistance and advice. Good luck gentlemen — the whole St Augustine’s family is thinking and praying for you all at this time.

World Teachers’ Day

Our world united last Friday to recognise our wonderful teachers on World Teachers' Day. Teachers add so much to the fabric of Australia. Education, which is the mainstay of a society, encourages and empowers our young people who are the future. A special thank you to the Parent Forum led by Jemma Picco, Emma Gelling and Leanne Kear, who provided a morning tea for our staff. This was coupled with some heart-warming messages from our students who wrote to individual teachers thanking them. 

Acknowledging the contributions of long-standing staff and the Marist leadership program

Teacher Ms Katherine Yarker and Mr Pritpal (Patrick) Singh, who works in Tolle's kitchen, were recently recognised, along with staff from other Marist schools, for their many years of dedicated service to St Augustine's. Such people help make Marist schools such positive and vital places in young people's education. 

Ms Yarker and Mr Singh were honoured alongside other staff from Marist schools in Queensland and the Northern Territory at a Mass and dinner at Marist College Ashgrove organised by Marist Schools Australia. 

Additionally, four of our 2025 prefects, Kaleb Howard, Charlie Lawrence, Kadyn Marino and Finn Slade met with student leaders from other Marist schools to plan together and develop leadership skills for their important future roles.

Parent Forum

I extend my sincere gratitude to our Parent Forum for their active engagement and support throughout the year. We have convened once each term, with between 20 and 60 participants. Each meeting has provided us with invaluable insights and constructive ideas from our parents, which we are excited to explore and implement to enhance our school community.

Projects supported by the Parent Forum this year have included the rollout of larger lockers across the school, equipment for the showgrounds oval, music seating and commissioning of the College mosaic at the Scott Street entrance.  Thank you to the Parent Forum committee members: Emma Gelling, President; Jemma Picco, Treasurer as well as Helena Tutoe, Josh Ferguson, Hannah Brian and Breanna Ellis.

India Night

We are eagerly anticipating this Saturday's annual India Night — a warm and vibrant social gathering that brings our community together. Last year, we welcomed around 200 attendees, with all funds raised supporting a school in India. A heartfelt thank you goes to Glenn McKenzie and his Tolle's team for preparing the exquisite food we enjoy each year. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the families and businesses who have generously donated prizes. Your support and contributions make this event truly special.