PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

Dear members of the Saints family,

The 2023 academic year has ended. Reflecting on the year, we have had many successes, but we have also had challenging times. Among our successes has been this exciting week with the official blessing and opening of the Lavalla Stage 2 Building.

Official opening of Lavalla Stage 2

During a liturgy in Lennon Hall yesterday, led by Diocesan Administrator Fr Kerry Crowley, I welcomed those involved in bringing this project to fruition including representatives from Clarke and Prince Architects and La Spina Constructions. Fr Crowley, who blessed the new classrooms, and Mr Bill Dixon, Executive Director of Catholic Education Services, were also made welcome. 

Our students are to be complimented on how well they sang and involved themselves in the liturgy.

Lavalla Stage 2 represents our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students, enhancing their learning and ensuring that they have every opportunity to flourish.

These new facilities send a clear message that through a "Catholic, Marist education ... our students will not only excel academically but also grow as well-rounded individuals who appreciate the beauty of the sciences and the arts."

We are grateful to the many people who have contributed to the success of this four-million-dollar project with the full support of Mr Bill Dixon and Catholic Education Services. 

Inspiring our boys to be the best that they can be

 At the start of the year, I told the boys a story about shepherds picking up pebbles that turned to diamonds. The purpose behind this story was to illustrate that we provide many opportunities at Saints and it is up to the boys to pick up as many pebbles – or opportunities – as possible. Some of these opportunities then turn into diamonds.

Our recent Awards Night highlighted great achievements that have contributed to our college. These included the following:

• Outstanding academic results evident in NAPLAN and in other measures of our students’ progress along with external awards in the arts and other subjects.
• Excellent sporting performances; a  highlight was finishing second in the Queensland finals of the Bill Turner Cup.
• Incredible musical performances such as Carmina Burana which was particularly memorable. 
• New initiatives in service including Beach to Bins in which students from several Cairns schools, including those from St Augustine’s, collected rubbish on the Esplanade.
• Some simple special occasions too, such as when Richard (Jack) Robins, our oldest Old Boy at 99, graced us with his presence as we honoured his grandson Lachlan Downing. Lachlan achieved an ATAR of 99.85 and was 2022 Dux.

These are all examples of opportunities that have turned into diamonds. I wholeheartedly thank our generous and professional staff for giving their time to allow students to achieve in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities. 

Recognising effort

While we recognise and celebrate our students’ outstanding achievements, which have led to the many successes mentioned, the real measure of success isn’t necessarily the accolade. Instead, it is the hard work behind it. Many boys have worked exceptionally hard and have not necessarily been recognised. Their efforts, sometimes without affirmation, are truly admirable. 

Various writers, including Daniel Coyle author of The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown, argue that we should “use the language of rewarding effort and not talent” and that “it is best to acknowledge the efforts to master small tasks”. He goes on to say that “Being a prodigy is an unreliable predictor of long-term success”.The achievements and successes of the year are the culmination of persistence, overcoming adversity, learning from failure, discipline, dedication and sacrifice. What we celebrate are these qualities.

Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Christmas

The festive season is upon us. The world is adorned with decorations and echoes with carols, however, it is crucial to move beyond mere sentimentality. The call to actively seek peace and goodwill involves more than a superficial celebration; it requires a genuine commitment to embodying the Christmas spirit in our interactions with others.

I recently read a pertinent quote by Holocaust survivor and 1986 Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Weisel: "The opposite of good isn't evil, it’s indifference". The quote is relevant when considering the themes of peace and Christmas because in this context indifference becomes a serious concern. 

The Christmas story is of profound significance, symbolising hope, love and the potential for positive transformation. The arrival of the Christ child is a testament to divine intervention in human history, bringing with it the promise of peace on Earth and goodwill toward all.

While celebrating Christmas we are faced with a challenge: will we remain indifferent to the needs of those around us and their struggles? Or, rather, will we reject passive observance and actively seek opportunities to spread love, foster understanding and contribute to the wellbeing of others?

I wish staff, parents, carers and students an enjoyable, safe and relaxing holiday and look forward to welcoming you back in 2024.