PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

'Not everything that matters can be measured, and not everything that can be measured matters'

I was fortunate to attend the Marist Schools Australia Biennial Conference in Alice Springs last term. There were many exceptional keynote speakers including Professor David de Carvalho who shared his reflections on Australian education and assessment. 

Professor de Carvalho, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Theology at the University of Notre Dame, made a statement in his address that struck a chord with me that is particularly relevant as our Year 12s approach their final, external exams. He said, “Not everything that matters can be measured, and not everything that can be measured matters”. 

Comprehensive revision, practice exams and ongoing learning dominate the precious time left for Year 12. This is a reminder that while academic results are important, they don’t capture the full picture of a student's abilities, potential or worth. While grades and exam scores are measurable outcomes - they don't necessarily reflect all the qualities that truly matter, such as character, resilience, knowing right from wrong, creativity, emotional intelligence or the ability to work well with others. Success in life and in future careers often depends on these unmeasurable qualities, not just academic performance.

At the core of our mission is making Jesus Christ known and loved, while nurturing individuals to become good Christians and good citizens with strong minds and gentle hearts. While Year 12 exit results are important, our focus extends far beyond academics.

With this in mind we extend our heartfelt best wishes to our Year 12 students not only for the final days of classes but also as they embark on their external exams commencing in Week 4. We have every confidence in their abilities and know they will continue to make us proud in their future endeavours.

Let us keep every young woman and young man completing Year 12 across Queensland in our thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks.

I express my gratitude to our entire College community for your continued support and dedication to our mission of providing a holistic and enriching education for our students. As we complete Term 4, let us continue to work together to foster a positive and nurturing environment for all, with Marcellin Champagnat’s vision of producing "good Christians and virtuous citizens". 

2025 College prefects 

The 2025 prefects were officially announced at our college assembly yesterday. These young leaders have demonstrated exceptional dedication during their time at Saints, and we look forward to witnessing their positive contributions to the College next year. 

We were privileged to have 40 young men bravely put forward their names for prefect positions. While not all were successful, each deserves recognition for their commitment and willingness to step up and be considered for a leadership position. 

India Night

I hope you can join us on Saturday 2 November for our annual India Night. Lionel Williamson has been the driving force behind the India Night fundraiser at St Augustine’s College since 1995. Thank you to the Marist Association, under the guidance of Brett Toombs, which has accepted responsibility for continuing Lionel’s great work. And we are inviting our whole Saints community to be part of this important fundraising initiative.