PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

As you receive this edition of Saints News, our Year 8 and Year 9 students – who have just returned from camp – will be sharing stories of their time away. They will be tired but fulfilled and undoubtedly wiser young men. At the same time, our Year 10s will have just completed a full week of work experience – an important step in helping them connect their learning with the world beyond the classroom. These experiences, while diverse in nature, are united in purpose: they are vital opportunities that contribute to the formation of well-rounded young men, helping to build resilience, independence and a deeper sense of self and community.

We welcome Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian 

With the election of Pope Leo XIV comes a meaningful connection to our own school community at St Augustine’s. The Marist Brothers were invited to Cairns by Bishop John Heavey, a member of the Augustinian order, to establish a school in the Marist tradition. Now, with the election of an Augustinian pope, that same spirit of mission and community resonates more than ever. His Holiness also visited Far North Queensland in 2005 while head of the Augustinians.

Taking the name Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost honours Pope Leo XIII, a 19th-century pontiff known for defending the dignity and rights of workers. His chosen name also carries deep Marian meaning. Pope Leo XIII was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In the new pope’s first address to the world, while looking out to the crowd gathered in St Peter's Square, he said, “Peace be with you all.” And he outlined his vision that "we can be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, a church open to all – just as this square welcomes everyone in charity, dialogue and love."

Mother's Day Assembly

At our recent Mother’s Day Assembly, we were honoured to welcome nearly 500 mothers and mother figures – an incredible testament to the strong engagement and partnership we share with our families. The atmosphere in Lennon Hall was one of warmth, gratitude and reflection, as our students paid tribute to the women who nurture, guide and support them each day. This beautiful gathering reflected the heart of our Marian approach – centred on love, compassion and service – and was a powerful reminder of the spirit that underpins all we do at St Augustine’s.

One of the most moving moments came when Joseph Jones, 17, and David Theron, 12, stood before over 1300 peers, staff and families to express their love and appreciation for their mothers. The courage and sincerity with which they spoke was inspiring, and a clear demonstration of the strength of character we strive to nurture in our young men. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Julianne Jones for her thoughtful response, in which she beautifully described being a mother as “one of life’s greatest blessings.” Her words, and the spirit of the entire assembly, captured the deep respect and gratitude we hold for the mothers and mother figures in our lives.

Click on the image below to view the Mother's Day Assembly. You will also find more images on the Parent Portal.

National Boarding Week, 11–17 May  

This year’s theme, Threads of Connection, beautifully captures the spirit of our boarding communities. Just like threads in a tapestry, the bonds formed between students, staff and families are what hold our communities together. Each individual contributes their own unique thread – strengthening the collective fabric that fosters personal growth, lifelong friendships and a true sense of belonging. It’s this interconnectedness that makes boarding more than just a place to live – it makes it a home.

The Anxious Generation

Last year, I referred to research by Jonathan Haidt on the influence smart phones are having on the developmental trajectory of our children, especially during the vulnerable stage of puberty. His book, The Anxious Generation, has been on the New York best sellers list for many months. 

More recently, I came across Haidt being interviewed by Fran Kelly. The interview is well worth a listen.

Parent engagement mini-conference

We are hosting the Catholic Schools Parent Association next Saturday in Lennon Hall. The topic of conversation is anxiety. Currently we are expecting close to 180 people. Parents are most welcome to attend.