College News

First Reconciliation

Congratulations to our 2025 Sacramental students who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation last night.

Opera in the Country

A group of St Augustine's students recently had the exciting opportunity to head to Tatura for Opera in the Country.

The students worked with Amie Wah, Matthew Duffy and former St Augustine’s student, Charlotte Goode, by learning a section of the opera chorus Street Kids Chorus from Carmen by Georges Bizet.

Announcement regarding Bishop Shane Mackinlay

The Holy See Press Office has announced that Bishop Shane Mackinlay is to be appointed as the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Brisbane.

We congratulate Bishop Shane on this significant recognition - to be appointed to such a substantial position in the Church is a great credit to him.

Appointed as Bishop of Sandhurst in 2019, Bishop Shane has been a great gift to our Diocese and to our schools, journeying with our leaders and staff through the difficult days of the pandemic and overseeing the incorporation and establishment of CESL and SCECE&C. His advocacy for education has been second to none, always showing interest in what we do and what matters to us. But perhaps more importantly, he has been a humble and human leader, deeply present to our leaders, our staff and our students, attending and taking joy in so many of our important events and celebrations. He will be deeply missed.

Bishop Shane will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving (Farewell Mass) at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, on Sunday 7th September 2025.

He will be installed as Archbishop of Brisbane at St Stephen's Cathedral, Brisbane on Thursday 11th September.

After Bishop Shane's Installation, the Consultors will elect a priest to serve as Diocesan Administrator until a new bishop is appointed.

We wish Bishop Shane all the very best in his newly appointed role - he will be missed here in Sandhurst.

Please click here for further media regarding Bishop Shane's appointment.

Magnify

What is the Science of Learning?

In Week 1 of Term 2, all staff across our diocese took part in three days of rich professional learning with Dr Jared Cooney Horvath, focusing on the Science of Learning. Throughout 2025, we will be sharing regular insights and reflections for families to consider, with the hope that these shared understandings can strengthen the partnership between school and home in support of each child’s learning journey.

To begin, it’s important we clarify what we mean when we say the Science of Learning. The Science of Learning is a growing field of research that helps us – as educators and parents – understand how human beings learn most effectively. Drawing on evidence from neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, education, artificial intelligence and philosophy, it offers us practical, research-informed strategies that support learning, build memory and develop expertise. These “best bets” can be applied not only in classrooms, but in homes and everyday life – supporting children and adults alike to keep learning, growing and thriving.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn a little more about the science of learning, please see the following link - Science of learning basics in 3 minutes - Science Of Learning.

The Resilience Project

During Term 2, we have continued our work with The Resilience Project (TRP).

This is the 5th consecutive year of being a partnership school with TRP. Through our involvement in the program, we continue to support the social and emotional wellbeing of our students and school community.

To support our school program, there are a number of ways families can get involved at home, such as GEM chats. GEM chats help our students practice The Resilience Project’s Principles. These help build strong connections through daily conversations.

GRATITUDE

Gratitude is paying attention to the things that we have right now, and not worrying about what we don’t have. We practise this by noticing the positives that exist around us.

Research shows that practicing gratitude rewires our brains to overcome the negativity bias (which can lead to anxiety and depression) and see the world for what we are thankful for. It is also shown to broaden thinking and increase physical health through improved sleep and attitude to exercise.

EMOTIONAL LITERACY

Did you know …

There are 27 main human emotions.
We experience at least 1 emotion 90% of the time, and
Frequently experience positive and negative emotions at the same time.

If you’re interested in learning more about Emotional Literacy check out The Imperfects podcast. In the below episode, Dr Emily talks about the concept of Emotional Awareness, and explains why it’s not only important to identify your unpleasant emotions, but why it's even more important to express them when they arise.

Dr Emily - you are Not Your Emotions

Below is a link to more of ‘The Imperfects’ podcast episodes on The Resilience Project website or you can listen wherever you listen to your podcasts.

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home/podcasts/

EMPATHY

Did you know ….

80% of our happiness is derived from:

● Friendship

● Health

● Work fulfilment

● Loving relationships

● Spirituality

When you do something kind for someone else your brain releases the love hormone oxytocin. This makes you feel good too. Check out Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project talking about being kind and the benefits of kindness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO-ja3h5INc

“Kindness is the greatest wealth of all. Small acts of kindness last longer than a lifetime” - Eddie Jaku (Author of ‘The Happiest Man on Earth’).

MINDFULNESS