From Rach Chapman

St Augustine's Feast Day Mass and Celebrations 

St Augustine of Hippo was one of the most important saints in the history of the Catholic Church. A bishop, theologian, philosopher and writer, he greatly influenced Christian teaching and is recognised as a Doctor of the Church. 

Augustine was born on 13 November 354  in Thagaste, North Africa (modern-day Algeria). His mother,  St Monica, was a devoted Christian who prayed faithfully for her son's conversion. 

As a young man, Augustine was highly intelligent and became a teacher of rhetoric. He spent many years searching for truth and happiness through worldly success and different philosophies, but remained spiritually restless. 

While living in Milan, Augustine was deeply influenced by  St Ambrose. After a long spiritual struggle, he converted to Christianity in 386 and was baptised by Ambrose in 387. His famous words from Confessions express his journey: 

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." 

Augustine later became a priest and Bishop of Hippo, serving from 396 until his death in 430. He preached, cared for the poor and defended the Christian faith. 

His teachings on grace, faith, prayer, sin, conversion and our search for God have influenced the Church for more than 1,600 years. 

St Augustine's life reminds us that no one is beyond God's love and grace. His journey shows that, through faith and God's mercy, our hearts and lives can be transformed. 

We had the most wonderful week last week, celebrating our patron, Saint Augustine! Thank you to everyone who assisted with and attended our Mass and thank you to those who provided cupcakes for us to enjoy!  We have included some photos from the day in the College News section of this newsletter.

Socktober Launch - Catholic Mission  

On Friday 28th August, myself, Mrs Shaw and four Year 8 Student Leaders attended the Socktober Launch and Catholic Mission Mass at Notre Dame in Shepparton. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with students from other schools in the Diocese and learn about the work of Catholic Mission in Australia and overseas. We are so excited to continue this work in our St Augustine's community.  

Lone Pine Ceremony 

On Wednesday 2nd September we held our Lone Pine Ceremony at St Augustine's College. This ceremony included many special guests, Legacy Kyabram and our Year 5 and 6 students. It was a beautiful recognition of our service men and women and the sacrifices made.  

Thank you to Ian Danahay of Kyabram Legacy who led our service wonderfully, and to all who contributed through words or actions to create and provide a reflective and considered morning.  

A special thank you to our College Captains; Charli and Dylan who delivered 'A Seed of That Lone Pine Tree', and our students Shylee and Xavier who spoke of the Battle of Lone Pine, Legacy's mission and our commitment to honouring the legacy of our fallen heroes and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten. Shylee and Xavier also spoke of their Kokoda experiences and their gratitude, appreciation and understanding.  

John Lilford, Chairperson of Kyabram Legacy, spoke of the Guardianship of Lone Pine and Appreciation from Kyabram Legacy and Principal Tim Campbell spoke of the honour, privilege and importance for us in the Guardianship.  

Our Years 5 and 6 students were absolutely brilliant in their participation and engagement, and refreshments and hospitality were enjoyed in St Augustine's Church.  Thank you to Maggie Borrelli and our Years 5/6 staff for their preparation and efforts with our students, the art work was amazing! 

Thank you to all who attended and supported our Lone Pine Ceremony.  

Beaut Blokes Breakfast, Liturgy and Classroom visits 

Yesterday we celebrated the 'Beaut Blokes' in our lives with a fabulous breakfast, a Liturgy and classroom visits.  

Sports colours were on show, as were the smiles and joy as we recognised and celebrated the wonderful men in our lives! 

Our Liturgy focused on our theme of fathers and significant people in our lives, and our F-4 community were fantastic with their reading, singing and participation! 

Prayer for Season of Creation 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Loving Creator God, 

As we journey through this Season of Creation, we pause to give thanks for the beauty and wonder of the world You have entrusted to our care. 

We thank You for the skies above us, the earth beneath our feet, the trees that provide shade, the waters that sustain life, and all living creatures that reveal Your goodness and love. 

Bless our school community as we seek to be faithful stewards of Your creation. Open our eyes to see the sacredness of our common home and inspire us to care for it with wisdom, gratitude and responsibility. 

When we are busy, remind us to slow down and marvel at the gifts that surround us. When we feel overwhelmed by the challenges facing our world, fill us with hope and courage. When we are tempted to think our actions do not matter, help us remember that every act of care, kindness and respect contributes to the flourishing of Your creation. 

May our words and actions reflect the teachings of Jesus, who calls us to love one another and to care for all that You have made. 

We pray for those communities around the world affected by environmental disasters, poverty and injustice. May they experience comfort, support and renewed hope. 

Through the example of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology, may we grow in wonder, humility and joy, recognising all creation as a gift that leads us closer to You.

May our school be a place where gratitude is lived, where creation is respected, and where future generations are inspired to protect and cherish our common home. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

St Francis of Assisi, pray for us.  St Augustine, pray for us.  Mary, Mother of Creation, pray for us. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community