PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

Our Commencement Mass is always a highlight of Term 1. This year there was added significance as we were exceptionally fortunate to have His Excellency, Bishop Joe Caddy, preside over this special occasion. His homily offered a powerful reflection on two key pieces of scripture from Isaiah (58:6-10) and the Gospel of Matthew (5:1-12). Bishop Joe spoke about a call to compassion and justice.  

He emphasised the radical nature of these passages, urging us to embrace the challenge of Jesus' teachings and become part of a greater movement for justice and compassion. In referring to Isaiah, he reminded us that we are called to “remove the chains of injustice” and be people who are centred on the needs of those around us. He challenged us to move beyond self-interest, encouraging us to ask, “How can I serve others?” rather than “What’s in it for me?” Though written over two and a half thousand years ago, this message remains profoundly relevant today.

Turning to the Beatitudes from Matthew's Gospel, Bishop Joe highlighted the virtues that should guide our daily interactions:

Humility, which fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected.

Meekness, which calls us to approach one another with understanding, patience and kindness.

Mercy, which encourages us to be slow to judge and quick to offer compassion, cultivating a culture of kindness and mutual respect.

At St Augustine’s, we have been challenged to start the year with these scriptures in mind. By embracing humility, meekness and mercy, we can create a community where justice, compassion and service thrive. May we rise to this challenge and make 2025 a year of true Christian witness. Click on the image below to view the Mass.

College Chaplain

We are pleased to announce that Fr Santhosh George has been appointed our chaplain. He will regularly preside over our Friday Morning Mass as well as the boarders Sunday evening Mass, and we welcome his appointment.

Fr Santhosh, who was ordained in 2001, arrived in the Cairns Diocese from India in August 2024 and has 23 years' experience as a parish priest. He is an assistant priest to Fr Roy in the parishes of Parramatta Park and Cairns North. 

NIAA funding supports St Augustine’s growth

St Augustine’s has been awarded funding from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) for 2025 and 2026. This generous grant will allow us to complete the refurbishment of the Lower Ambrose Boarding Residence, ensuring that our boarders enjoy modern, comfortable and well-equipped accommodation. The previous grant from NIAA enabled us to refurbish Upper Ambrose and initiate upgrades for Lower Ambrose. With this continued support, we can fully realise our vision for an enhanced boarding experience. We extend our sincere thanks to Osborne Constructions for their dedicated work in making these improvements possible.

This funding will also help us purchase two new school buses to primarily transport boarders. Our current buses have served us well but  are due for replacement. We are exceptionally grateful to NIAA for their support.  

Congratulations to our Boarding Services Manager

In exceptional circumstances, the Brothers express their close connection to certain individuals through affiliated membership. Such people share the ideals and spirituality that is the Marist way of living and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus in our world.

Mr Glenn McKenzie is such a person. And he will be recognised in a low-key ceremony this weekend with an Affiliation to the Marists of Champagnat, Star of the Sea Province. Many congratulations Glenn.