From Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity and Community

Welcome to Our 2026 School Year at St Augustine’s

As we begin our 2026 school year, we do so with grateful hearts and a shared commitment to our theme: “Seek Peace and Pursue It.”

In a world that can often feel hurried, divided or uncertain, this theme invites us to be intentional - to actively seek peace in our hearts, in our relationships, and in our daily actions and then to courageously pursue it wherever we are called.

Peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it is the presence of love, justice, understanding and compassion. At St Augustine’s, we strive to be a community where peace is lived each day - through respectful words, forgiving hearts, listening ears and acts of service that reflect Christ’s love.

Opening School Mass

On Wednesday 4th February, we joyfully celebrated our Opening School Mass, marking the beginning of our 2026 school year. It was a beautiful and prayerful gathering that grounded us in our shared faith and our commitment to seeking peace together as a school community.

Father Novie's Homily focused on our motto of 'Unite, Inspire, Lead and Excel'. He spoke of our hopes and plans for our 2026 school year, our Patrons and our school community. Our students' involvement, participation and engagement in our Mass was awe-inspiring and heartwarming!

During the celebration, our staff were commissioned for the year ahead, with new and returning staff warmly welcomed into the St Augustine’s community.

Our Student Leaders for 2026 were proudly presented with their badges, a visible sign of their commitment to lead with integrity, compassion and courage. Leadership at St Augustine’s is grounded in service and we look forward to seeing our leaders pursue peace through their example and actions.

Our Mass was a meaningful and hope-filled way to begin the year together.

Saint Brigid’s Feast Day – 1st February

We also reflected on the life and witness of Saint Brigid, whose Feast Day we celebrated on Saturday 1st February. Saint Brigid reminds us that peace is often found in simple, faithful acts — sharing what we have, caring for creation, welcoming the stranger, and choosing generosity over fear.

Saint Brigid's life calls us to put down what harms, to protect what is sacred and to nurture peace through compassion and hospitality. In following her example, we are reminded that even small acts of love can transform hearts and communities.

Year 12 Retreat

Our Year 12 students will participate in their Retreat from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 12th March. This retreat will be a valuable opportunity for reflection, connection and spiritual growth as students pause to consider their journeys, their hopes and the role peace plays in their lives and future paths.

Further information will be shared with families shortly.

St Augustine’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer

My name is Kasey Cooper. I am a proud Kalitheban woman from the Yorta Yorta Nation and currently work as the Aboriginal Liaison Officer at St Augustine’s College. In my role, I support and walk alongside our First Nations students throughout their schooling, helping them feel strong in culture, identity and education.

Along with supporting our students, I am also available to support and assist our parents and families with any needs they may have throughout their child’s schooling.

I am also actively engaged with our FIRE Carriers, working together to bring reconciliation and culture into our school community.

I am able to be contacted via email at kaseycooper@sakyabram.vic.edu.au

Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025

Late last year, six students and two staff were privileged to attend the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne. Run over three days, the festival provided young people from across Australia the opportunity to come together to connect, deepen their relationship with Jesus and engage in a dynamic program of music, workshops and prayer. Everyone was excited to share their insights when they returned to school after the event.