PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

What will you miss about the Marist Brothers?

That question was put to me during an interview on ABC Radio, aired this morning, where I was joined by Br Michael and Br John.

The question took me back to one Sunday afternoon. As I looked out my office window, I saw Br John picking up some books, putting them on top of a locker, picking up rubbish and putting it in a bin. He closed a locker door and continued tidying the area.

It struck me as what a good man – doing good quietly – typical of Br John. Typical of many Marist Brothers. His love for the school, his love for the Marist story was evident. So, in asking me what I will miss about the Brothers – it is exactly that. The quiet, positive influence, their presence and their love for the school – and the good example they have set for me over many years.

To listen to the ABC interview, click here.

The Brothers' legacy – the spirit, values and vision they brought to St Augustine’s – is now entrusted to us. Our mandate is clear: to continue the Marist legacy, to make Jesus Christ known and loved, and to develop Good Christians and good citizens – young people with strong minds and gentle hearts, capable of leading with faith, compassion and conviction. I shared these thoughts during our assembly to farewell the Brothers this morning.

The Marist Brothers Provincial and former Saints principal Br Darren Burge also spoke, giving a brief history of how the Brothers realised their vision. That was despite limited resources, poor economic times and swampy land. With the help of the local community and the diocese their “uncompromising vision of the education of young people” was realised.

Br Darren pointed out that there were “noteworthy parallels” between the situation in France when St Marcellin founded the Brothers and began to educate the poor and what the early Brothers faced when they came to Cairns.

During the assembly, we also farewelled staff who were leaving, presented various awards to students and heard from Br John, Leader of our Brothers’ community. 

He thanked the students' families, other visitors and friends for attending.  He then invited former principal Br Michael Green and me to unveil a plaque that recognises the contribution of the Brothers to St Augustine’s over the past 96 years. The unveiling received a standing ovation.

Farewell Mass

Our farewell to the Brothers began yesterday with a concelebrated Mass in Lennon Hall, led by Bishop Joe Caddy. The College community gathered with many special guests including 11 visiting Brothers – three of them former principals – and representatives from Marist Schools Australia and Catholic Education Cairns.

In his homily, Bishop Joe reflected on how the Brothers have "shaped generations of young people, not only with words but witness, not only with lesson but with love and care". He noted the gratitude and sadness felt as we close a remarkable chapter in Catholic education. The bishop said that the Brothers had “enriched our diocese with the wisdom of the Gospels and not from a distance but from the heart.”

Br Darren spoke of the early Brothers’ vision to make Jesus known and loved. He affirmed that this vision has been carried forward by the St Augustine’s community. It was a story he said "that centres on God's unconditional love...that embraces everyone and gives each person a place in the story."  Br Darren said that when the Brothers leave that vision will continue to develop. 

Click on the image below to watch the YouTube video of the Mass. 

NAPLAN results

The infographics below highlight the excellent NAPLAN results achieved by our Year 7 and Year 9 students, with our boys performing above both the national and Cairns Catholic Education (CEDC) averages in the writing component. This achievement reflects the continued success of our whole-school writing goal and the significant improvement made over the past two years. Writing requires organisation, reflection and clarity – skills that many boys are still developing – and strengthening these skills helps them structure their thinking, reason more deeply and communicate more effectively.

A Christmas message

As Christmas approaches and we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we pause to reflect on the year and give thanks for the support of our students, staff, families and friends of the College.

This season reminds us of peace, generosity and togetherness – values at the heart of our community.

To our students, thank you for your enthusiasm and resilience. To our families, thank you for trusting us with your sons’ education. To our staff, thank you for your dedication and care.

May this Christmas bring joy, rest and time with those you love. As we look to the new year, may we continue to meet its opportunities and challenges with faith and optimism.

On behalf of St Augustine’s College, I wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.