PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

There is an old rabbinic story, where the teacher asks the students, “When do you know it is dawn?” A student replied, “When you can distinguish a white thread from a black one.” 

“No,” said the teacher. 

“When you can see the outline of a tree against the horizon,” ventures another. 

“No,” said the teacher ⁠– to this and all other efforts to answer the question.

 Finally, the teachers said, “When you can look into the eyes of 'another’, a stranger, and see a brother or a sister, then it is dawn. Until then, it is still night.”

The story relates directly to the College theme for the year, First Light: Reveal the Spirit. The moral behind this story is centred on the theme of recognising the shared humanity in others and fostering a sense of connection and empathy. At St Augustine’s we speak of this as family spirit or brotherhood. We talk about being "present". Really what the story is saying is to truly be present for one another. Notice one another– form connections between all individuals⁠ – and our brotherhood will come to the forefront.

Welcome Assembly

We also endeavour to really recognise those new to our community through our rituals. Rituals create and define culture. The College’s Welcome Assembly holds particular significance in this regard. At this special occasion last week we clearly conveyed to the new members of the community that they are not only warmly welcomed, but they are now part of the Saints community. Click on photo below to watch our YouTube recording. 

Academic Awards Assembly

Yesterday we recognised 175 students for academic excellence. At St Augustine’s we try to be humble in our approach to our successes⁠ – we do very well academically as a school and have a long history of good results⁠ – and we do celebrate these results knowing that these boys who have received awards have worked hard, prepared well and shown persistence in their studies, and as a result are being acknowledged.

The College is also proud to provide a holistic education with multiple opportunities and career pathways available to our students. In 2023, 78 VET certificates were awarded. Congratulations on this amazing achievement and thank you to the staff who have contributed to our students' academic performance. 

While this is a moment of pride and celebration for the achievements, this assembly was also a reminder of what is most important in our lives. And while we value diligence, dedication and persistence and duly acknowledge academic excellence, we also remembered Christian Laska who passed away tragically at the beginning of the school holidays. Christian ⁠– who was a high achiever across academia, sport and leadership ⁠– reminds us that these achievements, while highly valued are a distant second to our friendships, to those that are special in our lives, and following Christian’s example, to how we treat and relate to one another. Click on the photo below to watch our YouTube video.

Parent Forum

On Friday 16 February we will hold the first Parent Forum for the year. This forum is an opportunity for parents to speak to me and to staff and raise any questions or concerns for discussion. In Term 1, the Parent Forum is held before the New Parents Evening. All parents are welcome to join the New Parents Evening after the Parent Forum. 

My heartfelt wishes to all in our Marist family, especially those students who are off to enjoy the Year 7 Camp and Year 12 Retreat next week. May the opportunity of a new year provide you with "First Light" ⁠– renewal, hope and possibility.