From Rach Chapman

As we come to the close of an exciting and faith-filled year at St Augustine’s College, we take a moment to reflect with gratitude on the many ways our community has lived out our Catholic identity through prayer, service, celebration and connection. Guided by the Gospel and the spirit of St Augustine, our students, staff and families have embraced opportunities to deepen faith, foster community and respond compassionately to the needs of others.

Advent: Watching and Waiting in Hope

This week we begin Advent, the liturgical season that prepares our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Week 1 centres on Hope—the hopeful promise that God’s light will break into our world. The first purple candle on the Advent wreath, often called the Prophecy/Hope Candle, reminds us of the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah and encourages us to look forward with trust in God’s promises.

As a community, we reflect on the words of Scripture: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2).

Week 1 invites us to slow down, watch, wait and open our hearts to the hope Christ brings.

Community Masses & Liturgical Life

Throughout 2025, our Community Masses and Liturgical celebrations have been central to school life. From feast and celebration days and liturgies, staff and students have gathered in prayer to celebrate our Catholic tradition. These moments continue to shape the heart of our community and affirm our shared commitment to faith in action.

Socktober & Italian Day – Mission in Action

This year we connected our Italian Day celebrations with our Socktober fundraising, raising $288.80 to support Catholic Mission. Students embraced both the fun and the purpose of the day, showing that joy and generosity often go hand-in-hand.

Remembrance Day at Warramunda

A group of our Student Leaders represented St Augustine’s College at the Warramunda Remembrance Day Service. Their presence was a moving acknowledgment of the service and sacrifice of Australian veterans. They stood respectfully in unity with our local community, reflecting Christ’s call to be peacemakers.

Fire Carriers Excursion to Barmah

Our FIRE Carriers (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) participated in a meaningful excursion to Barmah, deepening their understanding of local Yorta Yorta culture and living out our commitment to reconciliation. This experience enriched our ongoing journey of walking respectfully with First Nations peoples. Thank you to Kasey Cooper and Peter Fawcett for facilitating this great excursion!

Donations for Vinnies & the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project

At this time, we are asking our students and families to donate toiletries, non-perishables and gift vouchers for Vinnies and the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project. These contributions offer hope and dignity to individuals and families doing it tough, embodying the Gospel message: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

We thank our school community for their generosity and support of our work in this space. It makes a significant difference and we are so grateful, thank you! Donations can be given in TA, or to the office or Mrs Chapman.

Thank you!

Year 12 Graduation Mass & Celebrations

We farewelled our Year 12 students with a beautiful Graduation Mass and ceremony on November 20, celebrating their achievements, leadership and growth as young people of faith. We pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide them as they step into life beyond St Augustine’s.

Year 5 Caritas Just Leadership Day

Our Year 5 students participated enthusiastically in the Caritas Just Leadership Day in Echuca, learning about global justice, leadership through service and the importance of standing with vulnerable communities. These students are already inspiring leaders in compassion and integrity.

Carols at the Pat Hayes Centre

Our Years 3/4 students are eagerly preparing to share the joy of Christmas by performing their Carols at the Pat Hayes Centre in preparation for our F – 4 Carols on Thursday 4th December. It has been wonderful hearing our students and staff practise and prepare for this!

Time Capsule 2000 - 2025

We have delivered and shared the contributions and contents of the 2000 Time Capsule! We hope the families have enjoyed reminiscing and sharing what was discovered. We are hoping to rebury our Time Capsule, and our current students and staff will be providing contributions for this. If you would like to add a contribution, please contact Rach Chapman at the College. These items will become a treasured snapshot of our community’s spirit in 2025.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival Next Week

A group of our senior students and staff will next week travel to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne. We look forward to their return and the faith, energy and leadership they will bring back after experiencing this vibrant celebration of young Australian Catholic life.

End of Year Liturgy - Thursday 11th December at 11.30am

We warmly invite all families to join us for our Whole-school End of Year Liturgy. This final gathering allows us to give thanks for the year that has been and to ask God’s blessing upon our holidays and the year ahead.

As we finish 2025, we hold close the words of St Paul: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

May this spirit continue to guide the St Augustine’s College community into the new year with hope, peace and joy.

Wishing every student, staff member and family a safe, holy and joy-filled Christmas.

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community