PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

In Word and Deed

There were two significant announcements at yesterday's assembly: the launch of our fifth House, Fourvière, and the introduction of our 2027 college prefects.

The motto chosen for our new House, Verbo et Opere, translates as “in word and deed”. It speaks to the importance of integrity, of ensuring that our actions match our words. In many ways, it also captures the essence of authentic leadership.

During the selection process for next year's student leaders, we interviewed each candidate. Interestingly, the quality that emerged most often in our conversations was not talent, popularity or achievement. It was trust.

This should not surprise us. Leadership begins with trust. People are willing to follow those they trust, and trust is earned when words are consistently supported by actions.

For our young men, this lesson applies in everyday situations. A student may say he will work harder, complete his homework, be kinder to others, or contribute positively in class. These are admirable intentions. However, trust is not built on intentions alone. It is strengthened when those commitments are followed by action.

Likewise, when our actions do not reflect our words, confidence begins to erode. Others may question our reliability, and we may even lose confidence in ourselves. Integrity is found in the alignment between what we say and what we do.

People of integrity are dependable. They keep their promises. They follow through. Their actions give credibility to their words. This is why the motto, Verbo et Opere, is so fitting for our new House and such an important challenge for our student leaders.

Importantly, this challenge is not reserved for those who wear a badge. Every student at St Augustine’s College has the chance to lead. Each day presents a choice: whether our actions will match our words, and whether we will build trust through the way we conduct ourselves.

As we congratulated our 2027 prefects and house captains, we reminded them that leadership does not require perfection. It does, however, require integrity. We expect our leaders to model the values they speak about, to set the example they ask others to follow and to earn trust through their daily actions.

Confraternity Rugby League Carnival returning to Cairns

We are excited to announce that St Augustine’s has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2028 Confraternity Rugby League Carnival (Confro). The carnival will return to Cairns from 25-30 June 2028, bringing together more than 1,500 players and over 500 coaches, officials and volunteers from Catholic and independent schools across Queensland. 

Saints first competed in Confraternity Rugby League in 1984 and previously hosted the carnival in 1986 and 1993. It has grown substantially since then, expanding from 18 teams in 1993 to a competition that now includes boys teams from 56 schools and girls teams from 16 schools. 

It will be an honour to welcome students, staff, families and supporters from across Queensland to Cairns. We extend our sincere thanks to QISSRL and Cairns Regional Council for supporting us to bring Confro back to Far North Queensland.  

In coming months, we will announce further details about the carnival and opportunities for our community to become involved in what promises to be a memorable week for St Augustine’s College and the Far North. 

India Night

I hope you can join us on Saturday 31 October for our annual India Night. Lionel Williamson has been the driving force behind this fundraiser at St Augustine’s College since 1995. Thank you to the Marist Association which, under the guidance of Brett Toombs, has accepted responsibility for continuing Lionel’s great work. Our whole Saints community is invited to be part of this important event.