PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

While Week 1 may have been shorter than usual, the start to Term 4 has been smooth and productive, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the year. As the humidity ramps up, our Year 12s are moving closer to the end of their schooling, and we are thrilled to announce our prefects for 2024. Additionally, we have much to celebrate with the release and analysis of our NAPLAN results.

2024 College Prefects 

The 2024 college prefects were officially announced at our assembly yesterday. These young leaders have demonstrated exceptional dedication during their time at Saints, and we look forward to witnessing their positive contributions to our college in the year ahead. 

We were privileged to have 45 young men step forward and bravely put their names forward for prefect positions. While not all were successful, each deserves recognition for his commitment and willingness to step up to leadership roles. 

NAPLAN: Celebrating Excellence

The 2024 NAPLAN results have brought tremendous pride to our college community. St Augustine's College has again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence, with our students achieving outstanding results that place us ahead of the nation, the state of Queensland and the Cairns diocese.

It is debatable whether NAPLAN is a good measure, and it largely depends on how the data is used and interpreted. While it can provide valuable information, it should be considered alongside other forms of assessment and used as a tool for improvement rather than as the sole determinant of a school's or student's success. 

We approach this achievement with humility, acknowledging that it is the result of collective effort from our dedicated students, tireless educators and the unwavering support of our community. These results underscore our commitment to fostering an environment where every student can thrive, learn and achieve their personal best.

A Special Time for Our Graduating Class

We are preparing to bid farewell to our Year 12s, who have been an integral part of our college community. On Thursday of Week 3, our graduating class will be honoured with a special Mass, followed by a memorable Valedictory Assembly. This day will culminate in a dinner, marking the end of their education at St Augustine's College.

We extend our heartfelt best wishes to our Year 12 students not only for the final days of classes but also as they embark on their external exams commencing in Week 4. We have every confidence in their abilities and know they will continue to make us proud in their future endeavours.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to our entire college community for your continued support and dedication to our mission of providing a holistic and enriching education for our students. As we progress through the term, let us continue to work together in fostering a positive and nurturing environment for all, with Marcellin Champagnat’s vision of producing "good Christians and virtuous citizens". 

India Night

I hope you can join us on Saturday 28 October for our annual India Night. Lionel Williamson has been the driving force behind our India Night fundraiser since 1995. Lionel is recuperating after a knee reconstruction. The members of the Marist Association have accepted responsibility for continuing Lionel’s great work, and we are inviting our whole Saints community to be part of this important fundraiser. 

The Marist Brothers operate three schools n the village of P.Udayapatti in Tamil Nadu: Marist Higher Secondary School (Years 7-12), and Marist Brothers Primary School (Years 1- 6).The schools were established in 1989. The secondary school is affiliated with Tamil Nadu Board of Higher Secondary Education and is co-educational. Three Brothers and 35 lay teachers educate 900 children. It provides secondary education for boys and girls from different villages, and almost no students arrive by car – many walk many kilometres and others arrive in crowded buses or on bicycles. The primary school is a boys school operated by two Brothers and five lay teachers for about 300 boys. The government of Tamil Nadu provides very limited funds for non-government schools, so most of the running costs for salaries and resources for the students must be obtained from Marist schools in other parts of the world. The families can pay only very small fees since many are subsistence farmers. 

See you on Saturday 28 October from 5pm in the College grounds.