From Rach Chapman

Leadership 

What is leadership and what makes a great leader? 

Leadership is one of those concepts that everyone recognises, yet few can define with complete precision. Ask ten people what leadership means and you may receive ten different answers. Some will speak of vision, others of service, influence, courage or responsibility. While leadership can be difficult to define, we know it when we see it. We see it in those who inspire confidence, encourage others to grow and work tirelessly for the good of the community. 

Importantly, leadership is not confined to titles or positions. While principals, teachers, captains, parents and community leaders all hold important formal roles, leadership is equally evident in the student who shows kindness to a classmate, the staff member who quietly supports a colleague or the parent who gives generously of their time for others. True leadership is less about authority and more about influence; it is about the positive impact we have on the lives of those around us. 

The challenge for any organisation, school or society is not only finding leaders, but finding the right leaders. Excellence in leadership matters because leaders help shape culture. They establish priorities, model values and create environments in which others can flourish. Good leaders bring people together around a shared purpose and the quality of leadership at every level has a profound effect on the wellbeing and success of a community. 

Positive leadership has benefits that extend far beyond the workplace or classroom. In families, it nurtures strong relationships and a sense of belonging. In schools, it fosters learning, respect and inclusion. In communities, it encourages collaboration and service. In our wider world, positive leadership promotes peace, justice and the common good. At its heart, leadership is about helping others become the best version of themselves and contributing to something greater than our own individual interests. 

As a Catholic community, we are reminded that Jesus modelled a style of leadership grounded in humility, compassion and service. He led not through power or status, but through love and a commitment to the dignity of every person. This example challenges us to consider how we might lead in our own spheres of influence, whether large or small.

Perhaps the difficulty in defining leadership is because it is ultimately lived rather than described. Leadership is seen in actions more than words, in character more than position and in service more than recognition. As we continue to nurture leadership within our school community, may we strive not only for capable leaders, but for leaders of integrity, wisdom and compassion. In doing so, we help create a school, a community and a world where all people can thrive. 

We work to encourage and foster excellent leadership skills in all our students, badged or unbadged and acknowledge the contribution every person brings to our school culture and community.  

The process for selection for our 2027 Student Leaders has begun! 

Students in Years 3, 7 and 11 are invited to apply for the following Leadership Roles for 2027: 

• College Captains (Year 12) 

• Community Leaders (Years 4 and 8) 

• Catholic Social Teaching Leaders (Years 4, 8 and 12) 

• House Leaders (Years 4, 8 and 12) 

• Creative Arts Leader (Year 12) 

Applications are due on Thursday 20th August.  

Students are asked to complete their Nomination Form first: 

Student Leadership Application 2027 – Fill out form 

Application letters are to be sent to Mrs Rach Chapman (rachellechapman@sakyabram.vic.edu.au) 

All students applying for College Captain will present a speech at our St Augustine's Feast Day Mass on Thursday 27th August.  

Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship 2026

We would love to take this opportunity to congratulate Year 11 student Olivia M, who has been awarded the Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship for 2026! 

Olivia’s application and efforts are to be commended and we look forward to working with Olivia to see her project and efforts come to fruition! There will be more information to come and opportunities to acknowledge and congratulate Olivia. 

Congratulations Liv! 

Forgiveness – Gospel Reading 

This week our Years 1, 2 and 11 students celebrated Mass together, reflecting on one of the most important lessons Jesus has taught us; forgiveness. The Gospel Reading from Matthew (18:21-19:1) highlighted the importance of forgiving, just as we would like to be forgiven. 

Jesus showed us what true forgiveness looks like through the way He treated people with love, kindness and mercy. Sometimes forgiving can be hard, we all make mistakes, we are human! We also need to remember this is when the actions or words of others impact us. 

Simple acts of love, sharing and especially acknowledging what we have done and apologising, saying sorry, can make a significant difference.  

We celebrated our Mass with joyful hearts, knowing that God's love and forgiveness are always with us. 

Staff Spirituality Day 2026  

Last week we welcomed St Patrick's Tongala and St Mary's Rushworth to St Augustine's for our 2026 Staff Spirituality Day.  

This day provided wonderful opportunities and experiences for us to learn, reflect and share hospitality with each other.  

We connected with our shared mission in Catholic Education in the Sandhurst Diocese and reflected on our Cultural Covenant and what it means to live life to the full.  

Bishop Tim Norton, Bishop of Broome, was our Plenary Speaker and shared his learnings and experiences, inviting us to reflect on how we collectively support and lift each other and all those we work with.  

We attended workshops and also had the opportunity to experience two amazing guest speakers in Stan Grant and Lisa McInnes-Smith.  

Reflection, prayer, collegiality and joy epitomised the day. We are so grateful to Catholic Education Sandhurst, St Mary's Rushworth and St Patrick's Tongala for an incredible Spirituality Day! 

Prayer  

Loving God,

As we journey through this day and term, we thank You for the gift of life and the grace that sustains us. Through the intercession of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, we ask that You heal our divisions and bring unity to our hearts and communities. 

Give us the grace to forgive one another with openness and humility, keeping our steps firm in Your truth and filling our souls with Your lasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen. 

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community