9-12 Community News
Building a Positive School and Community Culture
The past two weeks have been full of events that have continued to build upon the positive culture of St Augustine’s. The way in which our students have engaged in the wide variety of activities is something that speaks volumes for their collegiate spirit and positive culture of the 9-12 Community.
Last Friday saw the Years 7-12 students taking to the sports field to run, jump and throw faster, higher and stronger (further), as they competed for their House in the 7-12 Athletics Carnival. The PE staff, led by Michael Hill and our trainee, Mackenzie, did a great job in setting up the field for an exciting day of competition. The participation by so many of the 9-12 Community was great to see. Our Year 12s reflected the spirit of fun and participation in their costumes and willingness to participate in their final College sports day and the students from 7-12 competed and supported each other in the best spirits. Congratulations to Delaney House who were the overall winners. Well done to all for your participation and sportsmanship in the way in which you competed
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In the classroom, students continue to work hard and enjoy a variety of experiences. The 9/10 Agriculture and Horticulture class are eagerly preparing for the arrival of a pair of calves which they will be caring for as part of the Cows Create Careers Program. And, in coming weeks, the Year 10 VPC class are looking forward to heading to the Broadford Motocross Track to learn about the many aspects of mathematics that the sport incorporates. Next week, Year 10 students will be involved in Mock Interviews, a careers activity where students will write application letters and resumes and be taken through a ‘job interview' by members of the business community. Later in the term, 10B students will have the opportunity to do work experience in a wide range of local businesses.
On Monday, the school gathered together for our St Augustine’s Feast Day Mass. It was a lovely service, made more special by the excellent performances of Sarah and Remi, who led the school in singing the hymns and prayers.
The assembly also provided the opportunity for students and staff to hear from our two College Captain nominees, Isla Carver and Ethan Ciavarella, who delivered assured speeches in outlining their leadership aspirations for 2024. Along with Isla and Ethan, we have also seen more than a dozen Year 11 students nominated for leadership positions in 2024, which is a credit to the student’s willingness to serve the school and the wider community.
Another area in which students have put themselves forward is in applying for the University of Melbourne’s Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program, which is a prestigious, highly sought after opportunity for Year 10 students. It is very gratifying to see the number of students who are setting themselves the challenge of aspiring to high levels of achievement. Good luck to those who have been nominated.
Thursday saw the College recognise the important men in the lives of students with the Beaut Blokes Breakfast, which saw plenty of dads, uncles, grandads and mates gather with students and staff for a chat, a kick of the footy and an egg and bacon sandwich. This was a great way to start the day, which coincided with the celebration of Footy Colours Day.
Another aspect of Footy Colours Day saw the 7-12 year levels come together to cheer on and play in the inaugural “Zayden’s Match”, a student and staff football match played to celebrate our mate, Zayden Pell.
In the lead up to the day, a rigorous draft and team selection, followed by guernsey presentations, was held on Tuesday. After a vigorous training session on Wednesday, the two teams of Years 10-12 students and staff from across the College, took to the field on Thursday. The crowd was entertained by an exciting blend of skill, sportsmanship, mateship and fun - all the qualities that Zayden epitomised.
In a closely fought tussle, the ‘Bombers’ narrowly won the trophy over ‘St Augustine’s’, with Ava P and Max C sharing Best-on-Ground honours. Thank you to all those involved in the planning and organisation of the day, to all those who played and to all those who cheered and barracked for both teams. This game, and all of the events of the last few weeks, reflect the wonderful, positive culture that is developing across the 9-12 Community and the College.
Michelle Downie Brad Downie
9-12 Community Leader 9-12 Community Leader
Wellbeing and Community Student Learning and Professional Practice