PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

A Tuesday Morning Walk

It’s 7am and St Augustine’s is full of life. My walk started at the showgrounds where 20 of our footballers were training on the new playing field with the new Saints Academy. I crossed back past Saints swimming, with 16 squad swimmers churning up and down the pool, and the weights room was full of the rugby league squad. I then headed to the music rooms. Nine boys in the guitar troop were practising in L101 while several boys received music tuition. Heading up to the STEM hub, three rooms were full of students attending Maths tutorials and another room was being used for Science tutorials. 

The usual bustle of morning breakfast was well underway by the time I walked through Tolle's, and the football boys had, by this time, joined the boarders for breakfast. Outside Mission Central that Tuesday morning the prefects were cooking "Brekky with the Boys" to raise money for the MAPS Appeal. From here it’s a short walk to the Gildas Centre where another 25 boys had come in early for extra study. 

As the morning unfolded, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in being part of such a vibrant and thriving community. I was grateful to witness these opportunities for growth, learning and friendship – and it wasn’t yet 8am.

A 58-year adventure

There are rare individuals who become the bedrock of an institution and leave an indelible mark on a school. Mr David Lawrence recently bid farewell after a remarkable career working in schools and at St Augustine’s in many capacities. 

Mr Lawrence’s 58-year journey with the College began as a student in 1966, marking the start of a lifelong connection with Saints. Following his graduation in 1974, he embarked on a path to become a Marist Brother, eventually returning in 1985 to teach in the primary school. His dedication extended to various roles within the boarding community, spanning more than two decades. After leaving the Brothers, Dave's passion for education persisted, leading him back to Cairns in 2010, where he assumed the role of head of residence in the boarding school.

Throughout his tenure, Dave has left an indelible mark on the College, especially within the boarding community. His unwavering commitment to nurturing the boys under his care, coupled with his exemplary preparedness and empathetic demeanour, has solidified his reputation as a pillar of support and guidance. As he embarks on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt wishes for good health, peace and abundant happiness. May Dave find fulfillment in new endeavours and continue to inspire those around him. All the best, Dave.

A snapshot in time  – 1977's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

At assembly on Thursday the College was treated to a first glimpse of the upcoming school musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. If that live trailer is anything to go by, we are truly going to enjoy a top-class show. 

This isn’t the first time St Augustine’s has presented this musical. Flashback to 1977, 46 years ago, when our hallways, even though it may seem impossible, didn’t even have Andrew Dorahy walking them. 

In that year, St Augustine’s had a primary school and the Year 5 class went to great lengths, with limited resources, to put on the school production. An excerpt from a letter that was included in the 1977 edition of the Tolle Lege reads:

"Sir, my family and I had the great pleasure on last Friday, along with a packed house, to view the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This play was presented by the Year 5 boys and was of an extremely high standard for boys of that age group. Each boys played his part with confidence. The sets and costumes were as good as I have seen. No script for the musical had been written so one was written wholly by Brother Daryll, a grade 5 teacher."

In Week 3 of next term, this joint production with St Monica’s will be staged at CPAC. I thank in advance our staff and students who have been and will be investing an extraordinary amount of time to make the musical professional and enjoyable. Click on the poster below to buy your tickets.

Boarding review

On Monday and Tuesday of last week the College undertook a review of the boarding school. This review was facilitated by two external consultants: Kellie Kremmer, head of a residential campus in Weipa, and Luke Morrissey, Head of Boarding at St Gregory’s. Their expertise and insights guided us through an intensive two-day examination of our boarding program aimed at achieving continual improvement.

The review was comprehensive and included a survey of all boarding families, students and staff, as well as individual and group meetings. The review has provided invaluable insights and reflections, enabling us to identify areas of strength and opportunities for enhancement within our boarding program. Engaging with staff, students and parents allowed us to gather diverse perspectives, ensuring that our boarding facilities and practices align with our community.