From the Principal

Last Wednesday we shared in the wonderful occasion of celebrating our graduating Year 12 students.  Commencing with Mass led by Fr Jinjo, our students were presented with their graduation certificates under the watchful eye of the beautiful stained-glass window of St Augustine.  May the heroes we put before them, great men and women of faith, courage and kindness, especially Brigid and Augustine guide their decisions and moral discernment and by their example, give them strength in times of need.  May the causes of justice we placed before their heart and hands for the people in need of support and compassion, become their causes, compelling them to speak out and act for justice whenever and wherever.  And may they be known by all who meet them as people who live a life of integrity and strength in the values which also gently guide those around them, to grow into the best that they can be.

This night was not only about our fresh-faced and eager graduands, it was about each person who have helped them along the way – who have made sacrifices, who have spent sleepless nights, who have shared joy and sadness, who have been present in the most difficult times and especially those who have felt the incredible and overwhelming pride of seeing someone you care about achieve remarkable things.  We give thanks for each of these moments.  Moments that have shaped us and have shaped our graduands.  We couldn’t have come to this celebration if it weren’t for all those little moments of life along the way, those everyday blessings of daily cuts and bruises, packed school lunches, clean uniforms, filling in yet another permission form, or giving in to writing a letter to excuse your child from the swimming program when it was too cold!!!!   But most importantly, gentle conversations and quiet encouragement when needed most.  

To our families of the Graduating 2019 Class, you entrusted us with the education of your child.  Together, we have seen them grow from children to young adults.  We have shared ups and downs, triumphs and tears and I sincerely thank you for your ongoing support over many years.  It is with some sadness that for many families, 2019 will be their last official year with us at St Augustine’s College.  As I acknowledged at our graduation dinner, you remain a part of our community and we will be forever grateful that you trusted us with the gift of educating your child.    

Over the past month, we have been working through our student leadership process.  Selecting leaders for our College (Years 4, 8 and 12) is certainly not an easy process and I commend the courage our students have shown throughout this process.  This week we were able to finalise our Year 12 leaders for 2020 and you can find a list of these leadership roles within the newsletter.  Congratulations to all our 2020 leaders.  In the coming days we will be able to finalise our other student leadership positions across the College.  In Chapter 6 from Isaiah 8 (Here I am, send me), we are presented with this message of courage. And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?”  Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Yesterday we were extremely fortunate to have the 2019 Melbourne Cup winning trainer and past student, Danny O’Brien, speak to all our students.  Through all the excitement of winning the Melbourne Cup and the change of life that now presents Danny, he is a very humble person that fully understands the importance of education and most importantly, finding your passion in life.    

Thankfully we have all come through the terrible weather conditions of last Thursday. It was certainly a day of very challenging conditions.  I would like to thank our staff who ensured the safety of our students was of the greatest priority.  

Brayden Stone

Principal