From the Principal

Welcome back to all families and I hope you enjoyed a relaxing holiday and Easter break.  For some, holidays provide a time for rest, while for others, holidays can be seen as a ‘crazy’ two weeks in which returning to school “could not come quick enough” for many parents (and I hope, kids also!!!).

Last Thursday our nation took the time to reflect and honour the spirit of our Anzacs.  ANZAC Day has become one of the most commemorative occasions on our calendar and continues to grow each year.  It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.  While we could spend hours talking and listening to stories about what took place all those years ago, and most importantly, reflect and be honoured by what so many brave men and women did for us, I want to take a different look at this today.  I want to acknowledge the current men, women and children across this great nation that take the time to make it what it is today.

We tend to live in a society where things tend to be forgotten over time, or if lucky enough to be acknowledged in some small way on occasions, unfortunately are acknowledged somewhat superficially.  Yet, we have this day called ANZAC Day that seems to touch anyone who has a pulse.  How is it that after more than 100 years, the acknowledgement of so many brave men and women is held in such esteem as it currently is?  I think the answer is within the question, and as I sat representing our College alongside our College Leaders at the Kyabram ANZAC Day Commemorative Service, I could not be any prouder of who and what we are as a society.  Listening to the ANZAC history, local stories and inspired reflections led by our College Captains, Alex and Laura, along with the P-12 College Captains, I was humbled by how articulately these young leaders expressed their feelings about what ANZAC Day means to them.

ANZAC Day is not going away, nor will it become any less important for our next generation.  This day is a day that we can all be truly proud.

It is exciting that we are able to announce the appointment of Rikki Busch to our College staff.  Rikki will join our 5-8 Community and will work with our Year 8 cohort.  Rikki has spent the last eight years working at Lancaster Primary School and brings with him a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge in the area of mathematics.  We sincerely welcome Rikki to the St Augustine’s community.  Feel free to introduce yourself to Rikki, however you may want to avoid asking him how his beloved Melbourne Football Club is travelling at the moment!

Over the holiday period I had the opportunity to spend time visiting Michael Freeman at the Royal Children’s Hospital.  As I have mentioned previously, Michael is showing gradual progress and continues to receive rehabilitation treatment each day.  It was great to spend time with Michael and his mother Kate.  While Michael is unable to talk back to us at this stage, we know that when he is awake, he is listening and I have shared with him that his Cats are sitting at the top of the AFL ladder!  I was also able to share with Michael on my third visit over the holidays, that it was probably not the best idea to find parking at the hospital on Good Friday, as it was at somewhat of a premium due to the Good Friday Appeal.

I would also like to thank all staff and families who engaged in subject teacher conversations on Tuesday afternoon and evening.  This allowed further opportunity for relationship building and specific feedback about the learning that is taking place each and every day.

All the best to everyone for an engaging and fun-filled Term 2.

Brayden Stone

Principal