9-12 Community News

At St Augustine’s we value a holistic education where students can develop their passion, pathways and possibilities, both in and out of the classroom. We know that by 2030, automation, globalisation and flexibility will change what we do in every job. We are confident we are well preparing our young people for this future.

Throughout the year, and certainly over the past several weeks, our students have further developed foundation and technical skills and have had the opportunity to use these in enterprising and creative ways. Learning has not only taken place within the classroom but also in rich and varied ways including students gaining actual industry experience in a real-world context.

Italian Week saw our students engaging in many culturally rich activities across many core subject areas. Our Outdoor Education students travelled to Mt Kooyoora enjoying an immersive day. Our Years 9/10 boys cricket team engaged in interschool competition, building community bonds and developing their sportsmanship. Teachers across the 9-12 Community have undertaken a 360 degree feedback process whereby our students voice and opinions have been considered. Teachers have been keen to self-reflect and develop teaching practices. 

Part of the purpose of our senior program is to focus on the development of knowledge, skills and attributes through participation in experiences of a practical nature within the community. 10B have been undertaking work experience and in doing so have had the opportunity to develop industry-specific knowledge. Engaging in work experience has provided students with a comprehensive network of support both within and outside of school. Students have been engaged with businesses across Kyabram, Tatura, Tongala, Echuca, Moama, Lancaster, Bendigo and Rushworth.

Work experiences have included teaching, retail, information technology, hairdressing, health and fitness, district health, accounting, administration, building and hospitality. Our students are greatly benefiting from these community partnerships by not only learning new skills, but more so, by becoming familiar with employers in our local community. In the future, this will make it more likely and comfortable for our students to make a gainful transition from secondary education to further education, training and/or employment.

Hugh Saunders and Penny Jenner

9-12 Community Leaders