PRINCIPAL'S PEN

Dear members of the Saints family, 

"It’s just like a well-oiled machine!" That comment was made to me by a parent towards the end of week one when I asked how his son’s start to the school year had been. It was in reference to the smooth beginning his son in Year 10 had experienced. 

Certainly, from my perspective, the year has started very well, and the comment is a compliment to the organised and efficient approach of our staff. However, walking around the grounds and into classrooms, it is obvious that my experience of Saints in the first two weeks of our 94th academic year was so much more: 

Brotherhood 

We often hear the term "brotherhood" used by the boys at Saints, and there are many instances of this. This was personified by an interaction I witnessed between a Year 11 student and a new Year 8 on Wednesday of the first week. From a distance I saw the Year 8 boy confused and trying to make sense of his map and timetable in his diary. The Year 11 student, without being asked, helped the younger student identify his classroom and walked him to the room.  This natural and simple moment is what builds welcoming communities and is an example of the Saints "brotherhood".

A Welcoming Community

Our Welcoming Assembly was held on Tuesday of week 1. The first assembly is always a great way to demonstrate our family spirit, and as with any family, we warmly welcome newcomers. For 10 years I have watched the new members of our community embraced in this special way. Our Marist theme for 2023 is Created and Called – a revolution of love and tenderness. What better way to express love and tenderness than in the authentic welcome we witnessed at this assembly. Click on the image below to watch the Welcome Assembly. 

Celebrating Excellence

Congratulations to the students who were recognised for their academic success yesterday. I particularly acknowledge those students from the class of 2022 for their outstanding results. 140 boys crossed the stage and were applauded for their academic achievements, and I dare to ask the question: is there another school in the Far North that has so many boys being acknowledged for academic achievements? Thank you also to Old Boy Oliver Koch who was our guest speaker. Oliver’s message of the value of hard work was pertinent and resonated clearly with our students.

Click on the image below to watch the Awards Assembly 2022 - S2. Photos of the event will be uploaded on the Parent Portal.

Tradition – Mr Richard Robins

In a great story from the week, we were blessed with the presence of our oldest living Old Boy. At the Awards Assembly, Mr Robins, aged 99, was present to support his grandson. He was a student at St Augustine’s in the 1930s, and in a wonderful display of symmetry, attended the assembly to celebrate a magnificent achievement of his grandson, Lachlan Downing. Lachlan is the College Dux of 2022, with an ATAR of 99. Mr Robins was presented with an Old Boys tie symbolising our College’s respect and admiration.

Yes, St Augustine’s is a well-oiled machine – a well-oiled machine that embodies brotherhood, tradition and excellence all fostered by a welcoming community.