PRINCIPAL'S PEN

Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week, and I was fortunate enough to attend Mass at St Monica's Cathedral with members of the Student Representative Council. The theme for the week was Communities of Faith, Hope and Love. 

The celebrations made me reflect on the significant contribution the Marist Brothers have made to the Catholic community in Australia. One-hundred-and-fifty years of Marist education in this country is a most significant contribution to Catholic education. The Marist Brothers' success is an incredible story of faith and hope. 

In 1872 four young Marist Brothers set foot in Sydney. They were charged with establishing a school in the Rocks area. A poor, tough area near where the harbour bridge now sits. The Brothers were in their 20s and from different countries. Their leader, Brother Ludovic, was a French speaker with limited English. Resources were few, he wasn’t certain his mission would be a success and asked the burden to be passed to someone else. Br Ludovic was anxious and concerned, but ultimately trusted in God.

From such humble beginnings, it is often difficult to fathom the success story that is Marist education. As of 2022, over 50 thousand students and staff are involved in 53 schools across Australia. St Augustine’s has played a significant part in the Marist story having delivered a Catholic education in the Marist tradition for over 90 years. If Br Ludovic were alive today, what would he think when seeing what has eventuated from his efforts and those of his fellow religious in Sydney? 

The excellent opportunities provided by a Marist education will be evident as you read this newsletter. During this week alone our Year 11 students  were on retreat, the Year 10s on camp and we welcomed our Japanese study tour students at a small gathering yesterday (see link below). Also of note was the visit to St Augustine's of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation's sponsors and donors, notably its Chair, Warren Mundine. The Cancer Council's Relay for Life was another notable event last weekend during which our Men of Saints displayed their generosity of spirit and helped raise thousands of dollars. How fortunate we are to be the recipients of such wonderful opportunities, all through the humble beginning and the faith and hope of Br Ludovic.

Click on the image to link to the Japanese Welcome Assembly.

Parent Forum

Monday 22 August 2022

Parents are welcome to join me at the upcoming Parent Forum. This is a great opportunity to meet you and provide you with information and updates in a wide range of areas. We have two time slots available. Both sessions will run for about an hour, and bookings are not required.