From the Principal

It is a privilege to support the St Augustine’s community as Principal for this final term of 2021. And how fortunate was I to share my first day with F-2, VCE and VCAL students returning after yet another period of remote learning? The excitement and happiness amongst these students was clearly evident, as was the huge welcome offered by their teachers and staff.  Similarly, other students and teachers who returned over the past week, were delighted to renew social interaction and face-to-face classes.

This return is a little bitter-sweet for Year 12 students who will conclude classes next Wednesday, 20th October.  Celebrating these final days began last Friday as students swapped their uniforms for ‘Op Shop’ treasures, followed by wild colours for Monday’s 80s theme, with several teachers also enjoying this excuse to play ‘dress ups’.  We await next Monday’s, ‘First Letter of Name’ dress themes with much anticipation, before the final day’s breakfast and final liturgy. Beyond these moments of celebration, it is still evident that these students are studying hard as they prepare for final exams.  We keep them in our prayers, especially that they achieve their ‘personal best’.    

And just as we anticipate welcoming everyone permanently on site by late October, there is more good news -  the first phase of the College Master Plan, F-8 Halo Project is scheduled to commence!  Preparations are underway with sections of the Admin Building no longer in use and the Partnership Pathway’s classroom being relocated to the Project Room. More details can be found in the Buildings Update section of this newsletter.             

The past week marked a momentous occasion for our Catholic Church as it held a Plenary Council where bishops and representatives from dioceses across the nation gathered to discern what God is asking of us in Australia at this present time.  Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, in his opening address, spoke of the need for all to be “alert to the voice of the Spirit”, especially to discern the hopes and concerns of many Catholic communities. Over the next months, reports from discussion groups will inform further consultations and reflections, thereby setting the directions for the second Assembly scheduled for July, 2022.  

So, we pray: 

Bless and unite all your people in Australia and guide us on the pilgrim way of the Plenary Council. 

Give us the grace to see your face in one another and to recognise Jesus, our companion on the road.

Give us the courage to tell our stories and to speak boldly of your truth.

Give us ears to listen humbly to each other and a discerning heart to hear what you are saying.

Lead your Church into a hope-filled future, that we may live the joy of the Gospel.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, bread for the journey from age to age, Amen.  

Finally, I thank all those staff and students who have contributed or are contributing to the rapid increase in vaccination rates, and especially all who are abiding by current mask-wearing requirements.  This is how we will keep our local and College community safe and healthy during these pandemic times. 

Mary Fitz-Gerald

Principal