The Principal's Desk

A Few Words From The Boss

Dear parents, families and friends,

Last Friday we had our Mother's Day Breakfast. It was a huge success with about 200 in attendance. Though cold, the sun was shining making it a perfect morning. Plenty of hot coffee and delicious food ensured everyone had a great time. I really enjoyed being able to get around and speak with a few families, especially some that I haven't been able to see for awhile. Of course the day would not have been possible without all the hard work that went in before hand.

Thanks to Tina for organising and coordinating with help from Kaz, Bec O, Rosa, Bec Mc and Kate. Decorations were organised by Tina, Bec McDonnell and Rosa.

Baking - Sally - Gluten free banana bread and cup cakes. Rosa and Kaz - scones. Not sure who made the little pancakes sorry. Thank you to Jenny for the raffle prizes!!

On the Day, Tina and Andrew a huge thank you! Kaz, Bec McDonnell, Gem (Grade 1), Kate, Rosa, Neroli, Tegan (Grade 2) Luke, Dave, Vince, Grant, Adam, Daniel, Simon, Day, Laura, Coco (Grade 6) and Patrick (Grade 6), Chelsea (Grade 6), Julia (Grade 6) and Penelope (Grade 6). I hope I haven’t missed anyone. If I have please let me know.

It was such amazing spread and very well received by all. I had some Grade 6 mums say it was the best Mother’s Day Breakfast they have been to, which is a great way to send them off. There is so much time and effort that go into these events and we couldn’t do it without a supportive community. Thank you to everyone!

Yesterday we celebrated our Family Week Mass. Families are not only essential to our school community but also to society. In all cultures and societies around the world, both human and animal, the family is the nucleus to survival, growth and development. The family is where young are born and raised. The family is where skills, values, morals and beliefs are taught and learnt. Fr John in his homily spoke about the Holy Trinity being the original family with love and respect being the essence that drives the relationship of this family and all families. Fr John then spoke about the most known family and the one that came first to the minds of the children is that of the Holy Family -Jesus, Mary and Joseph. When God came into the world and became human, He did so through the full human experience from birth to death. The stories we have in the gospels about the Holy Family relates to the human experience of all families. Mary and Joseph faced the uncertainties of the birth of a child. They were homeless and refugees. The experienced the joys of their child making the initiation steps in their faith. The felt the heartache of their child being lost in the crowded city. Later Mary felt great joy and pride in watching her son Jesus begin his mission. Mary also felt the greatest of sadness when she witnessed her son arrested, tortured and executed. Here at St. Augustine's, we understand the important role that families play in nurturing and educating children. That is why we spend so much time and effort supporting our families.

This week we had a cubby house installed on the junior playground. I am hoping that this is the first of a series of Cubby Houses to be installed in both the Junior and Senior Playgrounds. Over time we will continue to provide varied play opportunities for the students. A huge, huge huge thank you to Jenny (Nora Prep WS) for organising this, including the fundraising and donations to make this possible. Fresh coffee, tea, hot chocolates, cakes and snacks are now available daily!!