From the Principal's Desk

Dear parents, families and friends,

I begin this newsletter with a feel good story. As many of you know I try to ride to St. Augustine's twice a week (weather and fatigue depending). On Monday I got a puncture in my rear wheel. I was about half way in my journey, at the midpoint between Sunshine Station and Tottenham Station. I wasn't carrying a pump or repair kit. So as I prepaid to walk to Tottenham Station and call Mrs Mazzeo to come and pick me up, a passing cyclist stopped and offered me assistance. His name is Ollie and he is a teacher at Sunshine Secondary College. I thank him for his Good Samaritan act. He could have kept riding as he needed to get to work for a morning briefing before commencing classes, but instead saw a need and did something about it (St. Mary MacKillop), placing the need of another before his own.

There is much happening in our world at the moment. Turmoil. Unrest. Natural disasters. Global pandemics. The protests and riots are in part impacted on as a result of the global isolation caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic. Politicians and public officials have a duty and a responsibility to listen to the people they represent, lead and govern. Their failure to act or respond appropriately leaves people feeling frustrated, confused and angry. The events we are witnessing now in such places as Hong Kong, the USA and more closely here at home, are a result of people saying enough is enough.

A very big part of the Catholic education provided here at St. Augustine's is focused on developing voice within the students. Voice to speak up and speak out for themselves and for others. We hope and aim to develop students that are independent and critical thinkers who are not afraid to voice their ideas, opinions and beliefs. Furthermore we hope and aim that they learn the appropriate ways to make their voices heard. We model ourselves on the person of Jesus Christ who spoke out against poverty, oppression, injustice and the misuse of power and responsibility. As much as we try to protect the children from the world around them, we must also prepare them  to enter that world too so that they not only contribute to it, but also have a positive impact on it.

Much of the problems and issues in the world today have to do with respect or the lack thereof. Here at St. Augustine's we try to develop and foster an attitude and real sense of respect in the school community. Respect for self. Respect for others. Respect for the world. Respect for God. A positive to come out of the Coronavirus pandemic in some part is an increase in respect. By practicing social distancing, increasing hand washing and sanitising and following restrictions we are not only taking care of ourselves but also others. 

School Uniform

Upon our return to school we have noticed some new and interesting additions to the school uniform. I am going to list the acceptable items of clothing for both the Winter School Uniform and the Sports Uniform.

Runners are only to be worn on sports days and on Fridays. There is no rule about the colour of runners, however, runners should be suitable for exercise, providing adequate support, comfort and grip. I strongly suggest avoiding casual/leisure footwear that is designed for fashion rather than function. Leggings, Skins, athletic tights and compression gear, bike shorts and any other types of non uniform items of clothing are not acceptable. Socks are to be plain, no brand names or logos showing.

Students not wearing the correct uniform are required to provide a note explaining the reason for being out of of uniform. This note can be handwritten or emailed to the classroom teacher.

Skipping Challenge

On Tuesday the students will take part in a skipping challenge. All students are to wear their sports uniform on this day. Please see the notice in School News for further details.

School Closure

The school will be closed on Wednesday 24th June. This will be a pupil free day to allow staff to prepare for Term 3. One day per term has been set aside for this purpose.

Semester One Reports

Semester One Reports will be published and emailed on Friday 7th August. The reports will look different to past years due to the impact of remote learning caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Inquiry Learning and Specialist classes will not be reported on for Semester One. These will be reported on in the Semester Two reports.

Learning Conversations

Learning Conversations (Parent/Teacher Interviews) will take place over 12th and 13th August. On Wednesday 12th August the Learning Conversations will be from 3.30pm - 5.00pm. On Thursday the 13th August the Learning Conversations will be from 1.00pm - 9.00pm. Appointments will be for 20 minutes duration. There is the option for these conversations to occur as Google Meets. Details for booking conversation appointments will be made available early term 3.

End of Term 2

Friday the 26th June (as well as being my eldest daughter Michaella's 17th birthday) is the end of term. School will be dismissed early on this day. A-K will be dismissed at 1.30pm and L-Z will be dismissed at 1.45pm. Students are allowed to wear casual clothes on this day.

Covid 19 Restrictions

Thank you to all families for following all restrictions put in place. The health and safety of all students at St. Augustine's is our top priority. Just a reminder for afternoon dismissal, once you have collected your child/children please move off as quickly as possible. Recommendations from State Government, Education and Health Departments and Catholic Education Melbourne is to avoid congestion and gathering of large groups during arrival and dismissal times at schools. If you are taking home a student from another surname grouping, please let us know so that we can arrange for these students to be dismissed at the same time.

Pie Drive

Next term we will once again be having a Pie Drive supported by Tony's Pies. This was very successful last year. We are hoping that by having a longer ordering period we will be even more successful. Please see the flier in School News for full details.

As I finish this newsletter, I leave you with this quote:

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”― Mahatma Gandhi

Have a good weekend. Stay safe. Stay warm.

Go the Blues!!

Kind regards,

Matthew Stead

Principal