Sam Eden, College Vice Captain
Hello everyone, I am Sam Eden the Vice Captain of the College for 2021. I would like to start my first address to you all by saying what an honour it is to be a representative for all the boys. In line with the Student Leadership Team’s approach, I look forward to meeting fellow students and being able to help you through your time here at St Augustine’s College. If you have anything you would like to voice about the school or want help with the stress of exams, sport, anything - then please approach me. To give you an insight to me, I am a studious yet sporting person. I joined St Augustine’s in Year 5 competing in rugby union, basketball, tennis, debating, school plays and writing club over the years.
As Term 3 draws to a close, there is one final wave of exams and initiatives the boys have taken part in. Last Monday marked the start of the exam block for Year 11 boys with English as the first examination. Then Year 10 students started their exams on Friday. More importantly though, it was National Week of Solidarity. To show our support for all the asylum seekers and refugees looking to settle in Australia that have no voice, members of the SRC formed a circle of silence raising awareness of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ campaign. Some daunting facts were shared over this week, such as, there are currently around 16,000 children and young people seeking asylum in Australia. If it wasn’t hard enough for the Asylum seekers before to enter Australia and start a new life, COVID-19 has made it a monumental task.
Last Thursday was RU OK? Day. During our wellbeing sessions in previous weeks and Tutor Group sessions, boys have learnt new skills and questions to ask so they are better equipped to look after those around them. This is something that should be done on more than just one day a year and the mural on the wall of the gym and the asphalt created by the boys will serve as a reminder to check in with mates. Our Student Leadership Team this year has a strong focus on brotherhood and unity seeing this a vital opportunity to get to know more boys around the school and make positive relationships.
Primary School student Jack Berne, and founder of ‘A fiver for a Farmer’ has begun the media campaign for his upcoming awareness drive. This year the theme of the drive is ‘Buy Australian Produce’. On Friday 4 September, Jack and his mates dressed in farm clothes and did a live cross with Channel 9’s Today Show. A reminder for all Primary students that they are invited to join in the ‘A fiver for a Farmer’ Day this Friday 18 September. Dress up in farm clothes and enjoy the all Australian BBQ lunch while raising funds and awareness to shop local.
The last major event of the past fortnight is ‘Mullets for Mental Health’. Year 11 students, Jasper Zanon and Toby West, with help from Miss Clarke and Miss Robinson, have successfully launched ‘Mullets for Mental Health’ at St Augustine’s. The school community has pulled together during this experience with many weird and wonderful mullets going around the corridors. Currently St Augustine’s College is ranked 2nd in the country for fundraising. A special mention to the following boys who have raised over $1,000 for the great cause of Mental Health: Charlie Poynton and Sullivan Masters. A tremendous effort from the whole community who have donated more than $35,000 so far, however this figure keeps rising so if you would like to keep track, click HERE.
I look forward to meeting you soon and getting to know you all. Until then stay safe and healthy.
