Community and Friendship

The Leadership Team takes it in turn to write from their domain or area of responsibility, and this week I have the great pleasure to write on behalf of the Primary School, or as it is officially called, ‘Our Lady of Good Counsel’.  Like all mothers, Mary is the model in our lives as someone who offers sound advice and ‘counsel’ and is why the Augustinians hold her dear to their hearts and have named the Primary School after her.

As we celebrated the feast day of our Patron, St Augustine, last Friday, it got me thinking about what makes our College different from any other school. Of course, there are the many opportunities that we can provide in the Primary School which support the wholistic development and engagement of all boys. These include the IP (Instrumental Program), Reading Buddy Program, Science Laboratory Program, whole school Inter-Debating Program, Coding and Robotics Program, Pop-up Studios using green screen, a Wellbeing program using the PERMA framework, Year 6 Buddy Program, Peer Support Program, a fabulous Co-curricular Program, highly credentialled and qualified teachers, specialist High School teachers, flexible, agile learning spaces encouraging collaboration and dialogue and modern facilities with the recent build of the Goold centre. 

While all of these are important facets of a contemporary and progressive education, what sets us apart from other schools are the Augustinian values of community, friendship, truth, interiority, ongoing conversion and humility.  In fact, the Augustinians believe that ‘God is present in everyone’ and as such we ‘should honour God in each other’.  As we welcomed the new Year 5 and Year 7 boys and their parents for 2021 last night, we hope that despite this occurring via a digital platform, they experienced a sense of welcome, community and friendship. I know that each new Year 5 boy received a personal letter from a current Year 5 boy who will be their buddy next year. The information pack that was sent home also contained a personal 3-minute video presentation from the Student Leadership Team, welcoming the new boys to the College and to their Colour House. The Senior Student Leadership Team is a group of outstanding young men who provide a visible point of reference to what an ‘Augustinian graduate’ will look like on the completion of their studies.

As we welcome many new and existing families into the College community in 2021, 112 boys in Year 5 and 225 boys (including the current Year 6 boys) in Year 7 2021, I am hoping that current parents can reach out to support those who are new to the College. As such I will be emailing some of our current parents and new parents to gauge their level of interest in being contacted by phone over the remainder of the year. The purpose is to build connections and a sense of ‘belonging’ at a time when we are limited by current restrictions and not permitted to do our usual welcomes ‘face to face’. 

The SEW (Social, Emotional Wellbeing) of all students takes the combined effort of family, friends and teachers. While we have specifically designated days throughout the year to highlight mental wellbeing, it is our shared responsibility to keep our young people safe every day. The College has two resident psychologists available if you have concerns about your son’s wellbeing. We also have Tutors, Student Formation Leaders and House Formation Leaders who continually support the academic, emotional and social development of your sons. The old saying, “we can’t teach them till we reach them” and “Kids don’t care what we know till they know we care”, are so true and when students, parents and teachers combine their top strengths then great teaching and learning occurs.

Thursday 10 September is R U OK? Day – a day dedicated to inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them by asking the simple question “Are you OK?” Now could be a great time to ask your child “Are you OK?” and to support them in the event that they are struggling. I have included some relevant links that may assist in beginning some of these conversations.

However, as we all know, having a meaningful conversation with early teens and teens can be tricky. That’s why ReachOut Australia has created resources to help parents help their young people. Find out how you can effectively communicate with your child and some practical things to try to engage your teenager or pre-teen in a meaningful conversation.

Fact sheets for parents and carers

• How to have a great conversation: Get tips that might help to keep the channels of communication open with your child.
• Ask questions that encourage your teenager to talk: Find out how to actively listen to build rapport, understanding and trust.
• Effective communication and teenagers: Find out how to communicate effectively to help you and your child feel happier and more connected.
• How to communicate effectively with your teenager: Learn more on how to keep your relationship strong with your child through effective communication.

A Special Visit 

We were fortunate enough to have Fr Percival Sevare OSA visit the Primary classes last week. The month of August is a special time for the Augustinians, as it is the month that the feast days of Saint Augustine and Saint Monica are celebrated.  Fr Percival spent time with the boys telling them about the life of Saint Augustine, with an emphasis on ‘friendship’ and ‘humility’.  We thank Fr Percival for sharing his time and knowledge with the Primary students.

Father’s Day

We wish all dads and the significant and important men in the lives of the boys at St Augustine’s, a very happy Father’s Day this Sunday. Your role as father, mentor, confidante, friend and partner is such a vital one. In partnership with you, we aim to assist your boys in becoming confident, resilient and positive young men who act with integrity, humility and empathy.

Pick Up and Drop Off area

With more parents driving their boys to and from the College each day, congestion around the local neighbourhood is causing some angst amongst residents. To alleviate some of this congestion, could I please ask that you adhere to the following:

• The Gulliver Street ‘Pick Up and Drop Off’ is for PRIMARY SCHOOL students only.  All other students are requested to use options along Federal Parade and Alfred Road
• From Monday 7 September, the ‘Pick Up and Drop Off’ will be open from 3:00 pm daily and close at 4:00 pm, unless there are preorganised events
• There is a strict 10km speed limit at all times
• Children must exit from their cars in the designated ‘Pick Up and Drop Off’ area and not in the driveway leading up to this area
• As a courtesy to other drivers, please move to the end of the ‘Pick Up and Drop Off’ area

Thank you for your assistance in keeping this area safe and efficient.

Attollo Awards

Merit Awards

Quote for the week

“A Loving Heart is the Truest Wisdom”  (Charles Dickens)

Terry Walsh
Head of Primary School

Dylan Kagho, Prefect - Sport

With COVID-19 still impacting on our lives as individuals, families and communities, it is hard to refer to the situation any other way other than the appropriate clichéd phrase, ‘These are unprecedented times’, and since starting my Secondary schooling journey here at St Augustine's College in Year 7, I can’t say anyone would have expected this year to turn out the way it has.

Unfortunately, restrictions have had their toll on many sports. These restrictions have seen the cancellation of the school boxing program for the remainder of the term, the ISA rugby season and all activities involving more than one Year Group.

On the bright side, the Student Leadership Team is hopeful for a year of action ahead of us. As College Captain Joshua Seward wrote in the last edition of Tolle Lege, we are focusing our efforts on the growth of the school’s culture – specifically the sporting program on my part as the Sports Prefect for 2020/2021.

These words have already been put into action, with the Student Leadership Team providing the younger boys with a taste of the school’s culture. It was an excellent display of teamwork and positive interactions between the Year 9 boys as they participated in a House Touch Rugby competition. The competition saw Murray House become victors as they beat Reville House in the final as part of our celebrations on Patron’s Day.

Following the success of the House competition last week, many students have been saying they would beat staff in a realm of sports which the Student Leadership team is investigating.

Further, I would like to thank the students who have been showing immense support to the various sports such as the U18s soccer, especially towards the U18s Division One team on Friday nights. The growing support of school sport is an exciting prospect as we further develop school culture. Such endorsement potentially foresees an introduction to a ‘captain of hype’ and more incentives for students to continue supporting school sports.

Dylan Kagho

Celebrating the achievements of our students

Acknowledging the many outstanding achievements of our students is an important part of their growth and character formation.

Middle School Merit Awards

A ‘Merit’ is issued to Year 5 to 9 students by staff for excellent attitude, effort or behaviour. When a student accumulates four Merits, he receives a Bronze Certificate, after three Bronze he is awarded a Silver Certificate and finally, two Silver lead to a Gold Certificate.

Congratulations to the following Middle School students who received the following awards.

YEAR 7

  GOLD - Bede Lill, Harley Bennett, Luca Alessi, Lucas Demasi, Ruben Steffens, William Peterson, Xavier Boon.

SILVER – 

Alessio Albanese, Aodan Walker, Archie Truscott, Beau Gowenlock, Bede Lill, Brando Vumbaca, Christopher Pereira, Clayton Todd, Ewan Coates, Finlay Benbow, Finlay Punch, Harley Bennett, Harley Cohen, Harry White, Jake Connor, Jasper Duckworth, Joshua Fisher, Joshua Holst, Joshua Sloots, Julian Osbourne, Luca Alessi, Lucas Demasi, Nicholas Grimes, Noah Kelly, Oliver Balenzuela, Oliver Lalic, Oliver Metcalf, Ruben Steffens, Saxon Gaw, Tobey Eagan, William Peterson, Xavier Boon.

BRONZE – 

Alessio Albanese, Luca Alessi, Lucas Andreone, Nicholas Arruzza, Oliver Balenzuela, Taj Ballesty, Thomas Bech, Finlay Benbow, Harley Bennett, Owen Bierer, Xavier Boon, Eduardo Briones, Jack Britton, Wilson Casey, Jack Chapman, Ewan Coates, Harley Cohen, Jake Connor, Harry Coumanias, William Curzon, Michael D'Avolio, Jacob Daley, Finn Davies, Lucas Demasi, Beau Dunn, Tobey Eagan, Charlie Easton, William (Will) Farrar, Joshua Fisher, Saxon Gaw, Mitchell Gilmour – Larsen, Beau Gowenlock, Jacob Gray, Nicholas Grimes, Joshua Holst, Noah Kelly, William Kelly, Nathan Kiehne, Oliver Lalic, Axel Leonard, Bede Lill, Lucas Lund, Luke MacDonald, Zac Mascolo, Hayden McLellan, Oliver Metcalf, Ryan Mitchell, Jett Nicholson, Taj Nicholson, Connor Nicolaou, Julian Osbourne, Christopher Pereira, William Peterson, Finlay Punch, Cian Richmond, Xavier Roberts, Zach Rowland, Joshua Sloots, Ruben Steffens, Jai Strbik, Maxwell Tancred, Zach Tappenden, Jay Taylor, Jamie Thompson, Louis Tilly, Cameron Tizzard, Clayton Todd, Archie Truscott, Brando Vumbaca, Patrick Vumbaca, Aodan Walker, Max Walls, Xavier Walsh, Oscar Waring, Geordie Webster, Harry White.

YEAR 8

GOLD - Angus Williams, Cooper Devoy, Ethan Rochios, Hamish Rose, Lachlan Broad, Matthew Cerneaz, Nicholas Kimball.

 

SILVER – 

Adem Gunasti, Angus McInnes, Angus Williams, Benjamin Rigney, Charlie Blank, Christopher Dracakis, Cooper Devoy, Ethan Rochios, Finn Mulligan, Frederick Foley, Gus Anderson, Hamish Rose, Harvey Davis, Jesse Matheson, Joseph Cook, Joshua Gow, Joshua Kerr, Lachlan Broad, Liam Hankinson, Lucas Ippolito, Lukas Wegrzyn, Luke Dunford, Matthew Cerneaz, Nicholas Kimball, Nigel Kerr, Sam Blank, Sullivan Masters, Thomas Shugg, Thomas Molloy, Toby Golden, Tully Gilbert.

BRONZE - 

Abraham Whitfeld, Adem Gunasti, Alejandro Briones, Alexander Dracakis, Andrew Boulton, Angus McInnes, Angus Williams, Archie Rochford, Arthur Osborne, Ashton Brown, Ashton Kiehne, Austin Jeffery, Austin Hulley, Benjamin Rigney, Benjamin Schaafsma, Braden Zanatta, Cameron McGowen, Carlo Zanella, Charlie Blank, Christopher Dracakis, Coby Toon, Coleman Robati, Cooper Brown, Cooper Devoy, Cooper McClennan, Danny Morabito, Dante Parisi, Dominic Vassallo, Ellis Cleland, Ethan Rochios, Ethan Hammond, Finn Mulligan, Frederick Foley, Frederik O'Leary, Gus Anderson, Hamish Brooks, Hamish Laird, Hamish  Rose, Harvey Davis, Henry Mock, Henry Walsh, Jack Covic, Jackson Elepano, Jasper Astill, Jesse Matheson, Joe Walsh, Joseph Cook, Joseph Hurley, Joshua Gow, Joshua Kerr, Kai Turner, Lachlan Broad, Lachlan Gray, Lachlan Mann, Leo Cockerill, Liam Hankinson, Logan Howes, Louis Jans, Luca Gavagna, Lucas Wong, Lucas Ippolito, Lukas Wegrzyn, Luke Cambourn, Luke Dunford, Luke Burgess, Marcus Krause, Matthew Cerneaz, Matthew Hill, Mitchell Will, Mitchell Stewart, Nathan Skelton, Nicholas Kimball, Nigel Kerr, Oliver Mappin, Oliver Baum, Oscar  McFarland, Robert Moran, Rory Richards, Sam Blank, Sam Zavaglia, Sasha Beaumont, Stirling Stewart, Sullivan Masters, Thomas Shugg, Thomas Molloy, Thomas Smith, Toby Golden, Tully Gilbert, Will Brewster, William Rogers, Zachary Taylor, Zak Newell, Zane Biskup.

YEAR 9

SILVER - 

Hugh Brogden, Hugo Bryant, Luke Stidwill, Orlando Moore, Rocco Doorbar-Baptist, Tom Down.

BRONZE - 

Archie Sergi,  Cooper Cohen, Finlay Warby, Finn Brown, Isaac Coghlan, Jack Cummins, James Lugsdin, Julian Richardson, Kailan Sweeny, Max Martin, Miles Ryberg Neale, Murphy Gee, Oliver Pinson, River Lankow, Thomas Magee, Toby Bakewell, Yanzhuo-Jerry Chen.

Senior School Record of Achievement

A ‘Record of Achievement’ is issued to Year 10 to 12 students by staff members for excellent attitude, effort or contribution to College life.

The accumulation of Records of Achievement is acknowledged as follows:

5 = House Formation Leader recognition
10 = Student Co-ordinator recognition
20 = Deputy Principal – Students recognition
30 = Principal recognition

Congratulations to the following Senior School students for receiving 5 Records of Achievement:

HEAVEY – Lachlan Coleman
MURRAY – Han-Joe Xu, Bradley Johnson

Special congratulations to Paul Dracakis from Crane House and Jack Reilly from Heavey House for receiving 10 Records of Achievement. Well done!

Attollo Awards

Patron’s Day 2020

On Friday 28 August, we celebrated the feast day of Saint Augustine. We were not able to hold our usual gathering for Mass followed by a walkathon and picnic lunch at Clontarf. Instead we marked the day with an online liturgy via ZOOM which included messages from our staff and students, as well best wishes from our brother Augustinian school, Villanova College in Brisbane.

The special day of celebration also included the boys wearing mufti, a sausage sizzle and iceblocks for lunch and games held on the oval. Even though we honoured the day differently to other years, the occasion was still marked with meaning and joy.

Mission and Wellbeing update on Term 3 and 4 events

A reminder that we continue to monitor our school activities following NSW Health advice and recommendations. As such, please note the following changes to upcoming events:

• Year 5 Reflection Day - scheduled for Friday 11 September has been cancelled. This will be a normal school day for Year 5 students.
• Year 9 AWE for the remainder of Term 3. An alternative program incorporating Peer Support training, Reflection Day goals and other onsite activities will occur.
• Year 8 and 9 OEG Camps – scheduled for 16-18 September and 15-18 September respectively have both been cancelled. Normal school will proceed for both Year Groups during that week. Please note that College school fee balances will be adjusted accordingly.
• Senior Retreat – scheduled for 14-16 October (Term 4, Week 1) for Year 11 has been cancelled. We will endeavour to schedule an alternate arrangement for this important senior experience.
• Year 10 Camp – scheduled for Monday 23-Friday 27 November (Term 4, Week 7) is currently still planned to go ahead.

We appreciate your understanding of these changes and assure you that the spiritual and pastoral care of all boys will continue to be a priority.

Peter Nolan
Deputy Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

The Feast of St Nicholas of Tolentine OSA

On Wednesday 9 September, we will celebrate the feast of St Nicholas of Tolentine OSA. Traditionally on this day we remember the deceased students, Old Boys, staff and Augustinian priests who served at our College over the years. At our Community Mass on Wednesday 9 September 8.10am, we will have special prayers and a memorial video in honour of those members of our community mentioned above. Due to our restricted numbers, this Mass will be broadcast via ZOOM for any parents, staff or members of our community who would like to tune in for this special occasion.

Join ZOOM Meeting
https://saintaug.zoom.us/j/345370109

Meeting ID: 345 370 109
Passcode: 051129 

Patron’s Day – Facts About Saint Augustine

As part of our Patron’s Day celebrations, the boys learnt some interesting facts about Saint Augustine and his life. These facts were included in our Patron’s Day liturgy which all boys watched via ZOOM.

Here is a summary:

1-Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine was born on the 13 November in 354 AD in Thagaste, (modern-day Algeria) in the Roman province of Numidia. The Roman empire at the time was so large it included North Africa. His father, Patricius was a pagan and a Roman citizen. His mother, Monica, was a devout Christian.

2-Saint Monica
The mother of Saint Augustine is Saint Monica, who was an early Christian saint. She is remembered and honoured in the Catholic Church for her outstanding Christian virtues, and her prayerful life dedicated to her son Augustine. Our college chapel is named the Monica Chapel in her honour. 

3-Augustine’s son – Adeodatus
Whilst at university Augustine began a relationship with a young woman in Carthage. Though they never married, Augustine was loyal to her for over fifteen years and she gave birth to his son Adeodatus which means "Gift from God." 

4-Saint Augustine had a brilliant mind
Did you know that Saint Augustine is considered one of the greatest minds in history? He studied philosophy, theology, astronomy, mathematics, he was a teacher and a highly skilled public speaker. He wrote about sociology, morals and ethics. He was a prolific writer contributing more than 300 books in his lifetime.

5- Augustine chooses between playing ball and studying
When Augustine was a student, he was very much like boys today. He says “…we were less assiduous in reading, writing and concentrating on our studies than was expected of us. It was not that we lacked intelligence or ability ... it was simply that we loved to play.”

6-Did you know Saint Augustine was a doctor?
He was not a medical doctor as the name suggests, but a doctor of the church. This means that the Pope proclaimed him a doctor of the church because of the extraordinarily high value of his writings, which include major theological, philosophical, and spiritual works. Augustine wrote over 300 books!

7-Tolle Lege
Augustine was restless for both truth and faith for many years before he finally became a Christian. The moment of his conversion took place in a garden under a fig tree. Augustine was despondent and cried out to God for guidance. He heard a child’s voice chanting ‘Tolle Lege – Take and read’ So he opened a bible and there he read the words of Saint Paul. Augustine dedicated his entire life to God from this point.

8-The fall of Hippo
Shortly before Augustine's death, the Vandals, a Germanic tribe invaded Roman Africa. They destroyed the whole city of Hippo, but miraculously Augustine's cathedral and library were left untouched. We are very grateful today that his precious writings were preserved.

9-Did you know that we belong to a large Augustinian community?
Augustinian priests live and minister in over 40 countries on every continent. They help to spread the message of Jesus to many thousands of people. The Order of St Augustine is also involved in various faith, justice and mission projects in a variety of countries helping those in need. We really are part of a global community. 

10-Augustine was a great traveller.
Saint Augustine was born in Thagaste in North Africa. He went to primary school there. He then went to Madaurus to attend secondary school. He attended university in Carthage; an important Roman port in Northern Africa. He then moved to Rome where he was a teacher of rhetoric. He then went to Milan as a public speaker. Augustine also went to Casiciacum, Ostia and of course he became the Bishop of Hippo. He learnt a lot on his travels and met people who helped to shape his life.

Term 3 Community Mass Schedule

Wednesday 9 September – 7 Heavey 1&2 Feast of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine 

Wednesday 16 September – 7 Hutchinson 1&2

Simon Hyland
Leader of Liturgy and Retreats

R U OK? Day 2020

Next Thursday 10 September is R U OK? Day. The theme for this year is ‘what do you say after “are you okay?”’ Our Year 7-9 students in our wellbeing period this week have been practising how to ask someone if they are okay and what to do after the person has responded. The four steps promoted by R U OK? Day are:

1. Ask.
2. Listen.
3. Encourage action and
4. Check-in with them again.

For more information or if you would like to organise something within your own workplace, go to https://www.ruok.org.au/. As always, I welcome any contact from any parents who have any ideas or suggestions regarding the mental health and wellbeing of our boys and wider community.

Why might young people be feeling low?

A range of circumstances can lead to a young person feeling low, including:

• Experiencing grief or loss
• Big life changes like moving house or school
• Being around people going through tough times
• Being bullied
• Arguing with someone
• Problems with school work
• Being bored
• Having a medical condition or chronic illness
• Not sleeping well
• Not exercising enough
• Hormonal changes

How can I spot the signs someone might be struggling?

Be aware of certain behaviours and signs that can indicate a young person might be struggling. The first thing to look out for is changes in behaviour. When people feel low, they often:

• Withdraw from their friends or their family
• Lash out at people and get angry or upset really easily, including towards the people they care about
• Cry or become emotional
• Lose interest in activities and things they usually love
  
• Have changed sleeping patterns. They might be sleeping all the time, not sleeping much at all, or sleeping at strange hours (such as in the middle of the day)
• Have a changed appetite. They could be eating more than usual, or less.

How can young people support their friends?

• Young people cannot be expected to fix someone’s problems, nor know the best way to help and support.
• However, they can listen to what their friend is saying, let them know they care and tell a teacher or their Formation Leader, College psychologist or trusted adult if they are worried about their friend.
• By promoting an environment of positive peer support and accessing support channels via an adult, young people can learn that asking, “Are you OK?” is a key life skill.

What do I do if they say they’re not okay?

R U OK? has 4 Conversation Steps to help navigate a conversation when someone says, “No, I’m not OK”.

These steps are:

1 Ask
2 Listen
3 Encourage action
4 Check in

Useful contacts when a young person is not OK:

• College psychologist
• GP or external psychologist/counsellor e.g. Headspace
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Dial 000 if someone’s life is in imminent danger

Vote for Gus Worland at Gotcha4Life!

The College has established a positive relationship with the Gotcha4Life charity through initiatives such as the Steve Smith Assembly, A Night with the Blokes, Breaking the Man Code (Yr 10, Term 4), A Night with the Parents (Term 4) and other community events. Gotcha4Life have, and will continue to, help support and educate many of our young Saints men.

Gotcha4Life founder Gus Worland has been nominated in the 2020 Westfield Local Hero and recognition program for making a positive impact to the local community. If successful, Gus will be awarded $10,000 for Gotcha4Life. Gotcha4Life, along with their community partners such as Tomorrow Man, are raising the issue and awareness of mental health, particularly amongst men, in the local and wider community, so the prize money would be a great help to their cause.

If you would like to show your support for Gus and the Gotcha4Life team please register your vote here.

Thank you for your support.

Daniel Fee
Leader of Student Wellbeing

Year 11 Visual Arts ‘Artmaking Practice’

Year 11 Visual Arts students made artworks in a variety of forms, materials and techniques and researched artists whose work inspires them to explore artmaking practice. The College held a mini exhibition at lunch time for staff and students to view the work and vote for the “People’s Choice Award”. This was won by James Hocking for his series of paintings, ‘Quarantine Still Life’. James receives a $50 Eckersley’s voucher to buy art supplies.

Here are some images of the artworks and links to YouTube to watch student films.

Lachlan Coleman ‘Ruby’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_gWwFotvEE

Cooper Laurendet ‘The After Life’

https://youtu.be/OgqWZlECKF4

Year 12 Music Showcase

On Thursday afternoon Year 12 Music 1 and Music 2 students presented their final College concert before a small but appreciative private audience. Students performed their full HSC programs with the support of their exceptional accompanists, and it was an absolute pleasure seeing them rise to the occasion. Year 12 Music Showcase is a vitally important experience for students in their overall musical development and refinement of HSC works. The Music Community wishes Year 12 Music students well in their final week of preparations before the exams.

Due to COVID-19 regulations, this year’s showcase was performed before a private audience, however the performances will be streamed this Saturday evening, with details as follows:

• Domini Edgell (12 Music 2) – 7.30 pm, Saturday 5 September https://youtu.be/miVYZnn5rQo
• Benjamin Weiley (12 Music 1) – 7.45 pm, Saturday 5 September https://youtu.be/mEe3NoVCDcY

Alan Caulfield
Faculty Co-ordinator - Music

Weekly Careers News updates are now available via the College ATLAS page.

Information related to university, TAFE, private colleges, cadetships, scholarships, gap years and employment opportunities are included.

Enquiries: pmcalinden@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

The last few weeks have again been very difficult from a sporting sense. I would compare it to a cricket match that was constantly under the threat of going off for bad light or poor weather. In this case the bad light is COVID-19, and it continues to hang over our heads in every aspect of sport and co-curricular life.

Whilst we continue to provide an outlet for our students, it is a very fine line between keeping them active and keeping the College students, staff and community safe. The Football boys have continued playing in the MWFA and it is great to watch the teams enjoying their games so much on a Saturday morning. The Rugby teams have continued to train and been lucky enough to have ex-wallabies Nathan Grey and Julian Huxley provide some specific training with the students. Although the ISA season came to an abrupt end, it’s great to see the boys taking their Rugby seriously and striving to improve for next season. Geoff Webster continues to run position specific sessions which have been very well received and attended.

The Water Polo teams have started preparing for their new competition and have been trialling and training at Warringah Aquatic Centre. The new Combined Inter Schools Competition will see us take on other comprehensive boys schools which is an extremely exciting opportunity.

Our Senior Debaters had to move to a ZOOM format for their semi-final against Bede Polding High School. They will now progress to the quarter finals this Friday. Good luck boys and congratulations to all our debaters this season.

The Chess competition has been cancelled which is extremely disappointing for our boys, especially the Junior teams who were very keen to get started.

Cricket season starts on 17 October with some changes to the Open teams who are joining the ISA. Please contact TIC Andrew Jamieson jamieson.a@saintaug.nsw.edu.au if you haven’t received any communication around this.

ISA Basketball Trials

The College Basketball teams have continued working on their skills this term and trials for the ISA season will begin in the coming weeks. We are looking at having nearly 40 Basketball teams this season which is very exciting!

A reminder that the completion of Winter Sport commitments takes preference over Summer trials this Term.

Uniform
Students must ensure they wear St Augustine’s College branded uniform when they arrive or are attending venues on a Saturday. We are still seeing too many hoodies, jackets, and incorrect shorts and socks while representing the College. Parents, staff and coaches are encouraged to remind students of the importance of wearing the College uniform in the correct manner and taking off any item that is not appropriate.

Athletic Development
We are excited to provide you with the opportunity to view a presentation created by our newly appointed Director of Athletic Development, Nathan Parnham. The presentation highlights insights into the recent changes, creation of a syllabus, and what to expect from your child’s participation. The presentation is available via this link ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK.

Athletic Development Sessions Years 5-8  (Friday mornings - Term 4)
The College believes that every student should have the confidence and understanding to know how their body works. Sometimes it can be intimidating for younger students to be involved in this type of development with the Senior boys taking over the gym. This program allows our students of any ability to come and learn some fundamental movement skills while having fun with their peers.

Sessions will be divided into Years 7/8 (7:15am) and Years 5/6 (7:45am).

Nathan will be holding an Information Evening for Years 5-8 parents as we intend to dispel some of the rumours and myths around young boys looking after their bodies. The ZOOM meeting will be on Wednesday 16 September at 7:00pm. ZOOM details will be emailed to ALL parents in the coming weeks.

Registration is essential and would involve commitment for all of Term 4 on Friday mornings 7.15am and 7.45am respectively. For further queries please don’t hesitate to contact Nathan Parnham via email parnham.n@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

For further information, Nathan also produces some light-hearted blogs sharing invaluable insights into the challenges many sporting parents face. Feel free to check them out www.thesportingparent.com

Registrations are available by clicking this LINK

Jonathan Harvey
Assistant Principal – Sport and Co-Curricular

Congratulations

Mack McInnes of Year 9 has been selected in the Australian squad for boys born in 2005.

Dominic Vassallo of Year 8 has been selected in the NSW squad for boys born in 2006.

This brings to 6 the number of St Augustine’s boys who have now gained selection in either the NSW or Australian squads for their age group.

Preseason Training for Summer 2020-21

Skills-based preseason training is underway for all boys.  The larger age groups have been split in half so that there is a more manageable number of boys in the dive pool at the Aquatic Centre.  These arrangements will continue until the end of the term.

Mondays 6.30am-7.30am             16A Squad

Mondays 4pm-5pm                         15s

Wednesdays 6.30am-8am            1sts

Wednesdays 4pm-5pm                 14s Group 1

Thursdays 6.30am-8am                  16B Squad

Fridays 6.30am-7.30am                  14s Group 2

These sessions will be used to monitor and refine the grading process and make any changes needed and also to prepare the boys for the season ahead.  Year 7 boys are in two groups and a 14A and 14B will be selected at the end of term.  Movement between teams can occur at any time during the season as boys can often improve significantly during a season.  This is particularly the case with the 14s age group in Year 7.  All of our coaches are either currently coaching or playing at club level and the development of every single player is a priority no matter what team they are playing in.

Paul Hull
Teacher in Charge

The College is currently seeking expressions of interest from Year 12 students and the broader community who would like to join our Maintenance Team from December 2020.  This casual work is typically 1-2 days per week and is flexible to work around tertiary studies.  To be considered for a role you need to:

• -Have the ability to proactively identify maintenance issues
• -Have an understanding of general maintenance equipment such as lawn mowers, whipper snippers etc.
• -Be able to follow directions
• -Work to defined timeframes
• -Be flexible in working hours – usually 7am – 3pm
• -Be highly safety conscious
• -Have a great attitude and work ethic
• -Obtain a Working with Children Check

This casual work provides an opportunity for you to learn lifelong skills and build some work experience while you study. 

To be considered for a position, please submit an expression of interest letter, including details of your relevant experience and/or willingness to learn to: 

Camilla Smith
Head of Human Resources
Smith.c@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

Applications close Sunday 13 September 2020