This year has certainly been an interesting one. We have often called on the boys in differing ways to work with the changes, accept that things will be different to how they imagined, acknowledge when they need help or are feeling flat and to be resilient. In a year that has been commonly dubbed ‘unprecedented’ we have asked much of our boys. What is most pleasing, is the boys’ attitude and continued resilience. When sports have been cancelled, trips postponed, new protocols put in place and many rites of passage put on hold or altered, the boys have accepted these things with maturity, positivity and a real sense of community. They have tried to imagine how we might do things in different ways, they have thought outside the box and dreamed bigger, often more than we think they will.

We are in full swing at the moment planning the Graduation events for our Year 12 boys. The boys are quite aware that the events this year will be different to the events that have traditionally run, but staff are putting every effort into ensuring that events for the students will still be memorable and provide a strong ending to their time at the College. Events begin next Thursday with a Year 12 breakfast, Guard of Honour and then Graduation Assembly. Whilst we are all hugely disappointed, particularly as a school that values community so highly, that parents will not physically be able to attend, we do hope the live stream of the event gives parents at least the chance to see their fine son cross the stage to be handed his graduation certificate. We know parents will be watching and so very proud of their sons. The day will finish for the Year 12 boys with their much-loved House Ceremonies and a final chance to have a Graduation photo before they, as newly tied ‘Old Boys’ leave to spend the afternoon with their friends and families. We also look forward to further celebrations after restrictions are lessened slightly, following the HSC Examinations.   

This week saw another event where the boys embraced the ‘beautifully broad spectrum of the human experience’. The staff were so very proud of Year 11 boys, Jasper Zanon and Luke Morley as well as Ewan Coates from Year 7, who believe in supporting Mental Health so strongly that, in RU OK? Week, they approached Jonathan Byrne, supported by teachers, Jenna Robinson and Debra Clarke, to pitch their idea for the College to participate in ‘Mullets for Mental Health’. The boys were phenomenal in their enthusiasm and commitment for this event, going as far as organising Old Boys, who are barbers, to come to the College to cut the boys hair. We have all been amazed by the number of boys who have committed to the event. I am even accepting that I now have 150 ‘non-compliant’ mullet cuts walking around the school (only until the end of September though). I am so proud of all of the boys. So far, they have raised over $35,000 and are currently in second place Australia-wide for fundraising in this campaign for Black Dog Institute. If you would like to donate to this campaign you can do so by clicking on the link:  St Augustine’s Mullets for Mental Health

With only one week left of what has been an incredibly busy term, I hope that all of the boys from Years 5 to 11 take some time to slow down, rest, enjoy the sunshine, get out in the fresh air and most importantly spend some down time with their families and friends. We look forward to welcoming you all back next term.

For our Year 12 boys, we hope that your last week of formal schooling and all the events are both enjoyable and memorable. May your study go well over the break so that you are as prepared as you can be for your final HSC Examinations. We wish you every success and look forward to celebrating the end of your schooling after the exams. Go out into the world and be fine Augustinian men. As my all-time favourite Dr Seuss so finely put it; ‘You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!’

Health Information

A letter was sent to all families from NSW Health this week informing the community that we have had a few Chicken Pox cases in the Middle School. Whilst I am thankful that it was not the other “c” disease, (COVID), it is a good reminder to us all to be vigilant of our boys if they say they are feeling unwell, especially if they have respiratory symptoms, a runny nose or, of course, spots. NSW Health asked us also to advise the College community that a second dose of the vaccine is recommended for high school students. This, however, is not part of the School Immunisation program so you would need to attend your own Doctor/Medical Centre for this.

Uniform Reminder

A reminder that in Term 4, the boys are to wear their full summer College uniform. This consists of the white shirt, grey shorts, College tie, knee-high grey College socks and a black leather belt and shoes. Please check your son’s uniform and purchase any necessary items before the commencement of Term 4. I would recommend a visit to the Uniform Shop during this term as it will be mostly closed during the school holidays. The Uniform shop will open for last minute purchases on Friday 9 October 2020 from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Important dates

Please take note of the following important dates.

Last day of Term 3
Year 12: Thursday 24^th September
Years 5-11: Friday 25^th September 

First day of Term 4
Years 5-11: Monday 12^th October

HSC Examinations Start Date
Tuesday 20^th October

Kate Earle
Deputy Principal - Students

Rest in Peace

Your prayers are requested for:

• The Gale family following the recent passing of Trevor Kenneth Gale, father of staff member Dave Gale and grandfather of Kye, Year 12.
• The Boyce family following the recent passing of Richard Clarke, father of staff member Martina Boyce, and grandfather of Toby (Class of 2015), Oliver (Class of 2016) and Felix (past student, Year 11 2019).

May the Lord welcome Trevor and Richard into his kingdom of peace.

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 2^nd 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. 

The St Augustine’s College 2019 Annual Report has been published and may be accessed on the College website via this link 2019 Annual Report

The College is currently undertaking a school wide survey Perspectives: Your School in Focus to assist in the growth and development of our whole school community. 

All staff, students and parents have previously been sent a link from the AIS to complete the online survey (approximately 20 minutes) which will close on Wednesday 23 September 2020.

Should you have any questions regarding the survey or would like a link forwarded to your email please contact Philippa Sherwood psherwood@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

As the weather begins to warm and the days become longer, we enter the Spring season with a sense of optimism that there may be a sense of ‘normal’ soon. For many, the holiday period is a time when you may be working. For those fortunate enough to be able to take some holiday leave, I hope you can enjoy some quality family time together. If you are planning holidays to explore regional Australia, please drive safely. If like me, you have loved ones interstate that you can’t visit, you would be hoping for opportunities for this to occur sooner than later. If you or your family are having trouble or in a situation that requires assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact either myself or Megan Cashman.

We look forward to welcoming you back from holidays on Monday 12 October. Please remember that boys will come back dressed in their Summer uniform, hopefully with their hair meeting College standards.

New Year 5 Student Orientation Day

The College is hopeful that we can welcome the new Year 5 boys to the Orientation Day on Friday 30 October. I had the pleasure of speaking to the new parent group, albeit via ZOOM, a fortnight ago, to welcome them into the wonderfully rich, diverse and friendly Augustinian community. The College is honoured to be able to support you in the education of your son, an education focusing on ‘doing your best, not necessarily being the best’. 

During the meeting, I outlined the Primary School curriculum which caters for the interests and potential of all boys. As experts in Boys’ Education, the emphasis is on doing, designing and making, collaborating and discussing. In fact, it is through dialogue and discussion that thinking is a required and an essential component of a quality education. By providing opportunities for analysis,  explanation, justification and evaluation, boys see thinking as inseparable to learning and vital to inquiry. In an Augustinian contemporary education, boys are given time and opportunities to think as well as build upon previously constructed knowledge and skills.

Transition Program

We begin our transition program from Year 6 to Year 7 during Term 4. Each year we run this program with the following objectives in mind:

• Strengthen the relationship between campuses
• Further improve the transitional phase
• Provide Year 6 and Year 7 with a greater sense of identity and belonging.

Student Formation Leaders, Adam Evans and Monique Douglas, College Captain elect 2021, Josh Seward, along with the current Year 6 Teachers and some Year 7 Tutors and their Student Leaders, will all be involved in assisting the Year 6 boys’ transition into High School more confidently.

Primary School Academic Games

With eight of the events completed and four still to go, the Primary Academic games promises to be a close finish. So far, we have seen boys excel in Sizzling Story writing, Spelling, Maths times tables and Problem solving, as well as in the creative domains of the Music Talent Quest and the Humility Art competition. The Design, Make and Construction section is currently underway with Debating, Technology Challenge, and Poetry Recital the last of the events. It has been a load of fun and fully supports the Primary School’s philosophy which aims at-

“establishing conditions that will arouse and guide curiosity. He says we need more stories and less facts, for narrative develops an understanding of sequence; we need more dialogue and less transmission of knowledge, for it is through dialogue that we learn most;  and we need more challenge and less instruction, since it is from challenge that one grows in body, mind and spirit” (Lipman)

Victory

I realise it is the year of Humility, however the opportunity to publish the overall champion ‘Times Tables’ winner in the Primary was too good to pass up. With a time of 7.01 seconds… drum roll please… the winner was Mr Walsh. It’s the first thing I’ve won in 37 years and to admit to winning against 11-year old boys is a little embarrassing, but in a strange way satisfying. I know both Nick and Ethan are eagerly awaiting the rematch next term. In the true spirit of the Olympics, I say ‘bring it on’ …

‘A fiver for a farmer’

Today, we celebrated the annual ‘A fiver for a farmer’ initiative, with the boys dressing in farmer and country style and bringing in Australian made food for recess. 100% Australian made beef sausages will be cooked by our Senior SRC Leaders for lunch. We would like to thank Harbord Road Butcher for supplying the sausages for this worthy cause.

Jack Berne, current Year 6 student, began this initiative three years ago and to date has raised just over $1.8 million. Through this initiative, Jack has been able to raise awareness and funds for farmers who have been impacted by serious droughts and fires. This year, Jack has changed the emphasis from a fundraiser to one encouraging all of us to buy Australian made where possible. He has been a very busy boy, with a phone call from our Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, as well as being mentioned by local member, Zali Stegall, in her Parliamentary address last month. Jack  was a guest on 2GB with Ben Fordham and last week appeared on Behind the News.

The College is very proud of Jack’s achievements and his ability to be of service and ‘other centred’ which is a very Augustinian character strength.

Against Bullying / Bullying - No Way!

The College has an active ‘Student Bullying and Harassment Policy’ which aims at providing a secure and safe learning environment for all students and members of the College community. The College places a great deal of emphasis on fostering positive relationships which aims at reducing the incidents of bullying.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is when a person is repeatedly exposed over time to negative actions on the part of one or more people. It involves a desire to hurt, intimidate or put down a person and causes a person to feel threatened or physically hurt. It is important that the boys and their parents realise that some behaviours are not bullying behaviours because they don’t meet the definition. There are numerous behaviours that may require staff intervention and management that are not examples of bullying.

The Primary School teachers are very familiar with all elements of the College’s Anti-Bullying Policy and actively communicate to the boys that bullying will be acted against immediately and strongly.

It is vital that all boys experience being part of a school where they can move about freely without worrying about threats, put-downs and violence. There are many more incidents of positive behaviours at the College than ones that may be defined as bullying, which in most cases are disagreements and one-off teasing and name calling.

Role Models

Of concern, seems to be the increase in comments that are not factual, but nonetheless harmful and not a true reflection of the character and reputation of that person. Reputational damage and untruths are damaging and hurtful, and as adults and role models, we have a responsibility to ensure that boys see us taking responsibility for our actions and words. The College community has a wonderfully supportive culture, one that values and respects the dignity of all members, teachers included. I would hope that if you have any constructive commentary on individuals, then you would surely direct it through the appropriate channels and with good intentions.

Merit Awards

Attollo Awards

Quote for the Week . . .

Terry Walsh
Head of Primary School

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 – Gus Simmonds, Hayden McLellan, Jackson Quarrell, Zach Rowland

SILVER – 

Adam Zaknic, Archibald (Archie) Breakwell, Gus Simmonds, Harry Letts, Harry O'Sullivan, Hayden McLellan,  Jackson Quarrell, Jake Van-De-Water, James Livingstone, Luke Peters, Luke Varde, Nelson Murphy, Tate Braams, Toby Hodgson, Zach Rowland.

BRONZE – 

Adam Zaknic, Aidan O'Hara, Andrew Paterson, Archibald (Archie) Breakwell, Arkie Stewart, Chase McLennan, Gus Simmonds, Harry Letts, Harry O'Sullivan, Hayden McLellan, Jackson Quarrell, Jai Edwards, Jake Van-De-Water, James Livingstone, Jett Thom, Koby Lynch, Lucas Lund, Luke Peters, Luke Varde, Nelson Murphy, Noah Miles, Phoenix Bell, Rhys Thomas, Slade Baker, Tate Braams, Thomas Cameron, Thomas Gustard, Toby Hodgson, Zach Rowland

YEAR 8

GOLD - Marcus Krause, Oscar McFarland 


 

SILVER – 

Brodie Hitchman, Ellis Cleland, Hamish Laird, Jackson Elepano, Jake Robinson, Luke Pollett, Marcus Krause, Mitchell Stewart, Oscar McFarland, Zachary Toole.

BRONZE - 

Adem Gunasti, Alec Raymond, Benjamin Bousie, Brodie Hitchman, Charlie Poynton, Darcy Sheil, Ellis Cleland, Hamish Laird, Harry Whitelaw, Henry Walsh, Jack Singer, Jackson Elepano, Jacob Crotty, Jake Robinson, Jett Dicembre, Joe Walsh, Jude Jaggers, Kian Downman, Lachlan Gray, Louis Stelzer, Luke Pollett, Marcus Krause, Mitchell Stewart, Nigel Kerr, Oscar McFarland, Reid Shaw, Robert Moran, Samuel Agostino, Tyler Misciagna, Will Elliott, William Rogers, Zachary Toole

YEAR 9

SILVER - 

Adrian Maruca, Charlie Last, Cody Kearney, Cooper Cohen, Finn Brown, Jack Cummins, James Lugsdin, Joel Whitfield, Joseph Lynch, Joshua Hawke, Julian Richardson, Morgan Wilmot, Murphy Gee, River Lankow, Tane Potts, Thomas Magee, Xander O'Gorman.

BRONZE - 

Adrian Maruca, Albert Ingleton, Andrew Wealleans, Benjamin Giuffrida, Benjamin (Ben) Cheshire, Charlie Last, Cody Kearney, Ethan McKechnie, Jack Sedgwick, James Wheen, Joseph Lynch, Joshua Hawke, Jules Marie, Julian Richardson, Lachlan Iemma, Morgan Wilmot, Noah Meinrath, Oscar Grealy, Sean Crowe, Tane Potts, Xander O'Gorman.

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:

CRANE – Benjamin Short, James Roche
GOOLD – Thomas Jarrett
HEAVEY – Xavier Huggins
REVILLE – Erlang Xiao, Jayke Jecks, Van Kilpatrick

Attollo Awards

Help and Support Needed for a Wonderful Augustinian Organisation

Our Augustinian volunteers are involved in wonderful service work throughout Australia. Please visit Augustinian Volunteers Australia (AVA) to learn about their valued work.

In order to fund this important organisation, AVA conducts a series of fundraisers each year. This year, AVA is participating in the ‘Virtual City2Surf’ and is seeking your generous support.

The ‘Virtual City2Surf’ involves registering for a small fee, obtaining an App to measure your walk/run, and, on 18 October, completing a 14 km walk or walk/run within a location of your choice!

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT!

1. Register as a walker/runner for the ‘Virtual City to Surf’ and join the ‘Augustinian Volunteers Australia’ Team then seek sponsorships with all donations going to AVA.

• Register as an individual at  https://city2surf.com.au/  Gather family and friends to register and walk/run with you on the day.
• Join AVA team at https://city2surf2020.everydayhero.com/au/walking-with-augustinian-volunteers-australia
• Spread the word among family and friends and seek sponsorship.

     OR

2. Support and donate directly to the ‘Augustinian Volunteers Australia’ Team AVA or individuals who are part of the AVA team at   https://city2surf2020.everydayhero.com/au/walking-with-augustinian-volunteers-australia

Any question or queries make contact with me at the College. Thanks for your consideration and support.

Peter Nolan
Deputy Principal – Mission and Wellbeing

Senior Reflection Day Thursday 15 October (Term 4, Week 1)

This year has been different and difficult for so many families and has caused the cancellation of many usual College events. Our normal 3-day Senior Retreat for Year 11 cannot proceed next term, and we are instead planning for an extended Reflection Day to be held on 15 October onsite at the College. Current Year 11 families have been provided with details about the event. Please direct any queries or questions to Simon Hyland.

Do you remember your Confirmation name?

Year 8 students are currently studying the Sacraments of Initiation in Religious Education: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, a candidate chooses the name of a saint and so I asked students in my class if they remember what name they chose. This started a great discussion about why we choose a saint’s name and what our saint was famous for?

Saint Paul says, “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) In choosing a Confirmation saint, we are choosing someone special to intercede for us in heaven and after whom we can model our lives while here on earth.

My Confirmation saint was St Stephen. Do you remember your confirmation name?

If not, who would you choose as a saint to model your life upon?

Term 3 Community Mass Schedule

Wednesday 23 September – 7 Murray 1&2

Term 4 Community Mass Schedule

Wednesday 14 October – 7 Reville 

Significant Dates

Thursday 15 October - Senior Reflection Day

Simon Hyland
Leader of Liturgy and Retreats

There’s More to Say After “RU OK?”

Last week, our boys engaged in a range of RU OK? Day awareness-raising activities. Some of our Student Leadership Team and Student Representative Council leaders came into school early to create two murals to greet the boys on their way into school on Thursday. All students in Years 7 to 9 learnt and practised the 4 steps* to asking RU OK in their Wellbeing Period last week, whilst the whole school was involved in conversation on the topic in Tutor Group time on the day. (*1. Ask. 2. Listen. 3. Encourage Action. 4. Check-in. See the last edition of Tolle Lege for tips on how to ask and support someone who is struggling.) The message from the 2020 Wellbeing Prefect, Lucas Sieb in the ZOOM College Assembly emphasised that whilst RU OK? Day is an important awareness-raising day, we should be looking out for those around us every day and asking them if we are worried about them.

A difficult, yet vital conversation

Talking to your son or daughter about mental health is one that parents may find difficult and might prefer to avoid. RU OK? Day is held on World Suicide Prevention Day every year on 10 September, created to improve education and awareness of the issue of suicide. It is such a complex, sensitive and challenging topic to understand and address and one that has traditionally been put in the ‘too hard’ basket. Fortunately, the issue is gradually being destigmatised through greater awareness on days such as RU OK? Day, and from increased funding from government and initiatives and resources created by key organisations such as Headspace, ReachOut, Lifeline, Black Dog Institute and Beyond Blue. I encourage parents to attend our Parent Seminars throughout the year such as ‘A Night with the Blokes’ or ‘A Night with the Parents’ (Term 4) that aim to increase awareness and confidence discussing the issue of mental health at home.

There are many great resources for parents such as ReachOut Parents: https://parents.au.reachout.com/ and last week, Black Dog Institute released this guide to talking about suicide with young people: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Tackling-the-topic-of-suicide-with-children-20202.pdf. As always, if you have any concerns regarding the wellbeing or mental health of your son, please do not hesitate to contact your son’s Formation Leader or one of our College Psychologists directly.

GPs in Schools Program – Year 11

On Tuesday 22 September (Week 10), our Year 11 boys will be participating in the ‘GPs in Schools Program’ in a COVID-19 safe manner. This wonderful initiative by Sydney North Health Network means 14 General Practitioners will be running workshops with our boys to facilitate open and honest dialogue about health issues such as accessing health services, sexual health, drug and alcohol use, physical health and staying mentally healthy. Last year, the feedback from our students was overwhelmingly positive. Groups will be approximately 14 students in friendship groups with one GP, running through Periods 1, 2 and 3. I look forward to welcoming the GPs that volunteer their time for this invaluable initiative and am sure that our boys will get a lot out of the session.

‘Need a Lift?’ Youth Mental Health Month Photography Competition

I sent information out to all our boys last week about this competition and a number of them have since entered and shared with me their photo entry – I have loved seeing their wonderful shots. I encourage all our budding photographers to take a picture and enter the competition. Irrespective of the competition outcome, simply being present in the moment and taking a photo of something that brings them joy or a sense of awe or wonder will undoubtedly enhance their own wellbeing.

Need a Lift? is an initiative of Northern Sydney Local Health District, supported by North Sydney Council, Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai CDAT, North Shore CDAT and Ku-ring-gai Council. Selected photos will be showcased in local hospitals, community health centres, Council facilities and social media during Mental Health Month in October. To celebrate positive mental health, competition participants are being asked to capture a photo of something uplifting, positive or joyful in your life or community. Five JB Hi-Fi vouchers up for grabs with value of up to $250. See attached ‘Need a Lift?’ flyer for more information.

Daniel Fee
Leader of Student Wellbeing

bit.ly/NeedLift

Dear Parents and Care Givers

Several our students completing examinations require some additional support in order to access the exams on an equal basis with other students “Disability Provisions.” Students may require a writer or scribe, where the task is dictated to the support person or a reader, where passages and tasks are read to the students to allow equal access to the task.

In order to support these students, we are seeking volunteers from the St Augustine’s College Community to help as readers and/or scribes for the upcoming HSC exams. If you have not been a reader/scribe before that is not a problem as we can help prepare you.

The HSC Examination dates are Tuesday 20^th October – Wednesday 11^th November 2020.

There may be additional exam situations during the year in which your help would be greatly appreciated.

If you can help the boys for the HSC Examinations, please contact Sue Gostelow who is co-ordinating the Disability Provisions. Please email Sue on sgostelow@saintaug.nsw.edu.au or if you have any questions about volunteering, I am also able to be contacted. We would greatly appreciate your help.

Kind regards

Leah Crowley
Learning Enhancement Co-ordinator

crowley.l@saintaug.nsw.edu.au  

Year 12 Booklists were emailed to Year 11 parents on Wednesday 9 September.

Visit https://shop.boxofbooks.com.au to place your order,

It is important that you place your order online by no later than Thursday 24 September 2020.

Year 10 Visual Arts “Street Art” Workshop

Year 10 Visual Arts students were treated to a Street Art workshop hosted by Youth Development Officer, Cam Wall, from Northern Beaches Council. The boys practiced skills using spray cans while learning about the laws and protocols involved in this art form.

As part of our workshop, artist Jeremy Lightfoot designed and painted a mini mural outside our new art studios with the assistance of Year 10 students. The mask-wearing koala in a grim, bush fire ravaged background is a representation of 2020.

Year 8 Extension Art

Our Year 8 Extension Art class has been investigating ‘selfies’. They have used a range of forms, material and techniques including photography, Photoshop, paint and ceramics.

Congratulations Jimmy Brown – Year 10

Jimmy Brown, Year 10 Photographic & Digital Media student, has been putting his photographic skills to good use, entering the Australian Mountain Bike magazine photography awards. Jimmy has made the shortlist of top twelve photographs in the Youth Photography category with his wonderfully dynamic image of two mountain bikers mid-air. We wish him luck as the vote is decided for the winners.

Robyn Larbalestier

Faculty Co-ordinator - Visual Arts

Curricular Music

Year 12 Music Showcase video recording

If you missed the Youtube premier of Year 12 Music Showcase performances you can catch them at your leisure, simply click the links below. Year 12 Music Showcase provides students with the opportunity to perform excerpts from their HSC works in the formal concert setting.

Domini Edgell (12 Music 2) – https://youtu.be/miVYZnn5rQo

Benjamin Weiley (12 Music 1) – https://youtu.be/mEe3NoVCDcY

Year 12 Music HSC Composition Submissions

Composition is arguably the most creative element of the musical art form and is therefore a vital ingredient of Music courses. In the HSC Music 2 course students are required to compose a piece, and in Music 1 students have the option to do so. As part of our departmental improvement initiatives, Year 12 Music students participated in a formalised composition recording process. This essentially fell into two parts, the first being a composer/performer workshop where professional musicians worked with students to refine their final composition drafts. Students then spent the mid-year holiday improving and polishing works and reconvened early in Term 3 to particpate in the final recording session. This process has been an outstanding success and students have learnt so much through the experience and it was excellent to see our boys working together with industry professionals to produce highly accomplished works. Please take a moment to listen to this year’s HSC compositions:

Dominic Edgell (12 Music 2) – https://youtu.be/w3zQ-QV_lbQ

Benjamin Weiley (12 Music 1) – https://youtu.be/XXFqNnFumec

Year 8 Music Extension 2020 – Concert

Joseph Montz significantly revised the Year 8 Music Extension curriculum this year with a view to make the course more engaging and relevant to the students. In Term 1 students were given a basic introduction to how to play the different instruments of a rhythm section (Keyboard, Guitar, Bass guitar, and Drum Kit) and then learnt how to play music from a given chord chart (comping). With those skills under their belts, students learnt the basics of song writing and eventually went on to compose their own songs. The boys performed each others works and also recorded them using Garageband software. Furthering skills learnt through the course, students rehearsed a broad range of songs and it was great to see them learn to play all instrumental parts for every song. Next Monday, the class will hold a small concert for family and friends. It has been impressive to see the boys showing up early each morning over the past three weeks to rehearse and prepare for the presentation. The concert will feature the boys performing 15 songs (5 of them are originals) with them jumping between all the instruments. In Term 4 students will learn about running a recording session; learning about the setup, the equipment, the software, and techniques of running and performing in a recording session. 

Well done Mr Montz and Year 8 Music Extension.

Year 8 Music Extension 2021

Limited places (12 maximum) are available for suitable students to enrol in the Music Extension Class 2021. This presents as an enrichment opportunity in Music and an alternative to Languages. The course aims to extend students' knowledge, understanding and skills in performance, composition and musicianship beyond their mandatory Music studies. Students will work closely with the teacher in a collaborative, student-centred environment to accelerate their performance skills on their chosen instrument/voice and to realise their creative potential and grasp of theoretical concepts. At the completion of the Music Extension course, students will be thoroughly prepared for ongoing Elective Music studies. Students wishing to participate in the Music Extension class are required to do an audition on their principal instrument/voice, undertake private music tuition on an instrument or in voice and to participate in the College Co-curricular Music Program. It is expected that Music Extension Class students will also study Elective Music in Year 9, 2022.

Students will be selected to participate in this class based on an audition performance and their suitability to work creatively and collaboratively. Additionally, their Year 7 Music results will be taken into consideration. For more information, please contact Alan Caulfield caulfield.a@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

Year 8 Music Movie and Gaming Music Composition Project

The College is indeed fortunate to have Patrik Jarlestam, a professional composer, as a member of the Music Faculty. Patrik composes in a broad range of styles and genres, and specialises in movie and gaming composition. To enhance the boys knowledge, understanding and skills in the area of movie and gaming music, Year 8 Music recently participated in a lecture demonstration by Patrik. The presentation covered the elements of movie composition, the importance of mood and atmosphere in composition and an explanation of contemporary digital composition tools. Patrik’s presentation was an excellent springboard for students into their movie and gaming performance assessment.

Year 7 Music Performance Assessment

Semester Two Year 7 Music students have just completed their guitar performance assessment and the overall results have been excellent. Guitar and keyboard are the focus instruments of the Year 7 Music curriculum. For many students this was the first opportunity that they have had to play a musical instrument and the level of interest has been outstanding. For students wishing to take things to the next level, they are strongly encouraged to take on private music tuition (details below) on guitar or another instrument.

Value of instrumental music and Private Music Tuition Program

There are many benefits of playing a musical instrument in human development. Music is an integral part of human life and is a fundamental part of a culture and identity, a creative pursuit which is often performed in a collaborative or ensemble situation. There have been many studies conducted that link music and increased intelligence in students, but this is not the only benefit. In schools, learning an instrument is a discipline in which students simultaneously develop academic capacity, physical ability and social skills.

All students are encouraged to take up learning an instrument. Private tuition in most instruments and voice is available at the College. Further information and the enrolment form are available online at - https://atlas.saintaug.nsw.edu.au/Sport-Co-Curricular/Sport-and-Co-curricular-Forms/music-tuition. If you have any questions regarding the Private Music Tuition Program, please contact Alan Caulfield caulfield.a@saintaug.nsw.edu.au or Lynne Papahatzis lpapahatzis@saintaug.nsw.edu.au.

Alan Caulfield
Faculty Coordinator 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

Summer Registrations are now open for our various Summer Sports and Activities. If you have not yet received communication from the respective Teacher in Charge (TIC) please contact them directly to register your son.

Cricket – Andrew Jamieson

Water Polo – Paul Hull

Rowing – Judith Ungemach

Basketball – Emma Fuavao

Tennis – James Kirkwood

We have had a great response, thus far, to the new Year 5-8 Athletic Development Program which is to commence in Term 4. If you haven’t registered your son as yet, please do so by Friday 25 September so we can finalise numbers for the beginning of Term 4. Click the LINK to register if you haven’t already. ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT program.

In most ordinary years, it is rare to moot against the same school more than once, but 2020 has not been an ordinary year, and so it probably was not that surprising for the Saints team to find themselves mooting against Oakhill College via ZOOM two rounds in a row. In August, the neophyte team had to defend an alleged shoplifter (played skilfully by Luke Bolton) against the charge of larceny. That was the first outing for Alex Greig as First Barrister and also Zac Tapsell as Second Barrister; they both acquitted themselves creditably (winning the trial 225 to 211) although they failed to gain an acquittal for their client.

Four weeks later, the team was scheduled to take on Oakhill again, this time as the plaintiff in a contested will dispute. The Year 11 boys took on the major roles in their last chance to shine adversarially while the Year 10 members acted in the witness roles (Jave Abley outstanding as the second witness, a doctor with a bent for gerontology). Unfortunately, on the day, Tom Copping had to withdraw – a late scratching due to illness. Flinders Brogden showed the mettle he is made of, slotting into the role of First Barrister, while Tighe Jones stepped up to replace Flinders as the Solicitor and performed his role as if he were a seasoned advocate.

The truly outstanding performance on the night, however, came from Rory Graham, who appeared as Second Barrister. In praising Rory’s performance, the presiding magistrate dubbed it the best he had “ever seen” and recommended all the other contestants use Rory as a model and emulate his focused and forensic cross examination style. Rory was awarded 99% – a score as unprecedented as the year itself.

In terms of the overall competition, it is hypothetically possible (but unlikely) that the team, with two strong wins from three cases, could make it into the playoffs. All Year 9 students are reminded to look out for the opportunity to get involved in 2021, when we hope the competition will move back into a more traditional non-ZOOM format.

Chris Hardy
TIC Mock Trials

Term 3 is quickly coming to an end for the Monday Tennis Squad with next week being the last week for this term. The boys have been lucky to get back on the court for most of this term and have shown steady development under the great coaching of Gershwin and his team of talented coaches at Wakehurst Tennis. It is great opportunity for the boys to develop their tennis skills and the coaches cater for all levels from beginners to competition players. The boys have shown great commitment to this co-curricular option and participated with enthusiasm. It also provides a wonderful social opportunity for boys to mix with students from other Year Groups and develop friendships.

Monday Squad Tennis will return the first Monday back next term on 12 October. If you would like your son to participate in this co-curricular activity, please complete the new form via ‘teamapp’ or let me know by email address below.

The College is modifying Monday Tennis registration in 2021 into Summer Tennis Squad (Term 1 and Term 4) and Winter Tennis Squad (Term 2 and Term 3). A commitment to one of those options will be the expectation to achieve the 10 co-curricular points. I have attached the information about 2021 tennis below.

I hope everyone has a safe and well-earned holiday.

James Kirkwood
TIC Tennis jkirkwood@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

‘St Augustine's College Tennis - 2021

St Augustine's College Tennis continues to look at ways to enhance and improve our program. With the help of the wonderful coaches at Wakehurst Tennis Courts we will be bringing you a slightly different program for Term 4, 2020 and into 2021. We will now have three options for Tennis players at the College.

• Summer Tennis Squad (Terms 4 & 1) - Monday afternoons 4:00pm-5:30pm
• Winter Tennis Squad (Terms 2 & 3) - Monday afternoons 4:00pm-5:30pm
• ISA Tennis Squad (Terms 2 & 3) - Wednesday afternoon - 4:00pm-6:00pm + Saturday Competition

Attendance to the sessions you sign up to are mandatory. The costs are as follows:

• Summer Tennis Squad - $150 (10 Co-Curricular points)
• Winter Tennis Squad - $150 (10 Co-Curricular points)
• ISA Tennis - $200 (15 Co-Curricular points)

Payment will be added to your College fees.

Preseason Training for Summer 2020-21

We’ve been very impressed by the effort and the commitment at pre-season training and this has been invaluable to prepare for the season ahead.

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.

Broadly speaking the training arrangements will continue into Term 4, although there may be some minor adjustments to the 15s and 16s squads for the start of next term.  We will continue to monitor the progress of all boys and place boys in their correct squad in terms of their age, size and progress.

Term 4 training will commence from the Monday morning of the first day of 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 

Competition Information

At the current time, games are scheduled to be played on Saturdays in Term 4 and Term 1 2021.  There are seven Saturdays in Term 4 and a further seven Saturdays in Term 1.  Having said that, we are in the COVID-19 world and things can change very quickly despite our best planning.  Whatever happens we will do everything possible to give the boys games every Saturday.

At this stage it is unlikely that any spectators will be allowed at school sport, but again this may also change as we move forward.

Paul Hull
TIC – Water Polo