Term 1 - Week 3 2025
Principal & Deputy Principals Message
Dear Families,
What a spectacular start to the school year! Our students and staff have settled so quickly, and it is remarkable to see the learning and engagement that has become their daily routine in such a short time. All of our staff spend a lot of time preparing for the beginning of the year. They take enormous pride in how our school looks and feels. I thank them for ensuring children and families feel welcomed and valued in our school. I am reminded of our school vision statement:
"We are a welcoming community, united in faith and centred on learning, who value and nurture the dignity of each individual."
It is our shared mission to ensure this statement reflects the lived experience of each and every community member and in the words of St Augustine,
“God sees each of us, as if there were only one of us.”
Building Update
Our reception children and staff have been enjoying the new learning space that will officially be named the St Monica Building later in the year. The rooms themselves, along with the location has contributed to our newest students having a very calm and supportive start to school life. They have even been accessing our new student friendly kitchen!
Last week we were excited to be granted occupancy of our gymnasium too! This space now being used by OSHC and our PE staff. In the weeks to come, our Performing Arts program will also shift into the gym. The gym is something we have long dreamt about here at St Augustine’s and we are delighted to be able to provide such an incredible facility for our wonderful community.
There is a significant amount of landscaping work associated with this building project. You will see this work completed over the next few weeks. An immediate change will be the removal of the 4 transportable classrooms near Carey St. Please note, the Carey St gate will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday for this to occur.
Carparking
Whilst it may not always feel like it, our parking and access to school is very generous and at the end of the school day, we manage to safely say goodbye to about 600 children and their families within a 20-minute window which is pretty impressive. I ask you to take note of the following to ensure it continues:
- Do not park on Yellow Lines – in the carpark, on Commercial Rd or any surrounding streets
- Disabled Access parking is for Permit Holders only
- Do not park across driveways or in local residents or businesses carparks
- Drive slowly through the church carpark
- Kiss n Drop Zone is open every morning in the church carpark in front of the new reception building (Look for Mr Cowan and Mrs Thomas)
- Please follow any directions given by our staff
Parent Information Evening
Unfortunately, the weather was unkind to us on Wednesday night. The safest and most logical action was to cancel the evening. As we are already into week 4, we do not plan to reschedule the event. I have asked classroom teachers to make sure all families feel they are welcome before or after school to come into the classroom and see the wonderful learning spaces for themselves. Later in the term we will also be holding Learning Conversations and will use this time as an opportunity to showcase our Gym and Performing Arts spaces too.
Keep an eye on our calendar dates for more information about this and many exciting events happening this term.
Take care and thanks for your ongoing support,
Dan Cowan, Principal & Michelle Thomas, Deputy Principal
Catholic Identity Updates
Jubilee Year of Hope
This year marks the Jubilee Year of Hope. Every 25 years, the Catholic Church throughout the world celebrates a Jubilee Year. There will be more information coming about this special year! Simply put, it is a year where we focus more on growing closer to God through prayer.
Here is the icon and the meanings:
Turning 70!
In 1955, Sr Mary Augustine was the first Principal of St Augustine’s Parish School. We are looking at celebrating this year and will provide you with further information in future Newsletters. If you have any photos of those years, please contact me at rtullio@saps.catholic.edu.au
Class Masses
Year 6 children will be celebrating Mass on Friday, 21 February at 9.30am in the Parish Church. All are welcome!
PRAYER: Dear God, we are grateful for all we have and all the blessings that come our way. Help us to grow as a community. Protect us from all harm and guide us with your love. Amen
Dr Rachele Tullio,
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission
Year 6 Leadership Retreat
On Monday, 10 February, our Year 6 students attended a leadership retreat at Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club, led by Dr. Tullio and the Year 6 teaching team. The day focused on understanding leadership and how we can use our strengths to be positive role models.
Students took part in various activities to deepen their leadership skills. They reflected on the Gospel of Matthew and listened to Mr. Cowan, who shared examples about our school values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence. We learnt from his discussion how living these values helps us inspire others, especially younger students.
As part of the retreat, teachers role-played moments from the life of St. Dominic, highlighting how his dedication to study, prayer, the community, and preaching helped bring others closer to God. This reinforced the idea that leadership is not just about guiding others but also about living with purpose and faith.
The day featured engaging discussions, video reflections, and hands-on activities. A highlight was the three-legged race, which encouraged teamwork and resilience. Students also enjoyed creative beach activities, including sculpting a model of Mr. Cowan!
It was a meaningful and enjoyable experience, giving Year 6 students the opportunity to grow as leaders in the Dominican tradition. We look forward to applying what we have learned in our school community.
Year 6 Teachers
Children's University
Children’s University Australia Registration for 2025- SAPS
The registration process is now open for students (year 3-6) who wish to join the Children’s University Australia (CUA) program in 2025. The cut-off date for registration is Friday, 14 March, Week 7, Term 1.
To register, families can scan the QR code provided.
Kendall Vivian,
CUA Coordinator / PA Teacher
kendallv@saps.catholic.edu.au
Parent and Friends
We are currently looking for volunteers across our community of parents and caregivers to support our school by joining our Parents and Friends group. This can include a variety of things such as helping out at events, or offering skills and equipment. Volunteering doesn't necessarily require attendance at meetings. If you are interested in playing an active role to assist us, please email Michelle Thomas at mthomas@saps.catholic.educ.au
Canteen
HELP REQUIRED
If you are available to volunteer in the canteen, your help would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact us on 8182 7900
Uniform Shop
The school uniform can only be purchased from Noone Apparel which is located at:
Shop 16 Craigmore Village
160-190 Yorktown Road
CRAIGMORE
Phone: (08) 7372 8057
Opening times are:
- Monday: 8:30am – 12.30pm
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday: 8:30am – 12.30pm
- Thursday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
- Friday: CLOSED
- Saturday: 9:30am – 11:30am
Uniform fittings are by appointment only.
Collections of online orders are available only when the shop is open (see above times).
Please book an appointment or place an online order using the following link:
2025 Diary Dates - Term 1
St Augustine's Community Hub
Community News
