A Global Reunion: St Augustine’s College Celebrates the Year of the Horse

The event was a massive success, beginning with a collaborative effort as international parents worked alongside the International Office to provide beautiful table and room decorations. For our international families, this evening represented more than just a festival; it was a vital opportunity to feel at home within the College community while sharing their rich cultural traditions with others.

An Authentic "Oz" Welcome: The Leadership Team BBQ

One of the most well-received highlights of the evening was the communal dinner, which offered a uniquely authentic Australian experience. At 6pm, members of the College Leadership Team took to the grills to prepare a traditional charcoal BBQ for all guests. This gesture of service provided a warm "Aussie" welcome to our international families, blending the flavours of a classic Australian cookout with the spirit of the Lunar New Year. The relaxed atmosphere of the BBQ facilitated group activities and meaningful connections between families and staff.

A Stage Full of Talent

The celebration was anchored by a spectacular lineup of student performances that showcased the immense talent within our international cohort. The night opened with a warm-up session by Year 5 student Joseph Yuan and his father. Artistic flair was on full display as Aiden (Year 10) performed on the violin, Leo Zhou (Year 11) took to the keyboard, and Year 12 students Lee Li and Jason Zhang provided a contemporary edge with bass and guitar. Connor Jiang, Zhenghao Connor (Year 10) captivated the audience with guitar and singing, while Eric Yang (Year 10) added a unique dimension to the evening with a live drawing performance. Finally, the program featured powerful speeches from Jerry Fu (Year 8) and Rango Ku (Year 11), following formal welcomes from Principal Jonathan Byrne and International Student Prefect Paklam Zhao (Year 12).

Traditional Red Envelopes

A highlight of the evening was the distribution of traditional red envelopes by staff to the international students. These envelopes, or hongbao, are a significant Lunar New Year tradition symbolising energy, happiness, and good luck, serving as a gesture of prosperity for the students’ upcoming academic year.

A Legacy of Connection: The Parental Address

The evening concluded with a deeply moving address from Mr. Shen, representing the family of Richard Shen (Year 8). As a long-standing member of the St Augustine’s College community, Mr. Shen shared a proud family legacy: his older son, Martin Shen, graduated from the College last year and is currently pursuing a double degree at the University of Sydney. Speaking on behalf of his family, he spoke highly of the College’s inclusive environment, emphasising how much they value the supportive community that has nurtured both of his sons. His words served as a perfect conclusion to the night, reminding all in attendance that while we celebrate different traditions, we are united as one College family.

A Special Thank you goes to our student leaders who acted as cultural ambassadors. By utilising translation apps to engage in bilingual conversations, they ensured that language was no barrier to building community ties.