A Community for Life

How generations of Old Boys continue to shape St Augustine's College

What does it say about a school when its students keep coming back?

Not just for reunions or milestone celebrations, but as teachers, coaches, mentors, tutors and parents.

At St Augustine's College, stories like these are remarkably common. Former students regularly return through the College gates, drawn back by the community that helped shape them and a desire to give something back to the next generation.

For Principal Jonathan Byrne, those returning faces are a testament to something deeper than nostalgia.

"The formation of young men has always been a shared responsibility," he says. "Families provide the foundation, schools help nurture growth, and communities reinforce the values that young people carry into adulthood. When those three work together, young people are given the best opportunity to thrive."

These stories reveal the enduring power of relationships and the role families, educators and alumni play in shaping young men of character.

The Bonds That Last

Ask any Old Boy what they remember most about their time at St Augustine's College and the answer is rarely a building, a subject or a result.

It's the people.

For James Akhurst (Class of 1989), the strongest memories are the friendships formed throughout his eight years at the College.

"The best memories are times with the mates that you met and times you shared with them through the eight-year journey from Year 5," he reflects.

Andrew Doherty (Class of 1992) shares a similar perspective.

"I have fond memories of building friendships with classmates, several of which are still strong today."

Those relationships continue to be one of the defining features of a St Augustine's education.

Nathan Raffo (Class of 2015), now a TAS teacher and Manager in Charge of Surfing, credits much of his positive experience to the connections he built with others.

"A lot of my best memories from school come from sharing experiences with mates, just being part of something together," he says. "That also carries into the idea of giving back and contributing where you can."

For Kyle Dooley (Class of 1999), now Head of Academic Programs and a Science teacher, those friendships remain one of the most valuable outcomes of his school years.

"I still remain close with many of my friends from school. While we don't catch up as regularly these days, it remains one of the things I value most from my time here."

While St Augustine's has grown significantly over the decades, many Old Boys observe that the spirit of community remains as strong as ever.

As Nathan notes, while the facilities and opportunities available to students have expanded considerably, the focus on relationships, wellbeing and belonging continues to sit at the heart of the College experience.

Full Circle

For some Old Boys, their connection to the College extends beyond fond memories.

They return to work alongside the very teachers who once taught them.

PE teacher and rugby coach Kotoni Ale (Class of 2008) still remembers arriving from New Zealand midway through his schooling, knowing nobody.

"I came into a year group where I didn't know anyone, but I was immediately brought into the community. I felt supported, included and valued."

That sense of belonging stayed with him.

"One of the main reasons I came back as a teacher was to give back," he says. "The College played a big role in shaping who I am."

Kotoni is part of a growing group of Old Boys who have returned as staff members, alongside educators including Adam Gray (Class of 1994), Kyle Dooley (Class of 1999), Max Burgess (Class of 2008), Nathan Raffo (Class of 2015) and Joshua Roberts (Class of 2018).

For Joshua, returning as a teacher has been a particularly meaningful experience.

"It's been a full circle moment because I see a little bit of who I was in each and every one of these boys and to get the opportunity to be involved with their growth here at the College means a lot to me."

Nathan describes a similar feeling.

"A big part of becoming a teacher was wanting to hopefully have the same sort of positive impact on students that my teachers had on me."

For Adam Gray, now Head of PDHPE, the opportunity to help guide the next generation is both a privilege and a responsibility.

"I understand the impact that teachers, coaches and mentors can have on young people because I experienced it myself."

There is also a strong sense of continuity.

Many of these staff members now work alongside the same teachers who once taught them. Others first returned through holiday work with the College maintenance team, a department with a proud tradition of employing Old Boys.

For Nathan, that says something important about the College community.

"One thing I've always found interesting is how many Old Boys end up coming back to work at Saints in different roles. I think that probably says a lot about the connection people have with the College and the type of experience they had here in the first place."

Passing It On

Not every Old Boy waits decades before giving back.

Recent graduates Jesse O'Connor and Kevin Mingjie Xiang, both from the Class of 2024, regularly return to support current Year 12 students through tutoring and mentoring.

Studying Advanced Science (Pre-Med) at UTS, Jesse says returning to St Augustine's felt natural.

"It is a safe, caring and supportive environment which is something I am happy to contribute to."

The motivation comes from seeing firsthand the impact he can have on current students.

"I've had multiple experiences where I helped students week after week leading up to the HSC and then afterwards they personally thanked me for helping them. Those experiences are very rewarding and are the reasons I keep coming back."

Kevin, now studying a double degree in Actuarial Studies and Computer Science at UNSW, sees tutoring as an opportunity to pass on both knowledge and experience.

"I want to pass on my own study experiences and strategies to help them achieve an ATAR they are truly proud of."

The culture of collaboration he experienced as a student continues to shape his approach today.

"Learning that success isn't just an individual pursuit, and that helping your peers actually reinforces your own understanding, instilled a strong sense of community in me that I'll carry forward."

Both young men embody the idea that education is not simply about personal achievement. It is also about helping others succeed.

Choosing It Again

Perhaps the strongest endorsement of a school comes when former students choose it for their own children.

Nicholas Barwell (Class of 1997) is one such parent. Today, his son Byron attends the College, continuing a connection that stretches back generations.

"Our family has been part of the St Augustine's community for 40 years," he says. "There has consistently been a Barwell boy at the school for the last 20 years."

For Nicholas, the College's influence extends well beyond graduation.

"Vincit Veritas, Truth Conquers, has been the basis of my career as a Chartered Accountant. It has led to being a trusted advisor and a personal reputation for honesty which is extremely valuable in business."

When the time came to choose a school for Byron, the decision was straightforward.

"My wife Sally and I view it as the premier boys' school on the Northern Beaches. As an Old Boy, I knew the values, standards and expectations of the school would help him become a confident and well-rounded young man."

James Akhurst and Andrew Doherty share a similar belief in the importance of alignment between family and school.

"The alignment of morals, ethics and principles is important," says James.

Andrew agrees.

"Both the family and the school have to work together to raise a boy through adolescence. Engagement by both is essential for a positive outcome and sound preparation for adulthood."

That partnership between home and school continues to be one of the defining strengths of the College community.

A Legacy That Endures

For Principal Byrne, the number of Old Boys who choose to remain connected to St Augustine's College is no coincidence.

"One of the best signs of a strong community is when former students return as parents, teachers, coaches and mentors," he says. "It tells us that what happens here matters, and that each generation is helping to shape the next."

Whether they return as staff members, tutors, coaches or parents, these Old Boys share a common belief: the College gave them something worth passing on.

Because while a student's time at school may be measured in years, the values, friendships, role models and sense of belonging can last a lifetime.

To start your son's journey at St Augustine's College, enquire about enrolment.