THE QUIET EDGE: Why Boys Who Read Over the Holidays Come Back Stronger When the winter holidays roll around, most boys are ready for a break — and understandably so. School life is intense: full of assessments, routines, sports, co-curriculars, and social demands. The temptation to switch off entirely and lean heavily into screens, gaming, or endless scrolling is strong. And while rest is essential, there’s another, quieter way to recharge that offers long-term benefits: reading. Reading gives…

At St Augustine’s College, we understand that the transition to high school is a significant moment, not just for students, but for their families too. That’s why we invest in programs that help build confidence, independence, and positive learning habits from day one, and why our Academic Study Skills curriculum in Years 7 to 12 is so important. Recently, our Year 7 families were invited to our Study Skills Evening, which was designed to support students as they begin their secondary school…

At St Augustine’s College, we’re always looking for new ways to enrich the learning experience and support the people who make our community thrive. Technology continues to play a growing role in that journey, not just in the classroom, but across every aspect of school life. From exploring artificial intelligence to upgrading the tools that families and staff use every day, here’s how we’re welcoming innovation to improve how we teach, learn, and connect. Smarter Tech, Not More Work: What AI…

At our Primary School, teaching is more than a profession—it’s a vocation grounded in relationship and purpose. Our educators take the time to truly know each boy, nurturing his learning, but also his confidence, character, and sense of self. This care doesn’t happen by chance; it is built on experience, instinct and evidence. One recent study by the NSW Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (What Works Best) looked at more than 80,000 students to uncover what really makes a difference…

At St Augustine’s College, we believe academic success is a journey, not something achieved overnight. This year, our Academic Program has continued to grow with a clear focus on building strong study skills and strategies from the early years through to senior school. By setting clear standards around study and homework, and offering structured support, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to succeed both now and into the future. Students are encouraged to take advantage of…

More than 1.2 million students participated in NAPLAN last week, marking an important moment in the academic year. While often viewed as a one-off assessment, NAPLAN plays a far greater role in shaping effective teaching and learning practices across our schools. It provides rich, longitudinal data that supports evidence-based decision-making and enhances student outcomes. At St Augustine’s College Sydney, we see NAPLAN not just as a test, but as a tool for growth, reflection, and continuous…

One of the most common challenges students face is retaining the information they have learned over time. In this article, we’ll explore what’s happening in our brains and how we can use this knowledge to enhance retention. This can significantly impact our boys’ academic performance and lifelong learning. Why Do We Forget? We have all experienced studying for hours, thinking we’re well-prepared, only to forget the material just days later. Research shows that our memory declines rapidly -…

Choosing the right school for your children is one of the most important decisions you can make at this stage of their young lives. St Augustine’s College is a school for boys in Years 5 to 12, where the educational journey is based on Augustinian values and a holistic education model tailored to boys, which sets them up throughout their school years and beyond. Our graduate lenses of Humility, Interiority, Community, Restless Search for Truth, and Ongoing Conversion shape the educational…

We hope that you enjoy these book recommendations provided by the librarians from our Augustine Resource Centre. This reading guide is packed full of great reads for to keep you reading all summer long.Happy reading!