Dear Parents and Friends
Welcome Fr Percival Sevare OSA
We welcome Fr Percival Sevare OSA to the College this year. Fr Percival is a wonderful addition to our Mission and Wellbeing team and we look forward to his presence and wisdom over the coming years.
Lent
Next week we gather as community to mark the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. The Lenten season invites us to reflect and examine our lives and attempt to live out Christ’s message – that being ‘the way, the truth and the light’ – love, compassion, forgiveness, empathy, care for the poor, etc. Not an easy task but there is no better time in our year to try.
The earthy dust of ashes placed on our foreheads is an excellent example of humility – this year’s mission theme. At the beginning of the year the staff of the College used Christ’s beautiful invitation to goodness and truth, The Beatitudes, to pray for the courage to live a more humble life. Together we read The Beatitudes and noted the types of behaviour we will strive to enact. Perhaps as a family you could also read Beatitudes and add some of your own intentions.
THE BEATITUDES Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (be grateful, generous,……) Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. (comfort the suffering, value others,……) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. (listen, cherish stillness, less distractions,…….) Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. (be fair, just,…) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (forgive – even the hard ones, kindness,…) Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God. (follow our heart - do what is right,……..) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (control our behaviour, let your light and your beautiful gifts shine,……..) Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (be strong and confident – know that good and truth always prevail,………)
Camps 2020
The Mission and Wellbeing Office co-ordinate the Year Group Camps. Year 7 head off on their Orientation Camp in a couple of weeks (March 2-4) with parents already having received information.
Year 8 to 10 venture out on OEG Camps with the dates below. I ask that families take note of these and be fully aware that these are compulsory excursions.
- Year 8 OEG Camp (2 Nights) Term 3 Week 9 16-18 Sept
- Year 9 OEG Camp (3 Nights) Term 3 Week 9 15-18 Sept
- Year 10 OEG Camp Caritas Adventure Week (4 Nights) Term 4 Week 7 23-27 November
This year, with the theme of humility, our Outdoor Education Program will play a very important role in reminding the boys how the basic things – shelter, food, water, weather and cooperation – require no fancy technology but truly sustain and nourish our lives.
Service Program 2020
We have a long and positive culture of service at our Catholic, Augustinian College, both in our local community and abroad. Knowing about the importance of service in living out Christ’s message of care and consideration for others, especially for those on the margins of our society or for the forgotten ones, is critical to your son’s formation.
Similar to last year, suggested minimum targets will be discussed and boys in all years will log all service (both in and out of school). For some, involved in community projects or volunteer schedules such as Surf Life Saving, this may total hundreds of hours per year. The idea is that serving, and the benefits that come from it, do not end after a certain amount of hours are accomplished. Reports of logged hours will be provided to Formation Leaders and other key staff so that a picture of your son’s character and commitment can be viewed. This information can be used as evidence for leadership, overseas SEA Program opportunities and may also be used as evidence of future work or university opportunities. I ask that all parents view the Service Program on ATLAS https://atlas.saintaug.nsw.edu.au/Resources/SEA/school-service-program and discuss the idea of service and possible ways to serve throughout the year. Also on ATLAS, you will notice an area where the College will post any service opportunities that come our way.
Augustinian Kitchen – meals needed
The Augustinian Kitchen runs through the P&F Assn and supports families in our College community going through a challenging time.
For volunteers, there is no ongoing commitment, you can prepare a meal just once or opt to join a roster for providing meals.
Please include a label with the following details: Name of meal / Date prepared / Ingredients / Number of serves. The meal should preferably be able to be frozen. Please use your own disposable containers; we are unable to return containers to you.
Please deliver the meals to College Reception and the meals will be directed to families.
Thank you for your support of our College community; the Augustinian Kitchen could not help families without your contribution. Please spread the word and encourage your friends to get involved.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Augustinian Kitchen Co-ordinator Beth Murphy on augkitchen@saintaug.nsw.edu.au
Peter Nolan
Deputy Principal - Mission and Wellbeing