I am particularly impressed at how quickly the boys have settled into the new year, becoming familiar with new teachers and classmates, as well as transitioning to specialist classes around the College. It is very normal for the new boys in Year 5 to feel slightly nervous and anxious as they become familiar with reading timetables, using their diaries to plan the week ahead and go about setting their academic goals for the semester. In no time at all, the boys will become familiar with the routine of College life and will have met some friends in their classes or through participation in the many co-curricular opportunities.

To our Year 6 boys, I am especially looking forward to working with you again this year as you take on the extra responsibility of being our senior Primary School leaders. I mentioned at our first assembly this year that the Year 6 boys set the standard for the younger boys to follow, and as such, create a positive culture for a Primary School. Shortly, I will be asking teachers to nominate, with the assistance of their classes, one boy from each of the classes to form our Primary Leadership Team for 2019.

I would also like to take the opportunity to welcome back our wonderfully talented and passionate Primary School staff. All of them have been at the College over the holidays preparing their classes and organising lessons which will engage the boys in all Key Learning Areas.

The staff for 2019 consists of –

Megan Cashman: Leadership Assistant – Primary School

Year 6 teachers:  Andrew Clyne – 6A, Elizabeth Armenio – 6L, Mark Catanzariti – 6C

Year 5 teachers:  Rosa Papalia – 5P, James Kirkwood – 5K, John O’Brien (Assistant Head of Primary) – 5O  

Outstanding Educators

As I attended the Middle and Senior School Academic Assemblies at the end of last year, I did note with great satisfaction the successes of past Primary School students. In fact, the Dux of Year 7, 8 and 9 are all past Primary School students. These results confirm that the teachers in the Primary School do a fantastic job in preparing the boys for future success. Just as pleasing were the many boys in the Primary School who received special awards recognising their contribution to the Creative and Practical Arts, an essential component of the curriculum at St Augustine’s.

Instrumental Program

It was with great excitement that we commenced the Primary School Instrumental program in Year 5. The current Year 6 boys will continue with this program, which has proved a big hit with the boys and parents. For some boys, learning to play an instrument would have never crossed their minds. Learning to do this within the school day makes it accessible and an important component of a balanced curriculum. At St Augustine’s, the boys have opportunities socially, academically, in their sporting and co-curricular activities, creatively and practically to excel and strive to do their personal best.

Primary School "Drop Off and Pick Up Zone Staff Car Park - Gulliver Street. 

Out of courtesy to our neighbours and to ease traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons in Gulliver Street and Consul Road, could I ask that you consider not turning right into the Staff Car Park from Gulliver street heading west. When exiting the Staff Car Park, we ask that you turn left only and head in an easterly direction. For some, this may mean doing a loop around the block, however this will have traffic flowing in one direction, allowing our neighbours to exit and enter their driveways.

Another recommended option is to car pool or group walk if you live close enough and it is safe to do so. Your assistance in this matter is much appreciated. 

Mobile phones 

May I remind all parents that if they need to locate their sons they must ensure they contact the Primary Office where Megan Cashman (mcashman@santaug.nsw.edu.au or 9938 8251), will pass on any messages or items to your sons.  It is also important to remind your sons that they must communicate to their class teachers any concerns or needs, rather than contact you via their mobile phones. Phones should be kept in their bags, switched off and used only at the discretion of class teachers.

Primary School Office and Sick Bay

The easiest way for parents and carers to access the Primary School is via the Gulliver Street entrance which is located adjacent to the carpark driveway. The Primary School Office and sick bay is located up the stairs on the first floor. Please avoid walking through the carpark as this becomes a pedestrian hazard. Parents can also access the school through the gates along Alfred Road if the Gulliver Street access proves a problem.

Year 5 Orientation Camp

Year 5 attended their Orientation Camp on Thursday and Friday (7 & 8 February) at the Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre. Information has already been sent home and I thank in advance the Year 5 teachers as well as Michael Adams – Physical Education teacher and Melinda Eckford – Religious Education teacher, for their assistance in ensuring the camp is well supervised. I remind all boys of the College’s expectations regarding appropriate and safe behaviour at all times. As there is limited phone coverage at this site, any contact will need to go through Megan Cashman, as per the excursion note that was sent home.

If you have any questions regarding Camp, please contact your son’s class teachers or Megan.

Sport uniform

All boys will be permitted to wear their new sport uniforms every Friday for this term. They are also permitted to wear their sport uniform on days they have a scheduled Sport or PE lesson. If your son has boxing or basketball training in the mornings, but no other PE lesson, he will be required to change back into his College uniform.

Phone calls

I will endeavour to contact all new parents during the course of this semester, so please do not be alarmed when you hear my voice at the other end of the phone.

Terry Walsh
Head of Primary