“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” Saint Augustine

I hope you were able to enjoy time with family and friends over the holiday break. We can now hopefully look forward to longer and warmer days ahead.  

Many teachers and Year 12 students have been working hard throughout the holidays in preparation for the upcoming Trial and HSC examinations. We acknowledge these efforts and wish students well in their studies and major works.  

On our Staff Development Day, Ilona Welch, Leader of Student Wellbeing, delivered a presentation on the direction the College will be taking to help students learn about wellbeing and the tools they can use to strengthen it. The presentation focused on how we, as a school community, can build a positive education community, a place where students not only cultivate their intellects, but also develop a broad set of character strengths, virtues and competencies, which together support their wellbeing.  Another key component of the day was focused on literacy skills and specifically, embedding literacy skills within assessment tasks across all Key Learning Areas. You may have already started to notice the increase in literacy skills required within your son’s assessment tasks.  

Welcome

It is with great pleasure we welcome Anne Bateman as an additional College Psychologist in support of our existing College Psychologist, Diane Lowe. With the growth in student numbers and demand in the Wellbeing space, we recognise the need for servicing our students in this specialised field.  Anne joins us from Waverly College where she has worked as College Psychologist since 2007. Anne’s prior experience also includes working as a Psychologist Officer with the Australian Army. Anne will be working part-time at the College and as such, Diane Lowe will remain as the first point of contact for families.  

Diary Dates

• HSC Year 12 Practical Works Exhibition, Thursday 26 July 7.00pm – 8.30pm Brimson Hall.
• Year 9 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews, Tuesday 31 July 3.00pm – 8.00pm Brimson Hall.
• Year 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews, Thursday 2 August 3.00pm – 8.00pm Brimson Hall.
• Extraordinary Parent Information Session at the P & F Meeting’ 2 August 7.00pm ARC.
• Murray House Trivia Night, Friday 3 August 7.00pm in the main Staffroom.
• Winter Wonderland 2 Dinner Dance, Saturday 4 August 7.00pm – 11.00pm Brimson Hall.

Tickets to Winter Wonderland 2 Dinner Dance via https://www.trybooking.com/VWSH  Cost $70 per person.  

Emotional Wellbeing

Student resilience and wellbeing are essential components for both academic and social development, and are enhanced by safe, supportive and respectful learning environments. Not only do confident and resilient students with a capacity for emotional intelligence perform better academically, these skills can also contribute to their ability to create strong social bonds and supportive communities, and to maintain healthy relationships.  

There are five evidence-based ways to develop and maintain mental wellbeing. These are simple activities that you, your son and the whole family can do that will have a positive effect on your collective wellbeing.  

• Connect: Positive relationships with friends, family and peers are essential. Encourage your child to make new friendships and maintain an active connection with their friends. Help them foster meaningful connections with others by being an active member of the school community, sports team, volunteering and making time for family.
• Be active: Exercising regularly has been shown to lower rates of depression and anxiety. It is particularly important for teenagers to make time for exercise to relieve stress, especially during exam time. 
• Take notice: Also known as ‘mindfulness’, the practice of being aware and taking notice of ‘the little things’ trains us to be aware of our thoughts and feelings. A popular way of practicing mindfulness is by being grateful. A simple way to practice gratitude is to take some time at the end of each day to consciously acknowledge three things we were grateful for.
• Keep learning: Teenagers’ lives are focused on learning and it is vital for their social and cognitive development. Encouraging your child to learn new skills, especially if they are creative in nature, will enhance their self-esteem, encourage social interaction and help them live a more active life.
• Give: When we give our time and energy to help someone else it is very rewarding. It gives us a sense of meaning and purpose. Volunteering, giving time to a cause that your child feels strongly about and giving kindness will also help your child understand empathy. 

Other things that can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing include:

• eating healthy and nutritious food
• spending time in nature
• personal challenges, that stretch ability without feeling overwhelmed
• music
• getting enough sleep
• meditation.

What is one step I can take today to enhance my personal wellbeing?  

William Wise, Year 7 student, remains in Intensive Care, William’s parents have expressed their appreciation of support from the College community and we ask that you please continue to keep William and the Wise family in your thoughts and prayers.  

Danielle Stanway
Assistant Principal - Staff

Arriving to school on time

The College is trying a different approach to managing students who are persistently late to school in the mornings. Instead of being issued a Friday afternoon detention, any student who arrives late on three occasions will be expected to attend a detention from 7.30am to 8.30am on Friday mornings. In the Late Detention, students will complete a personal reflection and set strategies to ensure they arrive at school before 8.40am each morning. Following the reflection, students will be able to read or complete personal study. Parents will receive an SMS if their son is late without a valid reason and will be notified by the relevant Formation Leader if they are required to attend a Late Detention.    

Students from Years 7 - 9 are once again permitted to go to McDonalds before school in the mornings.  

This is on the condition that:

• conduct and uniform are exemplary,
• areas are left clean and all rubbish is placed in a bin,
• students arrive at school on time, i.e. by 8.40am Tutor Group.

If students arrive late to school due to being at McDonalds, they will be placed on a Late Detention. No student is permitted to use the Caltex service station before or after school.  

Early Dismissal – Years 7 to 10

Please be aware, students will be dismissed early due to Parent/Teacher/Student interviews, as noted below:  

Supervision will be available for any students who wish to remain at the College until the end of the normal school day with bus services operating as usual.  

Daniel Fee
Acting Deputy Principal - Students

Welcome back to all members of our Augustinian community; students, parents and teachers. The opportunity to spend time as a family away from the routine of homework, lunches, checking SEQTA and washing uniforms has hopefully provided you with more time to share meals, stories, games and reconnect with each other.

Term 3 promises to be one where interruptions are at a minimum, allowing for quality learning opportunities. The quality of teaching at St Augustine’s College allows boys to learn and have ‘fun’ at the same time. At the end of last term, the entire Year 5 cohort combined to complete a STEM activity where boys designed, made, tested, retested and explained their ‘marble tracks’.  In this environment the boys are both ‘on task’ and ‘in task’ and this is where ‘time flies’. Observing 84 boys ‘in task’ collaborating, problem predicting and solving, using technology, communicating, hypothesising, generalising and then explaining are the Higher Order Thinking Skills that are a central part of curriculum in the Primary School at the College. In such a setting, boys self and peer assess, allowing teachers to ‘stop, listen and look’ at the skills the boys are using as well as the knowledge they have gained and ‘put into practice’. The professional judgement of the teacher is still one of the most important tools when providing feedback and assessing mastery of both skills and content.
 

This term I look forward to observing the boys engaged in other PBL (Project Based Learning) and STEM activities. The Year 6 classes, as part of the practical laboratory lessons, will be investigating ‘Change of States’. They will be making ‘slime’ as well as using dry ice to observe ‘sublimation’ in action.  

The Year 5 classes, as part of their laboratory lessons, will be exploring how light can reflect and refract as well as changing light to heat energy. Their STEM activity involves designing and making solar heaters.  

As you can see, Science and Technology is ‘alive’ in the Primary School.

Year 5 Marble Tracks

2018 International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC) Annual Conference

Congratulations to Year 6 teacher,  Elizabeth Armenio, who was invited to present at the recent 2018 IBSC Annual Conference at the prestigious Southport School, Gold Coast, Queensland during the holidays. Liz presented on ‘gamification’ and from all reports did an outstanding job. Liz has now been asked to present at the AIS (Association of Independent Schools) symposium in November.  Well done Liz!!!  

PRC (Premier’s Reading Challenge)

The holidays provided the perfect opportunity to read. With the PRC concluding on the 24 August, it is hoped that all boys try to reach the maximum target of 20 books. Most boys have included this as one of their SMART goals and already we have 15 boys who have reached this target. The holidays for me was a wonderful opportunity to catch up on some reading, and if I could recommend one book for parents or older boys to read, then ‘My Brother Jack’ by George Johnston is surely one of the best I have read.  

I am hoping that our Student Leaders can facilitate ‘Book Clubs’ in their respective classes to discuss their holiday reading favourites with their classmates.  

Instrumental Program

The Year 5 Instrumental Program has been a wonderful success and has provided the opportunity for boys to experience the joy of learning to play a musical instrument. I encourage boys to take their instruments home and practise as often as they can.  

Augustinian value – Integrity

The holiday period can be a time of anxiety for parents, particularly those who have to find suitable arrangements for supervision of their son during this period. As the boys get older, expectations of their behaviour while away from the College during holidays, should be to maintain sensible standards of behaviour. The College would like to think that all boys try to uphold the College core values of Truth, Love and Community and that an Augustinian boy behaves in such a way to make his family and school proud, particularly in the public eye. Last term the theme word for the Primary School boys was ’Integrity’. Doing the right thing when no one is watching is the ultimate wellbeing and behaviour goal of any school and one I strongly urge boys to remember during holiday breaks. On the rare occasion, I am left a little embarrassed witnessing the behaviour of some boys at the Mall or various Skate Parks during holiday periods.  

I am immensely proud of belonging to an Augustinian community which values creativity, independence, service and just as importantly empathy and integrity. I hope all boys are proud of their College and act in a way that represents themselves, their families and the College with respect, appreciating the dignity and worth of every individual they encounter.  

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

From discussions with the teachers at the end of the Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews last term, several factors arose. Firstly, teachers commented on the positive way the boys entered the conversation about their learning habits and behaviours, with clear identifiable strategies and suggestions to move forward.  

Secondly, teachers commented on the positive relationships that they have developed with the parents. It is only in partnership with you, their primary educators, that we can hope to achieve a unified and collaborative approach, developing positive attitudes to your son’s education.  

Lastly and most importantly is the value of ongoing communication with your son’s teacher. If you ran out of time and didn’t get to discuss all that you wanted during the interviews, please arrange an alternate time.  

Thank you to all parents for the constructive feedback regarding the interviews and the reports. If you have any suggestions or feedback regarding the interviews or reports, please email me at: twalsh@saintaug.nsw.edu.au  

Student Reports

The new reports should have provided much information to discuss with your son and his teachers. As with any new system, there were a few ‘hiccups’ largely due to technical errors. Thank you to parents who contacted the College seeking clarification around College involvement, absences and some class marks. If you are still unsure regarding any element of the reports, please contact your son’s teacher.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Year 6 student, Joe Walsh, on his selection to represent NSWPSSA at the 12 Years and Under Rugby League Championships at Victoria Park, Adelaide in August.  We wish Joe all the best and congratulate him on this outstanding achievement. Well done Joe!

Quote for the week . . .

‘There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.’  Colin Powell

Terry Walsh
Head of Primary School

Wednesday Community Masses - Whole Community Invitation - Wednesday, 8 August

We warmly extend an invitation to all parents, staff and students to our Community Mass on Wednesday 8 August, which coincides with the feast of Saint Mary MacKillop, where we will dedicate some time responding to last year’s recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. We may not be personally responsible but as part of the whole Catholic Church we see it as important to acknowledge past wrongdoings of Catholic Institutions and also see it as an important time to recommit our sincere efforts to continue to keep all children in our care safe and free from any abuse. As a symbolic measure we will pray and bless a small tree that later will be planted. This symbolic action will be a reminder of this acknowledgement and recommitment to all in our community. So that we gain an idea of numbers, please click on the following link to RSVP: https://www.trybooking.com/XDFP 

If larger numbers require a change of venue from St Monica Chapel, we will alert all RSVPS well in advance. 

Term 3 Schedule

Wednesday, 25 July – Tutor Groups 7Murray1 and 7Murray2
Wednesday, 1 August - Tutor Groups 7Reville1 and 7Reville2
Wednesday, 8 August – Tutor Groups 8Crane1 and 8Crane2  

Significant Dates

6 August                            Transfiguration of the Lord

8 August                            St Mary of the Cross

Peter Nolan

Deputy Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

Matthew Talbot Hostel Visits

ALL YEAR 11 STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND AT LEAST ONCE as a part of the Senior School Service Program.

• This volunteering can be logged as a part of the Senior School Service Program and will be recorded as 2 hours. Please ensure the students record their hours online via ATLAS-Resources-SEA
• Staff and students will meet at Reception and depart the College at 3.50pm. Students will travel in a teacher’s car to and from the hostel.
• Whilst at Matthew Talbot Hostel staff and students will assist with table setting and clearing and meal distribution between 4.30pm and 5.15pm.
• Staff and students will depart Matthew Talbot at approx. 5.15pm and arrive back at the College no later than 6pm.  

Term 3 Schedule

Click here for further details and booking information

The link for Years 9 and 10 interviews sent from OnlineServices@saintaug.nsw.edu.au was emailed on Tuesday 24 July  

Students in Years 7 to 10 will be dismissed at 2.30pm on Tuesday 31 July

and

on Thursday 2 August  

Years 11 and 12 classes will continue as usual.  

If you require any further information please contact the Academic Office academicoffice@saintaug.nsw.edu.au    

Year 10 Visual Arts: Self Portrait Drawings

Drama and Music Photos

All Co-Curricular Music and Drama groups are required for photos next Wednesday 1 August. Students in the following groups/ensembles need to ensure they are in full College winter uniform (no sport uniforms in photos) during P4.  

Theatresports
Stage Band 1
Stage Band 2
Concert Band 1
Concert Band 2
Guitar Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble
Junior Jazz
College Choir
Brass Ensemble  

Rock in the Quad

As part of our annual Music Festival celebrations, we hold a battle of the bands event in the quad at lunchtimes.  Prizes and trophies are up for grabs, and the winners are invited to perform at the Gala Concert at the end of the week.  Any student wanting to perform in this year’s Rock in the Quad should contact Joseph Montz or register their interest in the sign-on sheet outside the Music Staffroom.  

Junior Jazz

Just a reminder that we (along with all of the other ensembles!) start rehearsals this week.  We have three upcoming performances this term, so please make sure you are warmed up and ready to go by 7:30am this Friday.    

Music Rehearsal Schedule

Upcoming Events

1 August                                              Co-Curricular Music/Drama Photos
28 August                                            ANZAC Village Performance (Guitar Ensemble)
3 September                                        College Music Festival (Week 7)
23 September                                      NSSWE Afternoon of Jazz (Junior Jazz)
October Long Weekend                        Manly Jazz Festival (TBC)

Careers

Weekly Careers News updates are now available via the College ATLAS page.

Information related to university, TAFE, private colleges, cadetships, scholarships, gap years and employment opportunities are included.

Enquiries: pmcalinden@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

Change to parent Saints Online login details

Upgrades to the College database were completed during Term 2 holidays.

The upgrade resulted in new login accounts that will enable parents individual access to the 'Saints Online' portal, Seqta Learning Management System, SaintsCard account, Parent/Teacher/Student Interview bookings and other web systems offered by the College.

New login details and the URL to change your password were emailed to parents on 18 July.

If you have not already done so, please login to your SaintsCard account, accept Terms and Conditions and click on 'Create account', so you will be able to purchase items in the online store.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the College Helpdesk

Svetlana Mazur
ICT Manager

Important Information: Buses returning in an east-bound direction at Frenchs Forest

Athletics

Congratulations to all students in Years 8-12 on their participation in the 2018 Secondary Athletics Carnival on 29 June.  It was fantastic day with great spirit and participation in all events.  In a tight competition, Crane House was the overall winner and the students are to be congratulated on their fine performances.  

Basketball

The Manly Warringah Basketball Competition begins this week for all teams.  Team Managers will be in contact with their respective teams on game times and duty rosters.  For the latest competition schedule please check the Competitions on the Manly Warringah Basketball Website http://competitions.manlybasketball.com.au/  

Outstanding Sporting Achievements

Sailing

Jonathan Tuite (Year 8) is currently competing in the North American Sailing Championships in Mexico with the Australian Optimist Sailing Team. Training began on the weekend with the Opening Ceremony tonight and the race starting tomorrow. From all of us here at Saints - good luck Jonathan!

Winter Sports / Co-curricular Photos Wednesday August 1  

The Winter Sport & Co-curricular Photos will be taken next Wednesday August 1 and the schedule below indicates the photos that will be taken and times.  Please wear full Winter Uniform.

During the last week of Term 2, our brother school Villanova College visited Sydney for the much-anticipated games and debating against St Augustine's College.  

The rugby match result continued the way of St Augustine’s with the final score line of 38-29 after the lead changed hands several times during the match.  Unfortunately the match was taken away from Lottoland in the morning due to wet weather, however Keirle Park in Manly was a great venue to win the MG Lyons Trophy.  

That afternoon, the debating took place in the Brimson Centre with the hosts victorious in what was an enthralling debate on the topic ‘That Free Speech Should Have Limits’.  

The basketball match was played in a packed Brimson Centre on Thursday morning with every available space taken up by eager spectators.  The 72-57 score line to St Augustine’s was a great team effort with the tall timber of Saints proving the difference.  

Finally, the First XI football game played under gloomy skies at Cromer Park produced a great spectacle with Saints coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win to the boys in Gold. 

An overall 4-nil romp was a great result and a huge thankyou to all staff involved in preparing the teams, Saints families for hosting our guests and all officials for all the contests.   

The post match get together at Cromer Park was a great event with the respective Captains speaking and the trophies held high.  Some great friendships were made over the course of the few days Villa were here with us – yet another great opportunity to bond with our Augustinian brothers.

The 2018/19 cricket season commences on Saturday 8 September 2018.  St Augustine’s College will be fielding teams in the local Manly Warringah Junior Cricket Association Competition (MWJCA) from U11 to U16/17/18.   

Cricket trials will take place from 13 August 2018 at the Tolentine Park nets within the College grounds from 3:50pm – 5:20pm  

U11* – Monday 20 August (*will start at 4pm to allow new students time to arrive)
U12 – Wednesday 15 August
U13* – Monday 13 August (*will start at 4pm to allow new students time to arrive)
U14 – Tuesday 14 August
U15 – Thursday 16 August
U16/17/18 – Tuesday 21 August  

CRICKET REGISTRATION

Players may now register to play cricket for St Augustine's Junior Cricket Club.

Go to the http://www.playcricket.com.au/...  

Click on the orange ‘Register’ button and follow the prompts.

It will assist returning players if they know their MyCricket ID and Password.  If unsure, there are options to locate IDs or register as a new participant and the system may locate you.  

If any problems, please let me know.  

CRICKET UNIFORM

The College Uniform Shop has all cricket uniform items in stock, including white cricket pants that are a new addition and look very impressive with our logo embroidered on the front.  UNIFORM SHOP HOURS:

Wednesdays - 8:00am to 12:15pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Fridays - 8:00am to 12:00pm  

COACHING AND MANAGING 

Whilst College staff are encouraged to coach cricket teams, we do rely on parent volunteers to help coach and manage our teams.  If you are able to assist in these roles, please let me know.  

If you have any further questions regarding cricket, please do not hesitate to contact me.  

James Scholtens
Teacher in Charge of Cricket
jscholtens@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

Football Season Continues

Well done to all teams who played throughout the holidays – sometimes short of players – as the race to the finals of the MWFA Competition begins to take shape.  The MWFA Junior Finals will take place on Sunday 19 August and all teams can expect games in the next few weeks, regardless of where they sit on their table.  

Goal Keeper Training Continues

Each Wednesday afternoon on the College Oval, old boy Ryan McLean offers goalkeeper training to all the College’s teams.  Commencing at 3:40pm, the hour long sessions are great for new or experienced ‘keepers’.  With penalty shootouts now becoming part of the MWFA finals series in the case of tied matches, it is more important than ever that our GK’s are prepared.  Come along and take away some great ‘keeping’ tips!  

Players Attire – Uniform

It has become apparent that some players are wearing incorrect uniform (i.e. black sport shorts and not the correct green football shorts or socks that don’t fit correctly or have been washed that many times, they are the wrong colour).  Taking the field in the correct football uniform shows pride in the school and lifts the team spirit.  

Similarly, many players are arriving at their grounds in alternative jackets and hoodies and not the St Augustine's College sports jacket.  Players should not be doing this and parents should not let it happen.  Please ensure your match day preparations entail having the correct uniform ready to go.    

James Scholtens
TiC Football (Soccer)
jscholtens@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

The ISA and IPSHA Rugby competitions resume this Saturday 28 July.  Games will be shared across the two school venues (U11-15 at Rat Park and U16-Opens at Oxford Falls) due to Warringah Rats Grade fixtures on at Rat Park.  This day will also be the official team photo day so all players (even if injured) should be at the correct photo station in time for the photo and then have enough preparation time for your match.  The Wakehurst Parkway has been notoriously busy the last few weekends and will continue to be as roadworks push on.  Please plan your trip to Rat Park or Oxford Falls carefully on that weekend.

There are still many boys without a College tracksuit who are turning up to games in incorrect attire.  Parents are urged to check that your son has the correct College tracksuit in the event of cold weather.  School organised sport is the same as any other school day and students must be in the correct uniform when representing the College.  

NSW SCHOOLBOY REPRESENTATIVES

Congratulations to Daniel Ala, Zac Barnabas and Sean Vaivelata who represented the NSW II Schoolboys team during the holidays that played in the Australian Schoolboys Rugby Championships at Riverview from the 8-14 July.  Making the Final against a red-hot NSW I team, the boys played some great rugby during the week, only to go down in the final 29-19.  Daniel Ala was selected in a 40-man Australian Schoolboys squad that will play against NZ and Tongan Schools in October, with a chance to be selected for the Australian Schools UK Tour in November.  

Reminder there may be disruptions to training NEXT WEEK due to Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews on at school on the afternoons of Tuesday 31 July and Thursday 2 August.   Please watch this space and Team App carefully over the next few days.  

VISITING UK SCHOOL MATCH

St Augustine's College will be hosting Wellington College, UK on Wednesday 1st August at Pittwater Rugby Park Main

2^nd XV – 4:30pm
1^st XV – 5:35pm  

All rugby players are welcome to come and watch – entry is free!  

James Scholtens
TIC of Rugby

You are invited to the Mighty Murray Trivia Night with all proceeds to the Murray House Charity beyondblue.  

Details:

Time:               7:00 pm
Venue:             Main Staffroom
Cost:                $20.00 (nibbles included)
BYO:                Drinks
Book:               via Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/WMPP or

                        https://www.trybooking.com/395189

Penny Mason

Food Services Manager

T: 9126 9902 | M: 0438 415 467 | E: pmason@saintaug.nsw.edu.au  

NOTE: Due to WH&S regulations, all volunteers must wear closed shoes, i.e. no thongs or sandals

Extraordinary Parent Information Session at the P & F Meeting 2 August 2018 - 7:00pm

Held in the ARC (library)  

Key topics:

• College Master Plan – Jonathan Byrne
• Screen time and device use – John Laforest 

Please rsvp your attendance via the Trybooking link

We are planning a fantastic night for you on Saturday 4 August in the Brimson Centre from 7pm-11pm.

  Dinner Dance tickets include a glass of sparkling on arrival, 2 course dinner, music, dancing, live and silent auctions, lucky door prizes and raffles. Cost: $70 per person (BYO beverages)

Book your tickets NOW https://www.trybooking.com/VWS...

Fantastic items in the Live & Silent Auction include:

• 5 nights in a beachfront villa for 2 at Eratap Beach Resort Vanuatu
• A “Behind the Scenes” tour of the world renowned Australian Museum cultural collections for 4 people
• 3-night homestead accommodation for 10 lucky guests Maranda Country Estate - Colonial House, Hunter Valley
• A helicopter ride over the beautiful harbour city of Sydney
• Authentic Aboriginal Artwork
• Framed Wallaby jersey signed by John Eales
• Signed and framed Andrew Gaze memorabilia
• A CIBO Design 900mm wide wall-mounted bathroom vanity with ceramic top-basin including matte black mixer tap and circular mirror
• A “Bullionaire Wine Tasting” for 8-10 people at home or work
• Sydney Sofitel one-night stay for 2 with breakfast
• Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley one-night stay including the use of a Mercedes-Benz
• Quay Restaurant dining voucher
• Pilu at Freshwater $300 dining voucher
• Plus gift vouchers, coffee hampers, premium wines, photography vouchers and lots, lots more!

For all St Augustine’s College Foundation enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact: