Community
4D. Formalise and strengthen the presence and engagement of the Alumni and Augustinian partners as witnesses to faith, mentors, guides and conduits to the world for current students.
- To drive awareness for the contemporary understanding of Augustinian Values
- Stakeholder engaged:
- Parents
Ilona Welch, Head of Student Wellbeing, wrote an article in Tolle Lege outlining the connection between values and AWE:
Our AWEsome Community….
In our year where our Mission Focus is Community, our AWE sessions draw students' attention and thinking to the importance of connection and belonging to community as integral to our sense of wellbeing.
St. Augustine, our Patron Saint, was a prominent Church Father and theologian. His teachings continue to resonate today, offering insights about the importance of community that remain relevant today.
Augustine’s idea of community is rooted in charity, friendship, prayer in common, and humility.
Charity fosters trust, sincerity, and mutual understanding. It unites individuals with Christ through the Holy Spirit, helping them recognize God’s love in life’s events and circumstances.
The past two Fridays have fostered the experience of community. Our SaintSwap Session, and Whole House Meetings including chanting, drums and trumpets!) culminated in the physical expression of community at the College Swimming Carnivals (both Primary and Secondary).
In the Senior School this week, students will discuss the importance of the character strengths of gratitude, teamwork and kindness in fostering community connections.
When community members and kind and empathise with each other, they build stronger connections and create a supportive environment.
Communities thrive when members collaborate rather than compete.
Cooperation fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Teamwork allows community projects to flourish, whether it’s organizing events, addressing local issues, or supporting each other.
Grateful individuals appreciate the contributions of others and express their thanks.
Gratitude strengthens social bonds and encourages positive interactions. A community that practices gratitude celebrates its members’ efforts and acknowledges their impact.
Students will be encouraged to consider the impact of random acts of kindness and commit to practicing them in the weeks leading up to Easter.
In an era marked by individualism and digital connections, Augustine’s emphasis on community, love, and shared humanity remains a beacon of wisdom.
