Specialist Classes
St Augustine’s has an extensive specialist program. This includes classes in:
- Physical Education
- Italian
- Visual Arts (including ceramics)
- Digital Technologies
- STEM
- Kitchen Garden Program
- Music
- Library sessions
- PMP (preps)
Physical Education
Physical Education classes allow students to experience a range of activities to improve their fundamental movement skills and then how to participate effectively in game situations through their use of teamwork and tactics. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in athletics, cross country and swimming, as well as inter school sport events. Our Prep students also participate in PMP and Developmental Play.
Italian
At St. Augustine’s students learn the Italian language from Prep to Grade 6. During this program, students focus on exploring Italian culture and developing communication skills for a variety of purposes and contexts. Through engaging and interactive learning experiences, students build their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while gaining an appreciation of Italy’s traditions, food, music, celebrations, and way of life. The program encourages confidence in using the language in everyday situations and fosters curiosity, cultural understanding, and global awareness. By participating in songs, games, conversations, storytelling, and cultural activities, students develop both their language proficiency and an appreciation for the richness and diversity of the Italian culture.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts program aims to foster confidence, curiosity, imagination and enjoyment through student engagement. Students are exposed to a variety of techniques, materials and processes through creating, viewing, discussing and interpreting artworks. The annual Art Show showcases student artwork completed throughout the year. This year is an Artshow year!
During even years St Augustine's holds a Visual Arts show. This year is a Visual art show year!
Kitchen Garden program/Farm Project
Our students from Prep to Grade 6 participate in our Kitchen Garden Program, which is based on the principles of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. Our working garden provides students with opportunities to connect with the land, develop an appreciation for where food comes from, and experience the many riches it has to offer. Our garden and farm-like environment is home to chickens, goats, guinea pigs and rabbits, creating a vibrant and engaging space for learning.
Students are actively involved in every stage of the gardening process. Guided by our specialist garden staff, they prepare the soil, plant seeds and seedlings, spread mulch, support and care for plants, remove pests, maintain the garden and observe the growth and development of their produce. This hands-on learning culminates in the excitement of harvesting fresh produce when it is ripe and ready to be prepared and shared in the kitchen.
The Kitchen Program, led by our specialist kitchen staff, aims to develop lifelong healthy and positive attitudes towards food and eating. Students have the opportunity to grow, harvest, prepare, cook and share fresh, nutritious food, building valuable skills and an appreciation for healthy eating.
The program celebrates the flavours, variety and health benefits of fresh, seasonal produce. The dishes prepared in the kitchen reflect the vegetables, herbs and fruits grown by the students in our organic gardens throughout the seasons, creating a meaningful connection between what students grow and what they eat.
Our Kitchen Garden Program is integrated across the primary school curriculum, providing rich opportunities to strengthen learning in literacy, numeracy, science, cultural studies and environmental sustainability. It also fosters important social and emotional skills, including cooperation, responsibility, confidence, communication and teamwork. The program provides an inclusive learning environment where all students, including those with additional learning needs, can actively participate, contribute and experience success.
Through our Kitchen Garden Program, students develop not only practical gardening and cooking skills, but also a deeper understanding of sustainability, healthy living, community and their connection to the natural world.
Music
The lively and engaging Music program enables students to develop their creative and expressive capacities. Through the study of Music, Dance and Drama students learn about the different practices, disciplines and traditions that have shaped the expression of culture locally, nationally and globally.
Students experience how to work effectively in a team, develop their self esteem and confidence, develop their critical thinking and analysis of various performances and the ability to present and perform in front of an audience.
The biennial School Production allows for all students to showcase their talents to the wider community.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in the School Choir. This group has the option of performing to the wider community. Individual and small group instrumental lessons are also offered during class time.
During odd years St Augustine's holds a whole school Production. Last year our Production is Sponge Bob the Musical!
Library
Through the Library program we aim to nurture a love of reading and literature for all our students. We encourage all of our students to be regular 'borrowers' and we continue to build our library resources with update books for our students!
Digital Technologies
At St. Augustine's we aim to empower students to become confident and creative users of technology. By engaging with computational thinking and coding, students develop problem-solving skills essential for the 21st century.
Students learn to be safe online and how to manage their devices to become responsible Digital Citizens.
Perceptual Motor Program
The Perceptual Motor Program supports students in developing important physical, cognitive, and coordination skills through structured movement activities and play-based learning experiences. The program helps strengthen balance, spatial awareness, fine and gross motor skills, concentration, and confidence, all of which contribute positively to student learning and wellbeing. Through activities such as obstacle courses, ball skills, climbing, jumping, and coordination tasks, students build foundational skills that support classroom engagement, independence, and overall development. The program also promotes resilience, teamwork, and active participation in a supportive and inclusive environment.
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