St Augustine’s College marks major milestone

Trish MukwazoST Augustine’s College, a new Roman Catholic-run high school in Bulawayo’s Sunnyside suburb marked a major milestone when it recently hosted its Open Day that was punctuated by a captivating display of academic excellence showcased by its pupils in various disciplines.During the Open Day held on 25 July, learners were given an opportunity to showcase their talents in various performances such as singing, dancing and reciting poems.The classrooms, science and computer laboratories, art, design and technology classrooms, including food and nutrition spaces, were all opened to the prospective parents and pupils.The Hall was a full house with prospective pupils and their parentsForm One learners, Andile Ncube and Nicole Tshuma, impressed with their singing and dancing while Siyayibonga Moyo delivered a poem on Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical, which is a call for ecological conservation and a commitment to caring for the Earth, recognising the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues.St Augustine’s College is one of the Catholic schools that have taken up the Laudato Si calling and formed a club at the school. The headboy, Mthabisi Ndebele and headgirl, Nandipha Dlamini also made presentations about St Augustine’s culture and values.The learners also showcased remarkable intellect and eloquence, impressing the audience with their articulate and confident delivery in English.Prospective students touring classroomsThe college, which comprises a day and boarding facility, is located at the former Catholic University’s Bulawayo campus building.Prospective learners from various schools sat for entrance exams as part of the admission process for Form One at St Augustine’s College. The Open Day drew a substantial turnout, with parents in attendance to witness the event.St Augustine College’s learners partook in presentations and performances that had both the school staff and parents beaming with pride.The Headgirl and Headboy having a light moment with the Selfie board which was also very popular with the visitors.The college head, Mr Thomas Khumalo, said their core values include love, wisdom, truth and respect.“Discipline is at the heart of our school culture and our code of conduct outlines clear expectations for students and teachers alike.

By instilling values like punctuality and responsibility, we strive to raise individuals who will become pillars of their communities, making a meaningful difference in society,” he said.The college offers a wide range of subjects that include Mathematics, Computer Science, Geography, History, IsiZulu, French, English Language and Literature, Commerce, Physics, Design and Technology, Art and Design, Chemistry, Business Studies, Combined Science, Bible Studies and Food and Nutrition.“Due to the increase of enrolment in the school, we have established the Science Department, Mathematics Department, Humanities, Languages, Commercials and Practical Departments,” said Mr Khumalo.The college, which opened its doors to students in January last year, started off with just 20 students and by the end of last year, the number grew to 95 and its current enrolment is at 235.The college is affiliated to the Cambridge International Examinations programme, offering students the opportunity to take Checkpoint and Advanced Level exams, which are assessed and certified by the Cambridge Examination Board through the British Council.The Drama Club Welcome DanceThe college also offers a wide range of sporting activities, which include swimming, golf, soccer and basketball, among others.Mr Khumalo said the school is committed to teacher development too. He said educators have undergone comprehensive training workshops in critical areas such as disaster management, guidance and counselling and career development, ensuring they are well-equipped to support pupils’ academic and personal growth.Giving a brief history of how the college started, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) Secretary-General and St Augustine’s College Principal, Father Tryvis Moyo, said the school premises were previously a seminary.Father Tryvis Moyo, Secretary General of Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference giving a speech on the history of the school“St Augustine’s Seminary was built to enhance the proper formation of local priests but was closed in 2016 due to the decline of vocations to the priesthood. The whole Faculty of Philosophy was moved back to Chishawasha Major Seminary in Harare,” he said.The school was founded in August 2023 through a resolution of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference at their administrative meeting in Masvingo.Fr Moyo said the conference had recently donated a minibus for the ease of the school’s various teams and clubs.

After the various displays the prospective pupils and their parents were taken on a tour of St Augustine’s College to gain an appreciation of the institution before the day ended with a Mass at the school chapel.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald