Many of the adults helping shape today's students once sat in the same classrooms themselves.

Parents are a child's first teachers, but they cannot do it alone. At St Augustine's College, families, educators and the wider community work together to help young men develop the character, confidence and values they need for life beyond school.

When Principal Jonathan Byrne reflects on the lasting impact of St Augustine's College, he points to relationships.

"The formation of young men has always been a shared responsibility," he says. "Families provide the foundation, schools help nurture growth, and communities reinforce the values that young people carry into adulthood. When those three work together, students are given the best opportunity to thrive."

For many College community members, the partnership extends beyond their time as a student.

Nicholas Barwell (Class of 1997) now has a son at the College, continuing a decades-long connection.

"Our family has been part of the St Augustine's community for 40 years," he says. "There has consistently been a Barwell boy at the school for the last 20 years, so our family is deeply entwined in the St Augustine's community. The aligned values of the school and our family have been of mutual benefit."

When the time came to choose a school for his son Byron, the decision was straightforward.

"As an Old Boy, I knew the values, standards and expectations of the school would help him become a confident and well-rounded young man."

James Akhurst (Class of 1989) and Andrew Doherty (Class of 1992) share similar reflections. While both have seen significant changes in facilities, technology and opportunities since their own school days, they point to the lasting importance of community, discipline, friendships and shared values in helping boys navigate adolescence.

PE teacher and rugby coach Kotoni Ale (Class of 2008) remembers arriving from New Zealand knowing nobody.

"I came into a year group where I didn't know anyone, but I was immediately brought into the community. I felt supported, included and valued."

That experience inspired him to return.

"The College played a big role in shaping who I am. One of the main reasons I came back was to give that back and help shape the lives of young people coming through today."

He is one of many Old Boys now working at the College, alongside staff including Adam Gray (Class of 1994), Kyle Dooley (Class of 1999), Max Burgess (Class of 2008), Nathan Raffo (Class of 2015) and Joshua Roberts (Class of 2018).

For Nathan, now a TAS teacher and Manager in Charge of Surfing, the strength of connection is evident.

"One thing that's always stood out is how many Old Boys come back to work here. I think that says a lot about the connection people have with the College and the type of experience they had here in the first place."

That connection continues after graduation. Recent graduates Jesse O'Connor and Kevin Mingjie Xiang, both from the Class of 2024, regularly return to tutor Year 12 students.

Jesse says the motivation comes from seeing the impact on current students, while Kevin values the collaborative culture he experienced as a student.

"Learning that success isn't just an individual pursuit, and that helping your peers actually reinforces your own understanding, instilled a strong sense of community in me that I'll carry forward," Kevin says.

For Principal Byrne, the number of Old Boys who choose to stay connected to the College is no coincidence.

"One of the best signs of a strong community is when former students return as parents, teachers, coaches and mentors," he says. "It tells us that what happens at the College has lifelong impact, and that each generation is helping to shape the next."

While a student's time at school may be a short few years, values, relationships and community can last a lifetime.

For more information about how St Augustine's College partners with families to educate Young Men of Heart, visit saintaug.nsw.edu.au.

Words & Photography: St Augustine's College

St Augustine's College, Sydney | 18-22 Alfred Rd, Brookvale 2100 | (02) 9938 8200 | saintaug.nsw.edu.au