Augustine

Text

Text

House Colour: Red
St Augustine of Canterbury
Dates: c. 534 - 604
Feast day: 26th May
Historical Context & Story:

In the late 6th century, Britain was a fractured patchwork of pagan Anglo-Saxon kingdoms where Christianity had largely died out. Inspired by fair-haired Anglian slaves in Rome, Pope Gregory the Great commissioned Augustine, a quiet Italian monk, to re-evangelise the island. Despite nearly turning back in fear of brutal warlords, Augustine landed on the Isle of Thanet in Kent in AD 597 and used patient diplomacy to win over King Æthelberht, who granted the monks refuge in Canterbury and was later baptised. Augustine converted thousands, established Canterbury Cathedral, and laid the foundations of the English Church; however, surviving Celtic bishops in Western Britain rejected his authority as Archbishop, delaying full unification for half a century. Augustine died on 26 May AD 604 and was buried in Canterbury.

Saintly Charisms:

- Evangelisation: Presenting the Gospel in ways that respect local culture.
- Organisational Leadership: Establishing lasting institutions and order from chaos.
- Courage over Fear: Overcoming natural self-doubt to step into unfamiliar territory.
- Patience in Seed-Sowing: Understanding that real transformation takes persistent effort.

Quotes for Young People:

"We bring you not trouble, but a good message: eternal life and an everlasting kingdom."

"Gratefully accept whatever good things you find in any church or culture, and plant them in the minds of the people."

"He who created you without your help will not save you without your cooperation."

Further Reading:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Augustine-of-Canterbury 

https://ewtn.co.uk/article-saint-augustine-of-canterbury/

 

St John Bosco (Don Bosco) 
Dates: 1815 – 1888
Feast Day: 31st January
Historical Context & Story:

In 19th-century Turin, Don Bosco dedicated his life to rescuing orphaned and exploited street boys. He used magic tricks, juggling, and sports to gain their trust before establishing the "Oratory"—a safe home, school, and workshop. He taught youth through kindness and reason rather than punishment.

Saintly Charisms:

- Youth Mentorship: Guiding young people to unlock their spiritual potential.
- Holy Playfulness & Joy: Utilising sports and magic to build trust.
- Empowerment: Providing practical skills and education to break poverty.
- Prophetic Vision: Receiving divine guidance through dreams for youth ministry.

Quotes for Young People:

"Run, jump, make noise, but do not sin.”

"It is not enough to love the young; they must know that they are loved."

"Do not put off till tomorrow the good you can do today."

"Serve the Lord with joy!"

Further Reading:

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/john-bosco-631

https://www.sdb.org/en/Don_Bosco/Don_Bosco

https://www.sdb.org/en/Don_Bosco/Writings

 

 

 

 

Text

Text

  • Head of House: Mrs Mason Image

    Head of House: Mrs Mason

    We may not look like it, but we just belong together. – Dr Doolittle

    Being part of a team is not just about winning or losing, it’s about belonging.

    I became a part of the Challoner Community in 2016 and you all became a part of it too the day you walked through the doors of Richard Challoner School.

    As the new Head of House for Augustine, I want to involve every student, as much or as little as you can give. We will all work together, try our best and have lots of fun along the way.

    Every single one of you is as important as the person standing next to you, no matter what you can do and no matter what you think you can’t. It’s not about being the best, it’s about giving it a go.

    It always seems impossible, until it is done. – Nelson Mandela
  • House Captain: Lois Image

    House Captain: Lois
History

History

Augustine House Competition History:

2025/26 – 5th Place

2024/25 – 4th Place

2023/24 – 3rd Place

2022/23 – 2nd Place

2021/22 – 3rd Place

2020/21 – 6th Place

2019/20 – 6th Place

2018/19 – 5th Place

2017/18 – 2nd Place

2016/17 – 1st Place

2015/16 – 1st Place

2014/15 – 1st Place

2013/14 – 3rd Place

2012/13 – 5th Place