From hundreds of nominations, we were selected in the top eight schools in Australia for Secondary School of the Year (Non-government), Best Co-Curricular Program and Best Professional Learning Program.

We are now in contention for the major prizes in those categories, to be announced at the awards ceremony in August.

The annual event is the leading independent national awards in the K-12 education sector, showcasing top-performing schools making a difference to the lives of young people across Australia.

College Principal Mr Chris Leadbetter said being named as finalist across three categories is a testament to everyone who makes St Laurence’s College such a unique and vibrant community.

“This is great recognition of the staff, students and wider community that contribute to the College every day,” he said.

“We strive to create opportunities for every student to discover who he is meant to be. We educate our boys holistically in spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional, physical, cultural and social dimensions of life.”

The Secondary School of the Year (Non-government) title is awarded based on consistently high standards of teaching and learning, academic and co-curricular achievements, rigorous professional learning, demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, and strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community.

“Our staff and students are incredibly humble about their work and their passion to serve and respect others,” said Dean of Teaching and Learning, Dr  Liam Herbert.

“I am so grateful that our wonderful College will receive this hard-earned recognition – this is truly an extraordinary community!”

Our Urban Farm received the Excellence Award for Best Co-Curricular Program, acknowledging this truly unique open-air learning environment which is utilised across curriculum, co-curricular and pastoral domains, as well as the school’s Faith in Action program.

From humble beginnings in 2015, the Urban Farm has become a thriving green space that supports food production and sustainability education within a small inner-city footprint and has garnered an international following on social media.

“We’ve long realised that our unique outdoor learning space is something special and it’s thrilling to gain recognition on a national level and to be in the running for best overall co-curricular program,” said Geography Teacher Ms Nataleen Kilburn – the visionary behind Urban Farm.

The College’s Professional Learning program has also been recognised with an Excellence Award in the Best Professional Learning Program category – namely derived from the innovative work of academic staff in the implementation of Professional Learning Teams (PLTs).

The PLT program engages staff across faculties in build a healthy, collaborative professional learning culture of inquiry that positively impacts student learning. Within this approach, teachers learn from each other through peer learning and use contemporary research to deliver exceptional pedagogical practices.

The Australian Education Awards return as an in-person event this year, with the black-tie gala to be held at Doltone House in Sydney on Friday August 12.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte is hosting the evening, which will feature a pre-awards cocktail reception, red carpet, dinner banquet, presentation ceremony and live entertainment throughout the night.