I welcome all staff and students back for Term 4, 2023. I especially welcome 5 new students and the following staff:

• Nick Davis – Maths and HPE
• Amanda Riddick – English
• Jan Hewerdine – Music Tutor
• Teri Grandin – Canteen Manager
• Shaun Fardy, Donna Martin, and Rick Van der Zant are also assisting with short-term contracts.

We wish them well over the course of the term.

Year 12
Term 4 is a significant one for our Seniors as they move towards external assessments and prepare to finalise their Lauries School Journey. As a community, we wish each student well in the coming weeks. Essential to this process is our final graduation assembly, farewell mass and presentation evening. These events are for students and the families who have journeyed with them. We pray for each boy in our Year 12 2023 cohort in the coming weeks.

Year 12 Leadership 2024
On Wednesday, I was able to announce our College Captain and two Vice Captains for 2024. The process was most thorough and was led by Mr Tim Mallon and Mr David Knight. Currently, we are still discerning who will be appropriate Prefects and House Leaders for 2024.

I am pleased to announce the following student leadership appointments for next year:

• College Captain – Gianluca Josey
• Vice Captain – Harrison Frost
• Vice Captain – Tayt Qualischefski

These are significant appointments and we wish all boys well from the Senior Class of 2024.

Holiday Events

Over the term vacation, we hosted several events at the College. We also had staff continue to work over the break in a variety of extended events. I thank the following staff:

1. Ignite Conference for 1500 delegates – Will Pike, Stewart Williams and the Maintenance Team.
2. SONY Camp – James Mendoza, Kerri-Anne O’Neill, Maria Mavritsky, Sue Dean and Natasha Vaitsas.
3. Vietnam Immersion – Paul Corfield, Heather Batchelor, Mark Whiting and Sam Dickman
4. Mock Exams have concluded at the end of Term 3 and our senior staff completed marking over the break.
5. APMN Music Conference and State Honors Excellence Program – Dr Anthony Young and Music staff.
6. Various Gym and Sports Training sessions held at the College – Pat Byron, Pat Richards, Sam Wiltshire, Anthony Bird, Tim Smith, Richard King, Sean O’Connor and Alex Barnes.
7. Manchester City Football Holiday Clinics – Jamie Davies, Jack Cabassi, Miguel Nydam and Sam Wiltshire.

I thank our exceptional staff for their work here.

Track and Field
On Thursday and Friday, our students competed in the annual AIC Track and Field Carnival held at QSAC. I thank Mr Pat Bryon for coordinating the program along with our Head Coach, Mr Andre Sinclair and our Primary Coordinator, Mr Adam Stokes.

Exceptional performances included:

• Jack Coomber (Year 12) who won the Open 800m, 1500m and 3000m events
• Nathan Taverner (Year 12) who won the Open Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump
• Oscar McKean (Year 9) for an outstanding run in the 15 years 1500m
• Terrell Thorne (Year 11) who won the 16 years 100m, 200m and 400m events

Overall, SLC finished 7th in Secondary and 3rd in the Primary program. I thank all staff and students who support the College Athletics program.

I look forward to seeing many of you tonight at Jazz on the Hill. Enjoy the term.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

College Principal

Vietnam Immersion

Over the holidays, I was privileged to be able to accompany Ms Heather Batchelor, Mr Mark Whiting, Mr Sam Dickman and 23 of our students to Vietnam as part of our Immersion Program. The trip was a wonderful experience and gave our students the opportunity to see the world from the point of the view of the poor and marginalised, as well as have the opportunity to serve them. We began the trip in Ho Chi Minh where we were able to see the story of the Vietnamese people and witness the effects of the war. In the Vietnam War Museum, there is a section dedicated to Agent Orange and its devastating consequences. Visually this is very tough. However, outside the museum you are often met by those who have suffered, selling books and various items. Many of these people are missing limbs or who have scares or other birth defects. It stands as a reminder of the generational effects of war and that scars remain for a lifetime.

We soon travelled to the city of My Tho – about 2 hours outside of Ho Chi Minh city. Here, we began our building project where we were tasked with building a house for a family of two parents and three children. Although the build itself was challenging, we were lucky enough to be supported many brilliant Vietnamese builders who, despite the obvious language barrier, were able to guide us through. We always found a way to communicate what needed to be done and it was a privilege to be guided by the local Vietnamese people. By the end of the trip, we were able to handover the house to the family, and you could see their raw emotion. We were all humbled to contribute to a better life for the family. A house gives them the opportunity to be able to look for better employment and further allows their children to access a good education. There are more stories we will share from the immersion with our students over the coming weeks.

Year 9 Retreat & Rite of Passage

On Monday 9 October, our Year 9 students will take part in their retreat day led by Michael Fitzpatrick. This retreat begins the process of their Rite of Passage into Senior School. Parents in Year 9 have been sent communications regarding the day, and I encourage you to read this when you get the chance. It also contains information about Rite of Passage evening on Thursday 2 November where our parents and students participate in a ceremony welcoming our Year 9 students into Senior School. The coming month is very exciting for our Year 9 students as they take the next step in their Lauries Journey.

East Timor Immersion 2024:

The East Timor Immersion takes place in the June holidays of 2024. Please see HERE for more information, including an itinerary of the immersion trip. From previous trips, one key place I would like to share with you the is the Orphanage we stay at while we are based in Dili. If you are interested, please contact me via email at pcorfield@slc.qld.du.au.

If you have already registered, you are not required to register again. A notification has been sent which includes the payment portal.

Children of the Dominican Orphanage – Dili, East Timor

While in Dili, students will stay at the Dominican Sisters Orphanage. As part of this experience, our students will spend time with the children – accompanying them to school on one of the mornings also take them on a beach excursion.

Many of the teens and adolescents who live in this orphanage lost their parents during the atrocities of the Indonesian backed TNI militias, in the lead up to and the aftermath of the 1999 Independence Vote. The younger children have been come into the care of the Dominican Sisters due the poverty of their parents as East Timor struggles to gain its feet since it gained independence.

Unfortunately, only one child of the seventy living at the Dominican Sisters Orphanage has been adopted in recent times. The children lack books for their education and the basics children in the Western world take for granted as well as many other basics of life. However, they gain love and companionship from each other... and rely on the dedication and care of the devoted Dominican Sisters.

East Timor Village Experience

We then venture into the mountains into the villages outside of Dili, for a village experience. These villages have been supported by the Christian Brothers, Edmund Rice Foundation and Mary Mackillop Projects. Some of the activities include:

• Visits to Edmund Rice/Mary MacKillop supported projects
• Activities with local school
• Sport activities
• Walks through community farms
• Meeting with community leaders

The ‘Beans of Hope’ project was established in Railaco villages in the Ermera District of Timor Leste in 2015. From small beginnings, it has grown to include 665 farmers. The goal is to improve the livelihoods of farmers through generating a sustainable and fair income from Vanilla Farming.

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

Career Counselling
For any students wanting to discuss career information, post-schooling pathways, job skills etc. please see Mr Moscos in the Careers Office.

Phone: (07) 3010 1158

Email: pmoscos@slc.qld.edu.au

APC Chartered Accountants Opportunity for Grade 12 School Leavers
APC Chartered Accountants are based in the Brisbane CBD and provide tax, accounting, business advisory services and superannuation advice to a wide client base. They have a staff of 16 – some employees work full-time, others part-time, with the majority of accounting staff being younger than 30, so it is a young and friendly work environment.

The successful applicant will be involved in undertaking administrative tasks, assisting accountants in the preparation of income tax returns and financial statements, and are mentored with on-the-job training and development.

It is preferable that the applicant has studied Accounting in their senior school studies, has strong communication and analytical skills and will pursue a degree in commerce/business on a part-time basis.

If you are interested in applying, you will need to provide a cover letter about yourself and your intended studies and a resume including subjects studied and your academic record.

Please direct any enquiries and/or applications to Katie Wilson from APC Chartered Accountants: katie.wilson@apcfinancial.com.au.

Applications are due by close of business on Monday 13 November 2023.

Hospitality Opportunity for SLC Students
St Laurence’s College Old Boy Chris Torley (2020), has reached out to the College to offer students interested in gaining some casual work in the hospitality industry the opportunity to work for his company, Torley Bar Services. The role does require applicants to hold a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate – interested students who do not hold this qualification are welcome to come to the Careers Office for information on acquiring it. Please see the job advertisement below:

Torley’s Bar Services is looking for eager and enthusiastic students from Years 10-12, who are interested in getting started in the hospitality and events industry. The position will range from being a food waiter, to a cocktail bartender. Up skilling and training of different skill sets will be provided to all applicants.

Requirements for a position:

• RSA Certificate
• Updated resume
• Availability Saturday nights
• Passion to progress in the hospitality industry
• Minimum 1 shift worked per month

‘TBS’ shifts work on an apply to work basis. All staff will be notified via a mobile app when an available shift is posted – you can apply for the shift if it fits into your schedule. You will receive a notification if you are approved to work the shift. This is perfect for school students as you will not require to send in any availability.

Pay will be under the hospitality general award (MA000009), rates start at $28.26/hour, with additional loadings applied after 7pm and for the weekend.

Please send through your expression of interest with a resume attached to chris@torleysbarservices.com.

Application are due by midnight on Sunday 22 October.

JCU Webinar

James Cook University will be holding a Grade 12 Information Webinar on Thursday 12 October at 7pm. This is an opportunity to:

• Hear what student life is really like at JCU and how to make the transition from high school to uni as easy as possible
• Hear from current JCU students about their move from school to uni, and their top tips for first years
• Learn about student life including the vast range of clubs, social activities and societies at JCU (and how to balance life and study)
• Discover what it’s like to live on-campus with other students from around Australia

Please use the above link for further information or to register.

Medicine & Dentistry Information Session for Grade 11 Students
Any students currently in Grades 10 or 11 who are considering study options in Medicine or Dentistry are invited to attend and information session on Wednesday 25 October at 3.15pm in McElligott Theatre. At this event, students will hear from representatives from:

• UQ
• Griffith University
• Bond University
• University of Southern Queensland
• James Cook University

The university representatives will speak about the study options available at their institutions in these fields, the entry requirements and students have the opportunity to ask any specific questions they may have about the course offerings. Please register HERE to attend this event.

Work Experience
Congratulations to all students who completed work experience over the September school holidays. Over that week we had students participate in a variety of areas, such as:

• Retail
• Hospitality
• Electrical
• Real Estate
• Carpentry
• Surveying
• IT
• Sport & Recreation
• Business
• Cabinet Making
• Law
• Physiotherapy
• Medicine

The feedback from employers was exceptional, with our students demonstrating enthusiasm, asking questions, and generally demonstrating a keenness to build their employability skills.

Our final round of work experience will be taking place in the first week of the next holidays (27 November – 1 December). Any students over the age of 14 are welcome to apply (please note that current Grade 12 students are not eligible, as they will have graduated by that time).

Interested students need to apply for the next work experience block by close of business on Monday 9 October 2023.

QTAC Applications
Grade 12 students intending to study at university or TAFE next year (including those intending to apply this year and defer their start until 2025) are reminded to please submit your QTAC applications as soon as possible. Note that some courses are now closed for applications. If anyone has not yet submitted their application and needs assistance, please contact the Careers Office as soon as possible.

I will be going through submitted applications over the next few days and will email any students if there are concerns about their application, so please ensure you check your emails regularly.

The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) Reminder

If you have been negatively impacted by circumstances beyond your control, EAS may assist you in reaching your study dreams with rank adjustments. You might think of the obvious factors impacting you like financial hardship, illness or disabilities, however, EAS may also help in times of natural disasters. Read EAS article and click here to learn more about EAS including eligibility and how to apply.

MR PAUL MOSCOS

Careers Counsellor

Secondary Excellence Awards Night – Thursday 19 October

Our annual secondary awards night is being held on Thursday 19 October. The event starts at 6.30pm, with pre-event nibbles and student displays from 5.30pm. We ask that all students who are receiving an award, attend their scheduled rehearsal time (at some stage during the day on either Wednesday 18/Thursday 19 October), and that they are in their allocated seat by 6pm for last minute messages. Award winners will be notified via email and award lists will be in student notices and outside House areas.

The Rehearsal Schedule can be found HERE.

Congratulations to all involved!

Year 12 Students – now is the time to ‘surge’

I hope all Year 12 students have had a wonderful break. When I have been talking with students about their study, I strongly encourage them that now is the ‘time to surge’. By this I mean every single spare moment should be spent studying for External Exams or working towards completing VET competencies. We know that External Exams are becoming more competitive, as the preparation program for schools across Queensland are becoming more targeted.

A reminder that the first three weeks of Term 4, our Year 12 students will participate in external exam-specific workshops with their teachers. Each Faculty will utilise the mock exam results to target specific areas of improvement.

I ask that you support us in encouraging your son to utilise every minute possible, in preparation for their external assessment.

Year 12 External Assessment Masterclasses – Tuesday 17 October

On Tuesday 17 October, Year 12 students will participate in an alternative program to support and help prepare them for the external exam period, as well as give students the opportunity to complete any work on outstanding VET modules.

Students will be provided with a half-day program run by Mr Neill Smith, which will address writing techniques, strategies that will be crucial in the external exams, and help them formulate a plan of attack for various subjects in the exam block. This will be developed based on research proven strategies and feedback from the mock exam period, held at the end of Term 3.

Students will also spend part of the day in subject specific masterclasses run by Heads of Faculty and Year 12 teachers, so they can have more time preparing for their exams in the coming weeks. We wish the students all the best during these final assessments and will continue to support them with the time we have in Term 4.

I thank Mr Andrew Newcombe (Head of Teaching and Learning – Senior School), Heads of Faculty and Year 12 teachers for their efforts in making sure our students are as prepared as possible for External Assessment.

Year 12 – General Subject Results Confirmed

Over 95% of our General Subjects have results that have been confirmed. That means that students should be able to access their ‘MyQCE’ account to access their latest results and determine their final results for all Internal Assessment items leading into Externals. We are extremely pleased with how our students are ‘on track’ and are very proud of their efforts thus far.

Year 11 – Commencement of Unit 3

Term 4 sees our Year 11 students start work in Unit 3. This means that all results/marks contribute towards the calculation of their ATAR, if that is their chosen pathway. VET courses would have already started completing competencies at the commencement of the course, typically at the start of Year 11.

Academic Support

A reminder that there are several ways that students can receive free academic support. This is very useful for students in Year 11 and Year 12, particularly as most students are completing work that contributes to their ATAR.

The Academic support opportunities are below:

• Study Starter – every Monday and Wednesday after school, all students are welcome to attend free tutoring from gifted Alumni and the 2023 Academic Prefects.
• Subject Tutoring – please find the Academic Tutoring Schedule HERE. All students are highly encouraged to attend. Heads of Faculty and senior teachers also dedicate their free time to support students, which is helpful as typically these teachers are assessing the work.
• Mentoring – I urge students to engage in the mentoring process, and particular ask questions concerning study tips and future pathways.
• Year 12 Teachers – Year 12 teachers will be available in their timetabled lesson, in the normal allocated classroom up until the completion of the External Exam for that subject. Year 12 students are strongly encouraged to ask Year 12 teachers for extra support during this time.

Conclusion

I wish all students and families the very best as we start a short but busy Term 4.

Live Jesus in our hearts…Forever!

DR LIAM HERBERT

Dean of Teaching and Learning

Connecting students with each other and with learning are some of the key domains within the College Teaching and Learning Framework. This was on

display in abundance when the Year 8 Chinese class did a ‘speaking battle’ between students. The class was split into two groups, with students required to

ask and answer questions from each other in Chinese, as consolidation of learning from Terms 2 and 3.

The learning experience developed their ability to think and speak spontaneously in their developing language and was also a lot of fun at the same time!

Ms Chen is looking forward to witnessing their speaking battles continue to develop in quality throughout Term 4.

MS ALANA BAILEY

Head of Faculty - Business & Languages

As I write this article, our College athletes are currently participating in the major AIC Sporting event (AIC Track and Field) and the largest school sporting event in Queensland (Qld All Schools Touch). The results so far in both competitions have been very promising, showcasing remarkable performances both on the track and in the field at QSAC, as well as on the touch fields at Runaway Bay. We would like to extend our congratulations to all the boys for their dedication in preparing for these events. They have invested a significant amount of time and effort during the school holidays to ensure they are fully prepared. We eagerly anticipate celebrating their achievements in both sports in the upcoming newsletter.

Sign-on and Registration Process for Term 1 Sport- 2024

It is truly remarkable to consider that our Term 1 2024 competitions are still almost 4 months away. However, preparations for AFL, Cricket, Swimming, and Volleyball are already well underway. Orientation information and expressions of interest for Term 1 sport have already been provided to students (and families) entering the College in Year 5 and Year 7. For students who are already enrolled at the College (excluding Year 6, who will receive the Year 7 ‘Orientation’ information), the registration process will remain the same as in previous terms this year.

Students are to register via the link emailed by the Sports Office by Friday October 13.

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP)

Congratulations to the following students who took part in the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) over the school holidays:

Flynn Byram, Jasper Davis, Luke Ferrer, Tobias Hayles, Ji Jenkins, Gianluca Josey, Lorenzo Kleynendorst, Declan Layton, Morgan Oiso, Matthew O’Sullivan, Lachlan Shine, and Maxwell Toth.

Australian State Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP)

Congratulations to the following students who took part in the Australian State Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) over the school holidays:

Hugo Barrett, Mile Le Goullon, Andrew Schwantes, Joshua Sephton, Kieran van Acker and Damon Wang.

Membership in the AHEP ensembles is determined through a rigorous audition process and includes some of the top performers in the State.

Both SHEP & AHEP programs are run through Griffith Universities’, Queensland Conservatorium, and are an intensive weekend for students with a series of workshops with some of Queensland’s eminent conductors. It is also an exciting and unique opportunity for students to work & perform with peers from across the state.

Australian Pastoral Musicians Conference

The triannual conference of church musicians and liturgists was hosted by the Brisbane Archdiocese over the school holidays. Congratulations to Oliver Cook who presented at the Conference, with Sue Sutter from St Ignatius Primary School, on the links that have been formed between St Laurence’s College, St Ignatius Parish and St Ignatius School, as part of the Certificate II in Service Learning undertaken by Year 10 students.

Further congratulations to Dr Clare Schwantes, mother of Year 12 student Andrew Schwantes, for her well received presentation based on her doctoral studies in liturgy. Dr Young also presented on leading congregations in song. Warm thanks to all music staff and Old Boys who formed the Orchestra for the Conference Mass, held on Sunday 29 September at St Stephens Cathedral, which involved delegates from around the country and internationally. This service was presided over by Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Bishop Paul Bird and Bishop Ken Howell.

Annual Senior Music Camp | 22-24 October | QCCC Mapleton

The 2024 Music Year will kickstart with the Senior Ensembles Music Camp at the QCCC in Mapleton (Sunshine Coast) from 22-24 October.

This camp will provide an opportunity for team building among the new ensembles and for students to expand their musicals skills.

Strike up the Band

MR ROSS CAPERN

Head of Instrumental Music

The Lions Head Supporter Cap and Lauries Supporter Cap are now available for $40 each! These hats have already had huge interest so be quick.

If you are interested, visit The Lauries Shop or contact them via 07 3010 1100.

Please be aware South Bank Corporation will be commencing the next phase of Grey Street Improvement Works, commencing 3 October.

This work will occur between 7am-3pm, Monday to Friday from Tuesday 3 October - Friday 24 November.

These works include the relevelling of four sections of footpath that pose significant trip hazards.

Please refer to the attached works notification for more information.

We will continue to issue project updates via the newsletter and project website linked below.

www.southbankcorporation.com.au/projects  

As per previous advice, these improvements on Grey St will benefit pedestrians and motorists with upgrades to footpaths, centre median crossings, landscaping and lighting.  

If you have any questions about the works or would like more information, please contact the project team on 07 3867 2078 (during business hours) or via email planning@south-bank.net.au.  

Works Notification 08 Grey Street Improvement Works footpath

Please see HERE information from Queensland Rail regarding extended track closures for September and October as a result of Cross River Rail.