FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It is with much sadness that I write this newsletter. As most of you would be aware, Addison Miller from Year 9 and Duhig House passed away on Thursday 12 October. Addison finally succumbed to his battle with Leukaemia. The Head of Duhig House, Mr King and I were privileged to be with Addison and his family at the Children’s Hospital following his passing.
Darren and Mei-Ling have asked me to pass on their gratitude for the support that Addison has received from the St Laurence’s College Community. Please feel confident we have the wellbeing of our staff and students at the centre of all that we do. I am aware that many students and staff are struggling with Addison’s death. We have arranged appropriate counselling support and options for our young people and staff to work through their emotions. I have sent email correspondence to all families outlining additional options for support.
I will remember Addison as a courageous, motivated, caring,\ and gifted young man. He is a special person. Father Rex Walnough said Mass for Addison this morning. He used a beautiful analogy when discussing the Duhig House symbols. One symbol is a boat or ship. Father Rex spoke of a ship journeying down a river and out to sea. Even though the ship disappears from sight, it still continues to exist. Even though Addison has left us, he continues to be a presence in our lives, and he is now at peace.
Poem: You can shed tears for Addison has passed
You can shed tears that Addison has passed
Or you can smile because Addison lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see Addison
Or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he’s gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he’d want
– smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.
Student Leaders 2024
I enclose the full list of our 2024 Student Leaders. I thank the Year 11 cohort, Mr Knight, Mr Mallon and Mr Burridge for this exhaustive process. I congratulate all students in the cohort, I wish them well in 2024.
College Captain: Gianluca Josey
College Vice Captain: Harrison Frost
College Vice Captain: Tayt Qualischefski
House Captains
Callan: Chayse Ford
Duhig: James Watson
Hogan: Patrick Churchward
Kilian: Nathan Wicks
Nagle: Alastair Greensill
Rice: Patrick Woolley
Sion: Tobey Parker
Treacy: Tim Flannery
Waterford: Lewis Blaikie
Xavier: Jack Parker
Prefects
Academic: Steven Arvanitagis, Harvey Low and Patrick Hayles
Engagement & Wellbeing: Mitchell Buckle, Noah Fitzpatrick and Huw Griffiths
Faith in Action: Finley Arnold, Oliver Cook and Lachlan Wigan
Solidarity & Culture: Jacob Elder, Thomas Stenhouse and Cooper Mataia
Spirit and School Pride: Preston O’Brien, Jack Cosgrove and Zack McNeven
I thank staff who have led the Year 8 Outdoor education experience at Noosa North Shore. Particularly to Mr du Plessis, Mr Burridge and Ms Bell.
I also look forward to Awards night next Thursday and our Senior Graduation Assembly on Friday of next week.
MR CHRIS LEADBETTER
College Principal