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

Year 9 Retreat: 

This week, our Year 9 students participated in their retreat day run by Michael Fitzpatrick. Michael is open to the students from the start, challenging them to grow and take time to look at how they can better themselves.

One activity that is always a highlight is when Michael has the students stand in front of the cohort and affirm the values they hold to be important about students in the room. The students will name the person and say to them publicly what strengths they bring and why they are important. It is truly humbling to watch our students be so open. We look forward to continuing their Middle School journey with their Rite of Passage ceremony.

Year 9 Rite of Passage Evening: 

As part of their student's journey into Senior School next year, we will also be holding a Rite of Passage evening on Thursday 2 November from 5.30pm - 6.30pm. This is a very important occasion in the students’ Lauries Journey as they go from Middle to Senior School. We strongly encourage Year 9 students and parents to attend the evening as it is a special evening for all. Communication will soon be sent out to Year 9 families with key details about the event. 

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. There are still spots available so if you are interested please respond HERE.

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

Medicine & Dentistry Information Session for Year 11 Students

Any students currently in Years 10 or 11 who are considering study options in Medicine or Dentistry are invited to attend an 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.

Early Offer Scheme Deadlines

Please note that the QUT and Griffith University early offer schemes have deadlines fast approaching.

QUT Eary Offer Scheme:

20 October - QTAC applications must be submitted by this date to be eligible for the QUT Early Offer Scheme

31 October – Students must upload evidence of their results to their QTAC application by this date to be considered for the early offer round on 17 November

14 November – Students must have an eligible QUT course as their first preference in their QTAC application by this date

Griffith University Early Offer Guarantee:

16 October - QTAC applications must be submitted by this date to be eligible for the Griffith University Early Offer Guarantee

31 October – Students must upload evidence of their results to their QTAC application by this date to be considered for the early offer round on 17 November

13 November – Students must have an eligible Griffith University course as their first preference in their QTAC application by this date

Please note that the dates are slightly different for each of the schemes. As each scheme requires that the course from their university be placed first on students’ QTAC preference list, students will only be able to receive an early offer for one of the programs, meaning that if they have eligible QUT and Griffith University courses in their preference list and receive invitations to apply for both, they will have to decide which they would prefer to pursue.

If students do not have all of their IA results confirmed and visible on their MyQCE account (which they will need in order to apply for the early offer schemes) by 20 October, please come to the Careers Office to discuss.

Résumé and Cover Letter Assistance

Students looking to pursue work post-school (either casual or full-time), as well as current students looking to gain employment whilst still at school, are welcome to come into the Careers Office if they require any support with creating their résumé and/or cover letter.

APC Chartered Accountants Opportunity for Year 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 working full-time and some part-time and the majority of the accounting staff are younger than 30 so, it is a young and friendly work environment.

The successful applicant will be involved in undertaking administrative tasks and 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 and 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. Upskilling 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.

Applications are due Sunday 22/10/23 at midnight.

Commercial Construction Opportunity for Year 12 School Leavers

A Dart & Co. are a family run commercial construction company based at Salisbury. They are looking for a candidate to join their team working in their workshop; little to no experience is needed. They are prepared to provide the appropriate training for the candidate to be competent in assisting with the fabrication of cladding to be installed on buildings throughout SE QLD. Additional opportunities are available to progress with forklift licence, CNC operation, CAD drafting, etc.

A Dart & Co. would like to extend the opportunity to contact them for a possible start following the conclusion of external exams or for those wishing to commence in 2024.

Interested students are asked to send an email with their résumé, outlining their skills, experience (if any), what school subjects they have done, additional tickets or licenses, and cover letter to Lauren Rowley: reception@adartco.com.au.

Please contact the VET Office or the Careers Office if you would like any assistance with this.

MR PAUL MOSCOS

Careers Counsellor

Year 12

Our Year 12 students are no doubt counting down the days to their impending graduation ceremony and are surely savouring their last weeks in classes before external exams commence. There are significant events that the Year 12 cohort have to look forward to in the coming weeks:

• Awards Night – Thursday evening
• Year 12 Graduation Assembly and House Assemblies

We have been fortunate as a College to have such a fine group of Year 12 students to lead our School this year. They have made a significant contribution to all aspects of College life and we look forward to celebrating their successes as they finish off their school year.

Year 11

This week has seen the culmination of the Year 11 leadership process with the announcement of our leadership group for 2024. Congratulations to all students that were successful in a formal leadership position and we are confident that they will make a difference next year. However, as someone who has been on the sidelines, watching the process and having knowledge of the quality of all applicants, I am acutely aware that some exceptional students narrowly missed out on a formal position. Mr Leadbetter and the Heads of House affirmed these students and encouraged them not to let the absence of a badge deter them from continuing their great work, example and contribution to the College. Thank you to Mr Timothy Mallon for the exceptional work he has done in forming our Year 11 cohort this year.

Year 9 Retreat Day

Thank you to Mr Paul Corfield and the Faith and Mission Office for their organisation of the Year 9 Retreat day which was facilitated by a guest presenter, Mr Michael Fitzpatrick. Speaking to many boys after the experience, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Michael is an exceptionally experienced presenter who had the ability to hold the cohort’s attention and actively engage each student during the day. He focussed on what divides the cohort with the aim of making a more cohesive group that will accept and value each other’s differences, support each other and ultimately, be an outstanding Senior group in 2026. Students were also asked to reflect on the things that have ‘bound’ them or held them back, such as an attitude or behaviour. It was an exceptional experience that offered great value to our Year 9s as they move through their Rites of Passage program and prepare for Senior.

Year 8 Social With Lourdes Hill College

On Monday of this week, our Year 8 students had the opportunity to engage in a social with our counterparts from Lourdes Hill College. This joint social was designed to foster respectful interactions, promote cross-gender friendships and create a memorable experience for all participants. Students participated in collaborative games and challenges that emphasised teamwork and communication as well as a barbeque and dance where students got to socialise, relax and enjoy themselves in the company of their peers. This event would not have been possible without the support of a group of eager Year 12 students who took the lead in organising and running many key aspects of the afternoon under the guidance of Mr Nathan Burridge. A huge thank you to Ethan Munns and Jake Sutherland for their DJ skills as well as Will Polidano for an exceptional piece of artwork that was given to Lourdes Hill College to commemorate the event. A wonderful afternoon and one the Year 8 students will continue to reminisce about for years to come.

MS VANESSA BELL

Dean of Middle School (Pastoral Care)

Term 4 is a highly demanding time for sports teams at St Laurence’s College as the first part of the term is filled with various statewide competitions. Recently, the College took part in the Queensland All School touch tournament, and this week our teams are competing in the finals of the AFLQ Schools Cup (Primary and Junior) and our Year 9/10 Basketballers are participating in the Champion Basketball School of Queensland (CBSQ).

In the coming weeks, our Year 7 and Year 8 teams will be involved in the Volleyball State Cup, and we also have the AIC (all year levels) and Queensland All Schools Touch (Primary) competitions as well as the CBSQ tournament for Year 7 and 8.

These competitions offer our students additional opportunities for development outside of our regular AIC competition. They give our boys the chance to compete against schools from all over the state and it's always thrilling to discover the locations of some of these schools. It also provides our boys with an opportunity to showcase the excellence of St Laurence’s College to a wider audience.

We wish all teams the best of luck in the coming weeks!

AIC Track and Field

The College Track and Field team recently took part in the AIC Championships which occurred last Thursday and Friday. This marked the final major AIC competition of the year. We were delighted to have such a supportive and enthusiastic crowd at the event, creating an amazing atmosphere. We would like to express our gratitude to the Year 6 and Year 11 students who came out to show their support.

This year, the Lauries Track and Field program made significant progress and witnessed some impressive individual accomplishments. The level of competition in AIC Track and Field, particularly in the Open events, can be considered equivalent to any school Championship in Australia. This year, the College finished seventh overall in the Secondary events, but we were in second place going into the last two events. The competition was so tight that only 60 points separated second to seventh place. Although we couldn't surpass our sixth place finish from last year, the indications show that our program has made significant advancements. A big congratulations to our Primary team for finishing third overall and a special thanks to Mr Adam Stokes for coordinating the Primary team.

We would like to give a special congratulations to our Opens Group, who narrowly missed out on winning the Open age group competition by only one point! We had some outstanding results across all age groups, and we commend the following boys who won AIC events during the carnival:

Jamie Cragg: Year 5 200m (Div 2)

Atlas O’Malley: Year 6 100m, 200m (Div 1)

Ted Porter: Year 5 Shot Put (Div 2)     

Kirby Tornquist: Year 6 4 x 100 m Relay (Div 2), Year 6 100m (Div 8)

Blake Ireland: Year 6 4 x 100m Relay (Div 2)

Zachary Bodnar: Year 6 4 x 100m Relay (Div 2)

Ralph Larsen: Year 6 4 x 100m Relay (Div 2)

Mitch Benham: U/13 1500m (Div 2)

Jack Coomber: Open 3000m, 1500m, 800m (Div 1)

Cameron Evetts: Open Discus (Div 2)

Hunter Jahnke: U/16 100 m (Div 2)

Hugh Jones –Sheppard: U/15 1500m (Div 2)

Oscar McKean: U/15 1500m, 800m (Div 1)

Nathan Taverner: Open Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump (Div 1

Terrell Thorne: U/16 400m, 200m, 100m (Div 1)

Thomas Vaseo: U/15 Discus (Div 1)

Well done to every boy in the team and thank you to all coaches led by our Head Coach- Mr Andre Sinclair.

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

Jazz on the Hill

Congratulations to members of Big Band 1, 2 and 3 who performed at last week’s Jazz on the Hill. The event was another incredible night on Gair Field with guests Brisbane Girls Grammar, Centenary State High Jazz Ensemble, Steamboat Jazz Band from JMI and special guests ‘The Andrews Sister Tribute Band’ which included our own Mr Anders and Mr Capern. This event also marks the end of the 2022 Concert Series.

AUSTA Q ARCO Masterclass

Year 12 student Miles Le Goullon was invited to participate in a masterclass run by AUSTA Q and the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra over the weekend. Miles performed Schumann’s Violin Sonata in A minor and was mentored by Rachael Beesley. The president of AUSTA Q was impressed with Miles’ professional manner and performance.

Year 12 Farewell

During the week, the Music Department presented Senior students involved in our Co-Curricular program with a small token of our appreciation. It is always great to see students progress their musical talents throughout their time at Lauries and we thank this year’s Seniors for their valued contributions.

String Recital

Congratulations to our string’s students for a series of delightful recitals earlier this week.

We would also like to thank Ms Tio & Mr Adkins for organising the event and accompanying students.

Secondary Awards Night

Members of Brotherhood, Symphony Orchestra, Guitar Orchestra 1 and Big Band 1 will all perform at the upcoming Secondary Awards Night. Information for ensembles has been sent home. This will be the final performance for all Year 12’s who are involved with these ensembles. 

Senior Music Camp

Our first Music event for the 20234 Music Year will be the Senior Ensemble Music Camp to be help at QCCC Mapleton on 22-24 October.

This camp will provide an opportunity for team building among the new ensembles and for students to expand their musicals skills. It is an expectation that all ensemble members will attend as the three days will be equivalent to a full term of rehearsals.

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 ensure your son uses any balances on his My Student Account before he leaves the College.

For any significant balances, please email finance@slc.qld.edu.au to have funds transferred to a sibling or to request a refund. 

These requests for refunds or transferred funds will be completed in January. 

The Spring 2023 edition of The Lauries Magazine is now available!

Featuring some amazing student academic achievements, sports accomplishments, music performances, artwork creations, Old Boys and Foundation updates and much more - the Lauries Magazine encapsulates everything that is the Lauries Journey.

Special features in this edition include the CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival, an insight into our VET Department and the farewell of two beloved staff; Eddie Wallace and John Roberts. 

Check it out HERE.

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.

A Skilling Queenslanders for Work course (funded through DYJESBT) is available for members of our College community. The course will take place at Woolloongabba across three fabulous venues – Mr Badgers, Canvas and Electric Avenue.  Delivered in collaboration with St Laurence's College Old Boy, Dan Rodriguez, this course is a great way to get into the hospitality industry.  

This course is:

• Free to anyone who meets the criteria (not in full time study, over 16, unemployed or underemployed)
• Training done on site at the venues at Wooloongabba
• 3 days per week working on four accredited units
• 2 days in the venues working
• Potential for all participants to gain paid work and become a member of the team whilst still training.

This course is unique as it blends 4 hospitality units, delivered by Training Direct Australia and the SCIPS employability skillset training, allowing participants to gain not only work but connections to other local venues, looking to hire NOW, over the Christmas period and beyond.

Suited to anyone who is not in full time study and is over the age of 16, no upper age limit – and working within school friendly hours for those who have family commitments. This is a short course that packs a punch and has built in on the job training with the venue owners looking to employ up to 20 participants.