FROM THE PRINCIPAL
On Monday afternoon, it was our privilege to be able to conduct the funeral service for Addison Miller of Year 9. Addison passed away in the Children’s Hospital on Thursday 12 October. He was 14 years old. Father Enoh Iheme from Our Lady of Lourdes’ parish at Sunnybank was the celebrant.
At the funeral, parents, Darren and Mei-Ling paid tribute to this exceptional young man. His friends in Year 9 and Duhig House also wrote an excellent Eulogy in Addison’s honour. I refer you to this tribute.
Miller Friends (Spoken by Mr Leadbetter)
Before we begin, we just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Miller family for giving us a chance to share our perspective of Addi, so thank you to Mr Miller, Mrs Miller, Rihana, and Addi’s extended family. Today we say goodbye to a young man who touched our lives in so many ways. A young man who was a beacon of happiness and knowledge, and someone whose memory will live forever in our hearts. The friendship that we shared with Addi began in 2021 when Australia was trying to negotiate a pandemic. We were trying to comprehend how best to navigate around a school, where every lesson was in a different classroom, the joys of beginning high school!
From the first interactions with Addi, it was clear that there was something special about him. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed spending time and joking around with his friends. Although he was extremely competitive when it came to his studies, winning several academic awards, he never refused to help a peer, and heavily assisted everyone who asked for help. He was always known to people for his outstanding social skills and keen sense of humour, both in and out of the classroom. Other students were always happy when he pitched into the classroom conversation, yelling out, “Among us” or “Red Vented.” I am to believe that only people below the age of 20 will understand what I just said.
To all his friends, he was in every funny memory experienced at this school. When COVID came back in 2021 and students had to return to online Teams call, in one specific class, Addi was very keen to turn on his camera and show his classmates his beloved Guinea Pigs. In lessons, when students didn’t know the answers, Addi always knew the solution to everything. It was clear that Addi was a special, smart, funny and a courageous teenager, he was truly the best of all of us and could easily brighten up a room. If tuckshop had an award for someone who spent the most money, Addi would win first place with his everyday order of a Pepsi and Traveller Pie.
To the Miller family, we offer our deepest condolences and unwavering support. Please know that we share in your grief and that your son will forever be a cherished part of our lives. Spending time at Addi’s bedside and calling him from Gair Field will always be moments we hold close to us. Whilst we may shed tears, we will also smile through our sorrow, for the privilege of knowing such an extraordinary young man. Addi, whilst you’re in a better place now, it doesn’t make this any easier. You will be dearly missed by all of us, thank you for being our friend, our brother, our Addi.
I thank Mr Corfield, Mrs O’Neill, the St Laurence’s College Old Boys, and our Staff for their support and generosity in supporting the Miller Family.
Rite of Christian Initiation
On Wednesday evening, Bishop Tim Norton welcomed two staff and 36 students into the Catholic Faith. This was a most moving and important event. The Chapel was overflowing with family and staff. It is a big step for staff and students to commit to the Catholic Faith.
Bishop Tim spoke of a positive culture allowing students and staff to commit to their faith. Once again, I congratulate Paul Corfield, Kerri-Ann O’Neill and Susan Harris for their work in coordinating this program.
Rite of Passage
On Thursday evening, we held our Rite of Passage Ritual for students moving from Year 9 into Senior School. Ms Vanessa Bell coordinated a meaningful and moving event. These rituals are important for the students’ and parents’ Lauries Journey. Uncle Marlon performed a traditional smoking ceremony blessing our students as they moved to Senior School.
Within the ritual, there were several significant moments for parents as well. I commend Ms Bell and the Pastoral Team for their work here and I especially thank Uncle Marlon for his work on the night.
We continue to pray for our Seniors as they move through exams. We also pray for all those experiencing difficulty at the moment, especially Darren, Mei-Ling and Rihanna Miller.
MR CHRIS LEADBETTER
College Principal
