As we move to the end of Term 1 2023, I must say that it has been a term full of energy and joy. Staff have commented that they are very much looking forward to the Easter break. Although, I note that we have extensive holiday sports clinics and carnivals occurring. Initially, I wish to thank our extraordinary staff for their work this term. Our staff demonstrate a commitment to our mission and they regularly go above and beyond what is required in their roles at the school.

I thank parents, students and community members as well for a great term. Today, was also Year 5 Grandparents Day. This is a special event and it is great to see the grandparents engage with the growth of our youngest students. I thank Ms Jordan and Ms Sheehan for their work in organising the morning. 

Year 5 and 6 students also ventured to Camp Laurence this week for their annual outdoor education experience. The students engaged very well in all adventures and Mr Wigan and staff were most pleased with the boys and their efforts. 

A rite of passage for our Senior students is always Year 12 Formal. Last night, we conducted this at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Convention Centre staff commended the students and their partners on their excellent behaviour. I also note that the parents were able to enjoy each other's company at venues close by. It was a great night and I thank Mr Heshusius, Mr Burridge, the Heads of House and Mr Knight for coordinating and supervising the night. 

Year 5 and 6 students also ventured to Camp Laurence this week for their annual outdoor education experience. The students engaged very well in all adventures and Mr Wigan and staff were most pleased with the boys and their efforts. 

A rite of passage for our Senior students is always Year 12 Formal. Last night, we conducted this at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Convention Centre staff commended the students and their partners on their excellent behaviour. I also note that the parents were able to enjoy each other's company at venues close by. It was a great night and I thank Mr Heshusius, Mr Burridge, the Heads of House and Mr Knight for coordinating and supervising the night. 

As we move to the Easter break, this is a time for us all to reflect, renew and to thank God for the gifts that we have in our community. May we use these gifts to support and help others. I attach a collage of some of the major events for the term. 

God Bless you all over the Easter break!

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

Principal

Excerpt from Autumn Mag

Last week I submitted an article for the Lauries Magazine – Autumn edition. Below is an excerpt which details the story of two Lauries graduates from 2022, both travelling very different journeys, but starting from similar humble beginnings.

‘I wanted to share the story of two 2022 Graduates who are travelling two very different pathways, but both achieved their sense of excellence. The first is an alumnus who excelled in our vocational program (Josh Byrne) and was awarded the 2022 VET student of the year. He pursued his passion of carpentry and participated in a school-based apprenticeship, where he worked on site for two days of the school week. Josh also excelled in his vocational school based subjects, and participated in co-curricular activities such as swimming, Rugby and Waterpolo. For Josh, the traditional schooling pathway would not have worked for him, and due to the many opportunities offered to our students, Josh was able to excel in an alternative pathway that he loved and was engaged in. Another student, Lachlan Munns, a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, achieved an ATAR of 98.55 and is studying a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Queensland. Lachlan was also awarded the ‘Highest Achievement by an Aboriginal Student or Torres Strait Islander Student’ in the state – an outstanding achievement for such a lovely young man. We are very proud of both graduates who experienced what it truly means to be liberated through a contemporary education model, based upon a multiple pathways philosophy of education filled with hope, opportunity, and choice. Our diversity of subjects, and opportunity for alternative pathways helped to facilitate their success and successfully graduate as the embodiment of what it means to excel as a Lauries Gentleman.’

The reason for sharing this story is to highlight that Lauries is a tremendously wonderful community, full of rich and diverse opportunities for our boys. We love seeing stories such as these, and we are therefore reassured that we have fulfilled our mission to provide a liberating education for our students.

Upcoming break – a time for recharge

I have a small number of students and parents ask me for advice about what they should be doing over the holidays to develop academic skills and keep the momentum of study routines. My response is to ensure that students take a well-earned break. By that I don’t necessarily mean playing computer games all holidays, what I would suggest is reinvigoration through outdoor activities such as bike riding and bush walking, reading a book, or socialising with friends. Taking time to recharge enables students to arrive at Term 2 reenergised and focused for the term ahead.

Acting Deputy Principal

As you may know, Mr Leadbetter will be taking a well-deserved six-week break next term. While Mr Ben Lowrie will act as the Principal for that time, I will be privileged to act as the College Deputy Principal. I am very much looking forward to the challenge of serving the community in this role, and I know College academics will be in fine hands with Mr Andrew Newcombe – Head of Teaching and Learning Senior School, acting in my steed.

Thank you

I thank all families and students for their engagement throughout the College this term. I have been very impressed with students’ attitude towards finishing the term well.

Many blessings for a safe Easter, where we finish our Lenten journey, and welcome the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Live Jesus in our heart. . . Forever!

DR LIAM HERBERT

Dean of Teaching and Learning

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 

Griffith Academic Boot Camps

Griffith University will be offering Year 12 students the opportunity to take part in their academic bootcamps, designed to help prepare them for their external examinations. The academic bootcamps will be offered in either online or in-person format and will be offered for the following subjects:

• General Mathematics (online only)
• Mathematical Methods
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Psychology (online only)

Please click here for further information about the academic bootcamps.

UQ Medicine Information Events

The University of Queensland will be holding a UQ Medicine Information Evening for students and parents interested in learning more about pathways into their medical program. The event will be offered in a virtual format on 26 April or an in-person format on 27 April. Please use the above link for further information or to register.

UCAT

Students looking to gain entry into provisional medical courses or dentistry courses may wish to sit the UCAT. The UCAT is a requirement for entry into a large number of these courses throughout Australia and some in New Zealand – click here for a list of courses at various universities that require the UCAT to be completed to be eligible. Applications to sit the UCAT opened on 1 March and remain open until 17 May, with testing held between 3 July and 12 August. The UCAT website has a wide range of practice resources available to students. For more information or to register, please click here.

Griffith Pathways to Medicine Sessions

Griffith University will be holding a ‘Pathways to Medicine’ information evening for students interested in accessing their postgraduate doctor of medicine through their undergraduate pathway. Please click the link for more information or to register for the Pathways to medicine information evening.

Griffith Creative Arts Open Day

The Griffith University Creative Arts Open Day will be taking place on Sunday 21 May from 10.00am – 2.00pm at their Southbank campus. The open day will showcase course offerings and projects from the Griffith Film School, The Queensland College of Art and the Queensland Conservatorium. Students who register to attend will also go in the draw to win a Tech Pack worth $1,900. Use the link above for further information or to register.

Senior External Examinations

The QCAA offers interested Grade 12 students the opportunity to complete a language subject through their Senior External Examinations. Students who are fluent in one of the languages offered are encouraged to consider this.

Students who register will complete two examinations (1 reading, writing and listening, 1 speaking) at the end of Year 12; this counts as having completed a full General Subject. Successful completion of a Senior External Examination:

• Can contribute to a students ATAR
• Will contribute four points towards a student’s QCE
• Can contribute two adjustment factors towards a student’s tertiary entrance ranking

 The following languages are offered as Senior External Examinations:

• Arabic
• Indonesian
• Korean
• Latin
• Modern Greek
• Polish
• Punjabi
• Russian
• Tamil
• Vietnamese

 Students who apply must:

• Be confident in the spoken, written, reading and listening components of the language
• Be engaging in external learning of the subject (e.g. language lessons, tutoring by a native speaker etc.)
• Pay a fee of $71.03

 Students will be sent the resources to ensure that they can prepare for the examinations (e.g. syllabus, subject handbook, links to prior examinations for practice). Registrations and further questions can be addressed by Mr Newcombe (Head of Teaching and Learning – Senior School). Registrations are due by 28 April 2023.

Bond University Virtual Open Day 

Bond University will be holding a Virtual Open Day on Saturday 29 April from 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Students and parents will have the chance to find out specific information about the course offerings, the university’s facilities and to find out what makes Bond University stand out as one of the countries highest rated universities for student experience. Please click the link above for further information or to register.

Bond University Student for a Semester

The Student for a Semester program is designed for local students (Gold Coast, Brisbane and northern NSW) in Years 11 and 12. Applicants must be in the top 30 per cent of their year level at school in order to be eligible to participate. As part of the program, students can study one of Bond University’s subjects in an area of their choice – the range of subject offerings available to students can be found on their website. Further information can be found using the above link. Any students interested in applying can come to the Careers Office to discuss further, with all applications needing to go through Ms Lightbody (AHOF – High Potential Learners). 

Work Experience

A reminder that Lauries Work Experience Program applications are now open. The below table outlines the key dates for the three work experience blocks throughout the year.

1. Placement Dates: 19 - 23 June 

Applications Due Date: Friday 5 May

Dates Students Advised of Placements: Friday 2 June

2. Placement Dates: 18 - 22 September

Applications Due Date: Friday 4 August

Dates Students Advised of Placements: Friday 1 September

3. Placement Dates: 27 November - 1 December

Applications Due Date: Friday 13 October

Dates Students Advised of Placements: Friday 10 November

Students aged 14 and older are legally allowed to participate in work experience – for students under 15 we do request that they have a conversation with the Careers Counsellor first, to ensure they fully understand and feel comfortable with the commitment. Work experience is a great way for students to get insight into different industries, develop their employability skills (e.g. communication, team work, confidence), and identify what they do/do not like about particular career options. In some cases, it can lead to paid employment opportunities, as well. Please see the Work Experience Application Form here. Please note that students in Years 11 and 12 who are completing a VET pathway will complete work experience through the Structured Work Placement program run by the VET Office.

Grandshake Virtual Work Experience

Grandshake is a company that offers Virtual work experience opportunities for students in Years 10 – 12, partnering with companies such as Inland Rai, Cardno, AI Group, Consult Australia and ARTC to offer experiences such as:

• Systems and Signals Operator
• Communication and Sustainability Cadet
• Junior Environment Planner
• Civil Construction Cadet
• Junior Digital Engineer
• Drone Pilot
• Electrical Technician

Grandshake has partnered with industry to design real-world projects that students can work on virtually, connect with industry partners and earn micro-credentials (in the form of digital badges, which can be added to LinkedIn Profiles). The programs require approximately 10 hours of commitment and are free for students to enrol in. For further information, check out the Grandshake website or please contact the Careers Office.  

MR PAUL MOSCOS

Careers Counsellor

Exploring the Respiratory System – Sarah Atthow Year 9 Science

While visiting Ms Atthow's Year 9 science class I observed one of the High Impact Teaching Strategies that our Faculty has been focusing on this year; Questioning. Sarah started with reminding the students of background knowledge from previous lessons by asking closed, simple questions focused mainly on the structures of the respiratory system. As the lesson went on, she gradually increased the complexity of the questioning by opening up the questions and having the boys discuss them in small groups before they shared them with the class.

This process was further reinforced by having a pluck (the whole respiratory tract) in front while pointing out the various structures, talking about the functions and being able to link structure to function by feeling parts of the pluck. Sarah then demonstrated how lungs expand while inhaling by pumping the lungs up. This lesson directly related to the ‘challenge’ domain through questioning, in the Teaching and Learning Framework. During this lesson, Sarah showed a great understanding of both content knowledge and pedagogy by challenging the boys to think throughout this lesson.

MR SCOTT WALTER

Head of Faculty - Science

Thank you for a huge term!

It has been a frenetic end to a busy term with Chess, Football and Rugby Trials and both Interhouse Cross Country and AIC training being held. When you combine all of this, with Term 1 sports concluding a fortnight ago, close to 1,600 different boys have participated in some sporting activity for the College over the last month!

It has been a huge term of Sport for everyone involved including students, staff and parents. While the Easter school holidays is still incredibly busy for the boys with a plethora of sport over the break (see below), I do hope that everyone does have the opportunity to have some time to relax, and ‘recharge the batteries’ in readiness for what builds as an even bigger Term 2!

Easter Holiday Sport

Over the holiday break, there is an incredibly large number of events still occurring over the two weeks. The College will be competing in the Ballymore Cup Rugby competition, along with our First XV Development Squad travelling to the Gold Coast on their annual camp. Our Years 5 - 10 Rugby players will also participate in a holiday clinic and trial games against SPC.

This year, we will enter the most teams ever in the EREA Football tournament, our First XI Football team have their annual camp and our Manchester City program will hold trials for 2024, as well as host fellow Manchester City Football Schools- Rostrevor (Adelaide) and Parade (Melbourne) for a training and social event.

Our Chess players will be involved in a holiday clinic and the College will host the annual Holiday AIC Chess Invitational. This year there will be record number of students from AIC schools attending and it is great to see this event continue to grow.

Our Cross Country students will be involved in a number of training sessions, including competing in local Park Runs over the break. The boys are also looking forward to challenging the Old Boys in the annual Woody Forrester cup Cross Country event.

Wishing everyone in our community a Happy and Safe Easter!

MR EDDIE WALLACE 

Head of Sport

Congratulations to our students in Big Band 1 and featured vocalists, Hugo Barrett, Mitch Wilson and Kieran van Acker for their wonderful performance of jazz repertoire enjoyed by the lunchtime crowd of students and staff in the Quadrangle last Friday. 

Special thanks to all of the Year 12 students who came back from exam block to set up beforehand and perform.

SAVE THE DATES – Term 2

• 10 May – St Joseph’s Primary School (Kangaroo Point) Combined Concert @ 2- 5pm (ERPAC) – Guitar Orchestra 2 & Concert Band 3
• 18 May – Junior Ensembles Concert (ERPAC) – Concert Band 3, Big Band 3, String Orchestra 3, Treblehood, Percussion Ensemble 2/3 & Year 5 Ensembles
• 24 May – Invitational Guitar Concert (St Rita’s College) – Guitar Orchestra 1
• 2 June – Cabaret Concert (ERPAC) – Concert Band 1, Big Band 1, String Orchestra 1, Fellowship of the String, Guitar Orchestra 1, Percussion Ensemble 1, Brotherhood, Big Brotherhood
• 25 June – Confraternity Rugby League Competition - Mass choir & musicians performing
• 7 -9 July – Pemulwuy National Male Voice Festival – Brotherhood Choir

LMSG Meeting | Term 2 - Tuesday 9 May | 6pm 

Our next Lauries Music Support Group Meeting will be held in Term 2 on Tuesday 9 May in room MU1 (Top floor VAPA building). A great way to support your son at Lauries is by joining the parent’s music support group. Meetings are once a month on the second Tuesday of each month (term time). 

If you would like further information regarding any of the above, please contact the music department: music@slc.qld.edu.au or telephone 3010 1138.

Strike up the Band!

MR ROSS CAPERN

Head of Instrumental Music

The Queensland Academy of Sport is running EXCLUSIVE Testing and Talent ID sessions for Lauries students in the lead-up to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. 

The exclusive Lauries ONLY sessions will be run on Wednesday 12 April at 8.45am and 12:15am. 

This is an unbelievable opportunity for the Collge. For those interested, please sign up using the link HERE.

DO YOU NEED A BLAZER, TIE OR TROUSERS FOR TERMS 2 & 3?

It is compulsory during Terms 2 and 3 that all students wear the College Blazer to and from school each day. The College tie is also to be worn all day.

It is compulsory for Years 10, 11 and 12 to wear Grey trousers during these terms as well. Grey or black socks are to be worn with trousers.

If you have any questions about St Laurence’s College uniforms, contact The Lauries Shop on (07) 3010 1100 or email uniform@slc.qld.edu.au

The Lauries Shop term-time opening hours are Monday-Friday from 7.30am-1.45pm

Students are expected to be at school and moving to class by 8.30am. If a student is going to be absent from school (for the whole day or part of the day) parents are asked to notify the College.

 Notification can be provided by:

1. Parent Lounge Attendance tab
2. Calling Pastoral Precinct on 30101130 (Secondary) or 30101142 (Primary).

Our preferred method is through the Parent Lounge Attendance tab. This tab allows you to notify us of part day, single day or extended absences.

To use this option, log into your Parent Lounge and select Attendance from the menu. From here you can select your child and complete the options regarding reason and timing of absence.  

Step-by-step instructions can be found HERE.

2023 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All our students who completed Year 12 last year will soon receive an invitation to do the Next Step survey. The short five-minute survey asks graduates about the study and work they have been doing since finishing school. The results from the survey help our school improve our senior programs and prepare students for work and further study.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone. For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep

Virtual Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews will be conducted early in Term 2. Bookings open on Friday 14 April at 8am. Information about preparing for these interviews can be found below:

How to Complete a Virtual Interview for Parents 2023

How to Book Parent Teacher Interviews 2023

Virtual Parent, Student, Teacher Interviews

Please see the below from Studio Kirby regarding ordering College photos!

Please click the link HERE!

The College is proud to be hosting the Confraternity Rugby League Carnival and we couldn't do it without our wonderful Sponsors.

GOLD SPONSORS

Current and future confirmed families are invited to book an early enrolment interview for their son/s who would commence at the College in Year 5, 2025. All details noting how to apply have been emailed to the appropriate families recently.

If any parents have not received this information, please contact the College Enrolments Registrar, Ms Tina McManus on 3010 1104 or enrolments@slc.qld.edu.au. 

Please see attached information from Yeronga AFL Club here.

Enrol into our Speech and Drama Program for Term 3.

Does your son love Theatre Sports? Drama games? Acting and public performance?

More importantly do you want your son to improve his presenting skills in all their classes? Expand their debating skills?

Would you like your son to learn how to breathe properly to reduce stress, anxiety, and speak with confidence.

We also offer Trinity Guildhall and AMEB exam which improve ATAR scores, recognised practical exams that add to your university application?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, Speech and Drama is for your son! Contact the Music Department for enrolment information and forms – music@slc.qld.edu.au

Email lduggan@slc.qld.edu.au for more information.

Please see the attached flyer from The Athlete's Foot HERE.

With everyone gearing up for football and rugby next term, The Athlete's Foot has a great selection of football boots. Every purchase results in $5 being donated to the College for every footwear purchase.

Please see attached HERE a notice from the Department of Education regarding the 2023 Student Residential Address Collection

Tickets for the 2023 Sports Lunch close Monday 24 May 10am! Don't miss out!

Purchase your tickets HERE!

We are so excited to announce our amazing panel: 

- Australian Rugby League Immortal and Australian Kangaroos Head Coach Mal Meninga

- Brownlow Medallist and AFL Hall of Fame Inductee Simon Black

- Former Wallabies Captain Stephen Moore 

- Former Australian Wallabies Representative and Class of 1988 Old Boy Mark Connors

Please see the below message and attachments from the Department of Transport and Main Roads regarding the Cross River Rail:

April extended track closures – Friday 7 until Thursday 27 April

Cross River Rail will be undertaking major track works across the network for 21 days starting Good Friday 7 April. There will be significant changes to transport services during this period, including a series of track closures that will affect all lines, with trains also running to altered timetables. This includes changes on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines for the first two weeks of Term 2. 

Please remember if you are planning to travel during this period, plan ahead using Translink’s journey planner to find out your best travel options. Attached is a flyer with further information if required.

Travel Advice Flyer

Travel Advice Flyer - Weekdays

As you may be aware, the College will be proudly hosting the 2023 Confraternity Rugby League Carnival from Sunday 25 to Friday 30 June.

The Carnival presents a unique opportunity for the Lauries community to secure state-wide exposure for their businesses. We are excited to announce that Silver and Bronze Sponsorship Opportunities are still available.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact the College Director of Communication, Development and Events, Helen Turner on (07) 3010 1178 or development@slc.qld.edu.au. 

Further information regarding the carnival can be found HERE.