FROM THE PRINCIPAL
This week in the Archdiocese of Brisbane online newsletter, Fr Will Aupito Luliano (who regularly says Friday mass for our boys at Lauries) and Sr Theresa Maria Dao SPC shared a short video talking about their Easter traditions. Each from different cultures, Fr Will and Sr Teresa similarly drew upon the role Easter Mass played in their lives growing up and the family time and family traditions that followed on Easter Sunday.
For many of us, we instantly connect Easter with family holidays and Easter eggs - two common traditions in Australia. Behind these two concepts though, lie the notions of hope, gratitude and a celebration of new life, shared to us through the Gospel.
Pope Francis this week shared his message of hope for those experiencing war in the Holy Land. “May no one rob our hearts of the hope of rising anew with you. May we never tire of defending the dignity of every man, woman and child, without distinction of religion, ethnicity or nationality, beginning with the most vulnerable among us: women, the elderly, children and the poor.”
While there is much to celebrate this Easter, in our prayers may we be conscious of Pope Francis’ words and pray for new life, from hope, for those who are faced with uncertain challenges. We remember all the that we have to grateful for in our own lives.
School life is filled with milestones. Each phase of schooling is celebrated as a milestone and each milestone attracts different recognition based on its significance. This week our Year 12 students achieved two significant milestones in their final year of schooling. The first was to complete their Term 1 exam block. On the back of the Term 1 Senior mentoring process, the Year 12s completed their assessment in a determined and confident manner. It was fantastic to see so many boys in study groups around the College, utilising the extra tutoring from teachers to complete their internal exams and certifications. I must thank all those staff who gave of their own time to organise and run personalised learning for our Year 12s to help them achieve their own personal excellence.
With the assessment out of the way, our Seniors were then able to focus on the Year 12 Formal, which was held last night at the Brisbane Convention Centre. The evening was a celebration of another milestone for both families and students. I must commend all who attended on their sense of occasion and the courtesy and respect they showed on the evening. Thank you to the Heads of House and teachers who gave of their time to supervise the event and particular thanks to Mr Du Plessis and Mr Knight for their organisation of the evening.
Similarly, 380 parents on their Lauries Journey participated in a significant milestone last Sunday, attending the Lauries Autumn Lunch at the Greek Club. Great food was accompanied by great company and some excellent music by staff member Ben Adkins, to create a very enjoyable afternoon. Importantly, proceeds from the day will go towards the College Building fund (specifically providing outdoor furniture and equipment for the new Hogan Deck) and the College Foundation. Thanks to the College Events Team, Ben Adkins, Lachlan Heshusius (MC) and the organising committee of Kerry Collins, Jo Cosgrove, Carrie Leary, Kerry Estella, Marie Street, Mechelle Fechner and Yoyo Haigh for making the afternoon a success.
I'd like to congratulate the Year 6 students on the successful completion of their annual outdoor education experience at Camp Laurence. I look forward to hearing all the great stories that have returned with you after the holidays.
Over the break we have a number of students participating in holiday sports and chess clinics, the EREA Football tournament and the Ballymore Cup. We also have students traveling to Canada on a Ski Trip. I wish all these students the best of luck as they embark on activities representing the College.
Holidays can provide an opportunity for relaxation and recovery from the business of school life for families. They allow students to reset and reinvigorate, while readying for the term ahead. For some members of the community, holidays can prove to be challenging, without the routines of daily College life and the support networks offered at school. If you find your son needs support over the break, I encourage you to utilise the College Counselling webpage. Here you will find useful resources for external support agencies and parents can make referrals for students to see a counsellor upon their return to school. Click here for more information.
Finally, I would like to wish all families a happy and safe Easter period. May your break be filled with hope, gratitude and celebration.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal (Acting)
