On Wednesday, we had the opening school mass for the year. I thank Fr Gerry Kalinowski and Fr William Aupito Iuliano for presiding over the Eucharist. We were also able to welcome Br Damien Price, Mr Peter Fullagar (Regional Director of Education at Edmund Rice Education Australia Colleges), Michael Drew representing EREA Ltd. and Mr Peter Elmore and students from Padua College. I thank Mr Corfield, Dr Young and Ms O'Neill for organising the Mass. Once again, the students were most reverent and respectful. They also sang and participated very well. I am grateful that the students understand the significance of the Mass within our Catholic community. I thank all who were involved in this great celebration.

Year 6 Student Leaders Commissioning

On Friday, our Primary leaders were commissioned in the College Chapel. At St Laurence's College, it is important that our Primary students have a legitimate primary experience. Student leadership is an important element of this. I thank Mr Lowrie for officiating at the ceremony in my absence and I wish all Year 6 students well in their final Primary year.

Lauries Community Committee

On Monday evening, Jo Cosgrove and her committee held their first meeting of the year. Dr Liam Herbert presented the Year 12 2023 learning outcomes and our teaching and learning focus for 2024. Mr Ben Lowrie also presented information on staff changes for 2024. It was also good to hear from the committee Chairs for 2024 of the prospects for this year. I am hopeful of a great 2024.

Enrolments

Currently, we are in the process of allocating interviews for students seeking enrolment in Year 7 2026. Unfortunately, due to higher than expected demand, we are unable to offer every family an interview. Years 5 and 7 2025 had a significant number of late applications. Currently, many worthy applications are on the waitlist. Although we have an enrolment in excess of 2000 students, it is not possible to accept all enrolments. Families seeking enrolment for Year 5 2026 will be interviewed in Term 3 of this year. It would be beneficial to complete an expression of interest form online at this early stage.

As we move into the business of Term 1, it is important for all boys to manage their time well and to develop good study habits early in Primary and Middle School.

I also wish all students well this weekend with matches in AIC sport against Villanova College.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

College Principal

Opening College Mass and Ash Wednesday

Wednesday was a special day for the College beginning with our Ash Wednesday ceremonies celebrated in House groups. I was lucky enough to go and see Sion, Xavier and Treacy House combine together for their ceremony. It was heartening to see the students talk about what lent meant for them. I heard one of the students talk about their experience of serving at Ronald McDonald House and the profound impact that was made upon them when meeting some of the young people. Lent is a time when we fast and sacrifice to remind us of the sacrifice of Christ.

Later in the day, we celebrated our mass to mark the opening of the school year. Our readings reflected our theme of Heart of Gold and the idea that our deeds must always be at the centre of who we are and what we do. It was a pleasure as always to be joined by Fr Gerry Kalinowski as well as Fr William Aupito Iuliano who is the new parish priest for Dutton Park - West End. Our masses are always highlighted by the singing and participation of our students driven by the fantastic work of Dr Young and the music department.

Small Steps For Hannah

Members of our Edmund Rice Society group have been passionately advocating for the Small Steps for Hannah Foundation, which aims to halt the cycle of domestic violence so that everyone can feel respected, informed, confident to act and safe. By establishing Small Steps 4 Hannah, the Clarke Family wish to educate children and support victims and their families to take small, but vital, steps to H.A.L.T the cycle of domestic violence and support those affected by it around Australia.

On Sunday 18 February, the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation will be attempting to break the current world record of "Most People Simultaneously Doing a Handstand" (399 in Belgium in 2006). This record attempt will be done in conjunction with their 19 days of Handstands campaign.

One of our students will be part of this attempt and to support Small Steps for Hannah, our community is invited to attend this event. The event will take place at Hannah's Place, (Bill Hewitt Reserve) Jade Street, Camp Hill 4152. We ask students who are supporting to please arrive before 8am and meet under the Hannah’s Place sign and to please wear their College black and gold co-curricular shirt. We encourage students' families to attend this event to support this wonderful cause.

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 

Wednesday 13 March – Monday 18 March (main testing window for the College)

I have written previously about the upcoming NAPLAN Online Test and much has been outlined in the media about NAPLAN regarding its usefulness and future viability. You may also note that NAPLAN has been moved to Term 1, rather than Term 2 as was the case in previous years. I see this as a positive decision to assist schools in obtaining and using data earlier, where interventions can be initiated in a more timely and useful fashion, which can ultimately, better support students.

You will also know that as a College, we are mandated to test our students via an online format. The data that the College receives is very useful in determining future teaching and learning programs which can target potential shortfalls for particular cohorts. The NAPLAN data is also useful to determine if students are working at their potential and whether they need to be challenged to work more effectively in their subjects and at home.

Our SLC Testing Schedule can be found [HERE].

Please also find below a variety of information from ACARA regarding NAPLAN.

• NAPLAN Information Brochure for Parent and Carers [HERE]
• NAPLAN Infographic [HERE]

NAPLAN Information – (ACARA - https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan)

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, and is the only nationwide assessment that all Australian children undertake. It’s a measure to see whether or not young Australians are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community. All government and non-government education authorities have contributed to the development of NAPLAN materials.

Why do NAPLAN?

NAPLAN helps governments, education authorities and schools to see whether young Australians are reaching important literacy and numeracy goals. It provides information about how education programs are working, areas for improvement and which schools need support in the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy.

It can support school improvement by enabling teachers to monitor their students’ progress over time against the national measure, to identify strengths and areas to improve in teaching programs. It provides additional information to support teacher judgement about progress in a child’s level of literacy and numeracy attainment.

NAPLAN also allows parents to see how their child is progressing against national standards in literacy and numeracy and over time. As students progress through their school years, it’s important that checks are made along the way to see how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and mathematics.

NAPLAN offers students an insight into where they are at on their learning journey. By sitting NAPLAN and trying their best, students help to make sure teachers and schools have the right information to help every student in Australia get the support they need to reach their full potential.

NAPLAN Levels of Achievement

From last year, parents and carers will get earlier, simpler and clearer information about their son’s NAPLAN achievement is based on new, more rigorous national standards.

Education ministers have agreed to change the way NAPLAN results are reported to parents and carers, now that all students are taking the tests online and with the move to an earlier NAPLAN in March. New proficiency standards with four levels of achievement for each year level will replace the previous 10-band structure that covered all four levels tested and the old national minimum standard set in 2008 when tests were on paper. The new proficiency standards include a baseline benchmark to identify students who are likely to need additional support.

The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard will be replaced by the following four levels of achievement:

• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support.

The descriptors for each category will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing, and support discussions with their school on their child’s progress.

Opening Mass

We welcomed members of the EREA community, College advisory council and other visitors on Wednesday for our opening mass. It was such an uplifting event and a great start to our liturgical year. Our boys' engagement was outstanding.

Conclusion

I thank parents for their support with NAPLAN. Best of luck for those participating in sport or co-curricular activities this weekend.

Live Jesus in our hearts. . .  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 Ms Amy Dyer in the Careers Office.

Phone: (07) 3010 1158

Email: adyer@slc.qld.edu.au

University of Sunshine Coast (USC)

UniSC’s Best Field Trip in the World is back again in 2024.

Year 11 and 12 students can enter for the chance to win four days of adventure. From a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of Suncorp Stadium before watching the Dolphins vs Storm NRL match to exploring the wonders of K’Gari, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

UNE Early Entry

The University of New England has opened their early applications for 2024. Students who are interested in studying through UNE are encouraged to apply – students can apply now and still apply for other universities later in the year, should they want to keep their options open. Some of the benefits of applying are:

• Free to apply
• Open to all Year 12 students
• Students apply directly to UNE online
• Students can submit up to three course preferences
• An ATAR is not required
• Most courses can be deferred
• There is an option to study fully online options for most courses
• Study on-campus options available for courses with affordable accommodation in our on-campus residential system

If students or parents have any questions about this, please contact the Careers Office.

UCAT – Medicine, Dentistry

Click here for a free webinar on UCAT preparation: Med Entry - UCAT Bootcamp - Free Webinar

Key Dates

The following information regarding key dates will aid your organisation and preparation.

Bookings open:  Tuesday 5 March 2024

Bookings close: Friday 17 May 2024 at 11:59pm

Late booking close: Friday 31 May 2024 at 11:59pm

Final booking deadline: Wednesday 5 June 2024 at 11:59pm

Testing period: 1 July - 9 August 2024

SLConX

Preparations for this year’s SLConX Careers Networking Events are underway, with the topics for this year being:

Tuesday 12 March – Careers in Architecture, Design, Built Environment

Tuesday 28 May – Careers in Business, Finance, Law

Tuesday 23 July – Careers in Information Technology, Cyber Security, Web Design

Information has been sent via email to parents and students and you can register your attendance via this form: SLConX - Registration form

Senior External Examinations

Any students in Year 12 who are proficient in a language other than English may have the opportunity to complete the subject as a Senior External Examination. Successfully completing one of these subjects means that it can contribute to a student’s ATAR, will gain them 4 QCE credits and may also provide adjustment factors for university entry. The language subjects offered are:

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

Applications for this are open until 30 April 2024 – you must register through the school. The cost to enrol for a Senior External Examination is $73.46, which is paid to the school. Interested students are asked to email careers@slc.qld.edu.au as soon as possible or come into the Careers Office.

Tuckwell Scholarship – Australian National University (ANU)

The Tuckwell Scholarship Program grants up to 25 scholarships annually, providing gifted and driven students with the chance to unlock their potential through financial assistance, personal growth and developmental opportunities. Students can build connections and gain insights from fellow recipients in our on-campus residence, Scholars House.

This scholarship spans three to five years of undergraduate study at ANU, with a value ranging from $76,000 to $136,000.

Academically high-achieving students who are open to the idea of studying interstate next year are encouraged to read through the terms of the scholarship and consider applying. 

Applications must be received before April 8th 2024,

NOTE: if a student applies and is successful, but changes their mind later, they are not obliged to go, so students who are unsure can still apply and consider their final decision around where they will study throughout the year.

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.

MS AMY DYER

Careers Counsellor

Another busy week has come to a close at the College and I hope that students have settled back into a positive routine by establishing a study timetable, balancing their commitments and practising self-care through thoughtful nutrition, rest and relaxation. 

On Tuesday, we had our Opening Year Mass which was a wonderful celebration to mark the start of the 2024 Lauries Journey.

Year 7 Parent & Son Evening

An invitation went out earlier this week to our Year 7 Parent & Son Evening which will be held at the College on the evening of Wednesday 28 February. We are looking forward to giving a parent/caregiver and their son the opportunity to rotate through five workshops where they will learn more about Lauries and each other. RSVP by Tuesday 20 February to secure your place. This event is free of charge and begins with a light meal at 5.30pm. 

Please click HERE for the invitation.

The Spirit of Service

This week saw the arrival of 45 students from Japan who are in Brisbane on a Study Tour. Each visiting student has been supported by a Year 8, 9 or 10 student. Some of our students and families have also provided a homestay for a visitor, but during the day, a wonderful group of buddies have supported the boys by taking them to classes, sharing lunches and enjoying basketball and handball games. 

Our students have been welcoming and provided critical support to our Japanese visitors. I would like to sincerely thank them and the coordination by Mrs Desley Armitage and Mr Nathan Burridge. 

Parent M2L (Parent Meeting to Learn)

An invitation has been extended to our parents to join us on the evening of Thursday 21 March to listen to author and presenter Michelle Mitchell discuss the vital topic of ‘Parenting Teenagers in Today’s World’. More information and the RSVP link can be found HERE. Please note that the presentation cannot be recorded and distributed, so please clear your calendar on that night.

Last year, we hosted clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller whose engaging and informative presentations were highly valued by our parents. Andrew continues to support our College through information papers on various topics. 

As such, I would like to share with you one he sent me recently entitled "Set Yourself Up for a Great Year’. 

MS VANESSA BELL

Dean of Middle School

Thank you to the students in the Worship Bands and choirs who led the College’s Opening Mass earlier this week.

LMSG Trivia Night: Heroes vs Villains (23 Feb)

Tickets are on sale for the Lauries Music Support Group’s 2024 Music Trivia Night: Heroes vs Villains. Join us and test your knowledge across a wide range of categories, including the famous music round.

To purchase tickets, click here: https://SLC2020.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/117238

Trivia Volunteers Needed: Guest registration, general event assistance, trivia scoring.

Registration Link: https://volunteersignup.org/4LKMT

Brotherhood Workshop – Years 10 & 12 | Thursday February 29 | 4.15pm Brisbane City

St Laurence’s College has been invited to attend a workshop with internationally acclaimed choral conductor David Squires. This will be a wonderful opportunity to gain new insights, perspectives and approaches to choral music making. As well, it will be fun to sing alongside your musicians from other Brisbane schools.

Call for Volunteers!

The Music Department and Lauries Music Support Group (LMSG) are currently calling for volunteers to assist with upcoming music events. If you are available and interested in assisting with any of these events, please register using the relevant link above.

Note: timings volunteers would be required for are included on the registration form.

2024 Intermediate Ensembles Concert | Wednesday 6 March

Ensembles Performing: Concert Band 2, Big Band 2, Percussion Ensemble 2, String Orchestra 2, Guitar Orchestra 2, Little Brotherhood, Cambiata

Volunteers Needed: BBQ & Bar Setup, BBQ & Bar Service, BBQ & Bar Pack up, Raffle Ticket Sales, Entry Door Donations

Registration Link: https://volunteersignup.org/YF9AT

2024 Senior Ensembles Concert | Thursday 7 March

Ensembles Performing: Concert Band 1, Big Band 1, Percussion Ensemble 1, String Orchestra 1, Symphony Orchestra, Fellowship of the String, Guitar Orchestra 1, Brotherhood, Big Brotherhood

Volunteers Needed: BBQ & Bar Setup, BBQ & Bar Service, BBQ & Bar Pack up, Raffle Ticket Sales, Entry Door Donations

Registration Link: https://volunteersignup.org/HRJ3F

2024 Music Events

Please view all upcoming Music Events HERE.

Please contact the music department: music@slc.qld.edu.au or telephone 3010 1138 if you have any questions regarding the music program.

Strike up the Band!

MR ROSS CAPERN

Head of Instrumental Music

Around the Grounds – Sports Wrap Up, Round 2

Week 2 of Sport vs St Peters Lutheran College was a great week, with our Cricket, AFL and Volleyball teams all achieving good results. Once again the AFL program performed strongly and the First XVIII had a big win over Ambrose Treacy College in front of a good crowd at Yeronga. In Cricket the day was shared, however, our First XI had a narrow loss via the DL system due to the rain. The highlight of the week though was certainly the Volleyball. After experiencing a tough first round against Iona, almost all teams bounced back to secure their first wins of the season. A special mention must go to the First VI, who came back from two sets down – saved a match point, then went on to win the game 3 – 2, in what was truly inspirational performance.

Due to poor weather, only the Volleyball and the First XI (at this stage) will be played this weekend and we wish all the boys competing the best of luck.

Term 2 Sport 

Although we have only just begun Term 1 sport, the planning and preparation for Term 2 is well on the way. Expressions of interest for our Term 2 Sports (Football, Rugby Union, Chess, Cross Country) will be sent to students in Week and students must fill this out to participate in their chosen sport for the term.

Interhouse Sport

Next week will see our Houses start to battle it out for the first time this year and the first sport up is Volleyball. Interhouse games will be held at Morning Tea and Lunch time every day and the competition will no doubt be fierce.

Also commencing will be our Interhouse Cross Country and we are looking forward to seeing as many students as possible participate in the race!

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

Students in Years 8 - 11 who are interested in joining the Cadets Photography Program are encouraged to email the Communications Office on communications@slc.qld.edu.au

These students will be able to photograph sport, concerts and other College events and have their work published on the College's social media account, Lauries Magazines and Annuals.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Volunteer opportunities for "St Laurence's College Canteen Volunteers - Term 1 2024" are now open.

Please click on the web link HERE to go to the signup sheet.

To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page - thank you for volunteering!

Applications for Enrolment for entry in Year 7 2026 are now open!

Enrol HERE  for Year 7 at Lauries!

Tickets for the 2024 Lauries Autumn Lunch are now sale!

Come and celebrate your Lauries Journey with us at The Greek Club on Sunday 24 March! After selling out in less than an hour in 2023, be sure to get in quick!

Tickets are priced at $95 each (or $950 for a table of 10)

Purchase your tickets here: https://slc2020.sales.ticketse...