Ash Wednesday

On Wednesday we began the Lenten Season in preparation for Easter. On Ash Wednesday our students and staff received the Ashes as is traditional within the Catholic Church. As the boys are receiving the Ashes the Celebrant uses the words “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel”.

This is our commitment to reflect on our lives and behaviours and to prepare for Easter. I thank all Heads of House for leading these ceremonies.

Lachlan Munns

On Saturday I attended the QCAA Achievement Awards at the Convention Centre.  I was delighted that Lachlan Munns received the award for Highest Achievement by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student for 2022 for the first time this award was shared. 

Lachlan has now been accepted into medicine and hopes to pursue a career specialising in Psychiatry and Immunology. Well done Lachlan.

Singing Surfin Safari

I thank our Music Department for the efforts last weekend as they journeyed to the Gold Coast for their annual “Singing Surfin Safari”. This excursion culminates with the students performing at Mass with the students from Marymount College. I thank our Music Staff for this initiative.

School Advisory Council 2023

On Monday evening the School Advisory Council met to discuss and discern directions for our College. 

I very much value this partnership and I thank all members for their efforts.  

The Council consists of:

Dr Michael Drew (Chair)

Mr John Vaitsas (Finance Committee)

Mrs Genevieve Green

Mr Stephen O’Kane

Mr Michael Batch

Ms Michelle Prendergast

Mr Ben Lowrie (ex-officio)

Mr Chris Leadbetter (ex-officio)

At our meeting, I was able to present a letter from Minister Steven Miles (Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning). This letter is known as a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation. This allows us to move forward with our Master Plan. I hope to begin at the end of this year with Stage one. This is a new five-level Learning Centre on the Savio precinct with underground car parking. We are in the process now of finalising plans to go to tender.

LCC 2023

On Monday evening our Lauries Community Committee met for our first meeting of the year. Reports came from the Sports Committee, Music, Faith in Action and The Old Boys. Dr Liam Herbert also presented our learning data and the teaching and learning directions for this year.

We acknowledge the Committee of:

Tanya Hansen (Chair)

Kerry Collins

Sue Beuth

Jennifer Morris

Martin Flannery

Kathy Nadenic

Kerry Estella

SLC Foundation

On Wednesday our College Foundation met for the first time this year. The Foundation provides funds to the College to assist young men to attend the School. This is for those who cannot afford the tuition fees. Over the years, our Foundation has assisted many boys to gain a Lauries Education.

The Board consists of:

Emeritus Professor Allan Layton (Chair)

Bernie McGowan

Will Siganto

Rob Siganto

Dane Fitzgibbon

Paul Begg

Cameron Wigan

I thank the Foundation for all that they do to support our mission.

Confraternity Rugby League Carnival

Currently we have 5 Gold Sponsors for our Carnival. We also hope to announce more Gold Sponsors in the coming weeks. On Thursday evening, we hosted an event to thank our sponsors. Our Gold Sponsors are: Cleanstate Commercial Cleaning, Landscape Solutions, Rochelle Painting, Grassports (Qld), and Bidfood. We are most appreciative of the partnership to host this event. We will also announce our Silver and Bronze Sponsors in due course.

We look forward to a great carnival. The Sports Office is also calling for volunteers to help with this event. Details are available through the College App.

St Vincent’s Hospital

Today, we journeyed to St Vincent’s Private Hospital to accept appreciation from the Sisters of Charity, for funds donated from the Walkathon. These funds went towards a special bed to support patients needing significant care.

As we move into a heavy assessment period for Year 11 and 12 students, we all wish them well in the coming days.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

Principal

Ash Wednesday

This week we held our Ash Wednesday ceremony where students gathered in their houses and went through the traditional ritual of having the ashes signed on their foreheads. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent. Today we receive the ashes on our foreheads which reminds us that we believe Jesus is the source of all life; that just as the bush burns and ash falls to the ground and in time seeds of new life are sown, so too does our new life come from Jesus. In this time of lent as we head towards Easter, it has been a tradition that people sometimes choose to sacrifice something. The idea of giving up something represents what Jesus did when he went into the desert before beginning his ministry, he went without food for 40 days to test himself. For many of us it can be an act of solidarity so that we are reminded of the millions in our society who go without. Recently at Emmanuel City Mission, I spoke with someone there who received a payment of $500 a week which previously he was charged $300 a week in rent leaving him the rest for food. His rent has recently increased leaving him having to make tough decisions about weather he goes without food some weeks. He relies on places like Emmanuel City Mission in order to get a meal each day. This year we see many families facing hardship and in this season of lent, we should always take time to open our eyes to what is going on around us and how we can serve those in need. At the heart of Jesus' Ministry, his vision is to build a kingdom based on love, compassion, empathy and justice. As people we should never lose sight of what is going on in the world around us and as Jesus did, walk in solidarity with those in need.

Mini-Vinnies & Edmund Rice Society; Shrove Tuesday

This week the primary students from the Mini-Vinnies crew teamed up with secondary students in the Edmund Rice Society to cook and sell pancakes. This has become a tradition on Shrove Tuesday and all funds this year helped contribute towards CARITAS who are a Catholic organisation providing aid to those in need around the world. CARITAS is currently providing aid to those who have lost their homes and families in Turkey and Syria. The students should be commended for their efforts in raising over $1,000.

Treacy House: Care Kits for Kids

Last week the students of Treacy House made a visit to Care Kits for Kids to setup a new initiative for their House in Action program. Care Kits for Kids provides special packs for children going into emergency foster care, the packs donated by the community contains things such as toys, books and other products to help them feel settled. For many of these kids receiving packs like this is often the first time they have received something new and fresh. We look forward to seeing Treacy House go further with this newly established link. 

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

NAPLAN Reminders

A reminder that the College will conduct a NAPLAN Practice Test next Wednesday 1 March for Year 7 and Year 9 students in preparation for the actual tests in Week 8 (Wednesday 15 March to Monday 20 March – College Test Period). Year 7 and Year 9 parents will be sent a specific email detailing procedures and specific information.

The NAPLAN Schedule can be found [here].

Your assistance with helping to prepare our students for the NAPLAN test is essential for their success. A couple of very important reminders for next week:

· All students must arrive on time,

· Laptops must be fully charged each night,

· Students must bring laptops, laptop chargers and laptop bags,

· Please bring 2 x sharp led pencils,

· Please purchase and ask your son to bring wired ear/headphones.

We wish all students the best of luck with NAPLAN preparation.

Academic Support

I remind families that there are many opportunities for students to access extra support if they need help with their studies. These include:

• Study Starter,
• Faculty Tutoring can be found [HERE],
• Personalised Tutoring with Alumni – the tutoring list can be found [HERE],
• Specialised ATAR workshops conducted by the Lagos brothers (both Alumni Dux). Their brochure can be found [HERE].

Learning Walk – Year 11 Economics

Feedback through ‘Nearpod’ – Mr Andrew Meyer

I had the recent pleasure to be invited to observe Mr Meyer’s Year 11 Economics lesson, focusing on trade cycles and their impact on circular flow. Students entered the classroom quietly, and immediately started engaging in the lesson. Mr Meyer outlined the what, why, success by ‘connecting’ the lesson content to real world experiences. This connection was directly related to contemporary economics such as the impact of the recent RBA decision to raise interest rates, and the impact of supply and demand when government subsidies to produce electric cars are removed.

Students then completed several practical activities through a program called ‘Nearpod’. Mr Meyer also implemented questioning techniques derived from recent PLT HITS, which encouraged students to critically think about the answers they gave. The program, with explicit explanation and engagement from Mr Meyer, enabled instant feedback to students – thus providing students with ‘clarity of feedback’. The questions on Nearpod were varied, from multiple choice, graphing and drag and drop.

Quite evidently, this was a very organised and engaging lesson with wonderful practical activities, clearly situated in both the ‘Connection’ and ‘Clarity’ domains within the Teaching and Learning Framework. Students were able to connect their learning with real life experiences and gain instant feedback through the facilitated use of Nearpod.

I congratulate Andrew for an excellent lesson. 

Conclusion

I once again congratulate students on the way in which they have started this year. I pray that our students can be adequately prepared and confident in their abilities, leading up to NAPLAN testing. I hope families have a relaxing weekend.

Live Jesus in your 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. Mr Adam Firman will be stepping into the role of Careers Counsellor from Week 5 – Week 10 of Term 1. Mr Firman will be available for appointment from Monday – Thursday and can be contacted via phone: (07) 3010 1158 or email: afirman@slc.qld.edu.au. 

SLConX

In conjunction with the St Laurence’s Old Boys’ Association, the Careers Office will be hosting the fourth SLConX networking event for students in Years 10 - 12 and their parents to interact with Lauries Old Boys about their career pathways.

This SLConX will focus on careers in the Defence and Emergency Services, with each presenter (all Lauries Old Boys) giving a brief overview of their career journey, before moving into a less formal networking opportunity, where students and parents can liaise with the speakers directly to ask any specific questions they may have around their careers.

For this event, we have been lucky to secure speakers who work across the aforementioned industries in roles such as: air traffic controlling, mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering.

The details for the evening are:

Date: Tuesday 14 March 2023

Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Location: ERPAC Level 5

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided on the evening. For catering purposes and to ensure we have contact details of attendees in the event that we need to disseminate information urgently, we require people to register to attend HERE by Friday 10 March 2023. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Careers Office at careers@slc.qld.edu.au. 

Griffith University Pathways to Medicine Information Session

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.

Senior External Examinations

The QCAA offers interested Year 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 (one reading, writing and listening, one 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.

Tuckwell Scholarship

The Australian National University’s Tuckwell Scholarship applications open 1 March. This scholarship is offered to 25 students around the country and is worth $24,700 per annum to successful applicants.

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 – 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 Rail, 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 ADAM FIRMAN

Careers Counsellor

 SINGING SURFIN’ SAFARI

Last weekend twenty-seven students in Years 7, 8 and 9 from our Little Brotherhood choir took up the opportunity to visit the Gold Coast for our annual ‘Singing Surfing Safari’.  After arriving on Saturday, the boys worked hard at their rehearsal and relaxed with an afternoon swim.  On Sunday the boys enjoyed the hospitality of Marymount College and Mother of Mercy parish while leading the singing for the Sunday Mass.  Students also enjoyed the experience of performing with the Marymount Rugby League Choir.  Well done to these choir students on their wonderful performances and representation of Laurie’s. 

PERFORMANCE DATES

Wednesday 8 March | Intermediate Ensembles Concert | 6pm ERPAC

Performances by the College’s Intermediate Ensembles: 

Concert Band 2, Big Band 2, String Orchestra 2, Guitar Orchestra 2 and Little Brotherhood

Thursday 9 March | Senior Ensembles Concert | 6pm ERPAC.

Performances by the College’s Senior Ensembles:  

Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band 1, Big Band 1, String Orchestra 1, Fellowship of the String, Guitar Orchestra 1, Brotherhood, Big Brotherhood and Percussion Ensemble 1

Monday 13 March | Old Boys and Community Choir Concert | 7pm St Ignatius Church Toowong

Rehearsals are continuing for our Old Boys Choir, Guitar Orchestra and String Ensemble. We look forward to everyone coming along to the Old Boys and Community Music Concert @ 7pm on Monday 13 March at St Ignatius Church, Toowong.

CALL FOR DONATIONS | LMSG

The Lauries Music Support Group (LMSG) is calling for prize donations for their Easter Raffle. The raffles will be run during the Intermediate and Senior Ensemble Concerts next month. All donations will be gratefully received at the music department reception by Friday 3 March.

The raffles will be drawn during the Intermediate Ensembles Concert on Wednesday 8 March and the Senior Ensembles Concert Thursday 9 March.

LMSG Meeting | Tuesday 7 March | 6pm

Our next Lauries Music Support Group Meeting will be held on Tuesday 7 March 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). Meetings are informal, generally less than an hour long and a great way to hear the details and help with the planning of upcoming music events! If you are unable to make the meetings but available to help at concerts/events, join the group so you can be on our email list and be kept up to date. Please contact the music department if you have any questions.

 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

Term 2 Sports- Chess, Cross Country, Football and Rugby – Registration Process 

This week, students have been completing expression of interests for Trimester 2 Sport participation. The response from students has been incredible with the interest in participating in Chess, Cross Country, Football and Rugby at record levels.

Looking at the results of the Expressions of Interest, we still expect there will be a number of students who will be interested in playing a Trimester 2 sport who are yet to indicate this. We ask that STUDENTS who have yet to express an interest who would still like to, please contact the sports office. It is a STUDENT’S responsibility to ensure they express an interest in playing a sport. Parents are encouraged to support and remind students of their responsibility. Parents will be involved in the next step of the process.

From next Wednesday 1 March- parents will be able to accept or decline a parent lounge invitation for their son to participate in a sport. Students' expressions of interest will be transferred to parent lounge invitations. We have again included the outline of the process below.

Term 1 Week 5 (Week Beginning Monday 20 February)- STUDENT Expression of Interest- Every student in the College will receive an email from the sports Office to their school email account. It is the student’s responsibility to use the link included in that email to express their interest in playing a Term 2 Sport. For younger students – primary and Year 7 - home class teachers will assist where needed.

Term 1 Week 6 (From Wednesday 1 March) – Parent Lounge Invitations- Students' expression of interests will be turned into parent lounge invitations. Parents are to accept these by Friday 10 March.

Term 1 Week 8 (Week beginning 13 March) – Cross Country Training and Chess Trials commence.

Term 1 Week 9 (Week beginning 20 March)- Rugby and Football Trials commence.

Please note: Students can play either Rugby OR Football and in both of these sports there will be unlimited teams based on the number of students wanting to participate. Students cannot play both Rugby and Football. Students can participate in either of these sports AND Cross Country AND Chess.

Confraternity 2023 Volunteers 

In June the College will host the Confraternity Rugby League Carnival. This is the largest school’s rugby league tournament in the state with 64 teams attending. To host such a large carnival, the College will require the assistance of many in the community. The carnival’s theme for 2023 is “In the Spirit of Welcome” and we know our community will be incredible ambassadors for this them. Please find the Volunteers Information booklet HERE which includes a link for families to indicate their interest in assisting.

MR EDDIE WALLACE 

Head of Sport

The College is excited to announce that Year 5 and 7 2024 Manchester City Football School trial registrations are now open. After the success of the current boys participating, we can't wait to see the continued progression for years to come. 

Find the registration form link here: https://www.slc.qld.edu.au/man...

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

Please see attached information from Yeronga AFL Club here.

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.

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.