This week, we held the first Advisory Council Meeting at the College. The role of the Council is to support and advise the Leadership Team to achieve our Strategic objectives. This year we have invited several new members onto the Council. 

The 2024 School Advisory Council Members are:

Chair: Michael Batch

Members: Michelle Prendergast, John Vaitsas (Finance Committee Chair), Genevieve Green, Stephen O’Kane, Rebecca Girard, Tanya Hansen, Bridget Totterman and James Scott.

As we move into a new Strategic Plan and Stage 1 of our new Masterplan, we look forward to the support from the Council members. Each bring their own gifts and talents to the Council. Ben Lowrie and I feel most supported by this Council and we thank them for their wisdom and guidance.

College Foundation 

On Wednesday, the St Laurence’s College Old Boys’ Foundation met for the first time this year. The goal of the Foundation is to support families who could not otherwise afford the College school fees. The Foundation is strongly focussed on allowing access to a Lauries education for as many families as possible. The meetings are always most professional and extremely well run by the Chair, Allan Layton. College Foundation members include Allan Layton (Chair), Rob Siganto, Will Siganto, Bernie McGowan, Paul Begg, Dane FitzGibbon, and Cameron Wigan. I also sit on the Foundation with the support of Ms Michelle Gyde, and Ms Helen Turner.  

This group is committed, and mission focussed and I thank them all. Each year funds from events such as Walkathon and Gala Dinner go to support the work of the Foundation. Community donations are central to this work and over the years many past students and parents have contributed to the Foundation. I thank all who contribute to our mission.

Year 7 Parent and Son Evening 

On Wednesday evening Ms Bell, Mr Burridge and staff held our annual Year 7 Parent and Son Evening. Over 300 attended this event. Our purpose was to welcome families and to give caregivers and parents an opportunity to interact with their boys and to meet other parents. I commend Ms Bell on this initiative, and I thank all staff who supported this event. 

College Leadership Team 

As you will be aware, I have accepted a position as Regional Director for Western Australia and South Australian Schools in EREA from Term 2. I will also begin leave on Monday 11 March. This secondment is for the 2024 school year. Ben Lowrie will assume the role of Principal from Monday 11 March, Dr Liam Herbert will be the College Deputy Principal and Ms Kirsten Wardrop will move to the role of Dean of Teaching and Learning. We still have other positions to fill as a result of these changes, yet I am most grateful that we have extraordinary staff who are only too willing to serve this community. 

Treacy and Sion House Mass 

Fr John Barlow celebrated mass on Friday for students from Sion and Treacy Houses. This mass was offered for Ms Crystal Kennedy who has recently undergone significant surgery. Ms Kennedy is Head of Treacy House. The students have continued to pray for Ms Kennedy and I know that their cards and best wishes have made a positive impact on Crystal’s recovery. I thank Mr Heshusius and Mr D’Amico for coordinating the mass. I also thank Mr D’Amico for acting as Treacy Head of House in Ms Kennedy’s absence. We continue to pray for Crystal and her husband. 

I wish all students well this weekend as we play AIC fixtures against St Edmund’s College and Ambrose Treacy College. 

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

College Principal

Year 7 Mass

It was a great occasion last Friday to be able to have our welcome mass for our Year 7 students. After a busy start to the term, this mass gives us a chance to welcome our new Year 7s to the College and to the Secondary School. We were grateful to be joined by Fr William Aupito Iuliano, our parish priest for Dutton Park – West End, who has been a great presence in our community this year. This was a great occasion enjoyed by students and parents alike.

RCIA Sacramental Program

We are pleased to announce that in partnership with Liturgy Brisbane and the Dutton Park Parish, we will be offering a Sacramental Program at our College beginning in Term 2. The program will be run at the College in a negotiated time with the students and will allow them to work through key sessions that explore them deepening their relationship with Christ.

A person seeking to join the Catholic Church is usually initiated through the three Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. We understand that students come to us from a variety of different backgrounds and parishes and we want to be able to offer an opportunity for our students to prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation.

Some of our students may have been baptised but have not completed their initiation with Confirmation or First Communion, while others may be seeking to join the Church through Baptism. The College-based sacramental program offers students the option to prepare for these sacraments in line with the Archdiocesan Sacramental Policy and to celebrate the reception of these sacraments in the College chapel. If a student has not been baptised, they would be able to go through all three sacraments at once.

Last year, we had over 40 students receive their sacraments and we look forward to offering this again in 2024. If you wish for your son to be part of this please respond to the form HERE.

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

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 

Careers Website

For the latest information, we recommend visiting our Careers Platform. There, you can access up-to-date resume and cover letter templates, gain insights into work experience opportunities in 2024, explore presentation slides used in information sessions for both students and parents, make a tax file number application and explore university study options while still in school.

University Open Days and Careers Expos

All 2024 university open days and careers expos can be found at the following link:  Open Days / Careers Expos 2024.

Please mark these in your calendar as they are a great way to experience each campus and see what is on offer.

University Showcase

Year 12 students: Thursday 7 March 2024 – Period 2

University Showcase allows students to get a head start on their university and course decisions and to speak to representatives from most QLD universities. Students will experience a 20 minute presentation on topics such as transitioning to university, funding tertiary study, accommodation options and life as a university student. A careers expo follows the presentation, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and collect course materials from all universities in attendance.

All Year 12 students will attend this event onsite during Period 2 on Thursday 7 March.

Institutions include University of Queensland, Bond University, Queensland University of Technology, James Cook University, QTAC, University of Southern Queensland, ACU, Southern Cross University, Griffith University, UniSC and Tafe.

Start University Early – Student for a Semester experience.

Universities extend a unique 'student for a semester' initiative, offering high achieving students in Years 10 – 12 the chance to engage in university level subjects while at school.

This program, accessible from Semester 2 of Year 10 through to Semester 1 of Year 12, is offered at several Queensland universities. Whether chosen to be undertaken onsite or online, these experiences offer advantages to participating students which can be explored in the links below. Please note that approval must be sought from the College to participate.

For detailed information tailored to each university, interested students are encouraged to see Ms Dyer in the careers office and explore the information provided below.

 Start Uni Early

 Considering University While Still at School

 Studying a University Course

Mater Education – Health Adventure 

Year 10, 11 and 12 students interested in a career in Health

High School Health Adventure is a program that has been designed to create a realistic experience of 'a day in the life' of a health professional. The utilisation of simulation with manikins, skills stations, digital technology and case-based scenarios helps to create this real-world learning in a unique environment for high school students. Students will have access to current practising clinicians including medical officers, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, pharmacists, social workers and occupational therapists, who will be able to share their experience as a health professional and provide an opportunity for the students to ask questions. 

This is a two-day course delivered by an interprofessional team using simulation, small group activities, skills stations, panel Q&A with graduate health professionals and a small Education Fair to highlight educational pathways and requirements to a career in healthcare. In addition to the two days, Mater Education also provides one-day bespoke sessions on Midwifery, Nursing, Allied Health and Medicine.  

Please find the flyer that details further information. Please see Mrs Dyer in the careers office to confirm your interest in this experience prior to registering:  Mater Education - Health Experience Day

Our next available dates at South Brisbane campus are 

• 9 – 10 April, 8.30am to 3.30pm
• 5 April, 8.30am to 3.30pm – one day Maternity experience
• 11 April, 8.30am to 3.30pm – one day Medical experience

ANU Early Admissions

Key Dates

• Friday 1 March: Direct entry applications open
• Tuesday 5 March: Webinar 'Application Advice for Career Practitioners'
• Saturday 16 March: Open Day
• Monday 13 May: Applications deadline
• Early September: Offers released 

Work Experience

Registrations for work experience, including defence are still open and students in Years 9 – 12 are encouraged to engage in this opportunity.  

Please use the links below to register your interest:

Work experience (June, September, December)

Australian Defence Force - Work experience

See here for Defence work experience dates: Experience list

MS AMY DYER

Careers Counsellor

Year 7 Parent & Son Evening

Thank you to all of the participants at Wednesday night’s event. Our hope was that both parents and students alike learned some valuable things about Lauries, academics, technology and each other, while experiencing a range of activities. The evening was made possible by the generosity of the presenters; Mr Corfield, Ms Serico, Ms Priebe, Ms Mount, Mr Burridge, Ms Knight, Mr Bird, Ms Kilburn, Ms Mavritsky, Ms Watt and Mr Gammie.

Thank you also to our Humanities Faculty who ensured that everyone was fed!  

Parent Meeting to Learn (M2L)

An invitation to our Primary and Middle School parents went out recently inviting parents to our first Middle School M2L for the year which features well-known author Michelle Mitchell. Many parents would recognise Michelle and may have purchased her latest book ‘Tweens’ which was released last year. As a parent, navigating a healthy relationship with your teenager can be challenging if you don’t have the proper tools to communicate. This presentation will offer parenting insights into the developing brain which will guide a discussion about effective communication, setting healthy boundaries, managing emotionally charged moments and championing strengths. It is not too late to reserve a seat for this free event, simply go to the Parent Lounge.

AIC Swimming

The AIC Swimming Championships will occur this Tuesday 5 March – please note that all Year 10 students and some Year 12 students will be absent for the day supporting our athletes – parents involved should have received a letter containing further information about this event. We wish all staff and students the very best of luck for the day.

Mentoring

Our Middle School and Year 12 Mentoring meetings began this week and some good conversations have ensued. Middle School students had a preparation document to complete before meeting with their House Mentor where further discussion of achievement, goals, connection and wellbeing took place. Students were asked to email a copy of the completed document so that conversations could occur at home to further support and champion the program. This program ensures that all students have a staff member who knows their story and is there to support and guide them. Mentoring continues next week.

All the very best for the week ahead.

MS VANESSA BELL

Dean of Middle School

Around the Grounds – Sports Wrap Up, Round 4

In Round 4, our Lauries sport teams played St Patrick's College, with our Senior teams making their way out to Shorncliffe for the weekend's action. Our AFL continued their strong run of form and were convincing winners on Friday, with our Junior teams also performing very well. In Volleyball, our teams performed very strongly with the College winning the vast majority of games played. In Cricket, the day was shared and our First XI secured a win, playing very well to defeat St Patrick's College at home.

This week, the College will be taking on St Edmund's College, with Lauries hosting all the Senior games. Best of luck to all teams this weekend.

Interhouse Volleyball – Callan and Treacy share the honours 

Last week saw the first of what will be many House competitions decided this year. Throughout the week, the competition was fierce, with both our Junior and Senior House teams competing well. Just as fierce, was the noise from the stands and it was great to see so many boys cheering on their House mates in the Lunch breaks.

There can only be one winner though and this year, Callan and Treacy shared the honours. Both Houses made it through the knockout stages of both competitions - Callan winning the Junior final and Treacy got their revenge by winning the Senior final. 

Thanks to all the Heads of House for facilitating the competition and thank you to all the boys for their participation on and off the court!

Term 2 Sport

Expressions of Interest have now gone out for Term 2 Sport. Parents, please expect to see invitations in the Parent Lounge early next week. If your son has made an error in choosing the wrong sport, please contact the Sports Office.

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

Our students are practising hard in preparation for their performances next week at our Intermediate Ensembles Concert and Senior Ensembles Concert. We invite all family and friends to attend and the details can be found below.

CONCERT DATES

Wednesday 6 March | Intermediate Ensembles Concert | 6pm ERPAC

Performances by the College’s Intermediate Ensembles:  

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

Thursday 7 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 11 March | Old Boys and Community Choir Concert | 7pm St Ignatius Church Toowong 

We look forward to everyone coming along to the Old Boys and Community Music Concert at 7pm on Monday 11 March at St Ignatius Church, Toowong. You will enjoy performances by Old Boys String Ensemble, Old Boys Guitar Ensemble, Old Boys Choir and Community Choir.

Tuesday 19 March | Junior Ensembles Breakfast Concerts | ERPAC

Our informal breakfast concerts for Treblehood, Concert Band 3, Big Band 3 and String Orchestra 3 will take place in the ERPAC Foyer on Tuesday 19 March. 

We invite family and friends to join us before work for tea, coffee, hot cross buns and music! What better way to start your day?

CALL FOR DONATIONS | LMSG

The Lauries Music Support Group (LMSG) would greatly appreciate any prize donations for their Easter Raffles. The raffles will be run during the Intermediate and Senior Ensemble Concerts next week. All donations will be gratefully received at the Music Department reception by Tuesday 6 March.

LMSG Meeting | Tuesday 6 March | 6pm 

Our next Lauries Music Support Group Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 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). 

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

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Please see HERE a notice regarding the 2024 Student Residential Address Collection.

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!

Raffle tickets for the Lauries Autumn Lunch are now live! Buy your tickets for a chance to win our major prize - a $2,000 Westfield voucher!

Purchase your tickets HERE!