NAPLAN, 2023

This week our Year 5, 7 and 9 students were involved in the annual NAPLAN testing. There was excellent attendance for the testing with the boys entering with a very positive mindset. I thank Mr Wigan, Ms Jordan, Dr Herbert, Ms Harris and Ms Kentrotis for their organisation of these tests.

Old Boys Concert

On Monday evening, the Music Department facilitated our annual Old Boys’ Concert at St Ignatius Church at Toowong. This was a fantastic evening of camaraderie and musical excellence. Proceeds from these events go to the Jesuit Mission in Myanmar. At this concert we heard from the Community Choir, Old Boys’ strings, guitar and vocals.

It is great to see past students remaining connected through music. I thank the Music faculty, led by Ross Capern and Anthony Young for developing such a positive musical culture at our School.

Manchester City Football Visit

On Assembly, Tony Byrne (International Program Manager) and Andy Smith (Senior Coaching Development Manager) presented the College with a signed Manchester City Jersey. Both Andy and Tony were most happy with the development of the Football School partnership at the College. They were particularly impressed with our school culture and our sense of welcome. We look forward to the growth of this programme.

Vale’ Dr Alan Druery OAM

I was informed early this week of the passing of Dr Alan Druery. Alan graduated from St Laurence’s College in 1954 and taught here from 1958 – 1969. Alan was the executive Director of the Queensland Catholic Commission from 1985 – 2001. He has made an extraordinary contribution to Catholic Education. We pray for Alan’s family at this time.

Vale’ Father John Boyd-Boland OFM

On Thursday we received the sad news that Fr John Boyd-Boland had passed away. Fr John was Rector at Padua College from 1990 until 2000. He was instrumental in the establishment of AIC.

Fr John has made a significant contribution to Catholic Education. He will be remembered as a learned, passionate, strong and compassionate Franciscan Friar. We wish the Padua Community well at this time.

Conclusion of Trimester One sport

This weekend we conclude our Trimester I sports programme, with preparations well and truly underway for the Trimester II Sports. I wish to thank our Coaches and Managers in Volleyball, Cricket, AFL and Swimming. 

The commitment of our staff to our co-curricular programme is extraordinary. I thank Mr Wallace and the Sports Department for their efforts. 

I wish all boys well over the weekend.

New Head of Sport – Semester II, 2023

As most of the students are aware, Mr Wallace will step down from education in August of this year. 

Following an advertising and recruitment period, I am pleased to announce that Mr Patrick Byron has accepted the role from Semester II. We will have an opportunity to thank Mr Wallace later in the year for his exceptional service. I also welcome Patrick to our Lauries’ Community.

St Patrick’s Day

Today, people of Irish heritage celebrate St Patrick’s Day acknowledging the anniversary of his death in 461. With our Patron, St Laurence O’Toole being of Irish heritage and our tradition of Irish Catholicism at our College, I wish all a happy St Patrick’s Day.

I wish all boys well, especially the Seniors as we move into a heavy assessment period across most year levels.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

Principal

Twilight Immersion

Last week I had the pleasure of joining Year 9 students from Loreto College, Villanova College and St Laurence’s College for a twilight immersion on the theme of “To Love”. The students came together in various activities including games and conversations that looked at who they are and sharing that story with others. Students explored what love meant to them and how they understand the language of love. This was a wonderful opportunity for the students from all schools to gather and talk about the deeper issues on how they see love represented in their lives and how this is connected to seeing God in others. I was blown away by the way the students from all schools were open and approached each conversation with maturity. This is a new initiative that Loreto College has kindly invited us to be part of and we have more afternoons planned for Year 8s in Term 2 and Year 7s in Term 3. Year 9 students will also get another opportunity to join with Loreto when we run our Conversations of the Heart program in Term 3 based on what respectful relationships look like. Students in these sessions will be mentored by Year 12 students from each of the schools.

Multicultural Week

It was wonderful to see the diversity of our College on show this week as we celebrated multicultural week. When we look at one of our key touchstones as an Edmund Rice community we look at Inclusive community. When talking about this touchstone to students I always talk about the difference between diversity and inclusion. When we have a community of many different, races, religions, cultures and beliefs coming together it makes us diverse but it is the actions we take to create welcome and a place where everyone feels they belong that makes us Inclusive. By sharing in story and hearing where we all come from, we take steps to creating an Inclusive Community.

Fr John Boyd-Boland

We pray this week for the Padua community as they mourn the loss of Fr John Boyd-Boland. I recommend the article from the Catholic Leader which shows how in his life he humbly dedicated his service to God and his community. The article can be viewed here. 

Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

NAPLAN Online

Congratulations to our Year 5, 7 and 9 students who completed three NAPLAN Online Tests this week. Most students completed Writing, Reading and Conventions of Language. Students’ behaviour was excellent. The preparation workshops and practice tests helped to increase student efficacy in test procedures. I remind students and parents that we have one more main testing day – which is next Monday where students will complete the numeracy test.

A couple of very important reminders for next Monday and for catch up tests:

· All students must arrive on time (a reminder for Year 7 students to meet at ERPAC and not go to Admin period),

· Laptops must be fully charged each night,

· Please bring 2 x sharp led pencils,

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

· Please ask your son to bring their laptop charger. 

A reminder that if your son missed any sessions, he will need to go to one of the catch up sessions held by Mr Burridge in Level 5 – ERPAC. These will be conducted in Lesson 4 – from Monday to Wednesday next week. I thank the NAPLAN Team – very ably led by Ms Zofia Kentrotis, the IT Department led by Nick Lieschke, Will Pike and Samantha Harris for their work.

Study Tips for Upcoming Assessment

Many of our students have upcoming assessment. Below are some tips that might be helpful:

1. Start writing/typing…..anything. I used this technique when I had writers block throughout my doctoral studies. Some academics often term it as ‘spewing’ on the page. An interesting analogy, but one that suggests if our boys can just start, the shaping and editing can come later.
2. Study often. Students should space out study as often as possible. We know that the more knowledge that is gradually retained, the easier it is to recall in an assessment situation. Starting assignments early can also prevent stress at the end of the Term when assessment is generally due.
3. Prioritise. Students must prioritise their assessment. There is little value in studying or completing assessment for a subject that is due last. Adhering to ‘Point 2.’ above can help with this.
4. Chunk. I also advise students to chunk their study so that they can maintain interest throughout their study period. 
5. Rest. I advise rest at least every 60-90mins of study. Students should grab a healthy snack, go for a walk or play some sport (or even help around the house with chores)!
6. Sleep. Students are much better off with a good night’s sleep, than studying all night. Research suggests that students who are able to obtain a good night’s sleep perform better on exams the following day. Retention of knowledge is difficult late at night when students are tired.
7. Traditional studying. Don’t be afraid to encourage your son to study ‘old school’. By that I mean writing down the concept and the definition (several times if needed), then test himself. This form of rote learning can be beneficial to some students.
8. Individualised techniques. I encourage all students to discover their own learning style. Some students are visual learners and need additional pictures and stimuli, whereas others are more kinaesthetic learners. Some students also have strengths in assignments whereas others find exams easier. I urge students to enhance their strengths, but also put more focus towards their weakest mode of assessment.

Lagos Learning Workshops

Old boys Lawrence and Isaac Lagos (2019 & 2021 Duxes) have been leading workshops focused on preparing students for Year 12 external assessment. They had 15 students attend their Mathematics assignment session, and 12 students at the Exam workshop. By all accounts, the students attending have been extremely respectful and determined for success. Feedback from parents and students has been extremely positive. Please contact the Teaching and Learning office for more details [teachlearn@slc.qld.edu.au].

Study Starter

A reminder to parents that Study Starter is continuing for students. It is a free tutoring service conducted in the Library every Monday and Wednesday after school until 4:30pm. The intention is to support students who need extra help with their studies, and also provide an environment where quiet study and assignment work can occur. All students are welcome.

Live Jesus in our heart. . . Forever!

DR LIAM HERBERT

Dean of Teaching and Learning

The school’s first celebration of Harmony Week was a great success! The weeklong celebration saw a plethora of activities and events take place across the school grounds. From the country flags around the quad to the Untold Stories performance, it gave students a chance to celebrate and share their diverse cultures and traditions with their peers. The amazing tuckshop staff made this week a reality with their new menu, where each day had a different cultural theme ranging from Mexican Monday to Greek and Italian Thursday. The effort of these staff members did not go unnoticed, with many students and staff commenting on their hard work and how great the food was. On Thursday, students were lucky enough to be taught how to use and make shuttlecocks and diablos, by the Year 12 Chinese students and teachers. The flags set up around the school represent each of our diverse nationalities and cultures that we have here at Lauries. The initiative aimed to provide a visible and tangible representation of our commitment to inclusivity and has sparked conversations between students about their cultural differences. On the Friday lunch, the theatre was full of students supporting the launch of Untold Stories 2, where the boys performing were given an opportunity to share their inspiring stories with the rest of the school. Overall, it was heartening to see so many people embracing Harmony Week and coming together as a unified school community.

ALEX BEITZ

Solidarity and Culture Prefect 

Year 12 – Exam Block 

Sincere best wishes to our Year 12 students for their exam block which begins on Thursday this week. Our hope is that they manage their time, stress and wellbeing effectively over the course of the block. Sleep, good nutrition and keeping anxiety in check are essential ingredients for this period, rather than an overloaded diet of sugary foods and caffeine. Goodluck gentlemen. 

International Women’s Day

The lead-up to International Women’s Day was highlighted last week by Nagle House and Head of House Mr Welmar du Plessis by leading the recognition of our female staff. It was wonderful to see all students standing in unity with Nagle House to acknowledge the work that women do in our school and the role that mothers, grandmothers and significant females play in the lives of our students. In addition to this, Nagle House organised a morning tea for all staff in order to celebrate International Women’s Day and I would like to thank them for their initiative, enthusiasm and generosity in doing so. 

As always parents, if you believe your child has any issue at the College that we may be able to assist with, please contact your son’s Head of House or the Pastoral Precinct. 

I wish all parents and students the very best and as always, Live Jesus in your hearts. . . Forever!

MR DAVID KNIGHT

Dean of Pastoral Care (Senior School)

On Monday evening our annual St Laurence’s College Old Boys Concert was held at St Ignatius Church, Toowong. The audience of family and friends enjoyed moving performances by members of the Old Boys String Ensemble, Old Boys Guitar Ensemble, Old Boys Choir and Community Choir. 

Over $1,000 was raised on the night to support the Jesuit Mission work in Myanmar. Every amount donated will help create change for women, men and children who are living in the margins, suffering the indignity of poverty and injustice

CONCERT DATES – Term 1

Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 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 ERPAC in Week 9 on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 March. Treblehood perform on Tuesday morning at 7.45am, whilst the other ensembles are performing on Wednesday morning from 7.30am to 8.15am. 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?

Thursday 30 March | Voices of Birralee - Mansfield State High School Concert @ 6:30pm

Little Brotherhood has been invited to perform at a concert at Mansfield State High School. 

This concert will feature selected Brisbane schools and is organised by internationally acclaimed Voices of Birralee.

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 are looking for a fun night of free music for the family, you may wish to go along to Symphony Under the Stars at the Roma Street Parklands on Saturday 25 March at 6:30pm to enjoy performances by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. 

Details are via the link below: Symphony under the Stars

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

This weekend is the final weekend of our Trimester 1 sporting season. The season has been, for the majority, interruption-free in comparison to previous years when COVID-19 and the devastating Brisbane floods have impacted the AFL, Cricket and Volleyball seasons. A large number of teams across each sport are in line for premierships or undefeated seasons. It is important that all teams finish positively this weekend and demonstrate the improvement that has been made throughout the season.

A huge thank you to all coaches and age group coordinators for their work this term with all of our teams. The dedication of staff, Old Boys and external coaches to commit to the sporting season is wonderful and we would not be able to offer so many opportunities without this commitment. A very special thank you must go to our Directors of each sport. These are Mr Sam Wiltshire (AFL), Mr Josh Ferguson (Cricket), Mr Danny O’Sullivan (Swimming) and Mr Anthony Bird (Volleyball). St Laurence’s College is incredibly lucky to have staff willing to take on these extra responsibilities and the extra long hours that these roles add to already busy timetables can not be underestimated. I encourage all in our community to take the time on the weekend to thank the coaches, coordinators and directors of each sport.

Trimester 2 Sport

Record numbers of students have registered to participate in Trimester 2 Sport. This week Chess trials and Cross Country training has commenced. Next week, Football and Rugby trials commence. A reminder to all families that all information regarding these sports can be found on the College App- including the trial schedules.

Many year levels will commence training at our Runcorn fields next week. The boys will catch a chartered train from South Bank on their designated training days to Runcorn. Training sessions are scheduled to conclude at 5.00pm at Runcorn. Some teams will train a little later. It is important that all students are collected from Runcorn no later than 5.15pm.

Manchester City Staff Visit

This week, the College was visited by two Manchester City staff as a part of the regular monitoring of the College’s Manchester City Football School. Both Tony Byrne (International Program Manager) and Andy Smith (Senior Coaching Development Manager – Football Education) are based at the Manchester City Headquarters in Manchester. They were impressed by the skill level of our students in the Manchester City Football School program and the level of coaching by our football school staff- led by Mr Davies and supported by Mr Cabassi and Mr Nydam. 

They were particularly impressed by the positive atmosphere within the school after attending College assembly on Tuesday. Having two senior Manchester City staff visit the College regularly – it is expected they will visit twice annually- demonstrates the commitment Manchester City has to the partnership with St Laurence’s College and ensuring the programs we run are first class.

Good luck to all teams for this weekend’s final round!

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

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

“Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, from the Traditional Owners of the land to our most recent arrivals.”

Untold Stories aims to provide a platform for students who come from African and Middle Eastern backgrounds. It is an opportunity for those students to share personal stories and create a community of sharing and deep understanding of the diversity prevalent at St Laurence’s College and how these stories add to the richness of culture through solidarity.

In the 2022/23 rehearsal period, a large majority of St Laurence’s College African and Middle Eastern students took part in a process where they developed a performance in a series of short workshops. They developed stories and scenes to share with their classmates thus creating greater comradery in the group. 

Moving towards 2023 and the performance date, particular students who wanted to share those stories on stage, began rehearsing what would be the final product performed on Friday 17 March. Placing the final performance of Untold Stories in Harmony week signifies its importance to celebrating inclusiveness and diversity at the college. 

Throughout the rehearsal period, students worked with professional actor Gideon Mzembe. Gideon’s work with the boys not only covers aspects of skills of drama, but also about the importance of vulnerability in storytelling. Mr Ben Angalo (Multicultural Support Worker) also lent his voice to the performance. The boys listened to his story and developed performance work based on his life as a young man. 

The performance will be accompanied by the artwork of Arow Deng symbolising his perspective of place, and Michel Ishimweniryayo’s works representing his Burundian Culture.

Untold Stories celebrates the talent and work of students from VAPA faculty, and takes its place in the life of the college as powerful representation of inclusiveness, culture and solidarity.

MS REBECCA DORGE

AHOF (Drama) VAPA

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.

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

Even if you can't make it to the Lauries Autumn Lunch, you can still be involved in our amazing raffle and support the College! 

Check out the great prizes and get your raffle tickets HERE!

You've got to be in it to win it!

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