This term is once again a busy and event filled time for students and families at the College. This week’s article outlines some of these important events and provides an insight into the various extras we do at the College, to develop our young Lauries gentlemen.
Open Day
The College welcomed members of the community, as well as prospective parents to our annual Open Day on Thursday. I would like to thank all staff and the numerous students involved in the displays, music, sport, tours, barbeque and welcoming committee. This event enables us to showcase our College to the wider community and share the wonderful stories, curriculum and initiatives that the College is involved in. Thank you to all staff and students for volunteering their time at this event.
I would like to outline some of the key events coming up this term as a follow up from the letter at the start of term:
Parent Meeting to Learn Evening (M2L)
Those who attended our March Parent M2L would know that clinical psychologist and leading adolescent therapist, Andrew Fuller, is an exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging speaker. While in March Andrew spoke about wellbeing and resilience, he is now going to focus on learning with his ‘Biohacking Learning’ presentation. In this presentation Andrew will focus on increasing the power of learning in less time and magnifying motivation to achieve better results. He will give an overview of how children and teenage brains learn and how parents can use this to help their children learn.
Andrew will focus on:
- Increasing motivation and concentration.
- Neurochemistry and the impact on learning and motivation.
- How goals are good, but systems are better.
- How parents can build upon learning strengths.
- Q&A to finish.
In preparation for the evening, we would encourage parents to complete an analysis of their own learning visit HERE.
Please click HERE to view the invitation. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.
Tuesday 8 August – school concludes at 1.15pm for:
Year 9 students and families – Senior School Subject Selection (Year 10 2024) will be conducted virtually with a Senior or Middle Leader of the College to assist in choosing subjects. It is vital that both the student and parent/parents/caregiver are in attendance and involved in the conversation. Bookings will be made through Parent Portal.
Year 7 and 8 students and families – MaPS (Mentor and parent/student) interviews, similarly to parent teacher interviews, this is an opportunity for your son to lead a conversation with you and his House Mentor about his Semester 1 results and his goals for Semester 2. The purpose of the MaPS conferences are:
- To engage parents with your son’s Lauries Journey
- To holistically review Semester 1 results and data
- To set specific and achievable academic and personal goals through data analysis
Booking for the upcoming MaPS conferences are made through the Parent Portal and will open at 4pm Thursday 27 July. Please note:
- Interviews will run from 2pm – 6pm
- Students are expected to attend the conference with their parent/caregiver
- Interviews will be conducted in person at your son’s Homeroom
- These interviews are for students in Year 7 and Year 8 only
- Bookings close on 4pm Friday 4 August
If you are having any difficulties accessing the Parent Lounge, please contact the IT Help desk via ITHelpDesk@slc.qld.edu.au
Friday 11 August – Walkathon and Solidarity Mass
This is a tradition since 1969, when the College used to walk from Stephens Rd to Runcorn. The College has raised over $1 million in this time for various charities. The walk is approximately 15 kms through Highgate Hill, West End, Southbank and Brisbane City before returning to the College Campus. Students will walk with their House and may wear their HPE House shirts for the day. Students have been provided with a QR Code to take donors to our website to donate. The Walkathon is preceded by a whole College Solidarity Mass. The day is one of our largest traditions and a fond memory of many of our current and past students.
Wednesday 16 August – SLC Sports Day
Ekka Wednesday has been the Lauries Sports Day since…forever!
Held at Runcorn Sports Fields, commencing at 8.30am sharp for students and finishing this year at 2.30pm. This compulsory event contributes to ‘double’ interhouse points for the House Cup. Families are known to set up a picnic area on the hill, with gates opening to Runcorn for families from 6am. It is highly encouraged for families to set up early – there will be specific areas for marquees and BBQ areas on top of the hill on Field 1 (behind house areas) and inside the fence line of Nathan Road. It is a great day. A reminder that the train is a good option for transport, with the Runcorn Train Station being right next to the playing fields. With the whole school in attendance and many families, please consider leaving home early as parking will be at a premium.
Thursday 10 and Friday 11 August – Student Free Days
We trust that this information assists our new families to understand some of our traditions, upcoming events and managing busy family calendars. Attendance at events such as SLC Sports Day and Walkathon are part of the formation of our future Old Boys. Non-attendance or leaving early is a missed opportunity in the Lauries Journey.
E-Safety Guide
With students spending more and more time on digital devices, it can feel a little daunting trying to keep track of the various games, apps and social media platforms that are available to students. Created by the Australian government, the e-Safety guide provides parents with an overview of the programs as well as information on how the apps are used, how to protect personal information, moderate comments and tagging, report inappropriate content, etc.
Access the Guide HERE
Sleep and Staying Engaged – Resources for Teenagers
This week, I was sent some resources from the University of Queensland in regard to sleep for teenagers and staying positive for our Senior boys.
See HERE to learn about the how many hours a teen should get and what the impacts are from both too little and too much sleep.
It is often difficult to see that light at the end of the tunnel that is high school. Try these tips HERE to help your teen persevere when things get tough.
The Pastoral team wishes all students the best in the coming weeks with these events on top of their regular study, assignments and exams. Live Jesus in our hearts… Forever.
MS VANESSA BELL
Dean of Middle School (Pastoral Care)