Today our students were able to participate in the annual College Walkathon.  This event has occurred at the College since the 1960’s.  Today we will walk approximately 15km around West End and South Bank to raise funds for worthwhile charities.  The major recipients of funds raised are MND & Me and the St Vincent’s Hospital.

At assembly on Wednesday, Mr Sean Dorney spoke of his personal battle with Motor Neurone Disease.  Sean is the grandfather of Tye (Year 9) and Eli (Year 7).  It was a heartfelt and humble address to the students. Mr Dorney spoke of the exceptional support he has had from the MND & Me Foundation.  It was a remarkable address explaining to the students why it is important to focus on those needing support in our community.

We also heard from Lincoln Hopper from St Vincent’s Aged Care.  He also spoke of the privilege of his role in providing quality care and support for the elderly receiving treatment at the Hospital.

To begin our day Bishop Tim Norton celebrated mass in ERPAC.  We are delighted that Sister Clare and Sister Diedre from the Sisters of Charity could attend along with Mr John Hanley representing the MND & Me Foundation.  It is most appropriate that we begin the day with Mass as we walk in solidarity with those needing support.

The Walkathon was very well co-ordinated by Mr John Butterworth, the Communications and Events team and the Maintenance Staff.  I thank all for their participation and fund raising.  

During the week we also held some significant events.  This included the Year 7 and 8 Mentoring meetings, the Primary Learning Conference, and our Year 9 students selecting subjects for Year 10, 2024.  I thank Dr Herbert, Ms Wardrop, Ms Bell and the Administration and Studies teams for their work here.

I also acknowledge the work of Mr Paul Moscos, Ms Helen Turner and our Old Boys as we held another SLConX evening.  At this event, past students in a variety of professions present their career stories to our older students.  This is most helpful for those students considering career paths into the future.  The focus for this event was Allied Health.  It was a most informative evening.

We wish our Music Students well next week as they compete in the annual Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival (QCMF) held at Villanova College. I thank Mr Ross Capern and staff for their extraordinary work with the students.

I also look forward to our annual Sports Carnival held next Wednesday.

As our Seniors complete their internal assessments for 2023, I wish them well in the coming weeks.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

Principal

Year 12 Provisional Results
We congratulate all Year 12 students who study QCAA General Subjects, as they have completed all of their Internal Assessment. These results will be uploaded to the QCAA for Confirmation on Tuesday 15 August. A reminder to students and parents that these results are provisional only, until they have been confirmed. We hope confirmed results for all IA’s will be released by the QCAA from Tuesday 3 October.

Year 7 (for Year 8 2023) Virtual Subject Information Night – Monday 7 August
On Monday evening this week, families watched the Year 7 Virtual Subject Information presentation. For families who missed the presentation, the link to the presentation is below. Students were also given their Subject Information Handbook to provide essential information and help guide selections.

The link for the Subject Information Night is HERE.

The Middle School Subject Information Handbook can be found HERE.

For further information, please contact Ms Zofia Kentrotis – Head of Middle School Teaching and Learning on zpiperides@slc.qld.edu.au.

Year 9 (for Year 10 2024) Subject Selection Interviews – Tuesday 8 August
I thank Year 9 families who participated in the Year 9 Subject Selection interviews on Tuesday Evening this week. A reminder that families must choose subjects via ‘Web Preference Manager’ (WPM) by Monday 21 August. Students would have received an email outlining the use of WPM. For further guidance and information, the Senior Subject Selection Handbook can be found HERE. 

I ask parents to be mindful that subjects should not be chosen purely based upon subject scaling. We know that a student may achieve a higher scaled score (and eventually ATAR), if they are placed in subjects that they enjoy and where a high degree of success is possible. Subject scaling changes every year and can mean different rankings depending on the raw score, as well as student achievement on external examinations.

Subject choice should be based on:

• Interest in the subject content,
• Ability to achieve success,
• University pre-requisites.

The timeline for Year 9 subject selection can be found below:

Senior Education Training Plan (SETP) Interviews
Our Year 10 students had an opportunity to meet with a senior teacher regarding their future subjects/pathways last Friday. This was an excellent opportunity to review data, set SMART goals and refine subjects if needed.

 Some subjects require mandatory changes, as they are not offered in Year 11 and Year 12. These include:

• Applied Science
• VTS A
• VTS B
• Business Communication
• Cert II in Sport and Recreation

Potential future pathways can be found in the Senior Subject Handbook HERE.

For further information, please contact Mr Andrew Newcombe on anewcombe@slc.qld.edu.au. 

ELEVATE Education
As previously advertised, ELEVATE Education will run a number of free webinars online for SLC parents. The next webinar is on Wednesday 16 August and is focused on 'How You Can Make Technology an Ally'. The details of this free webinar are below:

Webinar: How You Can Make Technology an Ally

Date: Wednesday August 16

Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm (AEST)

The webinar will discuss:

• Technology addiction and how to reduce dependence
• Practical strategies and apps to minimise procrastination
• How to help your child use technology productively to enhance their learning

Registration for the free webinar can be accessed HERE.

I wish all students and families the very best as we move towards Sports Day and Ekka break.

Live Jesus in our hearts…Forever!

Best wishes,

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 Mr Moscos in the Careers Office.
Phone: 07 3010 1158
Email: pmoscos@slc.qld.edu.au

SLConX – Careers in Allied Health
On Thursday night (10 August), we held the third and final SLConX event for the year. Attendees got to hear from Old Boys about their career journeys in the area of Allied Health, with presenters having experience in the fields of Audiology, Social Work, Pharmacy and Psychology. The purpose of SLConX is for our current students to get the opportunity to hear about the many pathways that former SLC students have undertaken to get to where they are now – many of the stories are not linear and these events offer students unique insights into career pathways, as well as the knowledge that, provided they are prepared to put in the work, there are a multitude of ways for them to reach their career goals (and the understanding that it is perfectly ok if their career goals change over time). Thank you to all who have attended these events throughout the year – we look forward to bringing more SLConX evenings across different career areas in 2024.

QTAC Applications Open
QTAC applications are now open for students looking to study at university in Queensland in 2024 (or those that wish to defer their start date until 2025). The ‘how to apply’ PowerPoint can be found here (this is on the Lauries Net portal, so you will need to be logged in).

On time applications are due by 30 September 2023, however some courses, such as creative arts courses and medical courses, may have early fixed closing dates. Some courses may also have additional requirements, such as requiring an interview/audition/essay etc. Students have been advised to check the QTAC Guides, which have been distributed, the QTAC course search, or the individual university website for specific course application requirements.

NOTE: Any students who have not yet collected their QTAC Guide can do so at the Careers Office.

Interstate University Applications
Students wishing to apply to other states need to submit applications through the appropriate Tertiary Admissions Centres (these can be done concurrently with QTAC applications). All Tertiary Admissions Centres are now open for applications for 2024 courses. They are:

• NSW and ACT – www.uac.edu.au (5 preferences)
• VIC – www.vtac.edu.au (8 preferences)
• SA and NT – www.satac.edu.au (6 preferences)
• WA – www.tisc.edu.au (6 preferences)
• TAS – www.utas.edu.au (6 preferences)

All of the above websites have course search functions, where students can check any admission requirements. Please contact the Careers Office if you have any questions pertaining to interstate applications.

Early Offer Schemes
A number of universities have early offer schemes running, where students can apply early and receive an offer prior to ATAR’s being released. The following universities have advertised their schemes for 2024 entry:

• The QUT Year 12 Early Offer Scheme. The scheme means that students who meet the eligibility criteria may get offered a place in their preferred QUT course before the main QTAC offer rounds (and before ATARs are released). Please see their website for details eligibility and which courses are included in the scheme.
• The ACU Guarantee allows interested students to apply to ACU courses on the basis of their Grade 11 results (students are still required to successfully complete their Grade 12 assessments), and may also include personal statements about their circumstances and motivation to study. Further details around eligibility, included courses and key dates can be found on their website.
• The UniSQ Early Offer Scheme can be accessed two ways:
• The Griffith University Early Offer Guarantee is offered for most Griffith University degrees. The website outlines key dates, documentation required and which courses are included as part of their scheme

• Through a Principal’s recommendation
• By having already completed a USQ course through their Headstart Program

Further details, such as how to apply, key dates and included courses can be found on the USQ website.

Creative Media Institute (SAE) scholarships
The SAE Scholarship program invests in future industry professionals, rewarding creative skills, academic excellence and strong leadership. They offer a range of domestic scholarships including full-tuition scholarships, grants and bursaries. Applicants are considered for their creative skill, academic excellence and leadership. Applications are now open and close on Monday 18 September. Click here to find out more including:

• SAE Scholarships
• How to apply
• International applications
• Application tips

Tips for applying for university scholarships
The following are tips to help you maximise your chance of gaining a scholarship:

• Apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for
• Read the information on the university or institution's scholarship web page
• Follow the directions exactly and answer all parts of each question
• Include all documents requested
• If written make sure applications are readable and provide examples to back up attributes and achievements
• Start preparing your application early
• Collect ideas for your application over time – start with dot points
• Keep a list of personal achievements, extra-curricular activities you are involved in, both at school and in the wider community and any awards you have received
• Do drafts of your application – get feedback (see the Careers Office for this)
• Ask referees for supporting statements early, not at the last minute
• Have someone else carefully proofread your application before submitting it
• When required, include examples of personal attributes and achievements such as:  
  • Awards gained
  • Leadership (including coaching)
  • Volunteering and other community participation
  • Teamwork (sport, work, etc).
  • Initiative
  • How you may give back to the university.
  • Include your career aspirations and how the university course can help you achieve them
  • Submit your application by the due date

UQ Young Changemakers Program
Year 11 students are invited to apply for the UQ Young ChangeMakers program, an immersive four-day on-campus experience for students with big ideas. This is a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing leadership opportunities. Students will engage in an interactive program of faculty experiences, inspirational presenters and leadership workshops whilst getting a taste of university life. Fee waivers and travel bursaries are available for students experiencing financial hardship. Date: Sunday 26 - Wednesday 29 November Applications close: Sunday 3 September

Please see the Young ChangeMakers page for more information.

The Hotel School Industry Insights Event
Grade 11 & 12 students interested in the area of tourism and hotel management can experience W Brisbane through the eyes of a hospitality professional. Find out what it is like to work in this dynamic environment by immersing yourself in the behind-the-scenes operations of a luxury hotel. You are invited to this unique, fully interactive experience where you will meet professionals of key hotel departments and have an opportunity to understand their roles. This event is perfect for those wanting a better understanding of the complexities and depth of hospitality careers. The tour will be held on Saturday 26 August from 9.30am to 3pm. W Brisbane is located at 81 North Quay Brisbane City. Click here for more information and to reserve a spot.

Australian Government School Leaver Program - One year job opportunity
The Australian Government School Leaver Program is a 12-month career development program. It is a full-time job with a competitive salary, paid holidays and superannuation. You will build your skills on the job at one of the many Australian Government departments and agencies participating in the 2024 program. If you find you love the job, you can stay on and continue your career in the Australian Public Service (APS). Applications open Wednesday 2 August 2023 for the 2024 program. The 2024 program and your employment will begin in February 2024. Register your interest to receive updates on the Program and future opportunities. Click here for more information including:

• Participating agencies
• What is the program?
• Who is eligible?
• One application, multiple opportunities

MR PAUL MOSCOS

Careers Counsellor

Another eventful week coming up at the College, highlighted by the wonderful Athletics Day at Runcorn on Wednesday. A few important events/opportunities below. 

Walkathon Donations
Thank you for your support of this year's Walkathon. Donations are still welcome and those made before Wednesday 23 August will be contributed to student and House tallies. Donate HERE

Wednesday 19 August – SLC Sports Day
Ekka Wednesday has been the Lauries Sports Day since…forever! Held at Runcorn Sporting 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 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 One (behind house areas) and inside the fence line of Nathan Road. It’s a great day.  A reminder that the train is a good way to get there, 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 17 and Friday 18 August – Student Free Days
Please be reminded that both Thursday and Friday next week will be Student Free Days.

We trust that this information assists our new families understand some of our traditions, upcoming events and assists with managing family’s busy calendars. Attendance at events such as Athletics 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.

Student Pick-up and Drop-off
Parents are requested to ensure that they are utilising the spaces in front of the Lauries Shop when transporting their son/s to and from the College. This includes not picking up students on Stephens Road as this causes traffic issues, particularly in the afternoons with College and Council buses.

All students should be using the lights at the top of Stephens Road to cross in the morning and afternoon. We recently had an incident where a student was crossing the road to get to their parent’s car, did not cross at the lights which resulted in an injury to a cyclist.

For Families from e-Safety
E-Safety webinars are available for free and are accessible via the e-Safety Commission’s website. Parents and carers are encouraged to build their knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences.

Topics include:

• Popular apps – for parents and carers of young people aged 8 to 13

• Online sexual harassment and image-based abuse – for parents and carers of young people aged 13 to 18

Click HERE to find out more.

Apple Watches
For parents with sons that have an Apple Watch, see HERE details that may assist with the ‘do not disturb’ function. Essentially, this function puts the watch into a mode where the students will not get distracted from their work with constant haptic feedback notifications.

The Pastoral team wishes all students the best in the coming weeks and as always, Live Jesus in our hearts… Forever.

MR DAVID KNIGHT

Dean of Pastoral Care (Senior School)

Around the Grounds – Sports Wrap Up
Last week, SLC played against Villanova in all sporting competitions.  It was a mixed weekend, with the College doing very well in Tennis, competing hard but not getting the aggregate in the Basketball, and in the Rugby League the day was shared.

In the Tennis, all teams performed well. A highlight from the day was the Year 8 team who played tremendously well and remain undefeated. For Basketball, all teams put in a fantastic effort, with the Primary Basketball being particularly exciting – 3 of the 4 games came down to the very last play! In Rugby League, the Year 8, 9 and 2nd XIII teams all recorded their first victories for the year. The Primary Rugby League was again very close, with both Year 5 teams scoring Draws and the Year 6 teams remaining undefeated for the season.

This week, SLC is playing St Patrick’s College.  For Basketball and Tennis, our Senior teams will stay at Home while the Junior teams play away.  In Rugby League, Iona will be hosting the Middle and Senior School games, with the Primary Games being played at St Eddie’s Tivoli Grounds.

Good luck to all teams involved.

Just a reminder there are NO GAMES on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 August due to the Ekka Break.

Sports Day 2023 – it’s Happening!!
The Sports Carnival will be held this Ekka Wednesday at Runcorn, with gates opening at 6am. For families wanting to grab a good position for the day, you will need to come early to try and secure your spot!

Canteen, Coffee Van and other Food stalls will be open during the day.

As always, all families are welcome to attend the day to support your son, College and House group!

Manchester City Holiday Clinic
In the upcoming September school holidays, St Laurence’s College is hosting a Manchester City Football School Holiday Clinic for both Boys & Girls.  Registrations are now live and it would be great to get as many football players as possible to this great Clinic!

If you would like further information, please see HERE.

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

Mary Mackillop Mass St Stephens Cathedral
On Tuesday, Patrick Woolley, Declan Layton and Gianluca Jose joined with the choir of Corpus Christie School Nundah, conducted by Bree Gillies, the Cathedral organist Dominic Perissinotto and Cantor Eva-Marie Perissinotto in providing the music for the Archdiocesan Mass for the feast of St. Mary MacKillop. It was great for our students to perform at a major event so close to where Mary MacKillop taught and worshipped.

Our musicians were privileged to work with 2008 Old Boy, Cameron Millar who is visiting Australia from the Netherlands where we works as a professional saxophonist and music educator. Cameron studied at the Qld Conservatorium of Music and received his Masters degree in classical saxophone from the Fontys School of the Arts in the Netherlands. It was as very inspiring day for the students.

Qld Catholic Colleges Music Festival – 17 to 20 August 
The Qld Catholic Colleges Music Festival is a major event on the music calendar. This year we have 18 ensembles and 400 students participating. There will be 10 000 Catholic school music students and 100 schools from around Qld participating in the 4-day festival.  Our performances are spread from Thursday 17 August to Sunday 20 August.  A full schedule is available on the College App.

Lauries Music Support Group Trivia Night 
A big thank you to parents and friends who attended the LMSG fundraiser trivia night last Friday evening. It was an enjoyable evening and raised over $3000 for the music department. Thank you to the LMSG committee for organising this great event.

TERM 3 and 4 EVENTS:

• Monday 14 August – Vocal Recital (Chapel)
  Performances by our vocal students in Years 5-12

• Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 August - Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival (Villanova College, Coorparoo)
  Ensembles performing:  Concert Bands 1, 2 & 3, Big Bands 1, 2 & 3, String Orchestras 1, 2 & 3, Symphony Orchestra, Guitar Orchestras 1 & 2, Treblehood, Cambiata, Little Brotherhood, Brotherhood, Big Brotherhood and Year 5 Musicianship.

• Thursday 24 August - Strictly Strings Concert @ 6pm (ERPAC)
  Ensembles performing: Year 5 String Orchestra, String Orchestras 1, 2 & 3, Symphony Orchestra and Fellowship of the String

• Friday 25 August - Band Blast Concert @ 6pm (ERPAC)
  Ensembles performing:  Year 5 Concert Band, Concert Bands 1, 2 & 3 and Percussion Ensembles 1 & 2
  
• Tuesday 29 August - Choral & Guitar Concert @ 6:30pm (Toowong)
  Ensembles performing:  Treblehood, Cambiata, Little Brotherhood, Brotherhood, Big Brotherhood and Guitar Orchestra 1
  
• Friday 8 September – Finale Concert 2 @ 5pm (McElligott Theatre)
  Ensembles performing:  Guitar Orchestra 2 and Year 5 Guitar Orchestra
  
  
• Friday 6 October – Jazz on the Hill @ 5:30pm (Gair Field)
  Ensembles performing: Big Bands 1,2 and 3, Centenary State High School Stage Band, Brisbane Girls Grammar School Stage Bands
  
  

If you would like further information regarding any of the above, please contact the music department via music@slc.qld.edu.au or telephone 07 3010 1138.

Strike Up The Band!

MR ROSS CAPERN

Head of Instrumental Music

The Royal International Convention Centre will play host to the Lauries Gala Dinner in 2023 on Saturday 2 September.

St Laurence’s College’s premium night out for our community members is a great chance to share a meal and conversation with new and old friends while raising money for the St Laurence’s Old Boys Foundation and St Laurence’s College Building Fund.

Planning for Sony Camp 2023 has commenced, and we are looking for any parents with qualifications as a nurse, doctor or paramedic who would be willing to volunteer their time and assist us on this camp. The camp is an overnight camp and takes place on 16 - 18 September and will be held here on sight at the College.

If you have any questions or would like to seek further information can you please email James Mendoza (Head of Service Learning) at sonycampapplications@slc.qld.edu.au

After a hiatus in 2022, the Devil of a Lunch will return on Friday, 25 August to the familiar venue where it all started in 2018. Our association with Club Yeronga (previously Yeronga Services and Community Club) has been forged since 2017 and we are delighted to bring the event back to the newly renovated Club Yeronga. Book your tickets HERE.

The students that are going on the Vietnam Immersion Tour – Building across Borders would like to thank the community for their support at Back to Runcorn last weekend. The boys ended up raising enough money to cover the building costs of one of the houses to be built in the September holidays.

Winners:

• 1st Prize was won by Mr Matt Laughton – Ashgrove 
• 2nd Prize – Mrs Pink – Ashgrove
• 3rd & 4th Prizes – Hansell and Barker families – SLC 

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.

St Laurence's College and the Old Boys' Association are excited to launch the first SLOPA (St Laurence's Odl Boys Performing Arts) Theatre Sports Competition. Teams of 4-6 are invited to compete in this competition, with all members of the Lauries community invited to take part. Included in the team cost are two workshops for participants run by the College Drama Department and Old Boys. For further information, please contact the College Assistant Head of Faculty - Drama, Rebecca Dorge on rdorge@slc.qld.edu.au. 

From Monday 18 - Wednesday 20 September, the Manchester City Football School Holiday Clinic will be available for Boys and Girls with a keen interest in finessing their skills on and off the pitch.

During the three days, participants will experience a combination of on field skills training and in-class coaching under the direction of the Manchester City Football School Head Coach, Jamie Davies. Participants are required to attend all three days.

8-10 Year Old Boys: 8am - 11am
11-13 Year Old Girls: 12pm - 3pm
St Laurence's College, 82 Stephens Road, South Brisbane
$225 per person and includes a training shirt

Spaces are strictly limited for the clinic. For those interested in taking part, please complete the Expression of Interest form link HERE by Friday 18 August. Applications will be reviewed and offers sent to players by Wednesday 23 August. Places will need to be accepted and paid for by Friday 25 August to secure a position.