This weekend, we will welcome back many past students to the College. In particular, we welcome the Old Boys from the Classes of 2013, 2003, 1993, 1983 and 1973 for school tours on Saturday afternoon. Each cohort will then move to a variety of venues for dinner. 

On Sunday we will celebrate the Old Boys Mass. Fr John Gillian will lead the mass. This is a special occasion when families gather to remember deceased Old Boys. 

From 12pm, a lunch will be held at the College for Senior Old Boys who graduated prior to 1973.

It is remarkable that so many of our past students have maintained connections often decades after leaving our gates. The spirit of the College remains alive long after graduation. I thank Helen Turner, Will Pike, Lachlan Prince and Meghann Collins for their work in organising the dinners. I also thank Paul Corfield and Kerri-Anne O’Neill for the organisation of the Old Boys Mass.

Old Boys’ Foundation

On Wednesday evening, our Old Boys’ Foundation under the leadership of Allan Layton gathered to discuss their contribution to the College. The Foundation has the sole aim of providing bursaries for students who would not normally be able to attend the College. Their work is exceptional. I thank Old Boys, Allan Layton, Bernie McGowan, Will Siganto, Rob Siganto, Dane Fitzgibbon, Paul Begg and Cameron Wigan for their excellent work in giving young people access to a Lauries education. I thank all past students who contribute to the growth of the College and Catholic mission in Brisbane.

Art Show and Concert Events

The Visual Art and Music Faculties have combined this week to host an Art Show and some music concerts. Mrs Maria Mavritsky and her staff have provided an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their work. On Thursday and Friday evening families were able to view some outstanding Artwork across Year 5 – 12 at the College. Coinciding with the Art Show was the Strictly Strings concert on Thursday evening and a Big Band Blast on Friday evening.

Many of these performances have been the last chance for our Seniors to perform for members of our community.

QCMF

Last week over 600 of our musicians performed at the Queensland Colleges Music Festival held at Villanova College and St James Church. I thank Villanova for hosting a spectacular event. From our community, I thank the Principal of Villanova, Mr Paul Begg, and his staff for their efforts.

Our students performed very well and I thank Mr Capern and the music staff for their superb leadership of our music program. Our students were successful in gaining 11 Gold awards, 5 Silver awards and 1 Bronze award over the course of the four day event.

Sports Day

I also congratulate Mr Pat Byron and the sports staff for organizing our annual Sports Day held last Wednesday. We had record attendance on the day and this was a great community event. I congratulate Nagle House on winning the day.

Debating

On Wednesday evening our Senior Debating team competed in the Grand Final of the Queensland Debating Union event held at Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School. Unfortunately, our team was narrowly defeated by St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace. I congratulate Jack Montague, Max Rossberg, Cruze Bunting and Cornelius Brummer for their outstanding achievement. I also thank Dr Chris Boerdam for his coaching and mentoring of these young men.

Year 12 Mock Exams

Next week our Year 12 students will begin their mock exams preparation for external assessment to be held in Term 4. This is a most important time for our Seniors and this marks a significant milestone as our Seniors move towards their Senior retreat in the final week of Term 3. I wish all Seniors well in the coming weeks.

College Planning

Over the course of this weekend, our School Advisory Council will meet with the College Leadership Team to develop our new Strategic Plan for 2024-2026. This is an important plan as it sets the direction for the next three years. I acknowledge the Council of Dr Michael Drew, John Vaitsas, Genevieve Green, Michael Batch, Michelle Prendergast, Stephen O’Kane and Ben Lowrie. I thank these people for their attention to our mission.

On Tuesday we will also conduct the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board review. This is a review held every five years to assure NSSAB that the College meets all regulating guidelines. It is a significant event and I thank the College Leadership Team, especially Ben Lowrie, assisted by Carmen Nauer and Lucy Byron for their work in preparing us for this review.

Enrolment

We are currently in the process of finalising interviews for students seeking enrolment in Year 5 2025. Offers will go out in the final week of term. Indeed, our Principal's Tour held this Wednesday had significant attendance.

I thank Mrs Tina McManus for managing this process. Enrolment interest is very strong at the moment and I ask all families to follow the appropriate timelines to ensure enrolment of their son.

75 Years of Villanova College

On Friday I attended the Mass at Villanova College to celebrate 75 years of Catholic Education. 

Archbishop Mark Coleridge celebrated Mass. I congratulate the Principal, Paul Begg (Senior Class of 1987) and the Deputy Principal Mr Steve Bremner (Senior Class of 1995) for such a wonderful celebration.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

Principal

Sony Camp Volunteers: 

Preparations are underway for Sony Camp this year. Sony Camp is a joint collaboration between St Laurence’s College and Loreto College which offers respite and weekend care for families caring for children with disabilities. As a community, we would like to offer you the ability to be able to assist with some of the following.

11am-1pm: Lunch time prep and service. If parent groups would like to donate a meal to cook for roughly 60 people, we would love to discuss this with you.

6:30am – 8:30am: BBQ breakfast service. If parent groups would like to donate a meal to cook for roughly 60 people, we would love to discuss this with you.

If there are any parents who are nurses, we would also love it if you might be able to donate some hours in helping to care for some of our campers with differing needs.

Also if there are any parents who might have access to things such as entertainment, discounted foods for our Pizza and Movie night, outdoor cinemas we would love to speak with you. We want to make this a special experience for our campers. Anything that we can provide to give it a big wow factor and make this a special weekend for our campers, we want to do this!

If you would like to help could you please email James Mendoza JMendoza@slc.qld.edu.au

East Timor Immersion 2024:

Thank you to those parents who were able to attend our parent information evening about our East Timor Solidarity Immersion. The immersion will take place from June 15 -June 30 2024 and is open to students from Years 10 - 12. This is a unique opportunity to experience the culture and history of a proud country and its continued fight for justice and for their people.

If you are seeking more information about the immersion, please follow this link to a presentation that was made for our Parent Evening. 

The total cost of the immersion is $4,100 with a $500 deposit due on the Monday 16 October 2023. If you would like more information about the immersion, please let me know and I am happy to follow up with you.

Could you please confirm your part in the Immersion at the link below and we will begin setting up the Parent Portal Payment link which will be out in the coming weeks. If you would like to talk further please feel free to email me.

https://forms.office.com/r/5kkri2Pkwg

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

Year 12 Debating Final

A very sincere congratulations to the Year 12 Debating team who competed in the Grand Final at Brisbane Girls Grammar on Wednesday evening. This is the first time the College has had a team at any year level in the grand final for this competition. Very ably led by Dr Chris Boerdam (Head of English), the team is Jack Montague, Max Rossberg, Cruze Bunting, and Cornelius Brummer. Congratulations boys on a wonderful effort!

Assessment Focus

I have spoken to the Year 12 cohort over the past couple of weeks concerning the need to ‘ramp-up’ to External Assessment. I asked students to ensure that they pace themselves so that they don’t burn out before exams commence. It is important for students to rest and rejuvenate, then start to focus their study on Mock Exams this week. Mock exams are used by teachers to identify deficiencies, and then provide targeted feedback and learning for students in Term 4. Students should be at their peak energy levels at the start of External Exams.

The QCAA External Examination Schedule can be found HERE.

This philosophy can also be applied to other year levels. While it is important to study consistently throughout the term, it is also vital for students to peak at the commencement of assessment periods. Participation in co-curricular activities can provide an excellent way to take a break from the books, while maintaining connections with the community.

ELEVATE Education

As previously advertised, ELEVATE Education will run a number of free webinars online for Lauries parents. The next webinar is on Wednesday 30 August, and is focussed on How to Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking. The details of this free webinar are below:

How to Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking

Wednesday August 30 | 6:30 – 7:30pm (AEST)

The webinar will discuss:

• The most effective way to structure notes
• The three levels of acquiring knowledge and how to implement this with your child at home
• The power of deliberate practice and the fastest way for your child to improve their marks

Registration for the free webinar can be accessed here.

Year 12 - Upcoming Mock Exams 

Please find the upcoming mock exam schedule [HERE].

A reminder that mock exams are vitally important for students to attend. The results enable us to target specific concepts in preparation for upcoming External Assessment (EA). Mocks also enable us to establish an environment for Year 12 students that replicates EAs. This is essential. The intent is for the exams to be structured and calm – so that students can perform at their best.

Year 12 students must:

• Arrive at least 20mins before the start of the exam
• Arrive with the correct equipment
• Leave mobile phones in lockers or bags outside
• Adhere to academic integrity policies at all times
• Wear the correct uniform, be clean shaven and display positive behaviour around the College, particularly as the remainder of the school will be in normal classes.

Competency Catch-up for Certificate Subjects

During the Mock Exam period, students who study Vocational subjects may be required to attend school during specific periods in order to catch up on competencies. This period is very useful for students to complete overdue work, and assists in both achieving the qualification and obtaining vital QCE points.

Conclusion

I wish all students and families the very best as we move towards the end of term.

Live Jesus in our hearts…Forever!

Best wishes,

DR LIAM HERBERT

Dean of Teaching and Learning

Sports Day

Glorious weather, good spirits, strong student and parent attendance combined for a fantastic community event which was our Sports Day. All Houses competed with vim, vigour and a tremendous amount of pride and colour. I congratulate all those who put so much into making this such a successful event, especially Mr Pat Byron and Sports Office.  

Art Show and Concerts

It was truly a privilege to attend last night’s Art Show and Strictly Strings concert. The talent showcased on one evening was a tribute to the dedication of our Art and Music Departments and the amazing creative and cultural talents of our students from Year 5 to 12. The variety of different mediums on display never ceases to amaze and as usual, I was in awe of the talent of our students. Thanks to Ms Mavritsky and her team for the wonderful work they do.  

The Strictly Strings concert was a musical delight! Mr Ross Capern impeccably donned his tails, minus the top hat, to begin the concert with a piece from the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by him and Mr Ben Adkins. Numerous pieces were played by the various orchestras through to the final piece by String Orchestra 1, conducted by Ms Amanda Tio. All students played beautifully and it was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance. 

The Art Show continues this evening and will be accompanied by the Band Blast Concert.  

Year 8 and 9 Father and Son Afternoon 

Time with our children is precious, especially in the midst of all of the chaos that life throws at us! Therefore, we extend a warm invitation to the fathers or important male figure in the lives of our Year 8 students to join their boy this Thursday afternoon at the College. The afternoon will begin at 4.30pm with a burger and beverage before participating in numerous ‘challenge by choice’ games and activities. Together test your skills at putt putt, your general knowledge, your hand-eye coordination, your artistic flair and many other fun options. 

For catering and organisational purposes, RSVPs close this Monday at 5pm. Below are a few photos from last year’s event. 

Year 7 Orientation Day

This Friday we will not only welcome our Year 5s for 2024, we welcome our Year 7s. Again this year, all Year 7 students for 2024 will attend and participate in a fun day where they will get to know their Head of House, House Mentor and other key staff who will assist their transition to Lauries. Our Heads of House are looking forward to beginning the connection between the boys coming from our Primary with the boys coming from our feeder schools so that all students immediately feel like ‘Lauries Boys’! 

Week 8

As Week 7 comes to a close and we embark on the final three weeks of Term 3, it is important for students to keep their eye on the finish line and not pull up early. Whether they be Year 12 students beginning their Mock Exams down to Middle School busily working on assignments or revising for exams, it is critical that they manage their time effectively. Students are reminded that all of the resources they need for an effective study timetable and tutorial timetables are on the Student Portal.

Best wishes for the coming week.

MS VANESSA BELL

Dean of Middle School (Pastoral Care)

A huge congratulations to students and staff involved in the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival last week. It was wonderful to be able to return to the live format and all ensembles did incredibly well. 

 Each ensemble was adjudicated against the criteria set for the category they entered and were awarded a bronze, silver or gold award for their performance. The results from this year are included below.

GOLD

• Brotherhood
• Big Brotherhood
• Little Brotherhood
• Cambiata
• Guitar Orchestra 1
• Guitar Orchestra 2
• Big Band 1
• Big Band 2
• Big Band 3
• Concert Band 2
• Symphony Orchestra

SILVER

• Concert Band 1
• String Orchestra 1
• String Orchestra 2
• String Orchestra 3
• Treblehood

BRONZE

• Concert Band 3

Australasian Double Reed Society’s (ADRS) National Competition

On Sunday 20 August, three Lauries boys participated in the Australasian Double Reed Society’s (ADRS) National Competition. This is a special organisation, especially for bassoonists and oboists. Liam Liau (Year 7), Eamon Hayles (Year 6, primary music leader) and Ethan Pipia (Year 6) all performed a bassoon solo for the first time at the QLD Conservatorium of Music (Griffith University). All played very well and found the experience a positive one. It was also an opportunity to hear other bassoonists, including tertiary students.

Queensland Conservatorium Vocal Pedagogy Course

This week, Ms Utley, our voice teacher and Dr Young accompanied students to the annual male-changing voice lecture for the Masters of Vocal Pedagogy students at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. 

Our students spoke powerfully about their experiences of singing and voice change. The College has an international reputation for its work with male singing and has been the subject of a number of journal articles and book chapters on the subject. 

We were welcomed to the conservatorium by Dr Ron Morris and Associate Professor Dr Irene Bartlett who run the vocal pedagogy course. Dr Bartlett’s father, husband and son attended St Laurence’s College and has been a great supporter of our work.

• 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.
• Sunday 22 - Tuesday 24 October: Senior Ensembles Music Camp (Mapleton)
  Ensembles – Concert Band 1, String Orchestra 1, Guitar Orchestra 1, Brotherhood

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

College Sports Day – EKKA Wednesday 

It was wonderful to see the large amount of families who were able to join us for our annual EKKA Wednesday College Sports Day. It is always a great day on the College calendar and it was great to see so many families, students and staff members enjoy themselves. 

The day started with a bang, with lines of cars cueing up at 5.30am, with families arriving ready to make their ‘claims of land’ for their marquees, BBQ’s and eskies, and assisting each other in their preparations for the day. This continued throughout the day with the great engagement by the boys in all the events, and where possible, families as well. Seeing Senior students engaging positively with Primary students in all events was fantastic and this building of relationships, positive support and unwavering House spirit helps shape the day and give all students and families a positive ‘Lauries’ experience.  

A massive day like EKKA Wednesday Sports Day could not occur without the hard work and enthusiasm of a number of staff. I would like to particularly mention our Runcorn Ground staff. Their preparation of the venue was first class and it was commented several times throughout the day on how good the fields looked.

The format for the day was changed this year, with the 100 meters heats moving to Field 4, and the House relays being into the Rotations schedule. Thank you to all the staff involved in the day, your enthusiasm, flexibility and hard work ensured that the day ran smoothly. I would like in particular to thank the 10 Heads of House for their incredible work in guiding their Houses throughout the day and the staff on every event who made the day run smoothly. Thank you also to the Lauries Hospitality and Maintenance staff who came out to Runcorn to assist, your help was invaluable.  

The focus for the day is student involvement and family fun, however, there is also a competitive side! 

Well done to Nagle House on their victory, and well done to all the students who competed so hard throughout the day. A special mention though, must go to Year 5 student Bailey Manning who won the final and the prestigious ‘Lezinski Handicap’ event edging out the fast finishing Terrel Thorne on the line.

Manchester City Football School at St Laurence’s 

On EKKA Wednesday at Gair Field, we held our Manchester City Football School trials for Year 5 and 7 2025 intakes. The trials were very well attended with over 100 trialists taking part on the day, whilst all coaches were very impressed with the standard of football on display.

The day began with the Year 5 (2025) hopefuls taking to the field and being assessed via Small Sided Games, followed by a similar set up for the Year 7 (2025) boys. We are very excited with the next crop of players coming through the ranks with the future of Lauries Football looking bright. 

Round 6 AIC 

This weekend the College is playing St Edmunds College in all AIC fixtures. The Open teams are all away in Ipswich, with the junior Basketball and Tennis teams playing at home.

Good luck to all the teams involved.

Upcoming Cricket Opportunities 

Term 4 Cricket- A reminder that Term 4 Cricket registrations close soon. Registration is open to all current and future St Laurence’s College students. Please see the College App for more details.

September Holidays Henschell Cricket Academy Camp- Again this year, our cricket partners at Henschell Cricket Academy will be holding an exclusive camp for St Laurence’s students. Please see the flyer HERE for more details.

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

For Year 12 students interested in purchasing Graduation Rings, please see the attached order form HERE.

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

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.

Please see HERE information from Queensland Rail regarding extended track closures for September and October as a result of Cross River Rail.

Please see HERE information from Yeronga Swimming regarding Holiday Clinics.