FROM THE PRINCIPAL
During the week we conducted two fathers’ or carer events in recognition of Father’s Day celebrated this Sunday. On Wednesday evening, Mr Wigan and our Primary staff held a movie night event in ERPAC.
The following evening Ms Bell coordinated a Year 8 event at various venues across the College. Both of these events were very well attended. I also acknowledge the Humanities staff who prepared the food for the Year 8 event.
We thank and acknowledge the significant impact that fathers and male role models have had on our young people. I trust that all fathers and male carers will have a great day on Sunday. We also remember our fathers and grandfathers who are no longer with us.
Year 11 & 12 Assessment
Our Year 12 students are currently involved in Mock examinations in preparation for their external assessment to be held next term. Our Year 11 students are also on block exams completing Unit 2 assessment. We wish all the students well with their study.
Year 12 Leadership 2024 and Year 12 Retreat
Our Year 11 boys are also involved in the process of selecting student leaders for 2024. Initial student votes have been held for those boys applying for the College Captain position. As an integral part of the process, our Year 11 students will journey to Camp Laurence in the final week of term to finalise the selection of all student leaders for 2024. A great deal of time and effort goes into student formation at our College. I thank Mr Knight and the Pastoral staff for their efforts here.
In the final week of this term, our Seniors will embark on their annual retreats. This retreat is timed to coincide with the conclusion of work in Unit 4 of their courses. It is on this retreat that the students are asked to reflect on their Lauries Journey and they are encouraged to show gratitude for the support that others have given them over this time. I thank Mr Corfield, Mrs O’Neill and the staff who coordinate these retreats for their outstanding efforts here. I extend my best wishes to both the Year 11 and Year 12 students in the coming weeks.
Vale’ Ian Cameron
On Tuesday of next week we have been asked by the Queensland Police Service and the family of Mr Ian Cameron (Class of 1981) to conduct his funeral at the College. It has been a privilege to work with the QPS in saying farewell to Ian. He died suddenly last week and is well known to generations of Old Boys who played Rugby at Souths. He is also a man who provided much support to members of the QPS over many years. Ian was the Senior Sergeant of Police at Acacia Ridge.
We pray for his family and friends at this time. May Ian rest in Peace. I thank Will Pike, in particular, for coordinating this event.
Gala Ball
On Saturday, the Parents of the College will conduct our annual Gala Ball at the Royal International Convention Centre. This promises to be a great night with all funds raised going to the St Laurence’s College Old Boys Foundation and the College Building Fund.
I again thank Will Pike, Kerry Estelle, Carrie Leary and Kerry Collins for their efforts in organising this Ball.
Class of 1953 & 1963
On Tuesday members of the graduating classes of 1953 and 1963 returned to the College as the final event in our series of events where we welcome past students back to the College.
At assembly, Mr Knight and our students acknowledged these men who left our gates 60 or 70 years ago.
The Chair of the Old Boys Foundation, Mr Allan Layton, also presented me with a cheque for $100,000 to assist our families with school fees. I thank Allan and his team for their work, and I was delighted to host our past students on Tuesday.
Orientation Day
Today we were able to welcome all new students for Year 5 2024 and new and continuing students for Year 7 2024. Approximately 450 students attended on the day. This Orientation Day is an important day where we are able to ensure that transition to the College is as easy as possible. I thank Ms Bell, Mr Wigan, and Mr Burridge as well as Primary and Pastoral staff for coordinating the day.
Learning Leaders Conference
Next week we will also host a Learning Leaders Conference for over 100 delegates from Edmund Rice Schools from across the country. Dr Liam Herbert has coordinated the Conference and I welcome all delegates to Brisbane, and I thank Dr Herbert and his staff for organising this significant event. Once again, I must thank Mr Will Pike for his assistance with this event.
I wish all boys from Years 5 – 12 well as we move into the assessment period to conclude the term.
MR CHRIS LEADBETTER
Principal
