Newsletter 

This week our Year 12 students have continued their mock exams in preparation for Term 4 external assessments. Our Year 11 students have also been on their assessment block as they conclude work from Unit 2. I would like to congratulate our students on their application to their studies as we move into a very busy Term 4.  

Year 12 Leadership 2024

Next week our staff will be journeying to Camp Laurence with our Year 11 boys to discuss what leadership means at our College. This is also the time when the cohort will decide who will lead them in 2024.

Year 12 Retreat 

Mr Corfield and Mrs O’Neill have worked tirelessly to ensure the Year 12 Retreats are well organised and relevant. Our Seniors will journey to five different sites next week. These retreats are integral to our Lauries Journey program as our boys prepare for life after school. We pray for them all.

EREA Leaders of Wellbeing & Learning Conference 

On Thursday and Friday of this week, Dr Herbert facilitated a conference for over 100 delegates from Edmund Rice Schools from across the country. It is great to see how schools live the Edmund Rice mission in a variety of contexts. It was a great event and I thank all staff who supported Dr Herbert.

Ian Cameron, Rest in Peace

On Tuesday we celebrated the life of Ian Cameron (Class of 1981). Ian was Senior Sergeant at Acacia Ridge Police Station, a passionate Old Boy and a stalwart at South’s Rugby Club. Over 1,500 attended the police funeral held in ERPAC. On behalf of our community, I offer our condolences to the Cameron Family. It was a privilege to be able to host the funeral. May he Rest in Peace.

Hogan Deck 

During the holidays, construction will begin on a new deck and covered area behind the current Primary Precinct. This project will conclude in March 2024, and this represents a significant increase in shade and outdoor tutoring spaces. I look forward to the completion of this project.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

Principal

Year 12 Retreat: 

Next week the Year 12’s will take part in their Emmaus Retreat. This is a significant milestone as it begins the ending point of their Lauries Journey. The theme of the retreat looks at the Emmaus story in the bible where Jesus, who was thought dead, walked with two of his apostles in their time of grief. We then match this with the story of St Christopher who carried a young child across a raging river but the point of the story is who carried St Christopher. We use these stories to open our students to exploring two key questions; who is carrying me and who am I carrying?

Through a series of talks delivered by staff and small group discussions facilitated by staff and Old Boys, students explore key themes such as our life journey, spirituality and relationships. The main goal is for our students to look at where they have come from and where they are going as well as who are the people that will carry us and who will we carry. This is always a great retreat and gives our Seniors time to explore where they are and where they are going. The moments where we share story are sacred and this proves to be a powerful experience for our Year 12 students who are on the cusp of a significant milestone. Parents, we thank you for the role you have played in making this retreat a special experience.

East Timor Immersion 2024

The East Timor Solidarity Immersion will take place in 2024. 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 its people. 

For those who were not able to attend or are interested to know more, we have attached the PowerPoint from the information evening HERE. 

The total cost of the immersion is $4,100 with a $500 deposit due on 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 HERE 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. 

Sony Camp Call out: 

On the weekend of 16 - 18 September, we will be hosting Sony Camp at the College in conjunction with Loreto College. The Children's Holiday Camp Program is a unique respite program that sees both Lauries and Loreto students take on the responsibility for the care of children with disability, allowing their families to have a valuable weekend off. This is a powerful experience for our students who act as carers. For the camp, we aim to provide the best possible experience we can for the young people who join us. Currently, we have things like magicians, a professional disco party and bouncing castles organised. We will have roughly 20 campers and then a further 50 volunteers of students from Loreto and Lauries as well as nurses and teaching staff from both schools. 

We are reaching out to the network to see what connections you may have to be able to provide any of the following:

• For one of the evenings we are hosting a Pizza Party. We are wondering if there is a group who might like to help towards the Pizzas or even those of you who might be franchise owners who might be able to offer discounts. When talking quantities we are looking at up to 90 people. 
• Entertainment: We are looking at providing various types of professional entertainment on the Saturday and Monday morning. We are wondering if there might be those of you with connections to entertainment acts who might be willing to donate time. Even things like costumes dedicated to our theme of “Magic on the Hill”. Even if you have connections to amusement companies with things like rides or carnival games. 
• Plush toys that we might be able to offer as gifts to our young campers
• Further food like snacks, small packets of chips, muffins and more specifically we were hoping there might be anyone willing to donate cartons of apples and Mandarins.

We would appreciate anything that you feel you can provide. Please email JMendoza@slc.qld.edu.au

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

In this week’s edition of the Lauries Learning Hub, the HPE department is shining a light on our Year 8HPE and 11PE students. In Year 8, students have been working through the unit, ‘Let’s get Physical’. Boys have been learning about the anatomy, physiology and movement patterns of the human body and applying this knowledge practically, through participation in a range of fitness-based activities. For their assessment this term, students were given a scenario where they were required to develop a fitness program to improve the overall health of a client. They were then required to select one bodyweight exercise and using the ESIC method (Explain, Show, Instruct and Cue), instruct a fellow classmate on how to do this exercise safely and correctly. The engagement from the boys has been excellent and highly beneficial, applying their learning in real-world contexts and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the importance of physical activity. 

Year 11 Physical Education

Sports psychology is an essential tool for any aspiring athlete, providing strategies that can be implemented to improve performance. Our Year 11 students have been investigating sports psychology concepts such as motivation, arousal, confidence and concentration as well as strategies that can optimise these. Through integrated lessons, content about each concept was delivered and scenarios were set up where students were able to experience each one. An example of this was when we looked at arousal and students were exposed to a range of experiences including a calm, meditative environment through to one that had loud and elevated BPM music and lots of movement. Immediately after each experience, boys were asked to shoot 5 free throws and analyse from the data, which level of arousal was most beneficial to their performance. This formed the basis for their final formative assessment task whereby students had to devise one sports psychology strategy to optimise their own performance and evaluate the effectiveness of said strategy. Below are some snippets of student work demonstrating a high-level of knowledge and understanding.

Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) - National Senior Leaders of Learning Conference

St Laurence’s College – 7-8 September

Thursday and Friday this week, St Laurence’s College hosted senior leaders from national EREA schools. It was a wonderful opportunity for leaders to gather to renew focus and learn from each other as part of a professional learning community. On Thursday, there were nine well-renowned mini keynote presenters, with opportunities for reflection. Both Thursday and Friday afforded delegates the opportunity to present initiatives from different Colleges from across Australia. Lauries was represented by Mr Andrew Newcombe and Mr James McLauchlan, who presented our work on multiple pathways providing a Liberating Education. I thank the support team, particularly Will Pike and Samantha Harris for their support in leading the conference.

Tournament of Minds

Congratulations to our ‘Tournament of Minds’ team who won their division in the category of Social Science last Sunday. They will travel to The Southport School this Sunday for the grand finale. The team, very ably led and mentored by Ms Naomi Lightbody and Ms Megan Huber, consists of Thomas Spence (Year 7), Josiah Spence (Year 9), Nghia Vu (Yearr 10), Chan Kim (Year 10 and Anlin Tso (Year 10). Well done and best of luck!

ELEVATE Education

As previously advertised, ELEVATE Education will run a number of free webinars online for Lauries parents. The next webinar is on Wednesday 13 September, and is focussed on How You Can Support Your Child During Exams. The details of this free webinar are below:

• Webinar: How You Can Support Your Child During Exams
• Date: Wednesday September 13
• Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm (AEST)

The webinar will discuss:

• What to do in the final days before any test or assessment
• How to establish a good routine for the night before
• How to optimise exam-room performance

Registration for the free webinar can be accessed here.

Conclusion

I wish all students and families the very best as we head towards September break.

Live Jesus in our hearts. . . Forever!

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 

University of Cambridge Information Session

The University of Cambridge will be holding a Cambridge in Australasia information session, aimed at students in Grades 10 – 12 and their parents who are interested in finding out more about studying there. The session will be taking place on Thursday 19 October from 6pm – 7:30pm at the Anglican Church Grammar School. Please click the above link for further information or to register.

US Colleges Information Webinar – Brown, Penn, Columbia and Princeton

Joint information webinars are being held by Brown, Columbia, Penn and Princeton Universities, for students interested in finding out more about applying to these US Colleges. The webinars are specifically for students in the Asia Pacific region and will cover topics such as: academic programs, campus activities, student life, admissions and financial aid. They are offering two webinar options:

1. Brown, Columbia, Penn and Princeton Information Session: East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania 9 September
2. Brown, Columbia, Penn and Princeton Information Session: East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania 20 September

Please note, if you are unable to make the times available, you can still register and you will be sent a recording of the webinar.

Free UCAT Information Webinar

NIE will be holding a free Pathways Into Medicine & Dentistry Information Session. This will take place on 13 September and will focus on:

• What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests?
• The Undergraduate Selection Criteria
• Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry
• When and who can sit the UCAT
• UCAT vs GAMSAT - How is UCAT different?
• Can you prepare for the UCAT?
• Undergraduate medical school interview explained and medical school interview preparation advice
• Gap Year
• Alternative degrees and career choices
• Q & A

Keep in mind that NIE does offer a range of fee-for-service UCAT preparation options – attendees are not obliged to sign-up for any of these.

Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute Information Session

The Brisbane Broncos in conjunction with TAFE Qld are offering interested students the opportunity to complete a dual award in the Diploma of Sport and the Diploma of Leadership and Management, which includes 100 hours of real-life work experience within the Broncos organisation. They will be holding an Info session at Red Hill on Thursday 21 September at 1pm. Please click the link for further details or to register.

MR PAUL MOSCOS

Careers Counsellor

Year 11 Leadership Camp

Preparations are well underway for next week’s Year 11 Leadership Camp. We look forward to students diving deeper into their leadership journey, bonding with their House and sharing their vision for 2024. A particular highlight of the camp occurs on Wednesday evening when our parents and caregivers join us at Camp Laurence for Mass to celebrate this most significant point in not only their son’s Lauries Journey, but their own. Thanks to Mr Tim Mallon and the Heads of House for their work with the Year 11s as they begin their journey through significant milestones in the year meeting.

Celebrating Service

Last week was another busy week with two significant events in Middle School. On Thursday night our Year 8 Father and Sons gathered for dinner and an evening of minute-to-win-it style games. This was made possible by Mr Nathan Burridge and 22 Year 10 students who gave their time to set up, run and then pack down the various games and activities that were on offer. Whilst I cannot list them all here, their Heads of House are aware of their contribution and I sincerely thank them for giving their time and making this event a success. I would also mention our Humanities Team who modelled the spirit of Service by serving our meal on the evening along with the other staff who assisted.

In addition to this, we had over 70 students freely devote their entire student-free day last Friday to assist with the success of our Orientation Day which welcomed our 2024 Year 7 cohort to the College. From greeting students and parents on arrival to running games and playing handball through the breaks, I firmly believe that their presence and willingness to connect helped to extend welcome and ease anxiety within the younger boys. Sincere thanks to our ten Middle School leaders and 60 Year 11 students for their enthusiasm and work on the day.

Week 10

The coming week sees our Senior students engaged in finalising assessment, Year 11 Leadership Camp, Year 12 Retreat and culminates on Friday night with our Year 11 Semi Formal. For our Middle School students, it is essential to note that whilst they will be engaged in finalising assessment, work will also begin on their Term 4 units. Whilst some students may try to convince you that all of their assessment has been completed and they can have days off, please continue to send your son to school. Aside from being present for the delivery of new content in their subjects, it is also an important part of their growth and development to understand that we see things through to the end and not ‘pull up stumps’ early.

Term 4 – Year 8 Camp

Our Year 8 Camp at Noosa North Shore takes place in Week 2 of next term. All of the information and what to bring list has been sent out by Mr du Plessis, along with reminders to RSVP. If you have not already done so, please RSVP via the Parent Lounge. This is an extremely enjoyable camp with a variety of fun activities that allow for student formation and building House spirit.

Best wishes for the week ahead as we count down to a well-earned break.

MS VANESSA BELL

Dean of Middle School (Pastoral Care)

Around the Grounds – Sports Wrap Up

Last week, St Laurence’s College played Marist in our Round 7 Fixtures. In Rugby League, we had a mixed day of results, sharing the wins and losses, however we had two great wins, with the Year 8 team continuing their strong run of form, and the 1st XIII recorded another late come-from-behind victory.

In Tennis, the day was again shared, but special mention must go to the members of the 1st IV who had a great overall victory. With a number of matches won, it came down to the last Doubles game to decide the tie, and the boys put in a fantastic effort winning the match and securing the overall win for the day.

In Basketball, our boys put in a great effort across all grades, with good results coming in Years 8, 9 and 10, where a number of teams had good wins.  

This weekend we play our last round of fixtures against Padua College. The Rugby League teams are away at Banyo, with Lauries hosting the First and Senior Tennis games at Mt Gravatt and Basketball at the College. I would encourage every student to take the time this weekend to thank their respective coaches for the season. Our coaches devote a large amount of time to coaching and mentoring our students each season and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Holiday Training

Track and Field

Over the holidays, our AIC Track and Field students will continue to train and compete in warm-up meets in preparation for the AIC Championships to be held on 5 and 6 October. After a long three terms of sport, this is always a challenging time for our track and field students to continue to train over the holiday period. There have been some excellent individual performances at the meets so far with a number of boys achieving their personal bests. 

All students wanting to gain selection in the AIC team or even students who would like to work on general fitness and speed for their specific team sports are encouraged to read the holiday training information located on the College App.

Athletic Development

All students in Years 7 - 12 are encouraged to attend athletic development sessions during the holidays. Please see the College App- Athletic Development tile for the holiday timetable.

Cricket

Henschell Cricket Academy is again running a holiday cricket camp on Tuesday 26 - Thursday 28 September. Please see the College App – Cricket tile for registration details.

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

EREA Conference Mass

Congratulations to Year 10 Music Service-Learning Class, and choristers from Years 5 – 10 who led the sung worship at the EREA National Leaders of Learning conference, held in the Chapel on Thursday morning. The delegates from the conference were particularly grateful for their assistance with mass. 

Jazz on the Hill

Our annual Jazz on the Hill Concert will be held on Friday 6 October, commencing at 5:30pm. Tickets are now on sale via the QR code on the attached poster. The concert will feature Lauries Big Bands 1,2 and 3, the Centenary State High School Stage Band, Brisbane Girls Grammar Big Band & Stage Band, and our special guests The Andrews Sisters Tribute Band. This is one night in the school calendar not to be missed and promises to be a great night under the stars on Gair Field.

Annual Senior Music Camp | 22-24 October | QCCC Mapleton

Concert Band 1, String Orchestra 1, Guitar Orchestra 1, Brotherhood will be participating in the annual music camp from 22-24 October. This camp will follow the auditions for our 2024 Ensembles and will kickstart the new Music Year.  

Strike Up The Band!

MR ROSS CAPERN

Head of Instrumental Music

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

2024 Canadian Ski Tour – Positions available.

2 positions have become available for the 2024 Canadian Ski Tour. Please access the link for further information or contact Mr Danny O’Sullivan (dosullivan@slc.qld.edu.au / 30101186) for further information.

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

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.