This week we celebrate the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice (Sunday 5 May). Historically we know Edmund Rice as a man of Faith and Action. Core to the life of Blessed Edmund Rice was his faith, his vocation was firmly fixed on the role that Jesus played in showing us how to live. Several times a day, he would recite the phrase 'Live Jesus in our Hearts Forever', always ensuring that this was his focus. A practice that we at St Laurence’s, like other EREA schools, replicate as a ritual.

As a man of faith, he had a vision for a world that was inclusive of all. This manifested itself in his life through his compassionate engagement with others, particularly the poor and vulnerable.

Following tragedy in his life, through prayer, he discerned a way forward that was to see him develop an educational system that sought to ‘raise people up’ in society, advocating for all so that they could participate fully in the world in which they lived. His legacy of educating young people to “Live Jesus in their hearts,” so as to be compassionate advocates for others, is one of the cornerstones of education at St Laurence’s College as articulated in the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition. (slc.qld.edu.au)

On Wednesday we celebrated Mass with Fr Gerry Kalinowski (Old Boy of the Class of 74). We were blessed to have Fr Gerry preside as he was able to bring an Edmund Rice and Laurie’s context and understanding to the messages of the Gospel. On the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice, Father Gerry called us all to be shepherds:

“A Shepherd is a symbol for teachers, leaders and anyone who has influence in the lives of others. The way a shepherd (leaders/ teachers) relates to people shows whether they are true shepherds or thieves and brigands. Thieves steal by craft; brigands steal with violence. Both steal. They take things away from people. They leave people less than when they found them.

"True shepherds are the opposite. They leave people more than when they found them. They do this because they know people by name, which means they discern the inner potential of people and call it forth. Jesus the true shepherd is a gate to creating life in people.

"A focus of the College this year is inclusion. It is about one flock that is welcoming and spacious to live with difference. You well appreciate that Blessed Edmund Rice lived Christ’s Spirit of justice and dignity for all, especially those less fortunate. Our celebration is that God will inspire us to be similar gateways.”

As an inclusive community in the Edmund Rice Tradition, we are called to continually to be shepherds within society. In 2024 we are committed to providing opportunities for our students that allow for their Faith to be Active, their Education to be Liberating and for them to stand in Solidarity with the marginalised.

Live Jesus in Our Hearts……Forever.

MR BEN LOWRIE

College Principal (Acting)

Edmund Rice Feast Day:

This week we celebrated our Edmund Rice Feast Day mass. As always, our students showed their full involvement in the mass joining in full voice. College Old Boy Fr Gerry Kalinowski celebrated the mass for us and spoke very powerfully in his homily about the dignity that Blessed Edmund wanted for all those he met. In dedicating himself to following Jesus, Edmund devoted his material resources and talents to the most disadvantaged boys of Waterford and other towns. Edmund was not an educator so relied on many partnerships of those around him to help. The touchstone of Justice and Solidarity is inspired by Blessed Edmund and his works. Towards the end of his life, Edmund was living within a monastery when "a poor woman and her children called at the monastery for relief - he [Edmund] had no ready cash about him at the time - he then drew on the pantry and gave her all the stores he could find." Edmund was always aware of his great privilege and would profess for all to "give to the poor in handfuls". Edmund was a man driven by a passion for justice and leaving people’s lives better than he found them. Our College is a place where we receive a liberating education that calls us to use our gifts and talents to be a voice of change and action in our world and to better the lives of those around us.

Year 12 Mother’s Day Mass: Friday 10^th May

St Laurence's College warmly invites Year 12 mothers/carers and their sons to attend our special Mother's Day mass, held at the College in the Chapel of St Laurence O'Toole on Friday 10 May from 7.50-8.30am. This is a wonderful way for mothers and sons to celebrate this special time of year, where we acknowledge the cherished roles of Mothers in the lives of our students at the College. There will be some small refreshments to follow the mass in the chapel forecourt. 

Please respond at the following link if you are a year 12 parent that would like to attend with your son. https://forms.office.com/r/D2HmGAb5yA

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

Learning Walks through the College

This week I had the opportunity to watch three amazing teachers work with our boys in the classroom. Learning Walks involve structured observations where Educators visit classrooms to observe Teaching and Learning practices with a focus on learning experiences. They allow Educators to celebrate bright spots and gain a deeper understanding of learner-centred strategies.

The three lessons were distinctly different – one was a session at the Entrepreneur Club; one was preparation for a Maths exam; the third an English lesson dedicated to reading, grammar and assignment brainstorming. While quite different, all had clarity in their purpose with What? Why? and Success? that were clearly visible throughout the lesson and had Teacher instruction that enabled the boys to feel confident in their completion of required activities.

It’s been a while since I had the opportunity to watch and learn from my colleagues, and I walked away inspired by their craft. Our boys are truly blessed with having passionate, teachers who remain patient while having high expectations for students working to their potential.

MS KIRSTEN WARDROP

Dean of Teaching and Learning (Acting)

St Laurence’s College were thrilled to be invited to Churchie to participate in the 2024 Churchie Literature Challenge. Upon getting the invite, a group of twelve high-performing Lauries students across grades 7-10 were asked to participate based on their academic achievements in English and Literature classes, as well as their commitment to their English studies. For five weeks leading up to the challenge, these students had read and viewed key texts in preparation for the two-day challenge. The Juniors read widely, including Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven and The Black Cat, as well as Coraline and The Corpse Bride. The Intermediate group also read classic and contemporary gothic fiction including The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Macbeth and Edward Scissorhands. A week before, Churchie sent out an additional anthology of texts for boys to become familiar with. It is fair to say that the boys were given plenty of opportunity to fall in love with the Gothic genre!

Day 1 – Wednesday 30^th of April – The day started at 1 PM in the library auditorium along with four other schools: Somerville House, Churchie, Brigidine College and St Margaret’s. The first challenge was an analytical essay where students were given 15 minutes to reflect on questions, as a team, and then 45 minutes to answer them individually. Their knowledge of the texts (and annotations and notes they took while reading them!) were put to the test.

The junior team consisted of Jacob Cleghorn, Isaac Mewing, Sean FitzGibbon and Gus Gwynne.

The intermediate boys had three teams consisting of Harry Dobbin, James Gormley, Ji Jenkins, Sam Totterman, Paddy Kavanagh, Michael Woolley, Nate Ryder, Emmanuel Sabiyumva and Ewan Thomson.

Challenge 2 saw the boys separated into discussion groups with the other schools. Each group had between 7 to 10 people, often meaning they were a token boy in a group of girls. Students were judged on a criterion that included the capacity to contribute ideas, listen and extend the conversation based on their gothic reading. A teacher from St Margaret’s mentioned to me in the hallway that a Lauries boy, Sam Totterman, was a standout in her group. Each boy contributed thoughtfully, expressed themselves articulately and it was a valuable experience for the boys to make connections between the texts and with others.

The last challenge of the day was a creative response task. Inspired by a gothic mood board with written and visual extracts, students were challenged to craft their own gothic texts.

MR RYAN ANSPACH AND MS SALLY SALMON

Secondary School Teachers

Career Counselling

For any students wanting to discuss career information, post-schooling pathways, job skills etc. please see Ms Amy Dyer in the Careers Office.

Phone: (07) 3010 1158

Email: adyer@slc.qld.edu.au

Careers Website

For the latest information, we recommend visiting our Careers Platform. There, you can access up to date resume and cover letter templates, gain insights into work experience opportunities in 2024, explore presentation slides used in information sessions for both students and parents, make a tax file number application, and explore university study options while still in school.

Upcoming Events at SLC

Aussie Athletes Agency – Information evening

SLC students in year 9 - 12 and their parents/caregivers are invited to attend.

Information Session will take place from 5.00pm - 6:30pm on Tuesday 7 May 2024 in McElligott Theatre.

Please complete this form if you would like to attend.

National Careers Week – Guest Speaker

SLC students in year 9 - 12 and their parents/caregivers are invited to attend.

Session will take place in McElligott Theatre from 5:00 – 6:15pm on Monday 13 May 2024.

Guest speakers will discuss their story around uncertainty after year 12 and the pathway they took toward successful and rewarding careers.

Please complete this form by Wednesday 8 May 2024 if you would like to attend.

SLConX - Digital Media and Business/Finance/Law

Event being held from 5:00pm - 6:30pm on Tuesday 28 May 2024 on Level 5 of ERPAC for students in Year 9 - 12 and their parents/caregivers

Please complete this form by Wednesday 22 May 2024 if you would like to attend.

National Careers Week

Resume Writing Workshop / Practice Job Interview Session

Final chance to submit your ANU application

You can submit your university application now and know where you’re heading before you leave school. Your application to ANU involves several steps. They have explained each of these steps in detail to make it easier for you to apply as well as helpful information on how to start your application. Click here to watch their video guide to completing the ANU application form. It contains helpful tips and detailed instructions on the application process. They also have a frequently asked questions section that will assist you to putting together a successful application. Applications close on 13 May 2024.

UCAT ANZ applications closing date reminder

Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2024 for entry to some health related courses in Australia and New Zealand universities in 2025 should note these key dates. Deadline times are 11.59pm AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time. A reminder that the closing date to apply to sit for UCAT is 17 May 2024.

START QUT

Applications for the Semester 2 intake of START QUT are open until 31 May 2024. Students currently in Grade 11 who are interested in completing a university subject whilst still at high school are welcome to apply for this program (the range of course offerings and entry requirements are available on the QUT website, using the above link). Any students considering this must contact Mr Malcolm in the Diverse Learning team (bmalcolm@slc.qld.edu.au).

Griffith University – Upcoming Events

Head Start Program

Griffith University Head Start program helps motivated Year 11 and 12 students accelerate their tertiary studies and gain credit towards a degree while they’re still at school. Successful completion of Head Start also provides guaranteed entry to over 70 single and double degrees from across a range of study areas.

Learn more: www.griffith.edu.au/head-start

International Nurses Day Event

MS AMY DYER

Careers Counsellor

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops to our students that help to develop their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. We have engaged their services to work with our Year 11 students in Term 4 as they begin their final two units of study. As a result of this, they will offer several parent webinars throughout the year. Over the next term, you're invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they're learning at school. Register today at: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars

This week’s Live Parent Webinar: How to Get (and Keep!) Your Child Motivated – Wednesday May 8^th 6:30pm-7:30pm

For many parents, getting their child motivated at the start of term is fairly straightforward – it’s getting them to stay motivated, that’s the challenge.

Elevate’s next parent webinar helps parents to beat that mid-year slump by showing them some simple techniques to boost their child’s motivation and accountability.

Upcoming Webinars:

How to Get (and Keep!) Your Child Motivated 8th May 6:30pm-7:30pm

How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams 22nd May 6:30pm-7:30pm

How You Can Support Your Child During Exams 5th June 6:30pm-7:30pm

Ask me Anything (Live Q&A) 19th June 6:30pm-7:30pm

MS STACEY TAIT

Head of Teaching & Learning (Senior School) (Acting)

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Year 11 Catholic Studies

Our Year 11 students have been participating in leadership workshops with various Heads of House and staff at the College. These workshops start the Senior Leadership Journey which culminate with the selection of student leaders (School Captains, Prefects and House Captains) for 2024. Our focus has been on servant leadership, with various workshops that are imbedded within the Catholic Studies curriculum. I would like to thank all members of the pastoral team for their work in establishing this valuable Year 11 formation opportunity.

Cyber Safety Update – from Family Zone/Qustodio

Family Zone has joined forces with Qustodio to help give parents better visibility of their children’s online activities and balance screen time.

Trusted by five million users worldwide, Qustodio helps children grow with a healthy approach to technology and protects them from online risks.

Data has shown a spike in the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), as students increasingly seek to bypass traditional school and home firewall internet filtering to access blocked content - especially social media, games, adult and violent material. The resulting distraction from learning is significant. But VPN use also exposes students to cyberbullying and other online harms.

But VPN use isn’t solely a technological problem - it’s also a behavioural one. So, education is also required - and awareness on the part of the entire school community that the practice constitutes a serious form of digital disobedience with serious consequences. Family Zone’s powerful technology will help put a stop to VPN use and educate our school community about why online safety matters.

For more information about Family Zone/Qustodio, please click on the link HERE or contact the College’s IT support via email ITHelpdesk@slc.qld.edu.au. They will assist in installing this parent-controlled application onto your son’s laptop should you wish.

Term 2 sport – Chess, Football and Rugby

The Pastoral team would like to wish all participants the very best in the round against St Peter’s Lutheran College on Saturday. Messages to the students this week continue, regarding presentation before and after games (full college winter uniform if staying to watch other games), winning well and losing graciously.

Live Jesus in our Hearts… Forever.

MR DAVID KNIGHT

Dean of Pastoral Care (Senior School)

Edmund Rice Mass

Congratulations to all choirs and members of worship band for leading the college through the Edmund Rice Mass this week.

Super Holiday Music Camp - Brisbane | 26-28 June

The Toowoomba Regional Youth Orchestra is hosting a three-day event at the Old Museum Building during the June school holidays. The camp offers young orchestral musicians the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of superhero music.
Skill level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced musicians. No Auditions required.

Further information: https://www.tryo.com.au/supercamp

Upcoming Events:

7 May – Percussion Ensemble 1 & Guitar Orchestra 1 Workshop | Band Room 3:15-4:30pm

16 May - Junior Ensembles Concert | ERPAC 6:00pm
Ensembles: Year 5 Concert Band, Year 5 String Orchestra, Year 5 Guitar Ensemble, Year 5 Musicianship, Concert Band 3, Percussion Ensemble 3, Big Band 3, String Orchestra 3, Treblehood

21-22 May – Speech & Drama Showcase | McElligott Theatre

22 May - Combined Schools Workshop & Concert | ERPAC 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Ensembles: String Orchestra 3, Treblehood & St Joseph's Kangaroo Point

31 May - Cabaret Concert "A Night at the Movies" | ERPAC 6:00pm
Ensembles: Concert Band 1, Percussion Ensemble 1, Big Band 1, String Orchestra 1, Fellowship of the String, Symphony Orchestra, Guitar Orchestra 1, Brotherhood, Big Brotherhood, Treblehood

Find out more about our Cabaret Concert here.

3 & 5 June – Strings Recital | Chapel

6 June – Piano Recital | Chapel

14 June - Intermediate Ensembles Breakfast Concert | ERPAC Foyer 7:30am
Ensembles: String Orchestra 2, Big Band 2, Concert Band 2, Little Brotherhood, Cambiata

Call for Volunteers – Junior Ensembles Concert

The Music Department and Laurie's Music Support Group (LMSG) are calling for volunteers to assist with Junior Ensembles Concert. If you are available and interested in assisting with the event, please register using the link below.

https://volunteersignup.org/LDH8R 

Volunteers Needed: BBQ & Bar Setup, BBQ & Bar Service, BBQ & Bar Packup, Raffle Ticket Sales, Entry Door Donations
Note: timings volunteers would be required for are included on the registration form.

LMSG Meeting | Tuesday 7 May | 6pm

Our next Laurie’s Music Support Group Meeting will be on Tuesday 7 May in room MU1 (Top floor VAPA building). A great way to support your son at SLC is by joining the parent’s music support group. Meetings are once a month on the second Tuesday of each month (term time).

We look forward to sharing with families the many performances by our talented students this Term.

Music Communications – Lauries App

The Music Department now uses the College App as our main point of contact with families.

We have redefined the groups under Music and do ask you take a couple of minutes to update your preferences to ensure you receive the relevant notifications for this ensemble.

Note: You will receive notifications for all ensembles under the categories you subscribe to, however it will be clear which ensembles that notification relates to.  

Any events that fall outside the usual ensemble routine may require a parent or guardian consent, and if required, an invitation will be sent via parent lounge.

Year 5 parents, please ensure your subscriptions include the Year 5 Music Program under ‘Music.’ Any program updates or performance information will be posted here once available.

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

Strike up the Band!

MR ROSS CAPERN

Head of Instrumental Music

On Monday 29 April Guitar Orchestra 2 joined Somerville House and Loreto College at the 'Guitar Guitar!' Workshop and Concert at Somerville House. All three schools presented two pieces before combining to form a 70-piece strong guitar orchestra. 

It was a fun and productive afternoon for all young players enabling them to work in collaboration with other schools and guest conductors Dr Paul Svoboda and Angelina Ellis. Many thanks to Somerville House for their warm hospitality and hosting this great event.

Around the Grounds – Sports Wrap-Up

Last weekend, St Laurence’s College played Iona in our Round One Fixtures.  

The Round started at the College, where our Chess players had a great night, winning the majority of games played.

On Saturday we had a full day of Rugby and Football, with our Senior Teams playing at Runcorn and our Junior teams away at Iona. In Football, we had a very good day, winning the vast majority of games and our First XI had a nail-biting draw 2-2. Speaking of close finishes, our Rugby First XV had a game to remember, coming from behind to beat Iona with a try and a conversion on full-time winning the game. In the rest of the Rugby games, we had some great wins in the junior age groups, and all teams showed great spirit throughout the day.

This coming weekend, the College is playing St Peters Lutheran College, with many supplementary games also across the weekend. Best of luck to all the students involved.

Junior District X-Country

On Wednesday, many students competed in the Mt Gravatt District Championships. It was a great morning and we are pleased to announce we had two age champions across the three divisions. Well done to Lachie Gordon who won the Under 12s and also Scott Preston who won the Under 10s. A shout-out must also go to the following students who qualified for the Regional Championships by finishing in the Top 10 of the age divisions: Ethan Trieu, Jamie Cragg, Lachlan Pfeffer, Theo Feddema, Henry Hewitt and Jonty Henriksen.

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

The Fourth XV match against Iona last weekend was a thrilling one, especially during this moment when James Stamp made a break to set up a try for his brother Andrew.

Thanks to Kristy Frost for capturing this moment!

MS SARAH ATTOW

Secondary Teacher and Fourth XV Coach

Our Annual Appeal continues, offering members of our community and beyond the opportunity to support our two tax-deductible charities - the St Laurence's Old Boys' Foundation and the St Laurence's College Building Fund.

Please click here for more information and to make a contribution.

All gifts, great and small, will be greatly appreciated.

We’re so excited to announce the Live Auction items that will be up for grabs exclusively at the Lauries Sports Lunch on Friday 31 May! These items will only be available for bidding on the day, in the room, so secure your tickets now - sales close at 5pm today! Click here to purchase your tickets.

Prize 1

• 4 Stradbroke Day tickets in the Kentucky Sports Bar at Eagle Farm Racecourse including food and drinks
• 6 Member for a Day passes
• Framed picture of winx

Prize 2

• Round of golf and lunch with Adam Reynolds and Ben Dobbin at Brookwater Golf and Country Club

Prize 3

• One-week Mercedes car hire
• 4 x TopSport Club Lounge tickets to Titans v Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium (2 August)
• Post-match photo with Titans player
• $500 Visa Gift Card

Prize 4

• 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Grand Chancellor (inc. antipasto + wine platter + daily buffet breakfast)
• 2 x Star Lounge tickets to Broncos v Panthers at Suncorp Stadium (5 July)
• $100 Story Bridge Hotel voucher

Thank you to the businesses and individuals who have contributed to our Live Auction.

It’s that time of year again, Lauries Community, where the Mini Vinnies boys are chasing any novels or picture books you might have at home that would suit primary aged readers. All books donated will be sold for $1 in Week 8 this term as part of the Primary school’s annual Indigenous Literacy Foundation Book Swap. This is a fantastic initiative that has been happening at SLC for over 10 years!

Students are able to purchase ‘new’ books, you can claim back much needed shelf space in your homes and the ILF receives funds to support their excellent literacy programs all over Australia. For more information about the ILF and their programs, feel free to visit their website: https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/

In the meantime, any donations can be handed to the Primary office or the 6MR classroom. Thank you in advance for your support.

MS KATE FLANAGAN

Primary Teacher - 6R

Henschell Cricket Academy will be conducting a Cricket Coaching Clinic during the Winter School Holidays for boys and girls of all skill levels aged 6-17.

This "Skill Essentials" Clinic includes skills and activities for the beginner to the representative player. Non cricketers who want to try the game before signing on with a junior club, or are simply looking for something active to do during the school holidays, are very welcome at this Clinic.

To find out more and to register, click here.

Hello everyone,

Volunteer opportunities for "AIC Rugby-Football Round 2 Runcorn" are now open.

Please click here to go to the signup sheet.

To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do.

Thank you for volunteering!

St Laurence's Canteen
canteen@slc.qld.edu.au

• Was your child included on the latest Commonwealth Census as a student with a disability requiring supplementary, substantial or extensive adjustments?

• Does your child’s Personalised Learning Plan confirm their transport needs are demonstrably different to those of their same aged peers by reason of their disability?

• Has your school’s learning support teacher assessed your child’s Travel Capability Rating as ‘semi-independent’ or more dependent?
  

Visit School Transport's website to see if you qualify for financial assistance to help with the cost of transport and apply at www.schooltransport.com.au during May.

Late applications cannot be accepted after 31^st May.

We wish to remind our College community that the designated student drop off and collection area is via the 82 Stephens Road entrance. Using alternative entry points around the College campus, including the ERPAC Loading Dock and turn around, or access spaces for the neighbouring Hospitals or Schools can cause inconveniences for our neighbours and may be unsafe for pedestrians and traffic. Families are asked to please only use the 82 Stephens Road drop off and collection point.