May is a special month in the calendar at St Laurence’s College. There are many milestones for our families and young men on their Lauries Journey. It is also the month of Mary in the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. During May, we celebrate the life of Mary as the Mother of Christ and the sacrifices she made as a mother when we stand to recite the Angelus each day in class:

V: The Angel of the LORD declared unto Mary,
R: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace; the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

V: Behold the handmaid of the LORD.
R: Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary, full of grace; the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

V: And the Word was made flesh.
R: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace; the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

V: Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray,
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O LORD, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R: Amen

This week we also had the honour of celebrating all our mothers at three special events. The first was at the Primary Mothers Breakfast, the second at the Year 12 Mothers Mass and the third at the Year 9 Mother Son Evening tonight. At each of these events, I was able to share a story about a term that Chris Leadbetter would call a ‘moment of grace’.

My moment of grace came about as I crossed the Quad on Wednesday morning and saw a Lauries mum walking with her son, on the way to the Primary Breakfast. Eyes focused, chatting away, handbag under one arm, mum was giving her son almost full attention. In a moment, some young men passing a football lost control of their ball and it hurtled directly towards the mum. Without blinking, nor losing conversation, the mum in heels instantly stuck out her foot and played the ball back to the young man. At no stage did the mum in heels lose her balance, lose focus on her own son, nor lose the smile on her face. In that moment of grace, I was blessed to remember the juggling act that mothers do every day for their children and the special role a mother plays in the life of raising a young man. On behalf of all the staff and students, I wish all the mothers, grandmothers and special people in our community a very happy Mother’s Day.

May also marks another milestone in our calendar, with next week being the 12-month anniversary of the introduction of EREA Colleges Limited. Born from a restructure of Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia, EREA Colleges is now the governing body for 18 Catholic schools and two early learning centres in the Edmund Rice Tradition across Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia Tasmania, and Australian Capital Territory. 

Next week, the College will be visited by a panel of senior representatives from Edmund Rice Education Australia to review the College's progress since the time of the previous renewal which was in 2018. As part of this process, EREA representatives consult with staff, students, parents and Old Boys. Through school renewal, the governing body of Edmund Rice Education Australia will accredit the school as an authentic Catholic school in the Edmund Rice Tradition. We look forward to the arrival of the review panel and I thank all those participating in the review for their time and commitment to the College.

Lauries Community Committee

Our next Lauries Community Committee meeting will take place on Monday 13 May from 5.30pm at the College in the Waterford Building.

We'll be joined by guest speaker Ms Vanessa Bermingham, Head of Innovation & Learning.

If you're unable to make it in-person, you can tune in via this link.

Charter Renewal and Mission Strategy Open Forum Invitation

You’re invited to join the Edmund Rice Education Australia national community to imagine how our school, and all Edmund Rice Education Australia schools, can be the best they can be for our young people and for our world. We need your help to shape the future for 41,000+ young people.

Both the in-person and online sessions will provide you with the opportunity to discuss with others what you value about your school and what you hope it might strive to become. What comes out of these discussions will assist the EREA national community to renew its understanding and articulation of what it means to be a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition.

Click here to register to attend the Open Forum in-person.

Click here to register to attend the Online Forum via Zoom

There is also an opportunity to share your responses directly through the online portal. Please use the QR code below or click here for this option.

MR BEN LOWRIE

College Principal (Acting)

Mother's Day Mass

On Friday Morning we held a special Mass for the Year 12 students and their mothers. It was great to once again see the chapel full this year with our mothers and sons. The mass was once again led by Fr William who brought with him the Message Stick from the Brisbane Archdiocese for the 150^th Anniversary. It was a special morning with the students gifting their mothers and carers a prayer card and token with an inscription at the end of the mass. With the Year 12’s almost into term 3 of their final year it is great for them to be able to mark these occasions with their parents.

To all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers and carers in our community we wish you a most blessed Mother's Day.

May the God of our mother Sarah be your fountain of life to bless and you and give you health and happiness, so that you may be a blessing to your family and to all who are in your care.

May Jesus, the Son of Mary, be your Protector to give you strength and health and peace, so that you may be a refuge and haven for your family.

May the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, shield you from all the powers of darkness and give you joy in being a mother to your children.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

Preliminary conversations around NAPLAN

Data has become a significant component of student, teacher and school evaluation. Sometimes, when there is so much data being placed in front of us, we lose track of the fact that we are working with young people. Each of us – students and staff - bring an ever-evolving story with us to our learning.

This week our Middle Leaders worked together to explore some very preliminary NAPLAN data. This time was spent examining the data and discussing the programs that we offer that can assist our students in achieving better outcomes. Having all our Middle Leaders together meant that both our Heads of House and Heads of Learning staff could engage with information through an academic and pastoral lens.

Individual NAPLAN Student Reports will be shared with families as soon as the information becomes available.

Year 12 - Confirmation of Results

Confirmed results from the QCAA will be released from next Tuesday 14 May. I hope we start receiving these results promptly, particularly as I was very happy with the provisional results. Students should be able to view their confirmed result/s in their QCAA myQCE Student Portal account from next week also. Well done boys – keep up the great effort.

Study Starter

A reminder to parents that Study Starter is continuing for students. It is a free tutoring service conducted in the Library every Monday and Wednesday after school until 4:30pm. The intention is to support students who need extra help with their studies and also provide an environment where quiet study and assignment work can occur. All students are welcome.

National Careers Week

National Careers Week runs 13 -19 May. Amy Dyer, our Careers Counsellor has arranged for several guest speakers and practical activities through the week. Please check the link to our Careers Page on the Lauries Learning Gateway or in this newsletter for more information.

MS KIRSTEN WARDROP

Dean of Teaching and Learning (Acting)

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.

Year 10 Excursion: Careers and Employment Expo

Please provide consent for your son to participate in this whole-grade activity by Friday 17 May 2024 via parent lounge: Parent Lounge

Upcoming Events at SLC

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.

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.

Defence Information Sessions

These sessions provide an opportunity to understand the recruitment process for defence positions across many disciplines. Students 16 years or older can start their application now, in preparation for after year 12.

15/05/2024 Brisbane: Defence Careers Information Session

Griffith University - Creative Arts Open Day

Explore a world of artistic innovation and creative expression on 19 May from 10am to 2pm at the Griffith Uni Creative Arts Open Day. You will meet artists, designers, performers and writers. Join interactive workshops, exhibitions and demonstrations across a range of disciplines, from visual and performing arts to film and animation, industrial design, architecture and more. Click here to find out more about the Griffith University's Creative Arts Open Day.

MS AMY DYER

Careers Counsellor

St Laurence’s Diverse Learning Faculty supports students with diverse learning needs including disability, English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) and students identified as High Potential Learners (HPL). Guided by the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and Disability Standards for Education (2005), the Diverse Learning Faculty fosters meaningful connections and partnerships with students and their families. As a College, we strive to provide an equitable education to all students enrolled regardless of their ability, disability, or barriers to learning.

We educate a range of students, many of whom have a diagnosis, imputed disability, or barriers to learning. The identification and management of these students is crucial in ensuring that they are appropriately supported through their educational journey at St Laurence’s College. One element of this identification is to comply with census and data collection points.

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• Year of schooling, category of disability, level of adjustment provided

This information assists schools to:

• Formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools.
• Consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools.
• Develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy ). Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au ).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the Diverse Learning Faculty.

MR ALEX PEACE

Head of Faculty - Diverse Learning/Case Manager - Years 11 & 12

Our school will be participating in the PISA-based Test for Schools 2024 on Tuesday 24 May. Year 10 students within a set age bracket on 14 May will be included in the testing. Selected Year 10 students will be exempt from regular classes that morning to attend the session. The remainder of the cohort will attend classes as scheduled.

The PISA-based Test for Schools will be delivered online on 14 May. Students will attend year level assembly for role marking and directly assemble at ERPAC to complete a two-hour assessment where they will be asked to apply their knowledge of Mathematics, Reading and Science to real world problems.

It is important that each student selected takes part in the assessment. Thank you for your cooperation.

MS STACEY TAIT

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

As previously advertised, ELEVATE Education will run a number of free webinars online for SLC parents. The next webinar is on Wednesday 22^nd May, and is focussed on How You Can Help Prepare Your Child for Exams. The details of this free webinar are below:

Webinar: How Can you Help Prepare Your Child for Exams

Date: Wednesday 22 May

Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm (AEST)

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:

✅ Prioritise your child’s high-impact work to maximise marks

✅ Improve your child’s time management to avoid last-minute preparation

✅ Help your child study effectively using past papers

Click here to register for free

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Year 12 Mass

On Friday, we had the pleasure of hosting our Mother’s Day Mass for Year 12 students and their Mother’s. It was a fantastic morning and great to see such a strong turn-out. We are so grateful for the support of the significant women in our lives. As our Year 12’s start to count-down their ‘lasts’ in their senior year, I am sure, spending quality time with their Mother’s and being able to show appreciation for the sacrifices and support they give their son’s will be a highlight of the year. The pastoral team wish all Mother’s a relaxing and enjoyable day on Sunday.

Lauries Journey Program

As part of the Lauries Journey Program, Old Boys Dr. Matthew Young and Lucky Peterson presented to our Year 12 cohort about the dangers of gambling. Matthew Young used his clinical experience to emphasise how big of a social issue gambling has become, statistically highlighting its prevalence and possible consequences. Lucky Peterson shared his incredibly open and honest personal story with gambling and the physical, social and mental effects it has had on his life. We are incredibly fortunate at Lauries to have a strong community, where Old Boys are willing to share their life lessons with our current students. This was a powerful and heartfelt presentation that resonated strongly with our Seniors.

Screen Time

There are some tell-tale signs that adolescents may be spending too much time on screens. Their sleep patterns may be more irregular than usual or sleep deprived, they may seem irritable or angry, always looking for opportunities to be alone in their room or seem more distant. But how much screen time is too much? Dr Justin Coulson suggests as parents, you know your children best, it is important to use your common sense and exercise good judgement when it comes to screen use. When procrastination (due to phone use) comes up in mentor meetings with students, the first thing often recommended is that the phone is not in their vicinity whilst studying. Some students prefer a quiet space to study like their room, there has to be an element of trust in these situations so that screen time is not being abused. If self-control is a problem, an open space where all screens can be seen such as the dining room table is a great option. www.esafety.gov.au outlines several strategies that parents can use and the below has been adapted from this:

Set screen time limits and be involved

•  Research has shown that when parents or significant adults set limits, there is a significant reduction in overall screen time. Just as important is being aware of what your teenagers are up to online, have open and honest conversations.

• This is the ideal time to connect with children and family, using this time to talk about the day and connect as a family is important.

• Parents are not immune to the lure of the mobile device. It is important that we ‘practice what we preach’ and set a good example for our students and children. We need to show that we too, can put down our devices.

• Mobile devices and computers should be kept out of the bedroom, have a common area where all electronics are stored and charged overnight. This will assist in aiding sleep time, something that teenagers need plenty of.

Use tech tools to help manage access

• If you are really concerned about inappropriate technology uses, there are a range of products that help you monitor internet and app usage.

As we approach what is a busy time in the term, especially leading into exams and assessment. It is important that students are following a consistent and regular study routine. If extra assistance is required, your son can always get in contact with staff at the College who will be more than willing to assist.

Term 2 sport – Chess, Football and Rugby

The pastoral team would like to wish all participants the very best in the round against Villanova 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 NATHAN BURRIDGE

Head of Wellbeing & Student Engagement

Around the Grounds – Sports Wrap-up, Round 2

Last Friday, our Chess team faced off against St. Peter's in a top-of-the-table clash. Although the game play was exciting, our boys unfortunately lost a very close contest. On Saturday, our Rugby Union and Football teams played at various venues, with the main games against St. Peter's at Indooroopilly. The firsts Football game was a very tight affair, and the 0-0 scoreline, did not reflect the amount of positive Football our boys played. In Rugby, we won the day, and our First XV played some great Rugby to secure a comprehensive victory.

This coming weekend, we'll be playing games against Villanova at Tingalpa and it's sure to be a big occasion as Villanova celebrates their Old Boys' Day in this round. Good luck to all teams involved.

Cross Country Update

Our Cross Country boys have been training hard for a number of months now. During the week, our team competed at the first AIC Meet, held in Sherwood, and they competed very well. Students have two more meets to stake their claim to run in the AIC Championships, which will be held at Curlew Park on 29 May. There's still time for boys to make this team, so we encourage all students to get involved in the sport and help Lauries compete well in a few weeks' time.

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

Percussion Ensemble 1 & Guitar Orchestra 1 Workshop

Members of Percussion Ensemble 1 & Guitar Orchestra 1 combined on Monday afternoon to workshop a song composed by Old Boy Joe Fallon for the upcoming Cabaret Concert and Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival in Term 3.

It was wonderful to see these senior ensembles collaborate and we look forward to showcasing the results at upcoming concerts.

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:

15 May – JMI Voice Workshop | Mu3 3:00pm
Students Invited: Year 10 & 11 Classroom Music and selected voice students.

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 – Cabaret Concert

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

https://volunteersignup.org/8D7AT

Volunteers Needed: Bar Setup, Services & Packup, Raffle Ticket Sales, Entry Door Donations

Note: timings volunteers would be required for are included on the registration form.

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

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.

Get ready for the 2024 Middle School Performance!

The Super School Hero Cup is on - It’s school vs school in the biggest superpower competition of the year! Each team of super-students dukes it out in a series of events to see who is the ultimate school super-team! There’s only one problem - Steve still hasn’t got his powers…

All students from Year 7-9 interested in the Middle School Production – Please meet Mr Vivian in McElligott Theatre in 2^nd break on Wednesday 15^th May.

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

• 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.