Liberating Education

This week we celebrated the touchstone of Liberating Education on our College Assembly. The four Touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity define the culture of a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition and are authentically linked with the Charism of Edmund Rice. Each term we theme one of our Assemblies to reflect and celebrate a single Touchstone.

The Liberating Education Touchstone encourages the Lauries Gentleman to have an open heart and open mind. We help create this through quality teaching and learning experiences, so that through critical reflection and engagement, each student at Laurie’s is hope-filled and free to build a better world for all. The Charter - Edmund Rice Education Australia (erea.edu.au)

As mentioned, the touchstone assemblies are a time for reflection and celebration. As we gathered, experienced a powerful prayer centred on domestic violence awareness (led by our prefects), heard performances from our College bands and were offered student driven messages around mental health and wellbeing, I paused to think about the experiences that make a Lauries education a Liberating Education.

Without a doubt we learn through service, through our House in Action programs, through our work at Ronald McDonald House and other charities, through the transport buddies program and through the many activities that help us to have a liberated heart.

We learn through dynamic engagement and pedagogy in our Certificate Courses, ATAR General and Applied subjects, our skills understanding in the Middle School and our collaborative learning opportunities in the Primary.

At Lauries we consider and acknowledge the gift of personal excellence. Regardless of who you are, what grade you are in, what primary school you went to or what you hope to do in life, every single person at St Laurence’s College is excellent at something. Delivering and understanding a liberating education allows us to acknowledge the excellence of those around us.

A Liberating Education at Lauries also means that you understand the humility in being a part of the Lauries community. We are all blessed to be filled with the academic, sport, cultural and lived gospel experiences that are offered and thankful to those who provide them.

Australian Education Awards 2024

We are proud to announce that St Laurence’s College has been named an Excellence Awardee for the Winc Education Secondary School of the Year (Non-Government) at the 2024 Australian Education Awards. Whilst winning awards does not define who we are, it is a fantastic recognition and reflection of the work of the staff, students, old boys and community of St Laurence’s College. 

Junior Ensembles Concert

This week I was fortunate to be able attend the Junior Ensembles Concert in ERPAC. Whilst there is much that could be discussed about the neuroscience of learning an instrument or vocal training at an early age, the annual concert provides another learning opportunity for our young men. The Year 6s performing would likely have done so in 2023, however, for many of our Year 5s, the compulsory music program allows them an opportunity to embrace a new skill, learn and rehearse on regularity and through at home practice, involve their family in their studies.

Further to this, our first-time musicians have the opportunity to be a little nervous before their piece and be excited with their friends as they gather backstage. They also get to challenge their comfort levels as they play in front of 500 adoring fans in attendance. All skills and processes that are invaluable learnings for life.

Last night's concert was a great success and a testament to the work of the Music Department. Special thanks to our Music Supporters Group and the Year 12 Music Leaders who assisted in the running of the evening.

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)

The Spirit of Service: Celebrating Pentecost at St Laurence's College

This Sunday marks the seventh Sunday after Easter known as Pentecost Sunday. It was on this day the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and gifted them with the ability to go and spread the Good News of Jesus. Pentecost reminds us of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that we receive through baptism and confirmation. As St Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law" (Gal 5:22-23).

At this College our students share this same fruit through their spirit of Service. Our students have a clear understanding of what it means to serve and why we do it. This year has been exciting with opportunities arising for Kids Club running at Ronald McDonald House and even a group of students on Thursday morning visiting Care Kits for Kids. No matter the service being performed by our students, at its heart they have a clear understanding of why we do this. A recent review of our Mission practice by ACU showed the deep connection our students have with service.

“This sense of belonging and contribution encourages students to open their hearts beyond their immediate concerns, realising that even small acts can make significant impacts. The program nurtures a school family atmosphere characterized by diversity, inclusiveness, and a preferential option for the less fortunate, leading to heightened student awareness and community contribution”

As part of Pentecost where we celebrate the gifts of the spirit it is wonderful to recognise these same gifts in our students and their ability to also see this in all those they meet.

'She’s Someone' Walks

The month of May in Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Recently we may have all heard the incident that happened in a school in Victoria where a group of students had rated other students and published this. When things like this occur, we must take time to examine ourselves and our own actions. The 'She’s Someone' Campaign has been launched by our students and over the rest of this month Houses will take part in a weekly walk around the campus to show their support of a world build on respectful relationships. The title 'She's Someone' takes inspiration from the idea that you shouldn’t respect a woman just because “she is someone's daughter” or that “she is someone's mum”, but rather because she is her own person entitled to and worthy of respect in her own right.

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Upcoming Assessment

Year 10 Assessment Block Expectations

Year 10 students will receive their exam block schedule early next week. As this is their first blocked assessment session, it is important that they have a clear understanding of our expectations. These will be communicated following the release of the schedule. We certainly appreciate your support in reinforcing these actions with your son.

Study Tips

Below is an abridged version of my suggested student study tips outlined throughout previous newsletters. You and your son might find these useful to prepare for upcoming assessment.

1. Start writing/typing…..anything. I used this technique when I had writers block throughout my doctoral studies. Some academics often term it as ‘spewing’ on the page. An interesting analogy, but one that suggests if our boys can just start, the shaping and editing can come later.
2. Prioritise. Students must prioritise their assessment. There is little value in studying or completing assessment for a subject that is due last.
3. Chunk. I also advise students to chunk their study in order that they can maintain interest throughout their study period.
4. Rest. I advise rest at least every 60-90mins of study. Students should grab a healthy snack, go for a walk or play some sport (or even help around the house with chores)!
5. Sleep. Students are much better off with a good night’s sleep, then studying all night. Research suggests that students who are able to obtain a good night’s sleep perform better on exams the following day. Retention of knowledge is difficult late at night when students are tired.

Study Starter

A reminder that students requiring extra assistance with their study, are very welcome to attend study starter, which is a free tutoring service, run by library staff, academic prefects, and old boys. It is conducted every Monday and Wednesday after school from 3:10pm-4:30pm in the Library.

Highlighting our Agreed Practice through Learning Walks

This week I was thrilled to be invited into the Technology’s workshops and a Primary English lesson. In every part of the lessons, teachers and students worked collaboratively in order to ensure that students learnt in a respectful environment where they were challenged.

Primary - Explicit Teaching of paragraphs. Students enthusiastically shared ideas in a positive and supportive environment.

Design – Devising sustainable solutions. Students were challenged to think for themselves in a creative and calm design space.

Engineering – Programming to Problem Solve. Students were ready to learn, collaborating to achieve success.

MS KIRSTEN WARDROP

Dean of Teaching and Learning (Acting)

This year the Faculty of Science has introduced extension science for some Year 9 students. We look to challenging the students further by introducing more challenging skills and scenarios, with a greater focus on project/inquiry-based learning for students. The intent is to improve their understanding of the various topics as well as further develop skills.

This term all Year 9 students are exploring forces, motion and simple machines. After initially looking at Newton’s laws of motion, our extension classes focused on forces in sport. In this activity, the boys initially attended a presentation from Alex Barnes (SLC’s Assistant Athletic Performance Coordinator) about how forces relate to performance in various sports, as well as injury prevention and rehabilitation. They then worked on a self-guided inquiry into forces in sport which included NFL protective gear, deceleration and net force calculations. This culminated in a gallery walk of all posters. allowing students the opportunity to peer review the work from other groups and reflect on their own work.

These activities link with the “challenge” domain of the teaching and learning framework, as it encouraged reflective practices, a deeper understanding of the content, as well as challenged the students to apply the content knowledge to knew and varied scenarios.

MR SCOTT WALTER

Head of Faculty - Science

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.

National Careers Week

This week the students were able to engage in several activities to celebrate National Careers Week.

Thank you to the parents, students, staff and guests who were involved in the activities on offer throughout the week.

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

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.

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

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Junior Ensemble Concert

Well done to all students who played or sang in the bands and choirs at last night's enjoyable concert. I am impressed by our students' talent and energy. Our Music Department prepared many students well for their first Lauries concert. It was great to see many Senior School students helping and playing with our young musicians and singers. Thanks to all for a good evening.

Year 11

Our Year 11s finished their exams on Tuesday this week, completing Unit 1. They are now doing Unit 2 of their ATAR and applied subjects. I hope they did well and I'm glad to have them back in classes.

Year 9 Mother Son Evening

Last Friday night we had the pleasure of hosting our annual Year 9 Mother Son evening whereby students bring along their mum or a significant female role model in their life. It is a joyous occasion watching mums and sons rotate through various fun activities which test their skills, knowledge, artistic talent and sometimes, patience. I thank Mr Nathan Burridge and Ms Vanessa Bell for their work in overseeing the Year 10 and 11 students who volunteered to run the games. The praise from the mothers for the volunteers was outstanding, with many stating their wish for their son to grow into such a fine Senior. Ms Maria Mavritsky’s ‘Creative Canvas’ activity was a hit, and I am always grateful for her enthusiasm and willingness to be involved. The beautiful roses were supplied by Ms Amanda Van der Zant, adding a lovely touch to the culmination of the evening. Thanks also to Mr Will Pike from Events and the Humanities team for their assistance. 

I wish all parents and students the very best and as always, Live Jesus in your hearts……..Forever!

MR DAVID KNIGHT

Dean of Pastoral Care (Senior School)

Jazz Music Institute – Vocal Workshop

Earlier this week, the college hosted Charlotte Mclean, the coordinator of JMI's Jazz course, for a Jazz voice workshop. Throughout the session, students immersed themselves in the nuances of jazz and improvisation through collective singing and technical exercises. Students were also given the opportunity to explore improvisation firsthand, fostering their creativity and confidence in performance.

Junior Ensembles Concert

We had a full house for the Junior Ensembles Concert on Thursday, featuring debut performances from the Year 5 Ensembles: Concert Band, String Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, and Musicianship. Congratulations to all the students and staff who participated; it's always inspiring to see how much progress the students make in such a short time. Special thanks to the senior students and leaders who attended to support our younger Lauries gentlemen.

Upcoming Events:

21-22 May – Speech & Drama Showcase | McElligott Theatre 6:00pm

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

Click here for more information

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 & Pack up, 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

Around the Grounds - Round 3 Wrap Up

Last weekend, our Lauries Men competed against traditional rivals Villanova in Chess, Rugby Union and Football. The Chess team performed very well on Friday night, securing the overall win. On Saturday, Villanova graciously hosted all Rugby Union matches and Senior Football matches. In Rugby Union, the day was evenly shared, but our First XV had an outstanding first half and won their match 31-5. In Football, the College won 11 out of the 12 aggregate games. Although our First XI played well, their match ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

This weekend, Lauries will host St Pat's in all sports and Runcorn will be bustling with activity as all Football and Rugby games will be played at our home venue. It's also a special week as we recognise Mental Health Round. We encourage everyone to embrace the day and ensure we are doing all we can to look after and care for everyone in our families and communities.

Best of luck to all teams playing this weekend.

Term 3 Sport

A reminder that expressions of interest for Term 3 Sport will go out this week. We encourage all boys to participate in any sport of their choosing and have a great time representing the College!

MR PATRICK BYRON

Head of Sport

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

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.

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.

On Wednesday, Week 8, Mini Vinnies will host the annual Book Swap in the Primary Gallery at both Morning Tea and Lunch. All staff and students in Years 5, 6 and 7 are invited to come to browse and purchase a ‘new’ book for themselves. All items will be $1 and the proceeds with go towards the Indigenous Literacy Foundation ( The Indigenous Literacy Foundation | ILF | reading opens doors charity non-profit).

We are very happy to keep receiving donations of books up until, and including, Wednesday 5^th June. Thank you to the many families who have kindly already done so, and the SLC Library who have also donated a huge range of books. As always, the quality of the books are amazing.

We have run this initiative for over 10 years now and we look forward to another fantastic day of book-buying!

MS KATE FLANAGAN

Primary Teacher

• 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.