National Reconciliation Week

This week, St Laurence’s College celebrated National Reconciliation Week. The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. On Wednesday we were privileged to be joined by First Nations Elders and members of our College Reconciliation Committee to honour the importance of this occasion. During the assembly, we spoke of the power of story. 

National reconciliation week is flanked by two very important stories in Australian History, The 1967 Referendum and The High Court’s Mabo decision in 1992. These stories give life to the meaning behind National Reconciliation Week. It is through stories like these that we can challenge stereotypes, bridge divides and foster empathy and connection among all Australians. At St Laurence’s College, our touchstones of Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity call us to know the stories of the past and work towards reconciliation. 

Congratulations to our Yuuingan Yari First Nations dance group who performed at Brisbane Catholic Education’s National Reconciliation Week launch during the week. I have received emails and phone calls from people who commended the story that these young men are able to tell through culture and dance. 

Cross Country

On Wednesday of this week, our Cross-Country team competed in the AIC Cross Country Championships at Shorncliffe. In an outstanding achievement, the team finished third overall with notable performances from Jack Coomber (Year 12) and Ethan Trieu (Year 5) who both won their respective age groups. Congratulations must go to Charlotte Wilson, Adam Stokes, all the coaches and all of the runners, for their success. 

On Thursday evening I was privileged to be able to attend the AIC 25 Years Hall of Fame Inductees event at Marist College Ashgrove. The night was a celebration of some of the AIC’s finest athletes and contributors. It was great to see St Laurence’s College Old Boys; Damon Kelly (Weightlifting), Cooper Cronk (Rugby League) and Luke McLean (Rugby Union) all inducted. Similarly, Bill Tyquin (Rugby League), Dan Crowley (Rugby Union) and Ken Fletcher (Tennis) were also honoured for their time as students in TAS. The highlight of the night was hearing Damon Kelly, a current Year 5 Lauries parent, join a panel of elite sportsmen to reflect on their time in the AIC and later life as an Olympic athlete. 

This week we welcome our Old Boys to our ‘Back to Runcorn Day’. On behalf of Mr Leadbetter, I extend an invitation to all of the Lauries community to join us on Saturday for the AIC round against Marist Ashgrove. It should be a great day of Football and Rugby. Undoubtedly Mr Leadbetter will also share highlights of the day in a future Bulletin.

MR BEN LOWRIE

Principal (Acting)

National Reconciliation Week

Over the course of this week we have acknowledged National Reconciliation Week. On Wednesday we had a special assembly where we were joined by elders including Uncle John, Aunty Val, Aunty Ravina Waldren and Uncle Joe Kirk. Uncle Joe Kirk led us in a Welcome to Country talking to us about the importance of story and Truth Telling as part of reconciliation. We were then led through a traditional dance by our First Nations group Yuuingan Yari. 

Mr Lowrie in his Principal's Address spoke to us about the importance of story and understanding in reconciliation and told us of the land rights campaign led by Vincent Lingari which ended with his traditional lands being given back. Our Year 12 students then led us all through From Little Things, Big Things Grow which told the story of the landmark land rights campaign of Vincent Lingari. A highlight was a video done by our

Solidarity and Culture Prefects which led us through the history of reconciliation in this country and the importance of voice in our parliament embedded in our constitution. This was a powerful statement by our students and it was great to see them advocating for the Voice.

The Voice to Parliament will be an important part of our history this year and is supported by the Brisbane Archdiocese and our governing body Edmund Rice Education Australia. A big thank you and congratulations to our First Nations support officer Kelsey Doyle for the remarkable work he does in working with our students and promoting reconciliation.

Growing Good Men: Father Son Camp

Growing Good Men is an experientially-based program which encourages and enables fathers and sons to strengthen their relationship and to explore important issues of growing into manhood. It is designed for fathers and their adolescent sons aged 12 to 16 years (school years between 7 and 10) and explores:

• The importance of the father and son bond for both generations 

• The journey of adolescence 

• Becoming a man 

• Dealing with anger 

• Friendship with girls and women 

• The quest for identity 

• Rite of Passage 

Set over a weekend, the program involves a short keynote sessions, small group and father/son sharing, a wide range of challenging and engaging activities (which may include high ropes courses or similar adventure activities), reflection and prayer. The centrepiece of the program is a Rite of Passage on Saturday night. The weekend concludes with a Father’s Blessing and commissioning.

Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Wanted! Confraternity Mass Singers

Calling all students who enjoy singing at Mass. We are putting a Mass choir together for the Confraternity Mass at ERPAC on Sunday 25 June. The mass will involve 1,400 Rugby League players from around Queensland and will be celebrated by the Archbishop with a number of priests. The music will be accompanied by our own Worship Band. If you like singing at school masses and are happy to help, please put your name down using this link and we will be in touch with details. Register for Confraternity Carnival - Band and Singers

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

Academic Masterclasses

This week the Academic Prefects organised a workshop for Senior school students on how to effectively use an ISMG (Instrument Specific Marking Guide). Ms Donna Braithwaite, Dr Anthony Young, Ms Crystal Kennedy, and Ms Leonie Mount all presented across different subject areas, and made some excellent points that will assist students with their understanding of how their work is marked, and how to optimise their work to achieve the best possible mark.

The Academic Prefects also presented on Wednesday morning to a large group of Middle School students on the topic ‘How to Manage Time and Study Effectively’. This was organised by Ms Zofia Kentrotis, and the Seniors are to be congratulated on their initiative in running these workshops during Term 2. The Masterclasses have been well supported by a number of staff who have also shared their expertise with students.

Year 10 Exam Block and BBQ

In Week 9, the Year 10 students will begin their first exam block. To acknowledge this the Academic Prefects have organised a BBQ for Year 10 students to be held at first break on Friday 9 June. The BBQ will be in the Year 10 area, between the Staff Common Room and the Humanities block, and all Year 10 students are invited to attend.

In preparing for the exam block, Year 10 students need to pay attention to the following procedures:

• Students should arrive to exams 20 – 30 minutes before the scheduled start. A number of organisational procedures take place before entering the exam venue, and it is important that these can be done in a calm and timely manner so students are focussed and well-prepared.
• Students should check that they have the appropriate equipment for each exam the night before, and ensure that they are prepared before they arrive at the exam venue.
• Students must attend all exams in full school winter uniform.
• Phones and any smart devices such as an Apple Watch, will not be allowed to enter the exam venue. It is recommended that these are removed and placed in lockers before arriving.

Any student who misses an exam due to illness should obtain a medical certificate, and forward this to Mr Andrew Newcombe (anewcombe@slc.qld.edu.au) in the Teaching and Learning Precinct. If a student is concerned he is running late to an exam, an email can be sent and the information will be passed on to the Head of Faculty.

The exam block timetable can be accessed [here]. We wish all Year 10 students the best in their end of Semester exams.

ELEVATE Education

As previously advertised, ELEVATE Education will run a number of free webinars online for Lauries parents. The next webinar is on Wednesday 7 June and is focussed on Exam Preparation. The details of this free webinar are below:

Webinar: How to Help Your Child Prepare For Exams

Date: Wednesday 7 June 2023

Time: 6.30 – 7.30pm (AEST)

The webinar will discuss:

• High priority work: The kinds of work students should be focussing on in the build-up to exams to maximise marks
• Time Management: How to ensure your child has enough time to prepare for exams
• Practice Papers: How to prepare effectively using past questions and practice papers

Registration for the free webinar can be accessed here.

External Exam Timetable

The QCAA has released the external exam timetable which will run in Term 4 from Monday 23 October until Tuesday 14 November. A link to the external assessment timetable can be found here:

QCAA external assessment timetable 2023

Bond University Mooting Competition 2023

Three of the College’s top Year 12 Legal Studies students, Cruze Bunting, Jack Montague and Max Rossberg, recently competed in the National High School Mooting Competition run by Bond University. Over a period of six weeks leading up to the competition, the group met regularly to research, develop arguments and practice for the online Moot. The 2022 Dux of Legal Studies and past competitor, Alex Dimkin, returned to the College in the position of Mooting Mentor to assist the group in their preparations. Inspired by his participation in this competition in 2022, Alex has competed in several Moots as a first-year law student at QUT and was able to share his insight and hone everyone’s skills in the lead up to the competition. The resultant submission by the group during the Moot was an excellent display of thoughtfully constructed legal arguments, oral advocacy and composure in response to questioning by the Judge. The group are looking forward to continuing to develop their Mooting skills in the upcoming competition organised by QUT.

Exam Preparation

As the end of Term 2 nears, most students will be preparing for exams in many of their subjects. It is crucial that all students have planned well, and that they have appropriate strategies in place to assist with their preparation. Some useful advice would include:

• Using a clear study plan, which demands intensive sessions and allows for breaks. It is important to be focussed for short, effective study periods, but also be able to rest properly from work. Exercise and activity are recommended during breaks.
• Ensure that study and exams are the priority during the next two weeks. Social activities can be a celebration for when the exams are finished.
• Eat and sleep well. Staying up late to ‘cram’ more study is counter-productive since the extra few hours do not compensate for the loss in concentration and lack of clarity that the brain suffers when tired, and;
• Study a little from each subject each day. The brain forms a stronger long-term memory and links concepts that it accesses regularly, this means that three 40-minute sessions on a concept or subject will have more impact than one 2-hour session.

Titration Competition

A group of Year 11 and 12 Chemistry students have been training since Term 1 for the RACI Titration competition held at QUT last week. In an outstanding result, Lauries has placed second for the day, only a small margin behind first place. This gives them a great chance of progressing to the finals once official notice of individual results is confirmed. Thank you to Ms Ann-Louise Newman who has been working with the boys in their preparation.

MR ANDREW NEWCOMBE

Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning

Term 2 is well underway, and our Information Technology and Digital Solutions students have been busy exploring various topics and acquiring new skills.

Year 8:

During Term 1, our Year 8 IT students dived into the fascinating world of hardware and software. They gained a deeper understanding of how computers function at a technical level. Building on this foundation, in Term 2, they have been focusing on computer networks. From the basics of network architecture to network protocols and security, our students are learning how information flows through interconnected systems.

Year 9:

In Term 1, Year 9 IT students took their programming skills to the next level with an exciting robotics project. They had the opportunity to design, program, and operate their own robots, applying their knowledge of coding to bring their creations to life. Currently, in Term 2, they have embarked on a journey to learn Java, a versatile and widely used programming language. Through practical exercises and coding projects, they are honing their Java skills and discovering its real-world applications.

Year 10:

Our Year 10 Digital Solutions students have been immersed in the world of information management. In Term 1, they delved into database design and development, learning how to create efficient and organized data structures. In Term 2, they transitioned to web design and development, focusing on creating dynamic and interactive websites. Their ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between databases and websites, mastering the art of connecting the two seamlessly.

Year 11:

The Year 11 Digital Solutions students have been demonstrating their creativity and problem-solving skills. They recently completed a project where they designed and developed a simple card game that runs in the browser. The game serves as an engaging tool to teach young children basic addition skills. It's impressive to see our students utilizing their IT knowledge to create educational resources for others.

Year 12:

Our Year 12 Digital Solutions students have reached a significant milestone in their academic journey. They successfully completed their IA2, the major project in the subject. This endeavour allowed them to showcase their skills, knowledge, and innovation in developing a comprehensive IT solution. Currently, they have shifted their focus towards the exploration of APIs and the crucial topics of data security and privacy impacts of data exchange between systems. This area of study equips them with essential knowledge in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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 

SLConX – Careers in Trades

It was a great turnout for the SLConX – Careers in Trades event on Tuesday night. Students got to hear from Old Boys Craig Larson (Mechanical), Alex Easterby (Carpentry), George Koulouris (Electrical) and Gerard Robinson (Plumbing) about their career pathways. The insights they provided were invaluable, and it was very interesting to hear about the impact of technology on the various trades and the need to be prepared to continually learn to keep current. Our students are very fortunate to have such an invested Old Boy network to draw on and it was great to see our students and parents taking the opportunity to network with them.

Our next SLConX event will be taking place on Thursday 13 July, with a focus on Careers in Allied Health. Registration details will be sent out before the end of term.

Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo

Our Year 10 students got the opportunity to attend the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo on Friday 26 May. There they got to speak with representatives from training organisations, apprenticeship groups, TAFE, universities, Defence, police etc. It was great to see our students take advantage of the chance to liaise with such a broad range of exhibitors, with a number of comments received around the conduct and quality of questions asked by St Laurence’s College students. If students have any follow-up enquiries, they are more than welcome to contact the Careers Office.

University of the Arts London

University of the Arts, London, is now booking advisory interview slots for September 2024 entry. 

UAL is always looking for great talent from Australian and New Zealand-based students and is incredibly happy to confirm that a UAL academic will once again be travelling to Australia and New Zealand in August this year.

They will be conducting presentation evenings and the all-important advisory interviews. 

The dates for 2023 are: 

August 8-9-10-11 Melbourne

August 14-15-16-17-18 Sydney

August 21-22 Auckland NZ

For further details or to book, please email: ual@bcic.co.uk

NIE UCAT Information Webinar

NIE is offering Free UCAT Information Sessions for students interested in sitting the UCAT (or those who have already registered) – the UCAT being the assessment instrument used for students wishing to apply to some provisional entry medicine and dentistry courses throughout Australia and New Zealand. They offer a range of UCAT preparation services. Please note that UCAT offers a range of free preparation resources, too.

Aviation Australia Expo

The Aviation Australia Expo in Brisbane showcases the burgeoning aerospace industry, with a significant focus on aviation skills development, careers and employment opportunities. The Aircraft Experience Zone will once again be a major attraction, featuring a range of iconic aircraft that visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience up close. The Aviation Expo also features dozens of exhibitors from the aviation, defence and education industries who will inspire and educate visitors about how to launch into a career in aviation. There are many activities for visitors to experience, including cabin crew evacuations, avionics demonstrations, insight into an operational hangar environment, roving entertainment and careers seminars.

This event will take place on Saturday 3 June and registrations are essential. For further details and to register, please click here.

 Bond University Scholarships

Bond University scholarships are now open. They provide a range of awards including full-fee scholarships awarding from $97,000 - $194,000 in approximate value, and part-fee scholarships awarding from $24,000 - $97,000 in approximate value. Whether students exemplify stand-out skills or have excelled in their academic, leadership, community or sporting efforts, their scholarships provide an opportunity to further support students’ studies at Bond and be recognised for their achievements. Some of the scholarships on offer this year include:

 Elite Scholarships

• Vice Chancellor’s Elite Scholarship - 100% tuition remission for an approved single or combined degree

Recipients of this scholarship are also invited to participate in the Vice Chancellor’s Mentoring Program once commenced at Bond. The Mentoring Program connects each scholar with an influential corporate mentor, and is intended to cultivate industry links, networks and business acumen.

 Other Scholarships

• Excellence Scholarship – 50% tuition remission
• Leadership Scholarship – 25% tuition remission 
• Bond University Indigenous Scholarship – up to 100% tuition remission
• Sporting Scholarships – up to 100% tuition remission 
• Transformer Scholarship – 50% tuition remission

CoLab Industry Scholarships - 25% tuition for any of the four Transformation degrees offered in the Transformation CoLab.

For further information, please click here.

MR PAUL MOSCOS

Careers Counsellor

W

 for the Year 8 presentation.

Year 9

Thanks to Mr Yates and Mr Gammie, plans are well underway for our Year 9 camp which occurs Wednesday to Friday of Week 9 (14 – 16 June). Students have been advised of their camp groups and the ‘what to bring’ lists have been sent out. We look forward to a challenging, but enjoyable experience which forms part of their Year 9 Rites of Passage journey.

Year 10 

Exam block for our Year 10 students occurs in Week 10 and as this is the cohort’s first experience of ‘block’ exams, Mr King and Mr Lynch invited the Year 12 Academic Prefects to speak to the cohort at their Year Level Assembly. Some of the messages imparted were:

• Organisation and study tips to maximise outcomes.
• Students were encouraged to seek feedback from teachers prior to exams. 
• Students were encouraged to access tutoring sessions run by the school. 

We wish students all the very best for their exams.

Choir Competition

House groups are busy rehearsing their renditions of Disney songs for next Friday’s Choir Competition which is sure to be filled with fun and frivolity. It is an event that showcases House spirit as much as talent. It is a compulsory school day with all classes running prior to the event.  

I am very much looking forward to tonight’s Chess round, Cabaret Concert and Saturday’s matches at our Back to Runcorn Day.

MS VANESSA BELL

Dean of Middle School (Pastoral Care)

The Senior Drama team will be producing Icarus on Friday 9 June 6pm!

We can't wait to see their performance and can't wait to see you there!

The College wishes to advise families of a change in the recruitment process for the Manchester City Football School. 

Placement for current students into the program will be based on participation and performance in the AIC season. Only potential new or students yet to commence at the College will be required to trial.

Should there be any questions, please contact the College via email at mancity@slc.qld.edu.au.

Thank you to the huge number of families and students who have donated to the 2023 ILF Book Swap. It really has been an overwhelming response and goes to show much our Lauries community can rally behind a great cause. The books will be sold in Week 8 in the Primary Gallery. We encourage all Primary students, as well as any Year 7 students who would like to attend, to bring in some pocket money WEDNESDAY WEEK 8 and purchase for themselves a ‘new’ book. Honestly, we have books that are in mint condition, and indeed some are brand new. $1 is an absolute bargain! All funds raised will go to the Indigenous Literacy Fund.

The Royal International Convention Centre will play host to the Lauries Gala Dinner in 2023 on Saturday 2 September.

St Laurence’s College’s premium night out for our community members is a great chance to share a meal and conversation with new and old friends while raising money for the St Laurence’s Old Boys Foundation and St Laurence’s College Building Fund.

The 2023 Annual Appeal is open! Each year, the Annual Appeal provides an opportunity for our Parents, Staff, Old Boys and wider community to support our two tax-deductible charities - the St

Laurence's Old Boys' Foundation and the St Laurence's College Building Fund. To find out more about each of the organisations and how gifts will be enacted in our community, please view the link available HERE.  

Should you wish to give a gift, please find below links to do so via our online portal:

The College is proud to be hosting the Confraternity Rugby League Carnival and we couldn't do it without our wonderful Sponsors.

GOLD SPONSORS

Current and future confirmed families are invited to book an early enrolment interview for their son/s who would commence at the College in Year 5, 2025. All details noting how to apply have been emailed to the appropriate families recently.

If any parents have not received this information, please contact the College Enrolments Registrar, Ms Tina McManus on 3010 1104 or enrolments@slc.qld.edu.au. 

Hello everyone,

Volunteer opportunities for "Term 2 2023 St Laurence's Canteen Volunteers" are now open.

Please click on the following web link 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!

MR CHRIS STERGAKIS

Canteen Manager

Please find the attached memorandum HERE advising that online applications are now open for the Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme for parents who are eligible for the Student Travel Rebate.

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