Dean of Primary - Term 1 Edition #2
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
This year, Lauries will continue to highlight the unique culture and community spirit we all love and enjoy. The theme to capture OUR spirit is “Heart of Gold”. This theme highlights that at Lauries, the personal and holistic development of each boy is central to everything we do. Helping the boys develop a world perspective with values of care and support of others defines the Lauries Journey.
This year we hope all boys have many opportunities to show and grow their “Heart of Gold” and step up to support others, while being the best version of themselves in all contexts.
The boys have started the year with a lot of enthusiasm. It has been very pleasing to see them return to school looking neat and tidy, reflecting their strong school pride. I thank you for your support in ensuring they look their best. I firmly believe a neat appearance has a positive impact on how they engage and learn at school. It also helps them build self-respect, personal pride and personal confidence.
I know that your son/s will already feel very welcome and supported in each of the classrooms. I particularly mention the following teachers, Alicia Sheehan (Head of Year 5) and Danny O’Toole (Head of Year 6) who you would have heard presentations from earlier in the year. They have the added responsibility of being Heads of Year in 2024. They are the second port of call, after your son’s “Home Class Teacher” if you have any school related concerns or family matters that are impacting your son. They are also responsible for the daily curriculum and pastoral leadership of their respective year level. I am sure you will find them, and all of the staff very approachable and professional should you require their assistance this year.
All teachers can be contacted on (Primary Office-3010 1142) or via their email addresses. To view the “Primary Staff Contact List” please click on the link Staff Contact list-2024 below. If you would like to discuss any school or family issues directly with me, I can also be contacted through the Primary Office or via email cwigan@slc.qld.edu.au
Student Absentees Reminders
Please note, should your son be absent from school, it is essential for parents to notify the Primary Office. This can be done on the College APP or via phone (30101142). If the boys are away sick or need to miss school for any reason, they are encouraged to follow lessons or class OneNote pages and to email their teacher if they need further explanation or assistance. Please keep in mind that a reply might not be immediate as they will still be teaching the boys at school.
Co-Curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities for Term 1 are already well underway. I encourage all of the boys to engage in this aspect of school life this year. The Co-Curricular program is a fantastic way to connect and build relationships.
General Information-Events
For parents new to our school, we have many wonderful community events throughout the year to celebrate special milestones such as; Mother’s Day, Father’s Day etc. Please look for these in the calendar and attend if possible. Some of the upcoming events for parents to attend are listed in the “Upcoming Event Section” of this Primary Newsletter each fortnight.
I look forward to continuing the strong sense of community and partnership between school and home this year as we work together to provide the boys with the best possible learning experiences and pastoral support.
REMINDER: (Communication Channels)
Each week, Co-curricular information and the College Newsletter will also be available to all families via the College APP. The Primary Newsletter will also be posted to the APP each fortnight.
Finally, I would like to thank all the Senior boys who have helped with “Transport Buddies” in the first two weeks. They were amazing again and make a huge difference to our Year 5 and Year 7 boys. Thank you to those parents who have emailed a vote of thanks, I have passed them on to the older boys on your behalf.
This year we were also spoilt with the addition of the new Jauries Journey Induction Mentor program in Year 5. For the first two weeks of term, each Year 5 class had a Senior from 2023 return and support staff transitioning the boys into life here at Lauries. The program was an outstanding success and we thank the “Old Boys” who supported the classes. They finished last Friday, but have certainly given the Year 5 boys a wonderful start.
Welcome again to 2024 and best wishes for a continued positive start to the year.
Regards
Cameron Wigan
Dean of Primary
