TERM 1 2024
WEEK 1
For the first newsletter of 2024, Mr Leadbetter has produced a video for your enjoyment.
Date | Event | Location | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Wednesday 7 February | Academic Awards Assembly | ERPAC | 12.10pm - 1.15pm |
Wednesday 14 February | Opening Year Mass | ERPAC | 12.10pm - 1.15pm |
Tuesday 20 February | Manchester City Football School Trials | 4pm - 5.30pm | |
Friday 23 February | Music Trivia Night | ERPAC | 6.30pm - 10pm |
Wednesday 28 February | Year 7 Parent/Son Evening | 6pm - 7.30pm | |
Wednesday 6 March | Intermediate Ensembles Concert | ERPAC | 6pm - 7.30pm |
Thursday 7 March | Senior Ensembles Concert | ERPAC | 6pm - 7.30pm |
Monday 11 March | Old Boys Concert | St Ignatius Church Toowong | 7pm - 8.30pm |
Sunday 24 March | Lauries Autumn Lunch | The Greek Club | 11.30am |
Thursday 28 March | Term 1 Concludes |
MR PAUL CORFIELD
On Monday 29 January and Thursday 1 February, students will participate in the “From Little Things, Big Things Grow” retreat. This retreat is designed to introduce the students to what it means to be a student of St Laurence’s College.
Monday 29 January: Callan, Duhig, Hogan, Kilian and Nagle
Thursday 1 February: Rice, Sion, Treacy, Xavier, Waterford and Xavier
As part of the retreat, the students will hear from John Hanley who represents the MND & Me Foundation that is linked to our College through Old Boy Scott Sullivan who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease and later passed away. John is living with MND and his story is an inspiring one of resilience in the face of adversity and provides a solid grounding to the students about the types of qualities we try to build.
The service element of Student Development begins next week. Could I please encourage parents of Year 10 students in Callan, Duhig and Hogan to keep an eye on their emails as permission forms will be coming out for students external visits. These visits occur during Period Two of a Day 8 and add to the 20 hours of service that students require for their Cert II in Active Volunteering.
The East Timor Immersion takes place in the June holidays of 2024. Please see HERE for more information.
DR LIAM HERBERT
It was wonderful to see our boys come back to school this week. Their energy and enthusiasm was infectious and has certainly energised our teaching staff. A special welcome to new families and particularly new students.
Below are some tips that might help students and families as we begin our academic year:
I spoke to students on Assembly yesterday about the importance of good learning habits and adhering to the College Agreed Practice Framework. The main aim of Agreed Practice is to ensure consistency of teaching procedures across the College which will establish an environment that is conducive to effective teaching and learning.
Part of the Agreed Practice, at the start of every lesson, teachers will clarify for students:
These three concepts are also excellent conversation starters for parents if they wish to understand what their son has been learning throughout the day.
There are a variety of ways that students can access academic support. Very soon, we will publish the academic tutoring schedule and in Week 3, we hope to begin Study Starter again this year. A reminder that Study Starter is held every Monday and Wednesday after school from 3.15pm - 4.30pm in the Br Campbell Resource Centre (Library). The purpose of Study Starter is for students who need a quiet space to start their work, and who perhaps require extra help with their studies. We are lucky enough to have academic alumni who volunteer to help our boys. The library will also continue to offer extended opening hours (7.30am - 5.30pm), to cater for students.
I draw your attention to some important upcoming events that may be of interest to parents:
Assessment calendars will be distributed as soon as possible. These documents are essential to organise study habits, as well as for students and parents to forward-plan key dates. I encourage all parents and caregivers to discuss their son’s assessment planner with them.
Please note, that these dates are a guideline to assist with planning. The specific due date for each individual subject and indeed, for each individual class assessment item, can be located in Student Café.
We wish all families a wonderful start to the year.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
The ACER Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) are another source of evidence in a suite of data sources, including NAPLAN, school-based examinations and assignments, in-class diagnostic testing, attendance records and verbal/anecdotal evidence collected by teachers. Together, these sources offer a rich variety of information that provides a detailed picture of teaching and learning across the College.
PAT tests are comparable over time and across year levels because of inbuilt statistical scaling measures. While the story they tell about the progress of our students is an important one, they should, of course, never be considered in isolation – it’s what they add to the bigger picture that makes them so valuable.
The tests are mapped to the Australian Curriculum and they provide overall descriptions of the types of skills mastered and those still to be developed based on demonstrated performance.
Middle School students will complete the PAT-Reading and PAT-Mathematics test in Week 2 of Term 1 in ERPAC. For your knowledge, please see the specific dates in which students will complete the test:
Year 7 (C-N) – Tuesday 29th January (as part of the Academic Orientation Day)
Year 7 (R-X) – Friday 2nd January (as part of the Academic Orientation Day)
Year 8 – Wednesday 31st January
Year 9 – Thursday 1st February
Soon after, test results will be analysed and then used to develop ongoing teaching materials and programs aligned to the needs of students across the Middle School.
The support of parents and students in this endeavour has been vital to its success. Your keen interest in the schooling of your child, particularly the monitoring of their progress over time, helps to ensure a liberating education for all those in our care.
MS ZOFIA KENTROTIS
HEAD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING - MIDDLE SCHOOL
MS AMY DYER
Welcome to 2024 Careers at Lauries. My name is Amy Dyer and I will be working as the Careers Counsellor at the College for the upcoming year. Feel free to reach out to me at 3010 1158 or via email at adyer@slc.qld.edu.au. I am eager to initiate discussions about careers and pathways with the students and am excited to meet everyone in the weeks ahead.
There will be many events and opportunities throughout the year to learn and understand Senior pathways for both students and parents including:
Year 12
Year 11
Year 9/10
Over the November/December/January school holidays, the St Laurence’s Careers Office had approximately 35 students go out into various fields to complete work experience. It was excellent to see students enthusiastically participate in the various opportunities, with many employers commenting on their positive attitude and work ethic and their willingness to participate in work experience during their holiday break. In this most recent work experience block, students completed placements in a large range of industries, including:
It was also very encouraging to see some students securing casual employment and opportunities for school-based apprenticeships from their work experience.
For information on the Work Experience program for 2024, including the application form, please click here. Please note that students in Years 11 and 12 who are completing a VET pathway will complete work experience through the Structured Work Placement program run by the VET Office.
IMAGES
Students looking to gain entry into provisional medical courses or dentistry courses may wish to sit the UCAT. The UCAT is a requirement for entry into a large number of these courses throughout Australia and some in New Zealand. Here is a list of courses at various universities that require the UCAT to be completed to be eligible to apply. Applications to sit the UCAT open on Tuesday 5 March and remain open until Friday 17 May, with testing held between 1 July and 9 August. The UCAT website has a wide range of practice resources available to students. For more information or to register, please click here.
Any students in Year 12 who are proficient in a language other than English may have the opportunity to complete the subject as a Senior External Examination. Completing one of these subjects means that it can contribute to a student’s ATAR and will gain them 4 QCE credits and may also provide adjustment factors for university entry. The language subjects offered are
Applications for this are open until 30 April 2024 – you must register through the school. The QCAA has not yet advised the cost of enrolment, but the 2023 price was $71.03, so it is expected that it will be a similar price for this year. Interested students are asked to email careers@slc.qld.edu.au as soon as possible, or come into the Careers Office.
The Defence Work Experience Program provides opportunities for young Australians interested in a career at Defence to gain exposure to the type of work that is available. Defence is committed to providing a national work experience program designed to:
Opportunities are available for both secondary and tertiary students and you must be at least 15 years of age at the time of the placement. Click here for more information including:
MR DAVID KNIGHT
As we welcome our new families in Years 5 and 7 to the College this year, students and parents alike can be comforted to know that many students have passed through the gates, under the Jacaranda trees of Stephen’s Road sharing similar anxious energies and anticipation for future opportunities. I wish to thank all the Year 12 students for their assistance with the younger students, being their “transport buddies” for the first few days. Many stories have been received by the College of Year 12 students going above and beyond in their efforts to assist the younger boys, even walking them to the door of their house.
Our Year 12 students also helped our Year 7s settle in on their first day, acting as tour guides, helping organise lockers and helping the Heads of House induct students into their House.
IMAGES
The past weeks have been extremely eventful at the College. We have held the information evenings for Year 7 and our Primary students. The College would like to thank all parents who attended the evenings.
However, if you could not make it, recordings of the evenings will be sent to families in the coming days.
This week our Year 7s have participated in numerous events, workshops and presentations helping them to learn the ‘Lauries Way’ and key staff who are there to assist in various departments. This coming week will be another busy week with our Year 7s experiencing camp, Retreat and an academic orientation day.
This morning the College commissioned the Year 12 cohort as Seniors for 2024. The students were presented with their Senior badges from a Middle School Leader and their Head of House. The 2024 student leadership group, were also commissioned with their badges, presented by Mr Leadbetter and accompanied by their parents. The Year 12’s have started the year extremely well and we hope they continue their good work in being leaders of our Lauries community.
IMAGES
The Merit System formally acknowledges and affirms those students who consistently model the behaviour of a 'Lauries Gentleman' and who make outstanding contributions across all areas of College life. Students will receive specific affirmations and awards following the accumulation of merit points.
All staff are able to award merit points. All students are able to receive merit points. Students will be awarded merit points across three dimensions of College life – Academic Achievement, Co-curricular Participation & Service to the Community.
On Wednesday, College Principal Mr Chris Leadbetter awarded over 90 students with Principal’s awards for 2023. These students are:
Gianfranco Andrade, Harrison Arnold, Rory Batch, George Bellas, Harry Brandon, Riley Brehmer, Christian Brew-Graves, Finnbar FitzGibbon, Sean FitzGibbon, Jacob Flint, Kaiki Goodair, Augustus Gwynne, Angus Jones-Sheppard, Angus Leinster, Mikhael Mendis, Isaac Mewing, Maddox Nguyen, Frederik Peltola, Liam Pipia, Isaac Piyong, Adam Pryer, Thomas Spence, Bradley Stewart, Thomas Tiong, Elijah Totterman, Eric Bodnar, Flynn Cameron, Jordan Cupo, Christopher Dettori, Luke Ferrer, James Gormley, Lincoln Hayward, Xavier Heise, Nicholas Hiew, Jonathan Izzillo, Ji Jenkins, Matthew Lutz, Kaelen Luu, Ethan Malos, Lachlan Manning, Charlie Matthews, Thomas McKirdy, Mackenzie Murphy, Matthew O'Sullivan, Sebastian Przybylo, London Saegi. Alexander Scruton, Curtis Sheppard, Thomas Snelling, Samuel Stallman, Edward Tanner, Joel Tesfaye, Thomas Waller, Eli Weier, Harrison Whinnett, Liam White, Callum Wraight, Andrew Young, Matiyas Al-Patti, Joshua Anthony, Joseph Bock, Angus Clark, Alexander Crolla, Declan Hansel, Izaac Iconomidis, Lachlan Lerner, Jacob Lindsay, Ryan Madappatt, Josiah Spence, Rylan Tang, Samuel Totterman, Kyle Berryman, Oscar Clancy, Ethan Connelly, Oscar Dean, Erik Dwyer, Luca Ellero, Harrison Fox, Simeon Jeremijenko, Ethan Kazoullis, Ethan Luu, Atticus Lynch, Morgan Oiso, Anton Raggl-Erbs, Jack Rea, Samuel Toshack, Sterling Toth, Anlin Tso, Alexander Brimblecombe, Patrick Hayles, Kyle Latimer, Tobey Parker, Jamin Somerfield, Nathan Wicks
IMAGES
Monday 29 January – Year 8 & 9 Parent Information Night
Thursday 7 February – Senior School (Year 10-12) Information Night
Again, the Pastoral Team welcomes all students, whether they are returning or just beginning their Lauries journey. We walk with them as they journey to reach their version of excellence for 2024.
The pastoral team wishes all students the best in the coming weeks and as always. Live Jesus in our hearts… Forever.
MR PAT BYRON
Another year, another busy time for sport! Welcome all to Sport for 2024. This year we hope to give every boy at Lauries an opportunity to represent St Laurence’s College across the broad variety of sports we offer. I am pleased to see that many students throughout the College have already begun training and trials for the various sports available in Term 1.
Recently we had Cricket trials for our First XI and this was highlighted by a second place finish in the AIC T20 Competition. This is an outstanding achievement and congratulations must go to all the boys involved and to Mr Cameron Wigan for his coaching and tireless preparation of this team.
All families are reminded that the College App serves as the primary means of communicating information to the sporting community. This includes season information booklets, weekly schedules and team lists. The College App also allows us to push any cancellations or changes of sporting events directly to all families. This is an incredibly important tool, and it is vital that all students and families have access to it.
This Thursday and Saturday, the majority of teams will be playing their final trials before the AIC season commences next weekend. The majority of trials this weekend will be against St Edmund’s and Ambrose Treacy.
Good luck to all boys for this weekend!
mr ross capern
We would like to welcome both new and returning students and families. We have another exciting year of music ahead of us!
Students in Years 8 - 11 who are interested in joining the Cadets Photography Program are encouraged to email the Communications Office on communications@slc.qld.edu.au
These students will be able to photograph sport, concerts and other College events and have their work published on the College's social media account, Lauries Magazines and Annuals.
We look forward to hearing from you!
COLLEGE NOTICES
Robotics Club (Grades 5-9)
Robotics Club provides students with an opportunity to learn block coding through Lego robotics. Students will attend weekly training and be given the opportunity to compete in three different tournaments. Read more below
Training occurs in S2.3 (STEM Building) on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.10pm - 4.30pm. Depending on your commitment, skill level and interest, some students will be provided with an opportunity to further develop their coding and robotics skills using other coding platforms and tournaments. Students can access further information via the SLC Robotics SharePoint Page.
Please fill out the Robotics form if you are interested in attending in 2024. This will need to be completed regardless of whether you are a returning student or not. Applications close on Friday 2 February. Students will be emailed over the weekend with training to commence on Tuesday 6 or Wednesday 7 February.
Any questions, please email bmalcolm@slc.qld.edu.au.
Esports (Grades 7-12)
Esports provides an opportunity for like-minded students to unite and engage in various Esports games. There are a number of opportunities for students to participate in 2024.
Students can access further information via the SLC Esports page. Please fill out the respective Esports form if you are interested in attending in 2024. This will need to be completed regardless of whether you are a returning student or not. Applications close on Friday 2 February. Students participating in the QUT competition will be emailed over the weekend with training to commence on Tuesday 6th , Wednesday 7th or Thursday 8th February. Parent consent will be required for students wishing to participate in Overwatch 2, Valorant or League of Legends. Other competitions and flight simulator details will be emailed to students in week 3.
Any questions, please email bmalcolm@slc.qld.edu.au.
COMMUNITY
The College has partnered with the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) to facilitate safe, supportive homestay placements for students.
To find out more information, please see the attachment HERE.
COMMUNITY
Volunteer opportunities for "St Laurence's College Canteen Volunteers - Term 1 2024" are now open.
Please click on the web link HERE to go to the signup sheet.
To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page - thank you for volunteering!
COMMUNITY
At the time of enrolment, parents/guardians are given the opportunity to elect not to have their child identified (photographed and/or named) in College related publications and on digital platforms. Should you wish for your child to not be identified for safety/privacy reasons, please email communications@slc.qld.edu.au. A member of College staff will be in contact with you to discuss further.
Applications for Enrolment for entry in Year 7 2026 are now open!
Enrol HEREfor Year 7 at Lauries!
Tickets for the 2024 Lauries Autumn Lunch are now sale!
Come and celebrate your Lauries Journey with us at The Greek Club on Sunday 24 March! After selling out in less than an hour in 2023, be sure to get in quick!
Tickets are priced at $95 each (or $950 for a table of 10)
Purchase your tickets here: https://slc2020.sales.ticketse...
This event is organised by mums for mums! It is a great opportunity to meet other SLC mums and start sharing the journey of raising Laurie’s Boys. Feel free to get a group of mums together, or please feel brave enough to make the journey by yourself if you're new at the school. We promise you'll leave on Sunday with a new set of friends from all year levels.
Ticket price includes 2 nights accommodation and all meals.
Tickets on sale Tuesday, 30 January 2024 9am! $230 per person
Please find the ticketing link HERE.
There is a limit of 3 tickets per transaction and bookers will be asked to fill in a Questionnaire for each attendee.
Check-In from 4:30pm Friday 8 March
Check-Out is 10:00am Sunday 10 March
Further details will follow by email shortly after the ticket closing date.
If you have any immediate questions, please email slcmotherscamp@gmail.com
There will be no refunds on tickets purchased (unless the camp is cancelled).
TEACHING & LEARNING
The third week of External Assessment wraps up, with Year 12s facing three mini tests next week. The QCAA will post final grades and profiles on myQCE, while QTAC releases ATARs through their portal, both on 15 December. Students must sign up on these portals to access their scores.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.
TEACHING & LEARNING
The third week of External Assessment wraps up, with Year 12s facing three mini tests next week. The QCAA will post final grades and profiles on myQCE, while QTAC releases ATARs through their portal, both on 15 December. Students must sign up on these portals to access their scores.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.
Unleashing Potential is a transformative journey that encompasses far more than merely uncovering one's individual abilities. It symbolises the nurturing and growth of a child's inner character, imparting the essential qualities and values needed to thrive and surpass all expectations. When we embark on the mission of unleashing potential, we commit ourselves to the holistic development of a child, tapping into their unique strengths and empowering them to bring their best self forward. It is a profound endeavour that encompasses a myriad of facets, from fostering resilience and perseverance to nurturing kindness, empathy, and integrity. Here at Riverleigh through our comprehensive approach, and with the unwavering support and guidance of mentors and educators, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. They are encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars, fostering a deep-rooted belief in their potential to achieve greatness.