As we move to the end of Term 1, I wish to affirm our staff and students for their efforts throughout the term. The term has once again been disjointed due to both flooding and COVID-19. I affirm our boys on staying focused at this time. However, I reserve a special thought for our committed staff. Not all decisions are easy or indeed popular, yet they are made with the best interests of our students in mind.

The last two years have been challenging for staff who need to be flexible, innovative, and considerate. This has taken a toll on some. I ask that we remember the extraordinary commitment that our staff show in the classroom and through our co-curricular and service programs.

During the course of this week, we have had over 40 teaching staff absent due to illness including COVID-19. Our staff have had to remain flexible to allow us to remain open for learning. We had needed to change some elements of our timetable to continue at the College. It has been a great team effort. I trust that this is appreciated by all.

As we move into Easter, we must remember that the foundation of our School is the Gospel message of love and hope. I enclose a link which talks about a Fathers’ love. Perhaps some may get some message from this sporting story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-Yn4b9iClE

YEAR 12 FORMAL
We were delighted to be able to host the Year 12 Formal on Thursday evening at the Brisbane Royal Convection Centre. I thank Mr Burridge, Mr Heshusius and Mr Knight for organising the celebration. This is an important milestone in the boys’ Lauries Journey. I trust that the boys and their partners enjoyed the evening.

STAFF LEAVING
We wish Mrs Sarah Higgo well as she goes on maternity leave. We wish her well in the coming weeks as she prepared to welcome her child.  Mr John Alithinos also takes leave to attend to some health-related issues. We wish John well and pray for a speedy recovery. I also welcome Ben Russell to the role of Head of Student Engagement, replacing Sarah. Crystal Kennedy moves into the role of Head of Treacy House replacing Ben.

I wish all families a safe and holy Easter break, and I look forward to beginning Term 2. We pray for fewer disruptions.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER
Principal

EASTER
As we come towards Easter, it is one of the most celebrated events for the Catholic Church where we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. We are always reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for us through his death where he established a new covenant, one that was based on love, equality and justice for all people. With the current state of the world it can be challenging to find where Jesus is in our lives and where we see the resurrection take place. The war in Ukraine is something that is difficult for all of us to witness let alone the millions in that country who have become displaced or have lost homes and family. As a catholic community we offer our prayers that the love of Christ that was seen in the passion will see peace prevail.

I know I have used this story often but one of my favourite scripture pieces is the story of the two Apostles walking on the road to Emmaus. They walk with a man who they can’t quite see. Bok ut after breaking open the scripture with him they realise they were in the presence of Jesus. In our lives we all have those people that walk beside us and they are our faces of Jesus. The Ministry of Jesus was based on love, justice and equality and challenged structures that set to oppress others. Easter should be a reminder of what Jesus has asked of all of us. We keep in our prayers those who have faced challenges this term through flooding, COVID or hardship and hope you know that the strength of this community is there to support. I am still heartened by the stories this terms of the Lauries community supporting each other through the floods, whether it be through the cooking of a meal or an army of students helping clean out houses the strength of this community has truly shone through. 

A PRAYER FOR PEACE
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom.

Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart.

Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love.

Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war.

Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every angel and saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all.

Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You!

Amen.

MR PAUL CORFIELD
Dean of Identity & Community

THANK YOU
A very warm and heartfelt thank you to all families for their patience this term. When I reflect on the past 10 weeks, I am astounded that we still were able to provide an authentic Lauries Journey, even though the disruptions of the term affected our momentum. Our boys' resilience has shone through and will serve them well in future years. Your support, as a community, has enabled us to fulfill our mission and form your son as a Laurie’s Gentleman, and continue to do our best to support their learning.

YEAR 12 PROVISIONAL RESULTS - 1ST INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
Provisional results for the first Internal Assessment (IA) for all General Year 12 subjects have been submitted to the QCAA. I stress that these results are provisional and will not be confirmed and are not available until after the Monday 16 May.  I congratulate Year 12 students on what appears to be some excellent provisional results.

INTERIM REPORTS
Internal Reports will be available in parent lounge tonight. I congratulate our students for their excellent results.

TIPS FOR CONTINUITY OF INFORMAL LEARNING OVER THE HOLIDAYS
I am often asked by parents, and some keen students, about what they should do over the break to continue their learning. “What should I study”, they may say, or “can I start Term 2 work now sir”. My first and foremost advice is to rest and recharge. This is essential for students, so that they can be fresh when they return.

However, we know that the brain is a muscle, and like all muscles, it needs consistent activity to perform at optimum levels. Therefore, rather than formal study, my advice would be for students to participate in different types of informal learning, where they may be completing set tasks, or participating in rich experiences. Rather than overusing devices and/or excessive gaming, some suggestions include:

1. Cook – following a recipe is a good way to learn procedural skills (and share a meal as a family)
2. Read – as an avid reader of historical fiction and fantasy novels, I cannot recommend the value of a good book enough – perfect to improve literacy skills
3. Outdoor activities – including hiking, riding a bike and/or heading to the local park, is a great way to exercise and form new connections
4. Be creative – solve a real-world problem (design a board game, tackle food insecurity), design your dream car, sketch your dream house, or draw pictures representing your short- and long-term goals
5. Earn money – either through formal or informal employment, which is a great way to learn about life skills
6. Visit the QLD State Library/Museum – https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/ - a wonderful way to learn about history within a fun and interactive environment
7. Volunteer – a great way to serve others, either through the local parish or perhaps the local Vinnie’s collective
8. Support the environment – plat a tree or grow some food in the garden
9. Play Board games – game such as scrabble, dominoes or Scattergories are great ways to develop literacy and numeracy skills
10. Build – build Legos or models, both of which can help students read and interpret plans and instructions, as well as develop their kinaesthetic skills.

I hope families have a wonderful break. I know this has been an interesting term, and I pray that Term 2 can be less disruptive for our community.

Blessings for a safe and Happy Easter!

DR LIAM HERBERT
Dean of Teaching and Learning

BOND UNIVERSITY STUDENT FOR A SEMESTER APPLICATIONS
Any Year 11 or 12 students interested in studying a university subject at Bond University, in the Student for a Semester program, can apply for the May 2022 semester intake. Student will need to meet the school’s eligibility requirements to be endorsed to participate. Please see Ms Lightbody in Gifted and Talented for further details on the application process.

QLD HEALTH AND UQ PHARMACY INFORMATION WEBINAR
Any students in Year 11 or 12 who are interested in careers in pharmacy are invited to attend an online webinar on Thursday 21 April at 3.15pm. The webinar will be hosted by one of Qld Health’s Education and Training Pharmacists, with pharmacists and representatives from UQ’s School of Pharmacy taking part in the presentation. Students who register will be sent further details on accessing the actual webinar and will have the ability to submit questions beforehand that they would like discussed during the presentation. Please register your interest here.

SAE CREATE FOR A DAY WORKSHOP
SAE Brisbane is holding their Create for a Day, a one-day program that will help you develop your skills and get you working on inspiring creative projects in the fields of Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games, Music Production or Song Writing. The workshop will be held on Saturday, 9 April from 10am to 3pm and will cost $25 which includes lunch. Click here to find out more and to register.

UPCOMING DEFENCE FORCE INFORMATION SESSIONS
Stay informed about important upcoming Queensland and National ADF events and information sessions by visiting the Defence Jobs website. View the specific event information link for more details including location, times and to book your ticket/s. Further information about these events and Army Reserve Information Sessions can be accessed on the ADF Facebook site. Note that some of these events are during the Easter holidays.

04/04/2022 Brisbane: Leadership Roles in the ADF Information Session
12/04/2022 Brisbane: Army Reserve Information Session
13/04/2022 Capalaba: Defence Careers Information Session
19/04/2022 Brisbane: Gap Year Information Session

TALK WITH INDUSTRY WEBINAR SERIES
ACU's Talk with Industry webinar series features ACU graduates and academics from different industries talking about their real-world experiences. The panel will offer advice on how to pursue a career in their area of study, share their experiences working in the industry and much more. Attendees can ask panellists questions to learn more about their course, career pathways and workplace realities. This webinar series will be helpful if you are unsure of which course to study and where those studies may take you. 

The first webinar will be Talk with Teachers and will be held on 5 April from 6 - 7pm and you will need to register. Click here to see a list of future Talk with Industry events.

EAIT (ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND IT) HOLIDAY PROGRAM
UQ is hosting a 3-day program for Year 9 and 10 in the June/July school holidays. 

• 29 June - School Holiday Program (Engineering)
• 30 June - School Holiday Program (Design + Architecture)
• 1 July - School Holiday Program (Computing)

If you are interested complete an Expression Of Interest  and receive information about this program and how to apply.

SENIOR MATHEMATICS STUDY DAYS
Designed for Year 11 and 12 students and delivered face to face and online by UQ’s Associate Lecturer Wenbo Li, you will explore concepts in Mathematical Methods and/or Specialist Mathematics through exercises, lectures, and workshops which include exam-style questions. The days provide an excellent opportunity to enrich your mathematical understanding of the topics covered in the senior mathematics curricula and prepare you for tertiary mathematics studies. The sessions will run between 2 and 7 April (School holidays). Click here for more information and to register.

CAREERS 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

MR PAUL MOSCOS
Careers Counsellor

The general consensus is that both students and staff alike are happy to see the end of Term 1, 2022! It has certainly been a roller coaster of illness and tragedy for many. We congratulate students, staff and families for their resilience this term. Of note this week have been a number of things.

YEAR 12 FORMAL
Thursday night saw a lovely evening take place for our Year 12 cohort as they enjoyed their Senior Formal. Our young men looked very dapper and enjoyed a lovely evening with their partners and the multitude of staff who attended. Their behaviour and deportment at the event was excellent and it is always a delight to see young people enjoy such a significant rite of passage. Our thoughts were with the students who could not attend due to illness. Mr Nathan Burridge, Mr Lachlan Heshusius and the Formal Committee are extended our thank for the organisation that took place for the event.

GUEST SPEAKER - OLYMPIAN BROOKE HANSON OAM

Today we were delighted to host the celebrated Australian Olympian Ms Brooke Hanson OAM.  Brooke spoke to us about her life story and journey to several Olympic games; she even passed her gold and silver medals amongst the boys! A truly inspirational Australian, Brooke gave inspiring messages about resilience, mindset and overcoming challenges. Her energy and enthusiasm for being the best you can be was palpable and something I hope our young men emulate in whatever area they are passionate about.

It is with great sincerity that I wish everyone a truly restful break where batteries are recharged, we refill our cups of resilience and pray that the universe is kinder next term.

Best wishes for a safe and peace filled holiday and Easter.

VANESSA BELL
Dean of Middle School

Get winter ready! All students will commence Term 2 in full winter uniform, including blazers. Check out our lookbook for all the uniform specs and pricing: http://ow.ly/Jmwy50IllwZ

Contact the Lauries Shop on 3010 1100 or uniform@slc.qld.edu.au to order. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 7.30am to 1.30pm (during term time).

The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the department) would like to notify you that a request has been made for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information as required under the Australian Education Regulation 2013.

The school is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:

• Names and residential addresses of student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
• Student residential address (excluding student names)
• Whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
• Whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).

The school collects the above information by generating a unique and unidentifiable – student reference number (SRN) for each student record. The SRN is also only used by the school for this collection. It is not allowed to be used for any other purpose. The number only indicates to the department that each record provided is for one student.

The full document can be found here . 

All ID Cards have been distributed to students. The canteen is now cashless. Students are required to use their ID card to purchase food from the canteen. No cash will be accepted. Parents can top up student cards using the My Student Account tile on the Lauries Net.

Password queries can be directed to ITHelpDesk@slc.qld.edu.au.

Join us for the inaugural Autumn Harvest Brunch. An opportunity to come together and celebrate our great community and raise money for the College Annual Appeal. 

All proceeds from this event will go towards providing bursaries via the St Laurence’s College Old Boys Foundation, that help boys who otherwise may not, experience a Lauries Education. Funds will also aid the College Building Fund, helping us delver amazing facilities in line with our Masterplan. Meet other members of our community over a light brunch and glass of bubbles and listen to thought-provoking conversations by our guest presenters. Guest will be seated at tables of 12 so you can book a small party or get a whole group together. As per the Queensland Government vaccination mandate, every guest will need to provide their certificate of positive vaccination on entry to this event. Click here to secure your spot. 

Thank you to everyone involved in sport throughout Term 1. We have used the phrase “A term like no other” often over the last couple of years and unfortunately we have the opportunity to use it again as we reflect on this term. A delayed start to school due to the COVID pandemic, tragic floods impacting not only our community but the broader Brisbane community and then a resurgence of Covid that has tested the ‘flexibility’ of our ability to prepare for Term 2 sport are all challenges not usually faced all in one term. Again, a thank you to all boys, families, staff and our community partners for your flexibility, resilience and understanding to get term 1 sport completed. We greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts and look forward to our upcoming holiday events and Term 2 Sport.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Every day of the school holidays (except for the 5 days from Easter Thursday - Monday) there is a Lauries Sport event occurring. While the holidays is still a busy time for everyone, we hope all students and families have an opportunity to take a short and well deserved break to recharge the batteries for Term 2. In chronological order we wish the follow groups and events the best of luck for the upcoming holiday period.

• First XV Rugby Squad – Ballymore Cup and Development Camp (Southport)
• Holiday Cross Country Training and annual Burleigh Cross Country Trip
• Holiday Rugby Clinic and Trial games v SPC (Years 5-10)
• Holiday Chess Clinic and AIC Chess Invitational Tournament
• First XI Development Camp
• EREA Football Tournament (Years 5-First XI)

All information regarding these events are included on the College App. All families are asked to keep up to date through out the holidays using the information available on the App.

Wishing all a wonderful Easter.

MR EDDIE WALLACE
Director of Sport

Thankyou to the old boys string quintet who gave a wonderful performance at the Year 12 formal on Thursday evening. The old boys added a touch of class to the night and we thank them for their wonderful performance. Pictured left to right are Noah Cleary (2021), David Oates (2018), Philip Tambyah (2011), Ben Parr (2018), Tom Gray (2021).

Special thanks to our wonderful strings teacher Ms. Tio for coordinating the old boys quintet.

TERM 2 CONCERTS

Friday 19 May: Junior Ensembles Concert

Friday 3 June: Cabaret Concert Hits of Stage and Screen featuring the senior ensembles

Strike up the Band!

MR ROSS CAPERN
Director of Instrumental Music

Calling all Boys who would like to join other Laurie’s boys and players at Yeronga Junior AFC (The Devils). 

Whether you are new to the game or not, we welcome you to join and be part of the fun at our very inclusive community club, where both parents and kids celebrate throughout the season and beyond to the family camping trip that follows.

We have spots available in the following for U16’s, boys born 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2007. 

Contact at yerongajuniorafc@gmail.com or call Darren at 0468 641 246 for more details.

Every day, thousands of Australian children suffer the effects of eczema, and families struggle with managing eczema and children’s behavioural and emotional adjustment.

Healthy Living Triple P is an adaptation of the successful Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, offering practical ideas and support for parents of children with eczema. This innovative online program is designed to help parents manage their child’s eczema more easily, help children cope with their eczema and emotions, prevent and manage difficult child behaviour, and reduce the impact of eczema on families.

Over the next few months, parents of 2-10 year old children with eczema are able to access Healthy Living Triple P free of charge as part of a research project through the Queensland Children’s Hospital, Griffith University, and the University of Queensland. For more information, please visit us at https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/eczema/, contact Dr Amy Mitchell on (07) 3735 6462, or email healthyliving@uq.edu.au.