I wish to congratulate all those involved in our 2022 College Open Day. This was postponed from earlier in the term. Unfortunately, we needed to reintroduce mask restrictions due to an increased number of staff and students who have contracted the virus or who are close contacts. 

Our community is very passionate about this school, and this was obvious on Thursday afternoon. I thank the Communication team, the Maintenance staff, IT staff, Office and Administration staff and the Teaching staff for their efforts on the day. We felt that the numbers were affected by the surge in COVID-19 cases, yet it was a most successful afternoon.

SCHOOL SPORT TRIALS
We took the decision to cancel all sports trials with the exception of the First and Seconds games in Football and Rugby. This is due to the declining number of staff and students available for weekend trials. 

All boys will be given ample opportunity to trial for the beginning of Term 2 sports. It appears that most of our students who are ill are in the Primary and Middle schools.

REST IN PEACE CARMEL LEADBETTER
On Sunday morning, my mother Carmel Leadbetter, passed away at the Ipswich General Hospital. My mother and father had eight children. It was a great shock to us all when she became very ill last Wednesday. I thank the College Leadership Team and the community members who have offered their condolences to our family. It has been difficult in recent days to be present to the community at St Laurence's College and to be present for my family.

I particularly thank our Music Ministry for supporting the funeral held today. She was a great woman, and she will be greatly missed. 

May God Bless her soul.

We look forward to a smooth end to the term next week.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER
Principal

YEAR 12 RETREAT 
Next week, our Year 12 students will embark on their final retreat experience as St Laurence’s College students. It was ironic that at our assembly on Thursday, Lachlan Rolls spoke to us about enjoying our last moments. He likened it to fries from McDonalds saying that at the start of a box of fries they seem endless, but as you get towards the end, the box gets empty and we need to savour those last bites. As Seniors, this is the last chance for the them to spend time together in a meaningful way. The retreat experience is split into different parts. Students explore topics including spirituality, relationships, our life journey and where we all fit into this. Our staff and Old Boys talk openly about the people and moments that have shaped them and then spend time debriefing these with the students. Often the atmosphere of retreats opens our students to be more honest and up front in their conversations and challenges them to explore where they have come from and where they are going.

This is a brilliant opportunity for the students to saviour those last moments they have together and prepare them to go into their final steps as students of St Laurence’s College over the next two terms. The parents of our Year 12 students have also put a great deal of work into making sure this is a wonderful experience, and we know this will be an experience they will remember. The memories may come from the conversations that will open their perspectives, or simply the memories will come from the time spent just being with each other. Br Damien Price always talks about the idea of wasting time with others. This means that we learn more about others and share in their story by simply just being with them through what may seem to be simple or mundane situations. We pray that the students take the time to saviour those final moments with each other.

MR PAUL CORFIELD
Dean of Identity & Community

STUDENT ABSENCES
This week I sent an email to students detailing requirements for students who are absent for an extended period. Essentially, I want families to know that we will endeavour to assist students as much as we are able, which includes instigating a philosophy of support and flexibility, particularly at this difficult time. Below is an excerpt of the email:

Students are absent for an extended period are requested to:

• Continue with work as directed in OneNote/email from teacher, if you are able.
• Communicate with your teachers via Outlook email to advise them of your absence and ask questions if you are unsure of the work on OneNote.
• If you miss an exam, contact your teacher via Outlook email.  
  • They will arrange through the subject Head of Faculty to complete a catch-up exam either in class or at a later stage.
  • Out of class catch up exams will be conducted by either Ms Gunn or Mr Newcombe. They will contact you if this is the case.
• If you require an extension for an assignment/s, this also needs to be requested through your class teacher and approved by the subject area Head of Faculty. 

My priority is to ensure your health, safety and wellbeing. I also want to ensure that you still have access to learning, and you still have an opportunity to demonstrate this learning via upcoming assessment. Please know we will do as much as we can to support you if you are absent. 

Once again, please contact your son’s teacher/s, House Mentor or Head of House if we can help. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXAM CATCH-UP
Two Middle School exam catch-up sessions will be held next week for any student in Years 7, 8 or 9 who has missed a class or ERPAC exam. See below table for details. Students should arrive promptly with all exam materials. Please contact Ms Sarah Gunn (Head of Teaching & Learning – Middle School) if you have any questions. 

NAPLAN PRACTICE TESTING
Congratulations to the Year 7 and 9 cohorts for their conduct during NAPLAN Online Practice testing this week. I was very impressed with the boys’ organisation, time management, and listening skills as they marshalled, logged on, and completed the Omnibus Practice test. To further enhance student test readiness and confidence, we will conduct a Writing Practice test in Week 1 of Term 2 (Thursday 21 April). Of course, Maths and English teachers will also continue to explicitly teach core Numeracy and Literacy skills (per the Australian Curriculum) in the lead up to NAPLAN. This preparation will be supported with test strategy workshops delivered in early Term 2. Finally, those students who missed NAPLAN Practice this week might choose to open the ‘NAP Locked Down Browser’ installed on their desktops and complete a short practice test at home. This will enable boys to experience the same Omnibus test that was completed this week. 

STUDY TIPS FOR UPCOMING ASSESSMENT As I am sure you are aware, students are/will be completing upcoming assessment (this week for Year 12’s, and next week for other cohorts). Often when I speak with students, I hear that they find it extremely difficult to start their study. They find themselves staring blankly at their text or screen, and wonder where to start. I offer the following advice to students and parents:

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. Study often. Students should space out study as often as possible. We know that the more knowledge that is gradually retained, the easier it is to recall in an assessment situation. Starting assignments early can also prevent stress at the end of the Term when assessment is generally due.
3. Prioritise. Students must prioritise their assessment. There is little value in studying or completing assessment for a subject that is due last. Adhering to ‘Point 2.’ above can help with this.
4. Chunk. I also advise students to chunk their study in order that they can maintain interest throughout their study period.
5. 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)!
6. Sleep. Students are much better off with a good night’s sleep than 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.
7. Traditional studying. Don’t be afraid to encourage your son to study ‘old school’. By that I mean writing down the concept and the definition (several times if needed), then testing himself. This form of rote learning can be beneficial to some students.
8. Individualised techniques. I encourage all students to discover their own learning style. Some students are visual learnings and need additional pictures and stimuli, whereas others are more kinaesthetic learners. Some students also have strengths in assignments whereas others find exams easier. I urge students to enhance their strengths, but also put more focus towards their weakest mode of assessment.

I hope families have a wonderful week ahead. I wish our boys the very best of luck for upcoming assessment and pray for a return to some form of normality soon.

DR LIAM HERBERT
Dean of Teaching and Learning

Click here for the link. If you have any questiosn please contact Trudy Heard - tmheard5@gmail.com.

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. 

It has been another busy week of events for the Music Department.

Over the weekend, members of Little Brotherhood, and selected members from other vocal ensembles, returned to Noosa this weekend for the annual Singing Surfin’ Safari.

This overnight trip is always a unique opportunity for our middle school singers to enjoy the best Queensland has to offer with time in the downtime in the surf, singing with peers and bringing the gift of music to the Noosa District Parish, a collaboration the parishioners look forward to each year.

We then had the Old Boys Concert and St Ignatius in Toowong. Members of Old Boys Choir, Guitar Orchestra and String Ensemble and the SLC Community Choir moved guests with some exquisite performances throughout the night to raise funds for the Jesuit Mission’s work in Myanmar.

Every amount will help create change for women, men and children who are living in the margins, suffering the indignity of poverty and injustice. 

This week also our annual “Progress Report” informal breakfast concerts for Treblehood, Concert Band 3, Big Band 3 and String Orchestra 3.

 A wonderful start to the day for staff and families alike. These ensembles will perform again at their dedicated concert next Term.

Finally, we would like to thank the members of Big Band 1, Guitar Orchestra 1, String Orchestra 1 and Treblehood who provided some sensational performances at this year’s College Open Day. We would also like to thank members of the Lauries Music Support Group (LMSG) who volunteered to help promote the Music program throughout the night.

If you need any further information regarding any of the above, please contact the music department: music@slc.qld.edu.au or telephone 3010 1138.

MR ROSS CAPERN
Director of Instrumental Music

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

Round 2, Week 2 (Years 9, 11, 12)

This week, despite the ongoing complications of this cursed year, the Lions once more rose up, channelled their ferocity, and came out on top in some key discursive skirmishes.

On Thursday night, the Year 12 teams converged on Brisbane State High for their first short preparation bout of the season. While 12.2 – Josh Knight (2022 co-captain), Dante Vickers, and Jonathan Halicos – were marginally bested by Centenary State High, the 12.1 team – Nick Adames, Jack Hobbs, Ethan Bryan, and Dom Wojciechowski (chair) – continued to realise their vaulting ambition, expertly revealing the porous logic hidden at the foundation of Cleveland District State High’s seemingly convincing arguments. Both SLC teams were tasked with defending the proposition that the reality TV show Married at First Sight should be banned, and, as such, found themselves on the right side of history.

Despite a Herculean effort, 9.1 – Darcy Bryan, Medhansh Sekhri, and Chan Kim – were beaten by Loreto College on Wednesday night, in a debate over the proposition that we should ban “charity mugging” (i.e. street fundraising). Arguing the negative, the Lions drew on their personal commitment to charity as keepers of the Edmund Rice tradition; one can only marvel at the strength of the opposition, if the moral reasoning put by the Lions still somehow left the adjudicator cold. The 9.2 team was, unfortunately, a casualty of illness, forced to forfeit the debate against Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

The argumentative apotheosis of the week occurred in the Year 11 competition, held at Anglican Church Grammar School on Wednesday evening. Jack Montague, Max Rossberg, and Cruze Bunting (11.1) have been debating together for five years, and this history and familiarity no doubt contributed to the stunning cohesion and strength of the case they mounted. They defended the proposition that seats in parliament should be reserved for people aged under 30 in a short preparation debate. In a frightening display that was equally surgical and savage, the Lions verbally eviscerated the in-form opposition, Carmel College, winning by a monumental four points. Simply unheard of. 11.2 had a postponement this week, and will be contesting Round 2 sometime in term 2.

Thanks to coaches Leisa Priebe and Donna Braithwaite (Year 9), Roy Wojciechowski and Joshua Zuill (Year 11), Christopher Boerdam and Shana Shariff (Year 12), and, of course, the parents, guardians and supporters, for all their work with the Lions this week and over the course of the season so far.

 Next week – Year 10, Round 2. SLC hosting, Wednesday night. 

JOEL GLAZEBROOK 
Head of E-Learning

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.