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From the Principal

As I write the newsletter this week, the winner of the Annual House Choir Competition has just been sung and won. Congratulations must go to Callan House on their fantastic effort, singing Rolling in the Deep by Adele. It’s great to see the staff and students of each House work together, step outside their comfort zones, perform and compete for their House. It was also fantastic to have Mr Leadbetter make a special video appearance for the event. My thanks go to the many staff involved in the rehearsal, production and performance of the House Choir, with particular thanks to the Pastoral Team for their effort to drive this initiative.

The House Choir competition is one of the many competitions that are the result of the introduction of the vertical House System at St Laurence’s College in 2019. The House System aims to foster student welfare, develop student formation and academic growth, and instil an Edmund Rice formation in each student. Most importantly, the vertical House System ensures that every student is known and can be celebrated at the College.

Recently, the evolution of the House System was commended by the review panel from the EREA renewal process. In its 6th year, the vertical House System continues to evolve thanks to the work of the Pastoral Team, the Heads of House and the Student Leaders.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH!

I am excited to share that as of today, the College has released our new ‘Heart of Gold’ inspired website. Utilising our existing URL (https://www.slc.qld.edu.au/), this new site has many dynamic elements and truly shows our Lauries point of difference.

With this upgrade, there have been some changes in how the Lauries Learning Gateway is accessed. This is now available in the top right-hand corner of the screen once you scroll down slightly.

The College newsletter (which you are reading now) has also been updated. Please feel free to peruse this and all the other features of our new site.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the compilation of this new site, in particular Helen Turner, Lachie Prince and Rebecca Pease for their hard work and dedication to making this happen.

GALA DINNER

Following the success of the recent Lauries Sports Lunch, tickets for our next event, the Lauries Gala Dinner, go on sale next Monday 10 June at midday. The event will take place on Saturday 7 September at the soon to be opened The Star Brisbane, Queen’s Wharf. We are expecting a sellout event, so I recommend securing your tickets quickly. Further details about the event can be found HERE, including the link to purchase tickets.

At the event, we will also draw our special raffle prize – a trip for up to 8 people to Camp Island (Northern Queensland) including $2,000 Travel Voucher and $1,000 Grocery Store Voucher (valued at $12,600!) Tickets for this raffle are available now via the link HERE.

YEAR 5 2026 APPLICATIONS OPENING

Also as of next Monday, applications for Year 5 2026 commencement at the College will officially open. While some parents may have already completed the application and interview process earlier this year, I invite anyone still interested to apply.  Our school is in high demand and while preference is given to siblings, we may not be able to accommodate any late requests. If you have any questions, please contact our Enrolments Registrar, Ms Tina McManus on 07 3010 1104 or enrolments@slc.qld.edu.au.

OPEN DAY 2024

On Thursday 25 July, over 1,800 guests are expected to attend this year’s Open Day. From 4pm – 7pm, our doors will be open to prospective families who will experience for themselves all that Lauries has to offer. Current families are more than welcome to attend, with multiple displays and performances on offer. Further details can be found online HERE.

FAREWELL MS HOURIGAN

This week, former College staff member and parent, Kath Hourigan passed away. A stanch Lauries supporter, both Kath and her husband Frank worked at the College for a combined total of 31 years. Their four sons and three grandsons also attended Lauries, with both Frank and Kath often returning to the College for events and activities. We hold Kath, Frank and the entire Hourigan family in our thoughts and prayers.

AIC SPORT THIS WEEKEND

This weekend is the culmination of Term 2 sports for 2024. It is great to know that we have the following teams still competing for premierships tomorrow:

Football (7A,7B,8A,8B, 9A,10A, 4th XI, 3rd XI, 2nd XI) & 6A Black - Undefeated season.

Rugby (7A, 9B, 9A, 1st XV)

Chess (Junior A, Junior B, 1st IV)

Even more pleasing though is the number of students who were able to represent the school this term at either an AIC or Colours Cup competition. With over 1200 students playing Chess, Football or Rugby, SLC continues to ensure as many students as possible have access to sporting opportunities each Term. I extend a huge thanks to all the staff, families and volunteers who continue to give of their time to make this possible for the young men of our College.

I wish all teams competing, best wishes for the final round. I also thank all Year 12’s who are playing in their last round of Chess, Football or Rugby for the College, for their ongoing commitment to the AIC sporting program. Special mention to our First IV and First XV who are competing for premierships this weekend.

MR BEN LOWRIE

College Principal (Acting)