From the Pastoral Office
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
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.
Events
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.
Year 7 Alternate Program
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.
Changes to the Pastoral Team for 2025
We are pleased to welcome Ms Michelle Guerrero as Head of Middle School Students for 2025. Ms Gurrero brings extensive experience to our College, having worked in various educational settings, including other EREA Colleges, and a strong background in curriculum development, pastoral support, and administration. Ms Vanessa Bell remains a valued member of both the College Leadership Team and Pastoral Team and will provide her expertise and guidance to our Heads of House as Dean of Wellbeing and Student Engagement in 2025. Mr Nathan Burridge will also continue as a member of the Pastoral Team as Head of Senior School Students. Both Ms Guerrero and Mr Burridge will support me in the new role as Dean of Students.
Commissioning of our Year 12 students
This morning the College commissioned the Year 12 cohort as Seniors for 2025. The students were presented with their Senior badges from a Middle School Leader and their Head of House. The 2025 student leadership group, were also commissioned with their badges, presented by Mr Lowrie 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.
Principal’s Awards
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 and 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 Ben Lowrie, along with Ms Guerrero and Mr Burridge awarded over 130 students with Principal’s Awards for 2024.
Date Claimers
Monday 3 February – Year 8 & 9 Parent Information Night
Wednesday 12 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 2025.
The Pastoral Team wishes all students the best in the coming weeks and as always. Live Jesus in our hearts… Forever.
MR DAVID KNIGHT
Dean of Students