Term 1, Week 5

Recently in a conversation with the EREA Colleges Regional Director of Education, Mr Peter Fullagar, I was made aware of the name, Carlo Acutis. Carlo was mentioned as a young man with an incredible story. A young Italian teenager known for his deep devotion to the Catholic faith and his remarkable use of technology to share his inspiration. Born on May 3, 1991, in London, he moved to Milan, Italy, with his family, shortly after his birth.

Carlo was particularly noted for documenting miracles and creating a website to catalogue them, showcasing his impressive computer skills. Despite being diagnosed with leukemia at a young age, he remained cheerful and offered his sufferings for the Pope and the Church. He passed away on October 12, 2006, at the age of 15. Carlo’s life and faith had a profound impact on those around him, leading to his beatification by Pope Francis on October 10, 2020. Carlo Actis is the first Beatified Millennial in the Catholic Church. 

This week on assembly, we acknowledged and celebrated the EREA Touchstone of Liberating Education (Learning Statement - Edmund Rice Education Australia). During the assembly, multiple presenters spoke of how a Liberating education can be visible at Lauries and we heard of Old Boys who had shown examples of their Liberating Education in their adult lives as an inspiration for all students.

In considering both the story of Carlo Acutis and the Touchstone of Liberating Education, I was left reflecting on the students of St Laurence’s College. I was immediately drawn to the power of youth. Given the right tools, the right understanding and the right motivation, young people can be capable of great things. While some do the remarkable, there are many examples of students at Lauries who do great things each day because of their understanding of service, community and inclusion. While the mainstream media will always find time to acknowledge youth crime and social injustices, its equally important to celebrate the sunshine, and be proud of the many great things that our young people do, and especially the great things they do at Lauries!

SLC School Advisory Council 

Last Monday, the School Advisory Council held their first meeting for the year. The School Advisory Council works collaboratively with the Principal and with EREA Colleges to support faithfulness to the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition and provide collaborative and informed advice on the strategic imperatives of the College.

Each member of the Council offers insight and wisdom from the lens of professional experience, parent (past and present) and community member. In 2025, Mr Michael Batch will be the Chair of the School Advisory Council. I thank Michael and all the volunteer members of the Council for the time and effort they offer to ensure the ongoing development of the College. 

The 2025 School Advisory Council members are: 

Mid-term reflection

Schools are very cyclical places and the mid-point to a term often brings with it certain markers. Those competing in the AIC have now played half of the opposition and are finding their rhythm, our musicians have rehearsed and are now performing, including a combined performance with our Learning Exchange (LEX) colleagues at Iona and Padua. Our Chess Academy is in full swing, NAPLAN readiness is occurring and new, prospective students are filling enrolment interviews and Principal's Tours.

Most importantly though, the mid-point of the term means that learning is at its deepest and routines and expectations should be well established. This week is a great time to check in with your young man as a learner. Asking questions about homework, checking assessment schedules and building study planners are all good conversations. Ensuring consistency of habit and routine through these conversations will set your son up for success at the end of the term.

Best wishes to all those competing against Marist Ashgrove this weekend. 

MR BEN LOWRIE

College Principal