From the Pastoral Office
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Our assembly last week was based on the Edmund Rice Education Touchstone of Gospel Spirituality. At St Laurence’s College, we believe in fostering an inclusive community where every student is recognised and valued. As it is written in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," we, in the Pastoral Team at St Laurence’s, are committed to creating an environment that embraces diversity and promotes equality.
Our community is accepting and welcoming, fostering right relationships and committed to the common good. We welcome all families that share our common values and our mission to provide an educational experience for all.
Inclusiveness is not merely a mission; it’s one of our touchstones. Just as a gold touchstone reveals the true quality of precious metals, treating people with respect unveils the inherent worth within each individual. Our commitment to inclusiveness means recognising and celebrating diversity as a strength, ensuring that all students have equal access to opportunities, and supporting them to reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing space.
Counselling and Support
We are here for anyone who needs help. Counselling helps students express themselves, solve problems, set goals, and feel supported in a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment. Our College Counsellors work closely with students to build self-awareness and life skills, supporting their social, emotional, and academic growth – should your son require support, please email his Head of Year or Head or House, student referrals can also be made from our website - counselling.
NAPLAN
Ms Emma Serico and her team have our Year 7 and 9 students as ready as possible for this coming week’s testing. Laptop checks and practice sessions have hopefully readied our students and familiarised them with the procedures in place for the testing. Communicating absences this week is essential as there will be some catch-up sessions held. Could I also ask you to ensure that your son has the basic materials required for each day; which include:
- A fully-charged laptop
- A pencil
- A set of wired headphones (these are inexpensive and can be bought at supermarkets)
Year 7 Parent & Son Evening
In Week 6 we were fortunate to be able to host the annual Year 7 Parent and Son evening which gives students and one parent/caregiver the opportunity to share a meal with other families before rotating through a series of workshops. The aim of each workshop is offer students and their parent an opportunity to learn more about Lauries, learning, our Touchstones, technology and each other. They also enjoy an art activity run by Ms Maria Mavritsky and Ms Aimee Watt. I thank these ladies in addition to our other presenters; Mr John Larkin, Mr Matthew Zannes, Ms Michelle Guerrero, Ms Vanessa Bermingham, Ms Leisa Priebe, Ms Susan Harris and Mr Antony Bird for their skill, enthusiasm and support of this initiative.
The Humanities Faculty are always willing to help welcome and serve our guests for which I am very grateful. Finally, thanks to Mr Pike and Ms Fawcett for all of their work behind the scenes.
Sport this week
We wish our AFL, Volleyball and Cricket players well playing a big round of sport against Iona this weekend. Good luck boys!
AIC Swimming – Next Friday 21 March
Due to the storm last weekend the AIC Swimming Championships have been postponed until next Friday. We wish all swimmers the best of luck for this event.
Mentoring
Our Middle School students have begun their reflection and goal setting preparation documents ready for their one-to-one meeting with their House Mentor. Year 8 and 9 students have been asked to email their documentation to their parent/caregiver so that this discussion can also occur at home. The support of parents and caregivers in this process is exceptionally important.
Students in Senior School have all been asked to complete a Microsoft Form which requires them to reflect on their achievements last year and set future goals. In particular, Year 10 are asked questions which prompt them to reflect on their entry to Senior School and the subjects that they have undertaken. Please have a conversation with you son about their insights.
Parent M2L
Unfortunately, our Parent Meeting to Learn has been postponed at this time. Parents will be advised of an alternative date.
Live Jesus in our Hearts… Forever.
MR DAVID KNIGHT
Dean of Students