From the Principal
On Monday night the world was saddened by the news of the passing of Pope Francis. This week, Australian Catholics and faithful from around the world, have given thanks for the life of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome.
As the week has progressed, the prayers of more than a billion people, from all nations and every walk of life, go with Pope Francis to his rest.
Born in Argentina in 1936 and ordained a priest in 1969, Pope Francis was elected to papacy in 2013. He was a trailblazing Pope. The first Pope to hail from the Americas, the first Jesuit Pope, and the first to take the name of the saint for the poor, Saint Francis of Assisi.
Pope Francis's compassion embraced all humanity and over the coming days, he will be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Pope Francis was a human who believed in the commonality of man and urged us to hear the cry of the earth, our common home. He was an advocate for climate change. He was a champion of the poor and marginalised and very much a modernist Pope. Pope Francis really did believe in being with the people.
In 2017, I was blessed to be in the crowd at the Vatican Square in the presence of the Pope. As he made his way through the many adoring Catholics, his care and love for people, along with his presence and charm, were unmistakable.
While his views were not always in favour, it would be hard to argue that Pope Francis’ modern, globalist leadership, woven with humility and compassion, has not provided some enlightenment for the Catholic Church.
As we reflect on the passing of Pope Francis, we remember that he was a Pope that encouraged and lived the values that we as a community aspire to every day. As members of a Catholic School community, we embrace the shared ideology of both Pope Francis and Blessed Edmund Rice as we work towards ensuring that every individual has the right to be respected and to be treated with dignity.
Live Jesus in our hearts… Forever
Anzac Day Service 2025
Today the College convened for its annual Anzac Day service. After over 25 years in education, it still fills me with pride when I witness 21st century students acknowledging the traditions of Anzac Day. I was proud to see our 2040 young men listen in complete silence to stories of service and sacrifice, demonstrating such deep respect for the legacy of those who served before them.
The incredible sense of occasion and respect shown by our young men during this service was a credit to all involved and well noted by our ex-serving, Old Boys.
I would like to thank Mr David Jarvis (former member of the Royal Australian Navy) for presenting to our community on Anzac Day. Thanks must also go to our musicians, cadets, Mr Lachlan Heshusius and our Formation team and all those who contributed to the organisation of the service.
Tomorrow, our Year 12 Prefects, students, members of the College Leadership Team and members of the extended St Laurence’s community will attend the Anzac Day Service at Ekibin Memorial Park. The service begins at 6.30am and all members of the St Laurence’s College community are invited to attend.
New Facilities
Over the Easter break, the College Business and Facilities Teams worked tirelessly to ensure a number of facilities upgrades for the College, were operational for Term 2.
Most notably, the new College amenities building was opened on day of this term for all students. These state-of-the-art facilities include dedicated amenities for Year 7 gentlemen, alongside modern and well-equipped spaces for Middle and Senior students.
The renovation has also seen the installation of additional chilled water refill stations plus accessible bathroom facilities.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Macksey Rush Architects and Gentner Builders for their dedication and expertise in bringing this vision to life.
Senior Studies Hub
The College will also open the new Senior Studies Hub for afterhours study for Year 12 students. The Senior Studies Hub features climate controlled soundproof booth spaces for collaborative study that include individual display systems with flexible furniture.
The Hub also contains a larger and quieter study area with microwaves, study lounges and working spaces to enhance the student experience.
Collaboratively designed with both teacher and student input, the Hub is an exciting prototype space that is hoped to be incorporated in into future learning space design across the College.
New Canteen
Additionally, the College today opened the new (name to be confirmed) Westcourt Canteen. The canteen is a second site canteen option for our students and designed to alleviate congestion at our current canteen. With all food prepared in our main kitchen, the Westcourt Canteen operates a mirror menu to our main canteen and is open at first and second break for the students.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
On Monday, staff and parents will meet online to discuss the academic application and growth of our students. While families well all have individualised takeaways from each conference, I encourage all involved to continue to focus on the learning improvement and personal growth for each student. I thank Mr Newcombe and his team for their work in coordinating this very important opportunity.
AIC Sport Round 1
This week we begin AIC sport with a trial round against Iona College. I encourage all families to check the College App for updated information regarding the trials (particularly given the pending weather) and wish all teams competing in Chess, Football and Rugby, best wishes and an injury-free weekend.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal