From the Pastoral Office
A Message for Parents - eSafety
Occasionally, a significant issue arises with students on social media. The College attempts to educate students, parents and caregivers through a variety of means such as guest speakers, Lauries Journey lessons and House assemblies, conversing about the issues that can come from inappropriate social media usage. It's the question that parents all around Australia are asking...
"How am I supposed to keep my kids safe online…when I have NO IDEA what they’re doing?”
The eSafety Commissioner has a range of activities and toolkits for students and parents to keep the boys safe online. Further information and resources (including webinars for parents and carers) can be found HERE.
Year 11 Leadership Camp
Preparations are well underway for next week’s Year 11 Leadership Camp. We look forward to students diving deeper into their leadership journey, bonding with their House and sharing their vision for 2026. A particular highlight of the camp occurs on Tuesday evening when our parents and caregivers join us at Camp Laurence for Mass to celebrate this most significant point in not only their son’s Lauries Journey, but their own. Thanks to Mr Nathan Burridge and the Heads of House for their work with the Year 11's as they begin their journey through significant milestones in the year meeting.
Father’s and Son Evening
On Thursday night our Year 8 Fathers and Sons gathered for a barbeque and evening of minute-to-win-it style games. This was made possible by Ms Vanessa Bell (Dean of Engagement & Wellbeing) with the assistance of a significant number of student helpers who gave their time to set-up, run and then pack-down the various games and activities that were on offer. We sincerely thank them for giving their time and making this event a success. We would also like to mention our Humanities Team who modelled the spirit of Service by cooking and serving our meal on the evening along with the other staff who assisted.
Orientation Day
On Friday, we welcomed our newest members of the St Laurence’s College community who will start their journey with us in 2026. Over 130 Year 6 Primary students and nearly 170 Year 4 students had a taste of what their Lauries Journey will look and feel like next year as they begin Year 7 and Year 5 next year. We began the day with a welcome assembly and House Formation activities. The boys were guided by some of our finest young Lauries Gentlemen in Years 9-12 through ‘get to know you’ and icebreaker activities. Sincere thanks to all our young men for their assistance and enthusiasm on the day, from greeting students and parents on arrival to running games and playing handball through the breaks. I firmly believe that their presence and willingness to connect helped to extend welcome and ease anxiety within the younger boys.
In amongst some delicious food and handball games, our newest Lauries Gentlemen were taken on a full school tour, entering our classroom spaces, science labs, industrial technology rooms, the gym, sport hall, while also locating the essentials along the way like the tuckshop, toilets and Gair Field. We look forward to welcoming the boys formally next year as they commence their Lauries Journey in 2026.
As always, if you son requires assistance in any way, please get in contact with his Head of House. The Lauries community has many ways of ensuring your son reaches his full potential, in a safe and welcoming way.
Live Jesus in your hearts… Forever!
MR DAVID KNIGHT
Dean of Students