Current Edition | Term 4, Week 6

Yuuingan Yari Cultural Immersion – By Kelsey Doyle and Zane Ratcliff, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support Officers

On Monday, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from years 5-11 as part of the Yuuingan Yari Young Mens Program were afforded the opportunity to spend the day together out at our Runcorn Playing Fields taking part in a cultural immersion. This day served as a strong opportunity for students to engage with each other and form stronger connections to both each other and their cultural heritage.

Starting off the day with traditional games such as Edor and Marngrook allowed the boys to practice team skills as well as leadership amongst year levels with the highlight being the two youngest boys scoring the winning points for their respective teams. From there, we broke into smaller groups and facilitated discussion around cultural pride, shame and their visions for 2026. A resounding theme of desire to share their culture with the wider community and engage their peers to foster mutual respect and understanding was heard throughout these discussions – something that will be strongly encouraged as we plan for next year. 

The day finished with students being taken through an art session facilitated by Yalingbila Jundal Designs artist Kushla Houkamau, a Noonuccal woman from the Quandamooka people on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island. She is also a familiar face to EREA as a past student of St James College, meaning she was very familiar with our College’s context and the Edmund Rice values that underpin our practice. She encouraged the boys to consider the places sacred to them and the people closest to them who have guided their journey so far.

It is always exciting to see young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men engage in culture and continue their histories long held in the 60,000 years of this country. We look forward to continuing their growth and understanding, but most importantly look forward to bringing the entire St Laurence’s College Community on this journey with us 

Nursery Road Special School Graduation Dance

Students from St Laurence’s College and Loreto College recently joined forces to assist at the Nursery Road State Special School Graduation Dance. The event celebrated the achievements of graduating students in a night filled with music, joy and connection. Our volunteers helped decorate the venue, serve refreshments and dance alongside the graduates, ensuring everyone felt included and celebrated. The experience was both inspiring and heartwarming, giving students a deeper appreciation of community, empathy and service. St Laurence’s and Loreto students were proud to contribute to such a meaningful and memorable occasion.

St Laurence’s College Christmas Appeal 

Join us in supporting Micah Projects, St Vincent de Paul, Murri Ministries and St Francis Table this Christmas. Your generosity helps bring hope and care to those in need. Donations can be made via Homerooms until Thursday 27, November. Thank you for your support! 

Please use this list as a guide to support your generous donations: 

The Rite Journey Homecoming: Stepping into Adulthood

On Tuesday, the Year 9 cohort gathered with their families, mentors and staff in ERPAC for the annual Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony- a symbolic celebration marking each young man’s transition toward adulthood and entry into the Senior School.

The evening began with a warm welcome from College Principal Mr Ben Lowrie, followed by a moving procession as students entered holding lit tealight candles; each flame representing the lessons, growth, and light discovered throughout their Rite Journey year. Under soft lighting and Lauries’ signature gold and black tones, reflections were shared by students who spoke with honesty and humour about the experiences that shaped them, from the challenges of camp to the lessons of self-discovery, faith and friendship. I pay particular gratitude to Ethan Lucas, Adam Pryer, Rory Batch and Max Bush for the way they spoke so genuinely about their experiences in Rite Journey this year. Then students participated in the Bridge Ritual; a defining moment of the night. One by one, each student crossed the bridge, greeted by their Rite Journey Mentor, Head of House and Mr Lowrie, receiving their Senior School badge as a symbol of responsibility, leadership and belonging.

Families then joined in the Lauries Blessing, a prayer for courage, compassion and faith as these young men continue their journey in the Edmund Rice tradition.

The Homecoming was both reflective and uplifting- a reminder that growth takes courage, community, and light. As Mr Lowrie shared in his closing words, “Tonight is not an ending, but the beginning of a new chapter in the story of each young man standing before us.” 

I will leave you with a quote from Year 9 Middle School Leader Max Bush:

“At first, The Rite Journey just felt like two extra periods a week - but as the year went on, we started having real conversations and it became a space to be honest and genuine with each other. One of the best parts was camp - taking a pause to reflect on how far we’ve come and who we’re becoming. It helped me realise that this journey is about more than growing up - it’s about discovering who you really are.”

Live Jesus in our Hearts; Forever!

MR LACHLAN HESHUSIUS 

Dean of Identity and Community