Current Edition | Term 4, Week 6

St Laurence O’Toole Feast Day

In our 110th year as a College, we have spent much time celebrating the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and the work of the early Christian Brothers as foundational to our College. Today, 14 November, affords us another opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate, being the feast of St Laurence O’Toole (Lorcán Ua Tuathail).

Born into Irish nobility around 1128, Laurence’s path was shaped by faith, humility and service. After being taken hostage as a young boy during clan disputes, he was released into the care of the monks at Glendalough, where his deep spirituality took root. At just 25, he became Abbot of Glendalough, known for his compassion for the poor, wisdom in leadership and commitment to peace among rival families.

In 1162, Laurence was appointed the first Irish Archbishop of Dublin, guiding the Church through reform and unity at a time of great political upheaval. He lived simply, gave generously, and worked tirelessly to bring peace during the Norman invasions and beyond. Whether feeding the hungry, advocating for reconciliation or defending his people before kings, St Laurence embodied the Gospel in action.

As a patron of Dublin and our College, his story reminds us of what it truly means to be a person for others — to lead with courage, to act with compassion and presence and to hold firm to faith in the face of challenge. St Laurence O’Toole’s life calls each of us, on our Lauries Journey, to live with integrity and service and to be present in our own communities.

Happy St Laurence O’Toole Feast Day to all. I look forward to celebrating Mass in honour of this day with our students next week.

St Laurence O’Toole — pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts – Forever.

Middle School to Senior School

This week, our Year 9 students marked a special milestone at the Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony, celebrating their growth and transition into the Senior School.

Families, mentors and staff gathered in ERPAC as each young man crossed the symbolic bridge and received his Senior School badge - a proud moment of reflection and achievement.

Congratulations to our young men on this significant step in their Lauries Journey and a special thanks to all the Heads of House and Rite Journey Mentors who have partnered with our young men to be a part of this transition program. I look forward to seeing great things from our Year 10, 2026 students.

Remembrance Day

This week at the College, we paused to acknowledge Remembrance Day, a day that holds deep significance for our community. Our Remembrance Day service was an opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served our nation. In 25 years of boy’s education, I have learned that there are few certainties in a school calendar. One, however, is the fact that students will demonstrate the highest level of respect on Remembrance Day. This year's service was certainly a testament to this fact and evident in the pictures below. I thank Mr Heshusius for his coordination of this year's Remembrance Day Service.  

College Dean of Finance and Business Announcement

It gives me great pleasure to affirm the appointment of Mr Damien Campbell as the Dean of Business and Finance, commencing in late December 2025. Mr Campbell joins the Lauries community with over 20 years’ experience across education, infrastructure and technology sectors. 

As an accomplished Chartered Accountant and operational leader, Mr Campbell brings extensive financial stewardship, strategic leadership and a commitment to values-based practice in Catholic education, most recently serving as CFO at Ultimate Positioning Group and Dean of Operations at St Joseph’s Nudgee College. 

We look forward to welcoming Mr Campbell into the Lauries community.

I thank Mr Chris Wooley (CEO EREA Colleges) for this appointment and congratulate Mr Campbell on the commencement of his Lauries Journey. I also continue to be thankful for the fine work of Ms Michelle Gyde as she concludes her time at the College. 

Remaining Key Dates for 2025

With the conclusion of the school year fast approaching I ask families to be aware of the following key dates:

• 14 November – St Laurence O’Toole Feast Day
• 17 November – Primary School Awards Celebration (6:30pm)
• 19 November – Year 12 Reflection and Affirmation Day
• 20 November – St Laurence O’Toole Feast Day Mass (9:00am)
• 20 November – Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony (6:00pm)
• 21 November – Year 5 Retreat Day
• 27 November – Year 6 Retreat and Primary Graduation
• 28 November – Middle School Celebration Day and Term 4 Concludes

Further Information regarding these events can be found by accessing the College App and Parent Lounge on TASS.

School Advisory Council (SAC)

Next week, the last School Advisory Council Meeting for 2025 will occur. The School Advisory Council is chaired by Mr Michael Batch, who is ably assisted by Ms Rebecca Girard, Ms Genevieve Green, Ms Michelle Prendergast, Mr James Scott, Ms Bridget Totterman, Mr John Vaitsas, Ms Tanya Hansen and Dr Liam Herbert. The Council is also supported by the Finance Subcommittee, of which Ms Michelle Gyde and Mr Stellios Falieros are members. 

My sincere thanks go to this group of parents and friends of the College who give of their time to provide oversight and advice on whole College matters and provide critical support to the College Leadership Team. I look forward to this continued partnership in 2026. 

My best wishes remain with our Year 12 students as they inch closer to completing their external exams and look toward their reflection day and final graduation. Good luck also to those competing in 2026 Volleyball and AFL trials for the College this week, those competing in the Manchester City Cup at Lauries and especially to all students as they begin their final assessment pieces for 2025.