Current Edition | Term 4, Week 8

The late Pope Francis once said, 

"Rivers do not drink their own water, trees do not eat their own fruit, the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is...Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you."

As I write the last newsletter for 2025, I am witness to the great generosity and service of our community after just watching the donations of food from Lauries families reach our partner charities (St Francis’s Table, St Vincent De Paul, Murray Ministries and Micah Project) in readiness for Christmas. While presents and celebrations are a valued part of many of our traditions, it’s important we never forget the need to look after each other, especially at the time of Christmas. 

This year we farewell a number of significant staff from the College. These staff are extraordinary members of our community who have committed to the mission of educating kind, young men daily and will this year conclude their service to the College. Can I highlight:

• Ms Kirsten Wardrop who moves to the EREA Colleges office after 19 Years at SLC, 4 of which Ms Wardrop was a CLT member
• Ms Michelle Gyde, moving to Mt St Michaels after 2 years on the CLT of the College
• Mr Ben Reyneke who retired in March after 16 years of service
• Mrs Deb Carnwell who retired in August after 20 years of service
• Miss Karen Kindt after 24 years as the Primary Precinct Administration Assistant
• Mr Don Jarmey after 20 years in the Science Department 
• Ms Karen Ruprecht after 17 years as an instrumental music teacher.

I thank all of these staff for their valued service and their commitment to the Lauries Journey and wish them well for whatever lies before them. I especially thank Ms Kindt for an incredible 24 years guiding our youngest Lauries gentlemen. 

St Laurence's College are U15 Futsal National Champions!

This week, our U15s advanced to the Grand Final of the National Futsal Championships at Nissan Arena. Taking on Chancellor College, the Lauries boys ran out 4-1 winners and were crowned National Schools Futsal Champions. They have now claimed the trifecta of Regional, State and National Championships - an outstanding achievement for these young men. Congratulations also to our U13s side who fought gallantly throughout the carnival, falling in the Quarter Finals in a hard-fought contest.

My best wishes also go to our UK Football tourists and our Manchester City teams travelling to the Manchester City Australian Tournament in Melbourne this weekend. 

2025 Senior Results

Over the Christmas vacation period, our 2025 seniors who completed an ATAR pathway will receive their results. We will also receive updates on individual accreditation awarded and certificate courses. We look forward to sharing these with you in the coming weeks and offer best wishes to all of these students in this time of anticipation. 

Holiday Safety

As we approach the holiday period, we acknowledge that our community will be taking to the roads in the interest of holiday travel, spending time with loved ones and enjoying their well-deserved break. We are urging all families and the broader community to take care, slow down and avoid distractions while on the roads. 

We especially remind our young men to wear helmets when riding bikes, abide by all rules around the use of e-bikes and e-scooters and to be aware as pedestrians. 

In light of recent events involving Lauries students, the College is calling attention to Amy's Foundation and their current petition for Brisbane City Council to implement safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists at the Logan Road crossing near Glindemann Park. Their efforts in advocating for community safety are to be commended, and we encourage families to sign the petition linked below:

As we bring our 110th year at St Laurence’s to a close for students of the College, I want to offer my gratitude to every member of our Lauries community. This has been a year marked by growth, achievement and the quiet, daily acts of kindness that make our College a special place. Whether in classrooms, on the sporting fields, on stage, in service to others or in the formation spaces where young men learn who they are becoming, we have witnessed countless moments that speak to the very heart of our EREA Touchstones.

During the Christmas season, may we pause to reflect and remember to be of service to others. In the busy rhythm of life, the Christmas message reminds us to slow down, be present to one another and to seek peace in simple moments. I pray that your homes are filled with joy, rest and togetherness during this sacred time.

On behalf of St Laurence’s College, I wish every family a blessed Christmas and a safe, refreshing New Year. May 2026 bring renewed purpose, continued growth and countless opportunities for our young men to shine.