From the Dean of Identity and Community
Living Justice and Solidarity at the Heart of Our Community
As we begin a new school year, we warmly welcome our students, families, and staff back to our College community. The start of the year is always a moment filled with hope; a chance to reconnect, to reset and to recommit ourselves to the values that shape who we are and how we journey together.
This week during our opening College Assembly, our community reflected on one of the core touchstones of the Edmund Rice tradition: Justice and Solidarity. While these words may sound lofty, they come to life in very real, everyday moments; particularly in how we treat one another when it matters most.
Through two short but powerful sporting examples, students were invited to look beyond the scoreboard and consider character. In both moments, elite athletes were placed in situations where the rules allowed them to take advantage - yet they chose honesty, fairness and respect instead. These actions weren’t required. They weren’t easy. But, they were right.
And that is the heart of justice: choosing what is right, even when it costs us something. That is the essence of solidarity: recognising the dignity of another person, even when they are our opponent.
Lauries offers countless opportunities for students to live this out; on the field, in the classroom, in the playground, and in the quiet choices we make when no one is watching. Justice and Solidarity remind us that everyone deserves respect, that true strength is shown through compassion, and that we are responsible not only for ourselves, but for one another.
As we step into the year ahead, we invite our community to carry this reflection with them. May we ask ourselves each day: How can I act with justice? How can I stand in solidarity with others? When we do, we don’t just build better teams or better learners; we build a stronger, kinder, and more connected community.
We look forward to all that this year will bring and are grateful to walk this journey together.
Live Jesus in our Hearts; Forever!
MR LACHLAN HESHUSIUS
Dean of Identity and Community