From the Principal
The rhythm of the school year has well and truly settled in over the past fortnight. It is great to have the boys back, engaged in learning and co-curricular activities.
Since the last College Newsletter, we have celebrated the 2025 Academic Awards Assembly, where we gathered as a College community to recognise the outstanding efforts of students who have demonstrated diligence, perseverance and excellence in their studies over the last 12 months. These occasions are important moments in our calendar. They remind our young men that achievement is not accidental; it is the result of consistent effort, good habits and the support of those around them.
This message was reinforced by Finn Totterman, the 2025 College Dux in his acceptance speech. Finn noted
“From Year 7, I decided schoolwork mattered to me. I always did homework as soon as I got it, handed assignments in early and I used my diary. It would’ve been easy to not do that because realistically your Year 7 History mark won’t change your ATAR, but your Year 7 habits will.”
I congratulate Finn on achieving Dux, as well as the 610 other academic achievers who were recognised on this day. While it was a celebration day for the named award winners, it is also important to acknowledge the many other boys who achieved their own personal excellence in 2025. My congratulations is offered to all.
You can read more about the Academic Awards Assembly in Ms Visser’s article in this Newsletter.
Senior School Information Evening
This week, our Senior School Information Evening provided an important opportunity for families to engage with staff and gain clarity around subject pathways, assessment expectations and the structure of the Senior years. These evenings are vital in helping students and parents make informed decisions and it was encouraging to see such strong attendance and engagement. The conversations that take place at events like these are central to building the confidence and ownership our young men need as they move through the Senior phase of their education.
International Students Lunch
A highlight of the term is always our International Students lunch. The occasion is a great opportunity to celebrate the diverse culture and origins of our many international students and share stories of travel, experiences and living in another country. At occasions like this, it is clear that the friendships formed across cultures and experiences enrich our community and reflect the inclusive spirit of the Edmund Rice tradition. I thank Ms Delsey Armitage for the coordination of this event.
AIC Sport
On the sporting field, we opened our AIC season against Villanova College. It was a great weekend of AFL, Cricket, Swimming and Volleyball. I must commend the Student Spirt Committee for the pride and commitment shown across the weekend, with the highlight fixture being the many thousands of people who attended the Friday night Open AFL win against Villanova’s First XVIII. The first round of AIC sport always brings a special energy to the campus and it was heartening to see so many students representing the College with commitment and sportsmanship. Thank you to the staff, coaches and families who support our sporting programs and help create such positive experiences for our young men.
For those new to the College, both St Laurence's College and the AIC have strict codes of conduct for players and spectators. These codes of conduct can be found here:
- AIC school sport is for everyone —it’s about enjoyment, school spirit, and giving every student the opportunity to represent their school and have fun.
- As spectators, our role is to support the game from the sidelines. Applaud all good plays—whether made by our team or the opposition—and encourage fair and respectful competition.
- Please remember to respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all participants—players, coaches, officials, and fellow spectators. Everyone deserves to feel welcome, valued, and safe at our games.
- Referees and officials do their best to make fair decisions. Their calls should be accepted without argument or challenge.
- Support players positively—even when mistakes happen. Avoid criticism or ridicule. Effort should always be respected.
- Show respect to our opponents and their supporters. We represent our school in everything we do, both on and off the field.
Thank you for helping create a positive and respectful sporting environment.
Year 7 Camp
In the Middle School, our Year 7 students embarked on their first camp experience of the year. Camps are an important part of the formation journey at St Laurence’s College. They provide opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones, build friendships and develop resilience and independence. Reports from the camp were extremely positive and it was wonderful to see our newest students embracing the experience with enthusiasm.
Principal's Tours
This week, I had also had the pleasure of welcoming many prospective families to the College through at our first College Principal’s Tour for 2026. These visits offer a glimpse into the daily life of the school and the spirit that defines our community. It is always encouraging to see the strong interest in St Laurence’s College and to hear from families who are drawn to the values, opportunities and sense of belonging that the College offers.
Campus Updates
Our work at the Runcorn playing facility continues with the new scoreboard only weeks away from being installed and Field 1 well into its new growing phase. I encourage all families that are interested in the ongoing developments at Runcorn to follow the College social media pages. Also, a reminder that naming plaques for the new picket fence at Runcorn can be purchased HERE.
Similarly, in the coming weeks we look forward to being able to unveil a new and redeveloped McElligott Theatre for the students and the community.
Best wishes for all those competing for the College this weekend and if the weather mapping continues as expected, I trust all will stay dry and safe.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal