Term 1, Week 5

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Online Form 2

As part of the College’s Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) approach, we have established clear processes to support students in reflecting on their behaviour and learning from their experiences. When a minor breach of PBL expectations occurs, a Form 1 is completed in the classroom with a possible 5-minute time out of class for students to complete the Form 1 and reflect on their choices. However, if the behaviour continues or is of a more serious nature, the student will be referred to the pastoral precinct and will participate in the Form 2 online reflection process.

The Form 2 process, which is now completed online, is designed to help students take responsibility for their actions and encourage personal growth. When referred, your son will meet with a member of the pastoral care team to complete an online reflection (Form 2). This structured process involves discussing the incident, considering the impact on themselves and others, and working together to identify strategies for making better choices in the future. The goal is to nurture self-awareness, reinforce the importance of positive decision-making and strengthen our respectful school community.

The new digital format for these forms allows for a more streamlined and efficient process, enabling students and teachers to engage with reflection and support promptly and to facilitate a quicker return to classroom learning. If you have any questions about the Form 2 online reflection process, please don’t hesitate to contact your son’s Head of House.

Counselling Update from the SLC College Counselling Staff: Time for Consistency

Congratulations making it through the first half of Term 1. We’re sure you have navigated through the weeds of young people moving their mindset out of holiday mode and into school learning mode. You’ve absorbed the eye rolls, grunts about their day and unpredictable emotional reactions. You may be noticing a particular escalation in these as assessments commence, homework becomes more regular, and energy levels decrease throughout the Term. We know this can be a challenging time for parents and wanted to plant some seeds of ideas in case they may help maintain some consistency and regulation for students.

• Re-establish healthy sleep routines – for further guidance including recommended hours of sleep per stage of development follow this link: Healthy sleep | Children's Health Queensland
• Provide access to a healthy, balanced lunch each day. Teach them to pack their lunch themselves guiding their understanding of the nutritional value of the foods. Here’s a lunchbox guide to balance the most beneficial nutrition for a day of learning Packing healthy school lunchboxes – Growing Good Habits (hw.qld.gov.au)
• Hold a “re-set” family meeting where you can talk about and re-establish the weekly expectations, particularly around topics such as homework, phone use and gaming. Ensure you discuss the outcomes when these expectations are met or not met. The more clarity a young person has about what’s expected of them and what the possible outcomes will be, the more empowered they feel to understand the reasoning and make choices for themselves. Some prompt questions for this discussion could be:
  • What do you think is working and not working in your weekly routine?
  • What are the allowances for gaming/phone use during the week compared to weekends?
  • What are the nightly homework expectations? 
  • What social outings are allowed during the week? 
  • What time is bedtime? 
  • Where can screens be charged centrally and outside of the bedroom?

The College provides qualified counsellors accessible to all students and families as required Monday – Friday. If you feel counselling support may be helpful, please reach out via the 2026 St Laurence's College Counselling Referral Form or contact the Pastoral Precinct on 07 3010 2702. 

Interhouse Sport

Inter-house volleyball has consumed our lunchtimes this week and been a delight to watch.  All Houses competed with pride, passion and a great deal of friendly rivalry.  Heads of House are thanked for their enthusiasm and supervision at lunchtimes, along with the many House mentors who came along to cheer along their students. 

Many thanks to the sports department for their involvement and organisation of these events.

Service

I would like to thank the multitude of students who have assisted with the Principal’s Tours which have been hosted over the past few weeks, including last Saturday. These tours are a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to learn about our College by meeting with Mr Lowrie followed by a walking tour of the College with students being the tour guides. The highlight of the afternoon or morning is always the tour, after which the visitors speak glowingly about their guide the experience. These afternoons would not be a success without the contribution and enthusiasm of the students who participate. Whilst this experience helps their growth and confidence, their service to the College is wonderful and very much appreciated.

The pastoral team wishes all students the best in the coming weeks.