From the Pastoral Office
National Harmony week 2026.
Last week, the College celebrated Harmony Week. The weeklong celebration entailed a plethora of activities and events across the College grounds. From the country flags around the quad to the Untold Stories performance on Wednesday, the week provided students a chance to celebrate and share their diverse cultures and traditions with their peers. The amazing tuckshop staff are also involved next week with a change of menu, where each day had a different cultural theme. We thank all staff and students for making next week special.
Over 50 national flags were hung around the College, representing each of our diverse nationalities and cultures that we have here at Laurie’s. The initiative aimed to provide a visible and tangible representation of our commitment to inclusivity has sparked conversations between students and staff about their cultural differences. We hope all students embraced Harmony Week, coming together as a unified school community.
Year 12 – Exam Block
Sincere best wishes to our Year 12 students for their exam block which began on Thursday this week. Our hope is that they manage their time, stress and wellbeing effectively over the course of the block. Sleep, good nutrition and keeping anxiety in check are essential ingredients for this period, rather than an overloaded diet of sugary foods and caffeine. We also hope that students are well prepared for these exams and prioritising their time for study and revision. Time management is essential and students are encouraged to decline extra shifts at their part-time jobs and be disciplined around extraneous activities that take their attention. We wish them every success. Good luck gentlemen.
Year 12 Formal
The Formal will be held this Wednesday evening, and we look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with our Year 12 students their partners and their parents. Preparations are in place for the evening and I’m sure that the Senior cohort are excited to attend.
Week 10
Our first term concludes at 3pm this Thursday 2 April. Whilst some students may want to ‘pull up stumps’ early and finish before this time, I would ask for your support in ensuring that your son sees the term through to the end. This includes being present for the Easter Liturgy and locker clean out on Thursday afternoon. Seeing things through to completion is an important skill for our students to learn so I would ask that you don’t give your son permission to sign out early and leave after an exam.
Guest Speakers
The College has recently welcomed several guest presenters who have enriched our community with their insights and experiences. The Pat Cronin Foundation delivered a powerful message about the importance of wise decisions and keeping each other safe. The Foundation is an Australian charity focused on preventing violence through education. Using Pat’s story, the powerful presentation helps young people manage conflict, regulate emotions and make safe, respectful choices, promoting empathy, responsibility and positive decision‑making.
Lucky Peterson and Dr Matt Young, both Old Boys of the College, spoke candidly about 'Punt the Punt' and the risks associated with gambling, encouraging students to make informed choices and look out for one another. These presentations have sparked meaningful conversations and reinforced our commitment to student wellbeing.
As always parents, if you believe your child has any issue at the College that we may be able to assist with, please contact your son’s Head of House or the Pastoral Precinct.
I wish all parents and students the very best and as always...
Live Jesus in your hearts. . . Forever!
MR DAVID KNIGHT
Dean of Students