Term 2, Week 5

Recently, the Brisbane Catholic Education community has paused in reflection following the passing of Dr Sally Towns, former Executive Director of Brisbane Catholic Education. Dr Towns was a leader of deep faith, compassion and courage, whose contribution to Catholic education across Queensland touched countless lives. Her commitment to young people, staff wellbeing and authentic Catholic identity leaves a lasting legacy across our sector. On behalf of the Laurie’s community, I extend our sincere prayers and condolences to Dr Towns’ family, friends and colleagues. 

This week I have had the privilege of attending a presentation by Dr Danny Liu. Dr Liu is a Professor of Educational Technologies Division of Teaching and Learning at the University of Sydney. Dr Liu is a foremost expert in the area of Artificial Intelligence and its use in education. I am often asked what Artificial Intelligence (AI) looks like at Laurie’s.

At St Laurence’s College, AI implementation is being approached in a measured, ethical and systems-based manner, with a clear and positive focus on:

• Building digitally capable staff and students
• Understanding AI design for successful learning and teaching
• Ensuring safe, secure and responsible AI use
• Embedding AI within existing systems and workflows
• Supporting sustainable and scalable innovation

A key strength of our approach is that implementation is deliberate rather than reactive. We are prioritising staff and student trust, confidence and capability building as the foundation for long-term successful learning and teaching.

Dr Liu’s presentation reinforced this methodology but also highlighted the continued need to focus on an education that supports and enhances human capabilities as a priority, a notion strongly supported through an Edmund Rice Education.

I thank all those who are involved with our AI Strategy group, under the leadership of Ms Aimee Watt and look forward to seeing our AI Strategy evolve.

On Monday night this week, the Lauries Community Committee (LCC) met for their scheduled meeting. At the meeting the sub committees presented on recent achievements and future projects. The LCC is an important opportunity for families to connect, share and be involved in parent-based initiatives at the College. I thank Ms Sophie Wilkes for her leadership of this committee and encourage all families to look for the social media and app announcements that highlight and share the work of the LCC. Should you like more information about attending an LCC meeting or about an LCC initiative, please contact lcc@slc.qld.edu.au

Families may notice some changes to the First XI, First XV and First IV matches this week. Due to the recent Ipswich Show Holiday, and pending Qld School Sport representative Rugby Union and Football commitments, games have been rescheduled to accommodate venues and missing players. While the Chess match has been replayed, games of Football and Rugby will be played next Wednesday night at Marist College Ashgrove and Souths Rugby Union respectively. I thank all those involved for accommodating these changes and where possible, encourage families to support these teams. We wish them luck and thank the committee of Souths Rugby Union for accommodating the match. 

Best wishes to all those teams competing tomorrow against Marist College Ashgrove at their traditional Old Boys' day.