From the Pastoral Office
Mental Health Round
This week marks our Mental Health Round for chess, football and rugby union. Our Engagement and Wellbeing prefects spoke about the round, the Push-Up Challenge, and the importance of talking to a trusted person, preferably an adult, when life feels difficult. Students can purchase ‘You Are Not Alone’ wristbands, green shoelaces and raffle tickets to win Lauries merchandise and a $100 gift voucher. Most importantly, we want to reinforce two key messages: ‘It ain’t weak to speak’ and the value of checking in on mates by asking, ‘Are you okay?’
Term 2 Countdown
It is incredible to think that Term 2 only holds ten more school days for students. However, those ten days will be busy and punctuated by exams. assessment due dates, final rounds of chess, football, rugby, the illustrious House Choir Competition and all other manner of activities offered at our busy College. Once all of these things are ticked off the list, students can enjoy three weeks to recharge and be ready for Term 3. A few things to note for the final two weeks:
- Finishing Well – As it is essential that our young people learn to commit to any pursuit until the very end, I would ask parents to not allow students to sign out after an exam as much as boys may suggest that there is nothing happening in their classes for the remainder of that day. In their future working lives, flexible work arrangements and hours may be a benefit they enjoy, but school days conclude at 3pm.
Year 10 Exam Block
Our Year 10 students will have their first week-long exam block beginning Monday 15 June and need to be aware of some requirements for that week:
- Students must arrive and depart the College in full school winter uniform, including tie and blazer.
- If students are coming to school to study (or remaining for a longer duration after their exam) then they must sign in and out at the Pastoral Precinct, if they are arriving just for their exam and departing directly after, it is not required.
- If students would like to study at school, they must first sign in at the Pastoral Precinct then study in the library.
- Students are asked to be mindful of noise levels when travelling through the College grounds, as classes will be occurring.
- They should arrive on time for exams, with all of the correct equipment.
- Normal College expectations apply regarding:
- Being clean shaven
- Uniform and hair
- Respecting teachers and students
- Travelling to and from school
Year 7 & 12 Volleyball Friendlies with Somerville House
This Monday afternoon, we are excited to host students from Somerville House to play our boys in a friendly Year 7, then Year 12 volleyball match. Spectators from both schools are welcome to attend with the afternoon wrapping by 5pm.
Year 7 End of Semester Assessment
Our teachers are very aware that the next two weeks see our newest members of Middle School engage in their first experience of summative assessment. Whilst we have delivered information, tips and strategies about planning and organisation for the assessment period, we know that this will be a time of anxiety for some students. If your boy is anxious, concerned or needs clarification about tasks or exams, please do not hesitate to contact his classroom teacher in the first instance. I wish all students well for their upcoming assessment, but in particular the members newest to our community.
Class of 2025 Reunion
A save the date and invitation went out to our Class of 2025 to join together for a barbeque and informal catch up this coming Friday evening, 12 June. We look forward to hearing from them about their exploits so far after leaving the gates of Lauries. Thanks to our Events team and Old Boys for their assistance with the evening.
Dr Justin Coulson
You may remember that we had the pleasure of hosting Dr Justin Coulson for a Parent M2L last year and I was delighted today to receive information about the forthcoming release of his new book on June 16 entitled ‘Boys; Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out’. In addition to this, our school community is able to access an online live streamed evening with Justin absolutely free of charge. Tickets would usually be $49 per person, but we are fortunate to be invited to access Justin’s ‘Ask Me Anything’ event at no cost.
I look forward to all students finishing the semester well and wish them every success in all their endeavours.
MS VANESSA BELL
Dean of Engagement and Wellbeing