Current Edition | Term 3, Week 10

Finishing Well 

As we approach the end of Term 3, I have found myself reflecting on the importance of finishing well. 

In schools, we understandably spend considerable time speaking about beginnings. We encourage students to set goals, establish good habits and approach new opportunities with enthusiasm. Yet there is equally important learning in how we finish. 

Finishing well requires persistence when the initial enthusiasm has disappeared. It requires us to maintain standards when we are tired, to continue looking out for those around us and to recognise that our responsibilities do not diminish, simply because the finish line is in sight. 

For our young men, these are important lessons that extend well beyond the classroom. My hope is that whether your Laurie’s Gent has finished his term after an exam block, a retreat, a leadership camp or he is at the end of a unit in class, he has done so by being on task, maintaining high standards and has finished with a level of perseverance and persistence that will set him up for the future. 

Basketball Success 

Among the many achievements of recent weeks, our success in AIC Basketball has understandably generated considerable excitement. Our First V secured the 2026 AIC Premiership following their Round 7 victory over St Peters, while the performances of teams throughout the College resulted in Laurie’s also claiming the AIC Basketball Aggregate Shield. Remarkably, it is the first time since 2011 that St Laurence’s College has won either title (excluding COVID interruptions).  

I congratulate our players and particularly our First V on an historic achievement. I also thank First V Coach Mr Tim Smith, Director of Basketball Mr Anthony Bird, our Basketball staff, coaches, officials, parents and supporters who have contributed throughout the season. 

Supporting One Another 

Last week, our recognition of R U OK? Day included but was not limited to music bringing students together during lunchtime. It was a simple but important reminder that looking after one another does not always require grand gestures. Often it begins with noticing someone, starting a conversation or simply making time to ask how they are going. I thank our Pastoral, Counselling and HR teams for reminding and reinforcing with the College the need to check in on each other! 

Similarly, Our Year 8 Father/Son Evening provided an opportunity for students, fathers and significant adults to spend valuable time together. I thank Ms Vanessa Bell for her coordination of this event, our families who participated and our wonderful staff (especially the Humanities Team) who worked to make the evening possible. A special congratulations to the dads who managed to score victories over the lads in the highly contested events of the evening! 

An Important Time for our Senior Students 

This week also represents an important period of milestones for several cohorts. 

Our Year 10 students have just completed their Block Assessments, while our Year 12 students are currently participating in their Retreat as they prepare to enter the final term of their Laurie’s Journey. 

Our Year 11 students have represented their families and the College with pride at their semi-formal, only a day after completing their leadership retreat and College leader inauguration and Mass (Tie Ceremony) at Camp Laurence.  

For Year 12 particularly, the weeks ahead will move quickly. Term 4 will contain many significant moments, including their Graduation Assembly on Friday 23 October before their final day at the College on 19 November. I wish them well for the period ahead. 

Similarly, my thoughts and prayers remain confidently with our Year 11 students as they have now accepted the leadership handover, and they move on as the 2027 student leaders of the College.  

Lauries on the Lawn 

Saturday 5 September provided another wonderful community event through the inaugural ‘Lauries on the Lawn’ long lunch at Runcorn. 

Thanks to our College Advancement, Facilities and Events teams and the Lauries Community Committee (LCC), the occasion was a celebration of community, camaraderie and Laurie’s friendship. Marked by beautiful Spring weather (possibly a little more Summer than Spring), food, entertainment and plenty of conversation, the afternoon provided an opportunity for parents, Old Boys, friends and members of our wider community to simply enjoy one another's company. 

Events such as these do not happen without an enormous amount of work behind the scenes. I sincerely thank everyone involved in planning and delivering the afternoon, together with those who attended and supported the event. 

There is something quite powerful about seeing Runcorn increasingly become not only a place where our young men compete, but also a place where our broader community gathers and it was great to see our new facilities on full display.