Current Edition | Term 3, Week 3

Announcing our 2027 Captains

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of announcing our 2027 School Captain and Vice Captains to the Year 11 cohort. Following a thorough nomination and selection process, I am delighted to announce Samuel Stallman as School Captain, with Edward Gore and Kaelen Luu appointed as Vice Captains.

I congratulate all Year 11 students for the maturity and enthusiasm they demonstrated throughout the process. The high calibre of candidates reflects the strength of leadership within this cohort. My thanks also go to Mr David Knight, Mr Nathan Burridge and the Pastoral Team for their guidance and support.

I have no doubt that Samuel, Edward and Kaelen will lead our College with humility, integrity and pride as they prepare to take up their roles next year. I also wish the remaining leadership candidates well as the selection process continues for House Captains and College Prefects.

Community Excellence, Belonging 

Over the past fortnight, our College community has once again demonstrated what makes St Laurence's College such a remarkable place. Whether through welcoming new families, celebrating academic excellence, launching innovative learning opportunities, reconnecting with cherished traditions or strengthening the partnership between home and school, there has been a consistent thread of the Laurie’s Journey through the community of late.  

Opening Our Doors to Future Laurie’s Families 

One of the highlights of the fortnight was our annual Laurie's Open Day, where we had the privilege of welcoming over 500 prospective families to experience the spirit of welcome from our College, firsthand. Families explored our classrooms and learning spaces, engaged with our staff and students, enjoyed performances from our talented musicians, witnessed sporting demonstrations and discovered the many opportunities available through a Laurie’s education. The Open Day showcased not simply our facilities, but the pride and authenticity of our community. 

Our greatest ambassadors continue to be our students. The confidence, courtesy and enthusiasm displayed by the young men leading tours and sharing their stories reflected the very best of our College. Their willingness to speak proudly about their learning, friendships and aspirations provided prospective families with an authentic insight into life at Laurie’s. 

I extend my sincere thanks to every member of staff, every student volunteer and every parent who contributed to making the afternoon such an overwhelming success. Special thanks to our Advancement and Facilities Teams and the Laurie’s Community Committee for their ongoing support. 

Strengthening the Partnership Through Mentoring 

On Monday we held the first annual College Mentoring Day, providing an invaluable opportunity for students, parents and staff to come together in meaningful conversations about each young man's learning and wellbeing. 

The day combined Year 10-12 Parent/Teacher Interviews, Year 7-8 Mentor and Student Parents Interviews, Year 5 and 6 Student Lead Conferences, and Year 9 Subject Selection Interviews. 

These events have previously been held over a series of half day and nights. The response to this new streamlined format has been overwhelmingly positive and I thank all from the community who were involved in the process and delivery of the mentoring day.

Celebrating Academic Excellence 

This week we also gathered as a College community to celebrate the achievements of our students at the Academic Awards Assembly. 

Academic success is never accidental. Behind every award is a story of preparation, discipline, resilience and persistence. While we rightly recognised those students who achieved exceptional academic outcomes, it was equally pleasing to acknowledge those whose commitment to improvement has seen them make significant progress in their learning journey. 

At Lauries, we believe excellence is measured not only by the destination but by the growth demonstrated along the way. Every student who strives to become a better learner contributes to the culture of academic aspiration we continue to build across the College. 

Congratulations to every award recipient. Your efforts have been recognised not simply because of the results you have achieved, but because of the habits, character and commitment that produced those results. Thank you also to our dedicated teachers and to our families whose encouragement and support remain such an important part of every student's success. 

I would like to also especially acknowledge the 35% of Year 12 students who received an Academic Excellence Award and the 49 students who obtained their Diploma of Business.  

The Laurie's Impact Academy 

This fortnight also marked the second year of the Laurie's Impact Academy. 

In partnership with Future Anything, St Laurence’s College was proud to host an immersive, future-focused innovation experience for High Potential Learners in Years 5 and 6. 

Throughout the day, students explored our Urban Farm, investigated real-world sustainability challenges and collaborated to develop and pitch innovative solutions to issues they were passionate about. 

A heartfelt thank you to all the schools that joined us, and to Ms Lightbody and the dedicated staff whose hard work made the day possible.  

The Laurie's Impact Academy is not simply about academic acceleration. It is about developing curious thinkers, courageous learners and young men who are prepared to use their talents in service of others. We look forward to watching this initiative continue to grow and positively influence the educational journey of many students in the years ahead.

Celebrating Creativity at the LIZID Music Festival 

Our musicians once again represented St Laurence's College with distinction at the recent LIZID Music Festival, showcasing the considerable musical talent developed at Laurie’s. Across a range of ensembles and music choices, our students performed with confidence and professionalism, in bands of their own choosing, often performing publicly for the first time.  

Festivals such as these provide invaluable opportunities for students to perform alongside and learn from other talented young musicians. They remind us that music is a powerful vehicle for creativity, collaboration and personal growth. I congratulate every student who participated. Thank you also to the two staff bands who almost managed to steal the show from the students at the end of the week!

Inspiring Conversations with Daniel Principe 

This week, we were privileged to welcome youth advocate and educator Daniel Principe to St Laurence's College. Through a series of engaging and thought-provoking presentations, Daniel challenged our students to consider what it means to build authentic relationships, demonstrate respectful masculinity and make wise choices in an increasingly complex digital world. 

His message aligned strongly with our commitment to educating the whole person. While academic achievement remains important, so too does the formation of young men of character who lead with empathy, integrity and respect for others. Daniel's honest and relatable approach encouraged students to reflect deeply on the values that shape their decisions and the influence they each have on those around them. We are grateful for his time with our community and for the important conversations. We thank the Laurie’s Community Committee for the original recommendation to utilise Daniel as a presenter and Ms Vanessa Bell who organised Daniel to be a part of our Term 3 program.  

The Picket Fence Returns 

Saturday's celebration at the Runcorn Sporting Precinct was another memorable milestone in the life of our College, as we officially celebrated the reinstallation of the iconic white picket fence surrounding Field 1 – Crawford Oval. 

For generations of Laurie’s students and Old Boys, the white picket fence has represented much more than the boundary of a sporting field. It symbolised tradition, belonging and countless memories created through competition, camaraderie and community spirit. 

It was wonderful to see students, families, Old Boys, staff and supporters gathered together to celebrate its return. The atmosphere throughout the day was one of genuine pride and connection, and a great day was had by all. For those who have enquired, more pickets will be released before the end of the year, however availability will be limited. 

Looking Ahead 

As we continue through the Term, I encourage all families to continue to look to the road ahead. 

In a matter of weeks we will celebrate our Solidarity Mass, complete the College Walkathon, invite family and friends of SLC to the Laurie’s Sports Day, begin Year 12 external practice exams and move through the 2026 Student Leadership process.   

With such a busy Term ahead, I encourage all families to reiterate the message of today’s Academic Assembly; Success is often silent and starts with the invisible actions. Pick up the book to study, take the time to revise and be sure to ask that extra question. Small silent actions are often the first step to success. 

Best wishes for the next fortnight ahead.