2019 – ‘A New Era of Pastoral Care and Learning’
During the conclusion of the 2018 School year we developed a theme that would encapsulate the changes that are occurring within the College and in the wider educational community. The above theme seems to honour this change.
On Thursday we commissioned our new Heads of House on Assembly. This was to formally mark the movement to a House structure. It was seen as significant that our new Year 12 boys were present on Wednesday to welcome all Year 5 and 7 boys to the College. I thank the Seniors for the excellent level of care shown to the younger boys both at school and on public transport.
Our Year 12 boys will be the last cohort at the College to seek tertiary entrance through the Overall Position (OP) system. From 2020 Tertiary admissions will occur through the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) system. This change has seen great energy to support the learning of our younger boys. We are also most conscious of supporting the current Seniors with their studies and QCS preparation during 2019.
New Staff
This year we welcome several new staff to the College to cater for staff changes, leave, internal structural change, retirements and resignations. I enclose a full list of the new staff at the College and I welcome all to our Community.
- Kelevi Tuicolo, Sports Administration Manager
- Janine Hanger, Administration Assistant – Pastoral Precinct
- Andy Pauly, Head of House – Callan
- Andrew Newcombe, Head of Faculty - Maths
- Jacqueline Fullard, Head of Faculty - Science
- Jacinta Cain, Assistant Head of Faculty – Humanities
- Crystal Kennedy, Teacher - Science
- Thomas Bryden, Teacher – Digital Solutions
- Ross King, Teacher - Maths
- Michael Turner, Teacher – Junior Science
- Caitlin Finn, Teacher - Religion
- John Vasiliadis, Teacher – ITAD
- Chris Joseph, Teacher – Junior IT/Junior Maths
- Rebecca Campbell, Teacher – Primary
- Jock Scahill, Teacher - Primary
- Nic Dacy, Teacher – Primary
- Matt Smit, Teacher Aide – Learning Support
- Dexter Leckie, Strength and Conditioning Assistant
- Ben Slater, Teacher Aide – Learning Support Rachael Campbell, Teacher Aide – Learning Support
New Students
On Wednesday we welcomed 168 new boys into Year 5 as well as over 125 new boys into Year 7 to join our Year 6 students from 2018 as they begin secondary schooling. I also welcome 35 new boys in other year levels. I thank the parents for placing their trust in our staff and I trust that these new families will come to appreciate that which makes our Lauries community special. I welcome all 1919 boys to the College.
Refurbishments and Building
Over the course of the holiday break several projects were begun to improve the learning environment for the staff and students. Those include: new spaces for English and Mathematics, a new Music space, a significant shade structure over the quadrangle, a new Pastoral Precinct and changes to staff offices and the Bookroom. The timeline was very tight and I must congratulate Ms Sharyn Finn, Mr John Butterworth and Mr Ben Reyneke for their exceptional work.
I wish to also affirm the Maintenance staff of Sean Doyle, Jannie Bloem, Chris Davidson, Colin Trasler, Stephen Bloch and Peter Mikulic for their work ethic and commitment to the College. I will announce this term further planned renovations to the College site to support the boys’ learning.
If you would like to view a timelapse of the shade structure construction, please see the Development News article.
College Connections
Throughout the course of this week I have been privileged to hear the stories of many of our students and their families. St Laurence’s College has made a significant impact on the lives of many and it is my hope that our families remain connected to our values and to each other as we journey through 2019.
Have a great year!
Chris Leadbetter
Principal