Shaping Perceptions
At St Laurence's College, through various events, initiatives, immersions and excursions, our young men are encouraged to consider and develop different perspectives. These immersions and events provide our students with an opportunity to hear the personal stories of those living with disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers, those experiencing hardships, homelessness and First Nations people. Each immersion offers students a unique window of perspective.
In 2023, Turrbal elder Uncle Joe Kirk led our Year 10 students on a Waling on Country tour. Our young men learnt the historical and cultural meaning of Boundary Street and were encouraged to consider the boundaries that still exist in our society for First Nations people and the hurt and loss that remains.
Our International Women's Day Forum with Loreto College is becoming an annual event. These forums act as a brilliant platform for our students to connect, empower and challenge each other to help build a more equitable world. The Lovewell Foundation (2023) and Share the Dignity (2024) speakers encouraged students to come together and share conversations around empowerment and dignity.
The College also sparked a connection with Small Steps 4 Hannah in 2024. Small Steps 4 Hannah aims to halt the cycle of domestic violence so that everyone can feel respected, informed, confident to act and safe. Year 11 student Flynn Byram and members of our Edmund Rice Society were heavily involved in the fundraising efforts and contributed to the worthwhile cause.
Laurie's students also have the opportunity to participate in Faith in Action initiatives through their individual House charities. These include 42 for 42 (Callan), St Brendan's College (Duhig), Eat Up (Hogan), Rosies (Kilian), MND and Me (Nagle), The Romero Centre (Rice), Emmanual City Mission (Sion), Care Kits for Kids (Treacy), Queensland Children's Hospital School (Waterford) and Ronald McDonald House (Xavier).
The College has a special connection with MND and ME. Old Boy Scott Sullivan created the organisation while fighting his own battle with MND. Through both Sion House and whole school contexts, students are lucky enough to hear from John Hanley from MND and Me who speaks to the boys about his own perspective of living with MND. The lessons our young men take away from his story are truly powerful.
Our students have engaged with Ronald McDonald House through the Xavier House Faith in Action program and our fortnightly student development activities. Xavier House runs a kids club three times a term where our students and staff set up a variety of games and activities for the children and families staying at Ronald McDonald House. It has been a very positive experience for our students.
The College looks forward to the continued effort of altering students' perceptions through these Faith in Action initiatives in the hope of creating young gentlemen who are active and positive members in the community.