From the Principal
National Reconciliation Week
Today the College celebrated its formal recognition of National Reconciliation Week.
‘National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.’
An important part of our Smoking Ceremony was the blessing of our House Message Sticks. Message Sticks were traditionally used by First Nations People to communicate when traveling between different territories. In order to show peaceful intentions, they displayed the Message Stick. Each Message Stick has its own story and will bring us all together.
The new College and House Message Sticks were handed over by our Yuuningan Yari students to our Heads of House, Dr Herbert and Student Leaders. This process is a recognition of the College and Houses becoming custodians of these Message Sticks. These Message Sticks will play a key role in House and College gatherings in the future.
EREA Charter Renewal
Last week the College completed the EREA Charter Mission Renewal. Led by Mr Ray Paxton from the EREA national office, the renewal involved a prepared pre-renewal report, whole school surveys and three days of interviewed with staff, students and members of the community. The renewal was an extensive enquiry into the Colleges alignment and connection to both the Charter of EREA and the Touchstones. The process was both important to our catholic identity, who we are as a community and an opportunity to reflect on our connections to our Charism. I would like to thank Ray Paxton, Peter Fullagar, Heidi Senior, Michael Blowse and Trish Kennedy for the time they gave to St Laurence’s College. I would also like to thank all the staff, students and community who gave of their time to make the renewal authentic. We look forward to receiving the feedback from the review into the future.
You Are Not Alone Project
An important feature of a contemporary education is student agency. Last week, of their own doing, the senior cohort decided to use our home game at Runcorn to raise awareness around Mental Health in the community. Teaming up with the organisation You Are Not Alone (started by Villanova Old Boys) and connecting with the senior cohort of St Patrick's, the students ran in school and community promotions to have people discuss this important topic. Highlighted by raffles, a blow-up arch, public announcements and assembly promotions, the initiative was a great success. I congratulate all the students involved and especially thank Gianluca, Harrison and Tait for driving initiative.
Head 2 Heart Camp
This weekend St Laurence's College will host a Head 2 Heart Camp. Head 2 Heart is a social justice, leadership and service program run by staff and students. This weekend's camp will see staff and students from St Laurence's College, St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace and All Hallows' School, combine to facilitate a weekend long program for students. I thank Mr Corfield, Mr Mendoza and the Identity Team for their organisation and facilitation of this opportunity.
AIC Cross Country
Before the next Newsletter, the College will compete in the AIC Cross Country Carnival at Shorncliffe. We wish all the runners the very best for the event and we thank Ms Wilson, Mr Stokes and all the Coaching staff for their preparation of the team.
Best wishes to all our teams competing in the AIC competitions this weekend.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal (Acting)