From the Principal
Recently I was asked to present to pre-service teachers on the topic of; “Being at your best as an Early Career Teacher". Whilst it was some time ago that I was an early career teacher myself, I do remember the most important thing that was impressed upon me was the need to both invest in your pedagogy and build good relationships. In today’s educational landscape, these two strategies remain consistent as priorities for teachers at all stages of their career.
While the modern teacher may be well trained in the art and sciences of teaching and be fully aware of how to achieve student growth, sometimes it can be difficult to learn how to build professional relationships in education. In considering this proposition as a part of my advice for early career teachers, I was reminded of the work of Dr Lea Waters. Waters, a psychologist who specialises in the field of educational psychology, writes much about the concept of Micro Connections:
“Micro connections are, as the words suggest, small moments of connection that happen between people. It’s a smile between two people, a moment of shared laughter in a family, a student group experiencing a moment of agreement. In other words, micro connections are not the big relationship moments but, rather, the small flashes of connection that happen every day.”
Understanding Micro Connections And The Benefits They Hold For Children — Lea Waters AM, PhD
Today, as I walked the school grounds on the last day of term, I watched teacher after teacher greet our students with a good morning and a smile. I saw boys pick up rubbish for teachers, and teachers praise them for their actions. I watched gentle interactions in class as students tried to remain calm before the holidays and saw the Library Technician help the young man find the book he was seeking for his holiday read.
Last night at the Year 11 semi-formal at the Greek Club, students shook hands with teachers and politely introduced their partners. Some teachers had photos with their House group and most waved students goodbye as they headed home at the end of the evening.
St Laurence’s College is a community that thrives on the micro connections that occur every day. Our culture is built on these micro connections that represent the dignity and respect that each individual has for each other.
When you are in the car with your young man these holidays, broach the concept of micro connections and ask them how many times a day they greet someone walking past, pay a compliment to someone or even offer a friend a welcoming smile or gesture.
Year 11 Leadership Camp
This week our Year 11 students participated in their Leadership Camp. The camp signifies both the beginning of the end for our senior students, and the start of a fantastic year of achievement and celebration – albeit with a lot of pending hard work ahead of them. As a part of the Leadership camp, families join staff and students for Mass by Lake Moogerah. As the sun sets, the incoming senior students are presented their white shirts by a member of their family and together they pledge to commit to the final stage of their Laurie’s journey. The ritual is special moment for all involved. Based on the participation and leadership shown on this camp, 2025 shapes to be a fantastic year at the College.
Year 12 Retreat
At the other end of the Lauries journey, our Year 12 students are currently returning from the Senior Retreat. This program allows the boys to stop and reflect on the friendships, experiences and lessons their time at Lauries has offered them and provides a point of reset before final exams and assessment in Term 4.
Lauries Gala Dinner
Last week the College celebrated the 2024 Gala Dinner at the new Star Casino. The Gala Dinner was a fantastic celebration of the Lauries community. Parents, friends and staff were treated to a night of entertainment and atmosphere, supporting the Old Boys' College Foundation and the College Building Fund.
In 2024 the Old Boys' Foundation donated $110,000 to the College to provide bursary and fee relief for those who are financially less fortunate, at the College. A truly amazing gift.
I would like to Acknowledge Old Boys’ Foundation Chairman, Professor Allan Layton and all of the Foundation Members who thanklessly give of their time to work to provide this gift annually. Similarly, I thank Helen Turner and Will Pike from the College, along with the parent organising committee, who ensured the event was a huge success this year.
End of term breaks provide an opportunity for rest and reset for all students. It is my hope that each student takes comfort in knowing they have worked hard in Term 3 and takes an opportunity to have some down time before recommencing their studies. Term 4 is a critical time in the academic calendar and it is important the students return to school refocused and ready to recommence their learning. Similarly, I thank the teaching and support staff of the College for all they have done in Term 3.
I wish all staff and students a happy and safe Term 3 break and look forward to seeing all return to the College for the final term of 2024.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal