From the Principal
August 31 (Tomorrow) is the recognised birthday of Patrick Ambrose Treacy. Br Ambrose Treacy who is regarded as one of the most influential Christian Brothers to work within Australia. Br Treacy established the Christian Brothers in Australia and was responsible for the opening of 27 schools across the country. Ambrose Treacy is not only remembered for his pioneering entrepreneurship in education, he is remembered for his work in administering the schools he created, organising the finances to keep them sustainable, filling in when Brothers took ill, and dealing with any issues that arose in the schools.
Today, many of Brother Treacy’s schools remain operational across the country. Our neighbours and fellow EREA College’s schools, St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace and St Joseph’s Nudgee were both founded by Ambrose Treacy. With former Nudgee Junior now being renamed Ambrose Treacy College, in honour of the work of this great Christian Brother. Many Colleges across our network also continue to pay homage to the work of Ambrose with Treacy being a consistent House name/patron, in EREA schools.
As we reflect on the work of Ambrose Treacy in early Australia, it is hard not to be grateful for the vision of this pioneer Christian Brother in establishing Catholic Schools across the country.
This week our class of 2030 and our Olympic class of 2032 had their Orientation Day at the College. The day was a great opportunity for new classmates to meet, some nerves to be dispelled and for boys to begin, or notch another milestone, in their Lauries Journey.
During the day there are a lot of opportunities for the young men involved to experience what is great about Lauries. In the Principal’s address, I was able to speak to both new and current families about the fact that we can’t be great without each family's commitment to send their son to St Laurence’s College. Sending your young man to Lauries is a sacred trust in Lauries as an institution in the Edmund Rice Tradition and a trust in the value of the College. I would like to thank all families for placing their trust in St Laurence’s College and we look forward to sharing the Lauries Journey with our newest families.
Last weekend, our traditional Old Boys' Reunion activities took place. We welcomed over 450 people to the College to take part in the festivities including milestone year level reunions, the Old Boys' Memorial Mass and the Senior Old Boys' Luncheon.
On Tuesday 27 August, we held our Old Boys’ Assembly where we were able to acknowledge Old Boys who have achieved significant feats throughout their lives post-Lauries.
It's my pleasure to welcome the following Old Boys into the Hall of Fame:
- Mr Geoffrey Dickie (1961 Alumni)
- Mr Peter O'Meara (1973 Alumni)
- Mr Michael Wagels (1992 Alumni)
In 2024, with the support of the Old Boys' Association, we've introduced a Young Alumni Award. This annual award recognises Lauries alumni (30 years and younger) whose achievements since graduation have demonstrated excellence in their chosen pathway, leadership, innovation and/or service to the wider community.
Congratulations to our inaugural Young Alumni Award winners:
- Mr Rowan Crothers (2015 Alumni)
- Mr Samuel Piper (2010 Alumni)
- Mr Calvin Xu (2014 Alumni)
Also at the assembly, 1996 Old Boy Mr Steve Leszczynski, on behalf of the Old Boys’ Association, was presented with the Paul ‘Woody’ Forrester Cup. This year, students and Old Boys competed in 10 sports, with the Old Boys eventually victorious 6 to 4.
Year 12 Mock Exams
Our Year 12 students have commenced their mock exam process in readiness for their external examinations in Term 4. We wish them well for this process as their final milestones approach quickly.
Right to Disconnect Policy
In line with new Federal laws, St Laurence’s College has implemented and embraced a new Right to Disconnect Policy. The Right to Disconnect Legislation means staff at the College “have the right to refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact (or attempted contact) outside their working hours, unless doing so is unreasonable.” For a greater understanding of how this applies at St Laurence’s College, I encourage all families to read the College policy here.
Congratulations Terrell Thorne!
Only this morning one of our Year 12 Duhig students, Terrell Thorne, raced in the 400m final at the U20 World Athletics Championships. Terrell won his 400m heat with a personal best time of 46.44 and raced in the semi-final yesterday where he qualified for the finals with a time of 46.66. Terell finished 7th in the final of the U20s as a 17-year-old and certainly looks on track to represent Australia at future Olympics. We congratulate Terrell on this fantastic achievement!
Best wishes to all of our students competing in the second last round of Trimester 3 sports this weekend.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal