From the Principal
Having attended what was a Christian Brother’s College and having worked in schools with different charisms, the understanding of humility as a personal virtue has always been important to me. However, I am also a firm believer in knowing the difference between being humble and being proud. As a Principal, my favourite conversations to have with members of our own community and others begins with “You should have seen..”
To the community of Lauries, “you should have seen your Lauries Gentlemen this week.”
Remembrance Day is a special day in our Calander. It is a day where the associating ceremony triggers unique emotions for our students as they reflect on a time when war was a part of daily vernacular. As we acknowledged Remembrance Day through ritual, in front of the College Cenotaph, you could feel a great energy in the reflection of our students. Indeed, there was a strong sense of occasion and respect for the day.
On Wednesday night, our youngest Lauries gentlemen celebrated their successes in 2024 with the annual Primary Prizegiving Evening. In a fun-filled night that not only recognised the academic, cultural and sporting achievements of our Primary students, we were also treated to the best Lip Sync battle of 2024. The night was a celebration of the uniqueness of the boys' education, highlighting a safe and supportive environment that allows young men to be themselves and achieve across all domains.
On the biggest day of the week and as mentioned in last week's newsletter, the College re-instated the St Laurence O’Toole Feast Day Mass. Fr Will celebrated with our students. The Mass was engaging, energised and the perfect example of ritual at St Laurence’s College. In the playground, directly following, many students commented to staff on the ‘vibe’ they got from the Mass and how much they enjoyed it. I believe this to be special.
That evening, the Year 12 class of 2024 said their final farewells as they officially graduated from the College. The evening was again a showcase of the Lauries Gentlemen and the amazing talents and achievements the cohort has offered the College over the course of the year. It was also fitting that we were able to farewell Bishop Tim Norton before his move to Broome next month.
In an event-filled week, where classes continued and further assessment approached, it would be fair to say that our young men were at their finest on each special occasion. Words like respect, understanding, involvement, courtesy, reflection and engagement are often used as educative descriptors of how we would like students to behave. This week these words were used as adjectives to describe our Lauries Gentlemen. With a great sense of humility – it was a week to be proud of.
Middle Schol Leaders
On the back of the announcement of Senior Student Leaders, it gives me great pleasure to publicly acknowledge the Middle School Leaders for 2025. I congratulate Ian Kim, Noah Lamarca, George Bellas, Felix Hardy, Max Bush, Sean Fitzgibbon, Adam Pryer, Xavier Gillam, Rory Batch and Ethann Lucas. I wish them well for their role as leaders in 2025.
Staff News
Ms Maria Mavritsky - The College is excited to announce that Ms Maria Mavritsky has been awarded the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Charter Leadership Award for 2024 for Justice and Solidarity.
As Head of the Visual and Performing Arts Faculty, Ms Mavritsky has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities that align with the Justice and Solidarity Touchstone. She has consistently advocated for the celebration and inclusion of all students, ensuring their talents are highlighted through diverse initiatives.
In her efforts, Ms Mav as she is affectionately known, exemplifies the values of inclusivity, advocacy and compassion, ensuring every Lauries student in her care, can shine.
We congratulate Ms Mavritsky on receiving this well-deserved recognition.
Mr Paul Corfield – I wish to affirm the appointment of Mr Paul Corfield as Dean of Identity at St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe.
During Paul’s five years at St Laurence’s College, he has been instrumental in developing the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), instigating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Officer role and specifically the Yuuingan Yari group. Paul also helped solidify how service is reflected within our school and Faith in Action program including establishing a strong relationship with Emmanuel City Mission, implementing our College Sacramental program and launching immersions to East Timor and North Queensland.
While Paul’s new position will be a loss for the College, we are excited to see him continue to share the values of Edmund Rice within another EREA school.
Ms Grace Loydan - Due to the appointment of Dr Liam Herbert to the role of Deputy Principal, the College has undertaken the recruitment process for the role of Dean of Learning and Teaching, commencing in 2025.
Over the course of this year, Ms Kirsten Wardrop has acted in the role and successfully led learning and teaching at St Laurence’s College during a time of change. In 2025, Kirsten will return to her substantive role as Dean of Logistics and Analytics on the College Leadership Team. I sincerely thank Kirsten for her commitment to this position.
I write today to affirm the appointment of Ms Grace Loyden as the Dean of Learning and Teaching at St Laurence’s College.
Grace joins the Lauries community with a vast array of experience including as Deputy Principal within Education Queensland, Head of English at Townsville Grammar and Brisbane Boys’ College, lead Assessor roles with QCAA and currently as Head of Secondary Studies at Brisbane Boys’ College. Grace’s love of learning is exhibited through her Master of Educational Leadership, Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Social Science whilst currently studying for her MBA and AICD.
Please join me in congratulating Grace on her appointment. We look forward to welcoming her into the St Laurence’s College community.
Best wishes to all those competing for the College in AIC trials this weekend and our thoughts remain with the Year 10 and 11 students as they prepare for their forthcoming exam block.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal