From the Principal
With this being the last Newsletter before Christmas, I would like to wish all families a Happy and safe holiday and a very merry Christmas.
Over the last month, I have noticed festive season decorations, Christmas-themed food and present idea marketing, creeping not so subtly into shopping centres around Brisbane. Many people, myself included, would comment that this type of pre-Christmas exposure is getting earlier and earlier each year. While the likelihood may be that it is probably not any earlier than it was in 2023, it does cause me to think and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.
It's easy for us all to get caught up in the notion of gift giving and long celebrations. Both of these sentiments can be important traditions for families; however, it is also good to be reminded that while an atmosphere of gift-giving and celebration can bring great joy, this joy is deeply grounded in the simple, meaningful moments and the genuine connections we share with others. Time spent with family and friends at Christmas, through connection and love, is a reflection and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the values he brought to our world. I hope all Lauries families receive an opportunity to experience this deeper meaning of Christmas in 2024.
As I write this newsletter, we are hearing of the Government’s decision to pass legislation that bans the use of social media for children under the age of 16. Children and teenagers will be banned from using social media after the government's world-first legislation passed the parliament with bipartisan support.
The decision means anyone under the age of 16 will be blocked from using platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, with the legislation coming into effect in 12 months’ time. While the practical application of this decision is not completely understood now, the decision will no doubt have some bearing on the delivery of education and wellbeing programs offered by schools around the country. As the decision is further understood, Lauries will be committed to embracing the legislation and working with our families to transition to this new understanding.
Primary School Graduation
Last night I was fortunate to be able to attend the last celebration event of the Lauries calendar for 2024 - the Primary Graduation. The event was held in true Lauries fashion with an acknowledgment of the personal success of those boys graduating, a little bit of humour, some singing and a great deal of pride from both the families present and the Year 6 boys who formed the graduating class. I congratulate all those who graduated last night and encourage you to embrace the next step in your Laurie’s Journey, the transition to High School. Special thanks to Mr O’Toole who was both a parent and a Head of Year on the evening, Mr Wigan for his overall leadership of the primary phase of learning and to all the primary staff who were in attendance to assist with the success of the event. I must also acknowledge Ms Kristin Roe and Ms Donna Wilson who offered the parent reflection on the evening. Their reflection was authentic, entertaining and reflective of their own Laurie’s journey.
In the last eight weeks, the College has experienced a number of developments in relation to its Master Plan and building processes, community developments and staff changes. In the coming weeks, I will write to the community to share these updates for all families.
While the holiday break will mean a great opportunity for rest and relaxation away from studies, it certainly does not mean St Laurence’s College ceases operation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our administrative and support staff, IT and Maintenance staff who will be working right through the Christmas break to ensure all is ready for learning in 2025.
Similarly, our co-curricular program continues throughout the break. Best wishes to those travelling to the United States on the 2024 basketball Tour, our Open Volleyball Squad competing at the Australian Schools Championships on the Gold Coast, our Cricketers who are involved in Christian Brother Cricket Week, the Australian Space Design Competition at the University of Queensland, those involved in the Man City Tournament in Melbourne, our musicians (staff and students) involved in the summer school program and the Cuskelly College of Music program and all those who will begin trials and competition for the AIC before school starts back in 2025. I especially thank all the staff involved in continuing to make these opportunities happen for our students.
Finally, I would like to also thank the hard-working and dedicated staff of St Laurence’s College for their work in 2024. Their tireless efforts to ensure the community of Lauries has access to great facilities, a critically reflective and liberating education in an environment that is both diverse and inclusive, means that we continue to have both an amazing school and community.
I wish all families a very safe, festive and reflective Christmas break and thank all those who have contributed to a Lauries Journey in 2024.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal