From the Principal
Last Friday I inadvertently arrived late to the Primary School mass held in the St. Laurence O’Toole Chapel. Each Friday all the College Leadership Team (CLT) attend Mass, along with students and a number of staff. The common practise is for the CLT to sit at the front of the Chapel with the students who have roles to play in the Mass. Having arrived late, I had missed my usual seat. With the Chapel near full, I was able to find a seat toward the back and slightly to the side.
While we constantly stress the importance of punctuality to the students and finding myself feeling quite awkward about being late, I also quickly found myself smiling as to what was happening around me. Five primary students had approached the altar to partake in a part of the Mass. As one young man stepped up to pray, I saw his classroom teacher grab her colleague’s arm quite nervously while watching the young man. The young man read his prayer and rejoined his friends. Quickly the teacher looked down the line of chairs to 4 other primary teachers with excitement and pride. I even witnessed a sneaky high five between the teacher and another.
Standing in front of a crowd and reading or praying can be quite daunting for most, but clearly this was going to be a challenge for this young man. Witnessing the pure elation from the teacher as the young man conquered his fear and achieved his task, provided me with a moment of grace. We have a diverse community of learners at St Laurence’s College and an amazing group of staff that invest heavily in the holistic growth of our young men. This is something to be truly grateful for.
110 Years – Opening Mass
This week the College celebrated the beginning of the College Year by acknowledging the 100th Anniversary of our Foundation. Joined by special guests from the Chirstian Brothers, EREA Colleges, The School Advisory Council, the Old Boys Foundation, The Laurie’s Community Committee and Padua College (Our LEX Partner), the Mass was Concelebrated by Fr Jerry and Fr Will.
The Mass was a beautiful occasion, highlighted by the respect and courtesy shown by all students, demonstrated in their amazing singing and sense of occasion. I thank Mr Lachlan Heshusius, and all involved in the organisation of the Mass and our special guests for their attendance.
Before the Mass I was able to share some unique moments of College history with all those in attendance. As an endeavour to continually shine a light on our 110 years of achievement throughout 2025, I today offer the same key moments as a reflection on our Lauries Journey.
Beginning in 1919 when our young College closed due to the Spanish Flu Pandemic (much like the Coronavirus outbreak). The St Laurence’s Hospital (what we now know as the Brother Hogan Building) was run by the Sisters of Mercy from May to July and embedded a notion of community and service in our ethos. An example of an act that helped the Brothers define our service culture and allow the foundations of a link to our modern-day touchstone of Justice and solidarity.
In 1933 – The Brothers initiated a work program to build Gair Oval. With the onset of the Great Depression, the Brothers became famous for feeding the workers corned beef sandwiches. A delight of the times and a staple that is still sometimes available in our current Lauries Canteen.
In 1936 – Our school colours changed from the original Green and White to our current Black and Gold, affording St Laurence’s College the most defined playing strip of all of the Brothers schools.
1942 was a time of war. St Laurence’s College School was moved to Greenslopes for several years while the army took up residence in the school. Contrary to rumours of later students, there are no tunnels under the College that led to either Somerville House or the Brisbane River, as a result of this residency.
72 years ago, in 1953, the striped jacket for prefects became part of the Lauries uniform.
During the 1970s, leadership of areas of the college moved from the Brothers to lay teachers with the Head of Primary being the first role to be awarded. The community of 13 brothers remained unchanged, however the number of lay teachers quickly grew from 17 to 35 to accommodate the growth in students.
In 1988, the EXPO year, in Brisbane – the Old Boys' Foundation was established to assist boys from disadvantaged backgrounds. The committee raised $500,000, a very healthy sum at the time, to buy a house at 33 Stephens Road. The house would later be home to 4 – 6 boys who attend the College. It was named the W L Davy Centre and was a testament to Laurie’s as an inclusive community.
1996 saw the first Lay Principal appointed at St Laurence's College Mr Dennis Frederiksen (1996 - 2000).
2000 The Brother Ryan Centre at Runcorn was completed and the Music Department was established to cater for an expanding instrumental program.
2008 – Negotiations commenced with Mater and Somerville to build a Car Park, Gair Field and ERPAC. Laurie the Lion was introduced to students as the School Mascot.
2013 – Brother Dennis Sullivan was the last Christian Brother on the College staff, as Campus Minister, while Principal Ian McDonald begun planning the build of educational resources that have today, stood a test of time.
Staff Announcement – Ms Kirsten Wardrop
It is with gratitude that I share the news that Ms Kirsten Wardrop has been seconded to the role of Senior Education Officer at EREA Colleges. The role will commence in Term 2 2025 for a 12-month period. This is an exciting opportunity for Kirsten and we look forward to sharing in all her professional development when she returns.
Further details regarding the respective changes and the subsequent recruitment processes at the College, will be shared with the community as they are confirmed. In the meantime, please join me in congratulating Kirsten on her appointment.
Lauries Community Committee
Last week in the Newsletter about the Lauries Community Committee (LCC). Since writing the article, I have come to understand that some are unaware of the purpose of the LCC. The Lauries Community Committee is the St Laurence's College version of the traditional Parents and Friends Association.
The LCC provides an opportunity for all parents and caregivers to work alongside the College Leadership Team to discuss aspects of College life through collaborative discussions.
On Monday night the LCC met for the first time in 2025. The meeting was led by the LCC President, Ms Jo Cosgrove. Ms Cosgrove presented an agenda that established the Terms of Reference for the year for the group, while those in attendance discussed the work of the sub committees of; Faith in Action, Sport, Music & Culture, Fundraising and the Old Boys' Association, in addition to other parent driven agenda items. We look forward to the next meeting on 19 May.
Best wishes to all those competing in the AIC competition this weekend against St Edmund's College, Ipswich.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal