ST LAURENCE’S COLLEGE

PROSPECTUS

INTRODUCTIONSt Laurence’s College is a Catholic school for boys in the Brisbane Archdiocese. The College, established on its current site in 1915 by the Christian Brothers, is a member of the national educational network of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA).

Boys attending the College from Yrs 5-12 come from across the metropolitan area representing a rich mix of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds including international students. Boys from religious traditions outside the Catholic faith add richness to the culture of College. The current enrolment is approximately 1550 students, lead by a team of 180 teachers and support staff.

The vibrant, Catholic culture within St Laurence’s College contributes to the development of young men, providing an authentic Catholic education in partnership with staff, parents, families and the wider community. This authentic Catholic education aims to promote spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional, physical, cultural and social aspects of life through the provision of a wide variety of faith experiences and academic, cultural, sporting and service opportunities.

MISSIONSt Laurence’s College is an evangelising faith community with the Gospel imperatives of love, reconciliation, renewal and care for the poor as central to its purpose. We are all called to a relationship in the community demonstrating the Catholic Church’s commitment to the dignity of the individual, recognising that each person is made in the image of God and is a reflection of God’s goodness.

The College offers a distinctive educational philosophy based on a commitment to education as liberation. Blessed Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers, attempted to change and transform people and society by being counter-cultural. He assisted those in need, protected the weak and vulnerable, and challenged all ‘to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with their God.’ These values of leadership, service and co-responsibility are core to the educational opportunities provided within the College.

The educational program at the College aims to enable people to be transformational in their own lives and the lives of others. To this end, each member of the community is encouraged to develop relationships in which every person is empowered and enriched by active participation, cooperation, collaboration and enthusiasm - a community where life may be enjoyed and celebrated with creativity and passion.

STUDENT WELFARESt Laurence’s College ethos fosters a College which encourages boys to pursue their studies with purpose, confidence and promotes their full human growth. Great value is placed on developing positive classroom environments which are conducive to learning. The College has high expectations of student behaviour -expectations which aim

to promote self-discipline. Our expectations for personal appearance, attendance, punctuality and good conduct enhances self-confidence, self-esteem and good habits for later life.

Student welfare is the concern of every staff member.

Each boy progresses through the College under the guidance of a Head of Year. Each student has a Home Class Teacher who is responsible for a group of students. The Home Class Teacher takes a special interest in each boy’s academic progress and development in a home class group, which is the basic pastoral and administrative unit of the school.

The Student Handbook/Diary provides a ready means of communication between parents and teachers. A Peer Support Program with senior students enables them to support younger students especially during their first weeks at the College. In the Senior years, boys have the opportunity to aspire to formal leadership roles in the College.

THE LAURIES JOURNEY'The Lauries Journey' is the pastoral program of St Laurence’s College. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, it expresses the care and respect for the dignity of each individual within the community. It is the journey that each boy will take in this College which will see him grow from a young boy into a young man. It is not a journey that they will take alone, but one that will have the comforting support of their parents, friends and teachers.

'The Lauries Journey' seeks to ensure that every boy feels known and valued for being the person that he is. It seeks to equip him with the knowledge, skills and qualities to develop his character, deepen his faith, widen his friendships and strengthen his self-belief in his own potential.

It is within the context of a meaningful relationship between student and teacher that true learning takes place. St Laurence’s College has a long proud tradition of Old Boys

who see themselves as still on 'The Lauries Journey' because of the significance of the relationships they experienced at school.

The College employs counselling staff and has partnerships with specialist counselling services off site to assist students and families. Informal counselling is undertaken by members of staff who relate to students in various capacities.

SERVICE LEARNING Service and Solidarity Learning (SSL) ProgramSt Laurence’s College has the commitment to provide an education that is 'inclusive, relevant and outreaching'. Service and Solidarity Learning (SSL) supports student educational development while contributing to the formation of a more just world. Students learn valuable knowledge, skills and values, through transformational experiences that help them grow into successful, compassionate and just members of society.

Many opportunities are provided to bring people together (solidarity) through acts of charity and justice (service). All who engage in these activities experience some personal transformation. A range of activities are provided to suit student needs and these are expanding as we develop more opportunities for students to be involved in community service.

Students can become involved in:• Structured Service Learning program in Year 11 & 12• Homework help• Peer mentoring• Cafe Edmund• Sony Camp and a Special Olympics sports day• Building Across Borders – Immersion program • HELP – Timor, Vietnam and Malaysia Immersions• Project Compassion, 40 hour Famine, Walkathon, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea• Winter Appeal – St Vincent De Paul Society• Edmund Rice Camps support

Dear Parents,

Welcome to St Laurence's College prospectus.

As you browse through this publication, and I hope you will take the time to do so, you will discover that Lauries is more than just a school.

We are proud of our students success. They do well academically in OP and vocational courses, excel in sporting events, make inspiring music and stretch themselves in many different ways. We ensure that they develop their talents, gifts and developing interests.

However, we are interested in more than worldly success. At Lauries, education provides our young graduates with a spiritual compass for life. The moral principles the boys develop here act as spiritual bearings that support their journey through adult life.

We are proud of our Edmund Rice tradition and its special place in the Lauries story.

I hope that your connection to the College begins here and will lead to a developing relationship with us.

Yours sincerely

Mr Ian McDonaldPrincipal

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HISTORY & TRADITIONThe first development on the hill where St Laurence’s now stands was the foundation of a minor seminary for boys called St Kilian’s by the first Bishop of Brisbane, Dr Quinn. In 1874, the Bishop urged the Christian Brothers to take responsibility for St Kilian’s as the first of their schools in Brisbane. Br Barrett was unimpressed, as he put it, by the frequent flooding of the streets by the river, and so he declined.

In 1899, this historic school, which was in turn under the control of the clergy and lay staff, was destroyed by fire. The new school, St Laurence’s owes its foundation to Dr Duhig of whom the Advocate wrote 'His Grace Archbishop Duhig has thrown himself into the work of establishing St Laurence’s with his accustomed vigour'.

The first staff members, Brs J Hogan, A Brennan, N Doran and D O’Connell and Mr Dean, faced 270 boys on the opening day in 1915. The original building is still standing. Two years later the Brother’s monastery was completed, and these two fine buildings with unpaved playing area between them on the crest of the hill, fulfilled the accommodation needs for many years.

During World War II, the College was taken over by the Army and classes were moved to Greenslopes. A new classroom block was completed in 1961, providing much needed accommodation, and in 1968 the main classroom block over the cliff and the Science block were completed. The needs of the Catholic population of the southside of Brisbane drove this rapid expansion. In 1973, Archbishop O’Donnell opened the new Secondary Library, an additional floor to the Science block and an imposing Chapel. In 1975, an additional floor of six classrooms was added to the Duhig Building. Subsequently the Manual Arts complex was completed in 1978 and the School Gymnasium, named after Br T Brady who died in office in 1981, was completed in that year.

The Edmund Rice Building was completed in 1984. It contains a staff room, the McElligott Theatre and classrooms. In 1999, the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) was completed. It contains teaching and practice spaces for the Arts.

Between 2001 and 2008, extensive refurbishment of all buildings occurred. The Edmund Rice building was expanded in 2009 and the Duhig Building changed to classrooms in 2010. A new Primary library and outdoor areas opened in 2011 from Government funding initiatives. In late 2010, the Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre (ERPAC), car park and roof top field (Gair Field) opened after a two year building program.

Camp Laurence on Moogerah Dam was completed in 1977 as an outdoor recreational and educational extension to the campus at South Brisbane. The College acquired property at Runcorn in 1961 to extend its sporting facilities.

THE COLLEGE CRESTThe St Laurence’s crest is an adaptation of the Christian Brothers’ congregational crest. The centre piece of the crest shows the Celtic Cross which reminds us that the Christian Brothers had their origin in Ireland. It should remind us that the early Brothers who founded and staffed Christian Brothers Schools were Irishmen and the great debt we owe them.

Above the Celtic Cross is the Book of Learning, acknowledging that the one purpose of the Congregation of the Christian Brothers is an educational one. The open pages of the book have the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The ‘Alpha’ and ‘Omega’ symbols recognise Jesus Christ who is the beginning and end of all Creation.

The motto on the scroll above the crest is 'facere et docere' is that of the Christian Brothers themselves, 'to do and to teach', which for the students could well be adapted to 'to do and to learn'. The College is first and foremost a place of learning. It is also a community of learners and teachers which supports each boy’s personal development.

Cheer when the Black and GoldCall forth the brave and bold,Just like the men of old,Down though the yearsHere with the boys competing Now feel the blood a-beatingHigh with the spirit Of the old college men (Chorus)

ChorusTowering in gallant fame,Proudly we raise your name,High may your proud standardsGloriously wave.Scene of our high endeavour,School unsurpassed forever,School we shall cherish ever-St Laurence’s!

THE COLLEGE SONG

Formed on the College HillStaunch are the friendships still,Growing and lastingTill time evermore.When college friends are meeting,Memories in floods come leaping,Thrilled with the spiritOf the old school again. (Chorus)

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4Archbishop Duhig Memorial BuildingIn 1967, the foundation stone was blessed by Archbishop O’Donnell and laid by A A Loftus, Superior General of the Christian Brothers at that time. The top floor was added in 1974. This building has the capacity for 32 classrooms and staff facilities.

Brother Hogan Year 8 CentreThe foundation stone was laid by Archbishop Duhig in 1914. He was Archbishop of Brisbane from 1917-1965 and was known as 'James the Builder'.

The building contains:

• Year 8 Classrooms• Year 8 Staffroom• Enrichment Centre• Counsellor Facilities• Language Centre

Brother Spillane Technology CentreClasses taught in this block are:

• Metalwork• Woodwork• Mechanics• Graphics• CAD• Vocational Education subjects

BUILDINGS &HISTORY

NuMBERS CORRESPOND WITH THE NuMBERS ON THE COLLEGE SITE MAP. PAGE 13

St Laurence’s College is fortunate to have excellent buildings, grounds and facilities which are conducive to promoting an effective learning environment.

Special features include: well-equipped classrooms, science and computer laboratories, primary and secondary libraries and resource centres, specialist rooms for music, art, drama, graphics, film and television and technology, The facilities are complimented by a pool, theatrette, chapel, sports hall and playing field and an auditorium on the South Brisbane campus.

St Laurence’s playing fields are located at Runcorn adjacent to the railway station. Eight fields are enhanced by change rooms and a function centre.

St Laurence’s outdoor education centre is located on 5 hectares on the western bank of Lake Moogerah, accommodating up to 120 students.

Administration BuildingBrother OS ‘Stan’ Adams Administration Building was renovated in 2009. It was originally the Brothers' Monastery since its construction in 1917. It contains the Reception, Student Services, Principal, Deans and Finance Offices.

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Tuckshop

Pool

Basketball Court

UniformShop

McElligottTheatre

Reception

CityCarpark Entrance(Hancock Street)

Gair Field& Hancock Street Carpark Below

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SavioOval

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1 Administration Building2 Archbishop Duhig Building3 Br Hogan Yr 8 Centre4 Br Spillane Technology Centre5 Archbishop OÕDonnell Building6 Br Grundy VAPA Centre7 Edmund Rice Building8 Br Campbell Resource Centre9 Brady Hall10 Pool Complex11 Auditorium ERPAC (Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre)

ST LAURENCEÕSCOLLEGE

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Archbishop O’Donnell BuildingThe foundation stone of the Science and Technology building was laid by Archbishop Duhig in 1960. Archbishop O’Donnell was Archbishop of Brisbane from 1965-1973. The Science block was opened in 1968 and refurbished in 1997.

The building contains:

• Science rooms • Preparation rooms• Print room• Hospitality room- Cafe Edmund• SCIPS Offices • Year 11 Classrooms (ground floor)• Computer rooms (upper storey)• Labs of 34 Pentium Computers running Windows

based software• Sports Master’s Office and sports room

(basement)• Senior School toilets

Brother Grundy Visual Arts and Performing Arts (VAPA) CentreThe Brother S Grundy Visual and Performing Arts Centre was constructed in 1998. It contains Visual and Graphic Arts, Film and Media, Music and staff facilities.

The Edmund Rice BuildingThe Building was opened in 1984 and is named after Br Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers.

The building contains

• 8 x Year 12 Classrooms• Staffrooms• Staff toilets• McElligott Theatre• Drama, Dance and Music rehearsal rooms• School Canteen• uniform shop

Brother Campbell Resource CentreThis building was named after a former staff member and a Provincial of the Christian Brothers. It has many audio visual aids as well as books over three levels. The Library is available for use by all members of the community. It has up-to-date computer, CD Rom and internet facilities and supports Primary and Secondary Students.

Brother T P Brady Sports CentreThis building was named after the Headmaster who planned the building. It was opened in August 1981, a few months after Br Brady died. It is a multiuse facility, but essentially a sports venue.

Pat O’Neill Swimming ComplexA pool was built on this site in 1956. During 1999 the old pool was removed and replaced by a wider, 25 metre pool with eight lanes.

Edmund Rice Performing Arts CentreThe Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre was opened in 2010. This 1500 seat auditorium is used for all major College events. It has full Front of House and Back Stage support facilities.

Gair FieldThis oval was named after the Honorable Mr Vincent Gair, Works Minister and later Premier of Queensland, who organised the original excavation in 1930s. The State Government provided manpower during the Depression in the early 1930s. It was covered in grass in the 1950s mainly by the work of the brothers. The new Gair Field and car park was completed in 2010.

Savio OvalThis oval was named after St Dominic Savio, an Italian boy who was called 'The apostle of the Playground'. There are basketball courts and a circular drive for the set down and pick up of students.

COLLEGE CAMPUSSITE MAP

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Middle School practices at St. Laurence’s College include:• Collaborative Planning• Integrated and learner centred pedagogy• Negotiated and differentiated curriculum• Authentic assessment• Pedagogy – student choice, team teaching, multiple intelligences• Articulated outcomes planning

The subjects currently offered in the Middle School are:

YEAR 8: All students in Year 8 take the same subjects as a general introduction to Secondary schooling:

Arts (Music, Art, Drama)ChineseEnglishHealth & Physical EducationIndustrial TechnologyMathematicsReligionScienceStudies of Society and Environment

YEARS 9 &10 Core Subjects:English Health & Personal DevelopmentMathematicsReligious EducationScienceStudies of Society & EnvironmentStudent Development (Compulsory – Year 10 Only)

and a further selection of THREE (3) electives from:

ArtBusiness StudiesChineseDanceDramaGraphicsIndustrial TechnologyInvestigative Science & TechnologyMediaMusicPhysical Education

PRIMARY SCHOOLYears 5-7 Boys can commence their schooling at St Laurence’s College from Year 5. Within the overall structure of Years 5 to 12 we celebrate many occasions together as one school while still maintaining a distinct Primary School identity. The Primary community has access to a Primary Office, Primary Library and IT Centre, Primary School Learning and Enrichment Centre and outdoor gathering spaces. At the same time, boys have the opportunity to access all the facilities of the College, particularly specialist areas such as Art, Music, Drama and Sports.

Primary boys are well supported by the Year 12 Peer mentor and Year 7 Mates Programs, which aim to develop a strong sense of belonging and support.

In the Primary School we use 'The Lauries Journey' as a basis for our pastoral care program with an emphasis on forming supportive relationships. This program includes significant community celebrations such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as well as liturgical ceremonies for each year level.

The subjects currently offered in the Primary School are:

Computer Awareness EnglishExpressive Arts (Art, Music, Drama)Health & Physical EducationLOTE (Chinese, Cultural Studies)MathematicsReligionScienceStudies of Society and Environment An instrumental music program and choral program are also conducted with students who choose to be involved in Expressive Arts.

Information Technology is imbedded in each of these subjects and is supported by the use of interactive whiteboards in all primary classrooms.

MIDDLE SCHOOL Years 8-10Years 8-10 are organised according to the principles and practices of middle schooling. In Year 10 students begin transition to the Senior School

In the Middle School teachers often teach students their core subjects so that positive relationships (so important for adolescent boys) with significant adults and peers can be nurtured. Cross discipline connections also facilitate an authentic, directed pedagogy.

St. Laurence’s College offers a program of Studies from Year 5 to 12 where the vision of a holistic education for each student centres on liberation for 'life to the full' (John10:10).

The College is committed to providing students with academic and personal skills to equip them for life and a flexible career path. Students are encouraged to pursue a balanced general education that engages them at the level of their learning readiness and challenges them to pursue excellence. Teachers, parents and students work in partnership to promote a love of lifelong learning.

The vision for Catholic Education at St Laurence’ College is a dynamic educational community for boys and young men that maximises their potential to be both active contributors to and prophetic voices within an ever-changing society.

While offering a range of courses at all levels which cater for a range of students ‘ability, the College has high expectations of student application and achievement. Clear standards expected for classroom work, assignment presentation, homework and examinations are clearly communicated via numerous forums. It is expected parents will work in partnership with the College to achieve the best outcomes for students. Student academic progress is carefully monitored and formal reporting to parents occurs three times per year.

YEAR 7 MOVES TO SECONDARY SCHOOL IN 2015Year 7 becomes part of secondary schooling in 2015 as announced by the Queensland Government in 2011. This opportunity brings Queensland in line with the other states of Australia. In 2015, Year 7 students, the state’s first full year of prep, will be ready for Secondary School. These students will be six months older and will be the first cohort to commence Year 7 with seven years of schooling.

ENRICHMENT SERVICESFrom Year 5 to 12 the College offers Enrichment programs. Enrichment programs have two branches: Extension & Support.

Extension programs include:• Immersion opportunities • Gifted and Talented programs• Days of Excellence• Local, State, National and International Academic and Vocational Education competition• University Partnerships• Career Education and Counseling• Extension units such as Investigative Science and Technology, offered in Years 9 and 10

Support programs include:• Literacy and Numeracy support• ESL programs• Work education and transition

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facere et docere to do and to teachSENIOR SCHOOL

Years 11 & 12In the Senior School, as students study for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), pathways are diverse. Students are encouraged to select a studies pathway that is suited to their interests, abilities or eligibility needs.

The Senior School offers:• More flexible choice of study options• An ‘OP’ pathway• A ‘Vocational Education’ pathway• Opportunities to study university level subjects• Opportunities to be sponsored by industries in ‘cadet’

situations.• Opportunities to study at TAFE• Work placement opportunities• School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

The compulsory elements of the senior curriculum are:• Religious and Ethics (SAS) or Study of Religion• English or English Communication (SAS)• Mathematics A, B or Pr-Vocational Mathematics (SAS)

SENIOR SCHOOL - YEARS 11,12: 2012Both AUTHORITY and AUTHORITY REGISTERED SUBJECTS contribute to a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). However, only AUTHORITY subjects contribute to an Overall Position Ranking (OP).

Year 11 & 12 students take either:

Authority Subjects

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Authority Registered SubjectsEnglish English Communication (SAS)Study of Religion Religion & EthicsMaths A or B Pre Vocational Maths (SAS)

and make a further selection of three (3) electives from:

Authority Subjects Authority Registered & Certificate Subjects

Business Organisation & Management

Business (Cert III in Business)

Chemistry Drama Studies Chinese General Construction (Cert I

of General Construction)Dance Engineering (Cert I of

Engineering)Drama Furnishing (Cert I of

Furnishing)Economics Industrial Graphics StudiesEngineering Technology Industrial Technology Studies

(Electrical)Film Television and New Media

Visual Arts and Contemporary Crafts (Cert II)

Geography Fitness (Cert III)Graphics Technology (Cert II)Health Education Diploma of Engineering

(Industrial CAD Program)Information Processing & Technology

Electrotechnology (Cert II)

Legal Studies Maths C Modern HistoryMulti-Strand Science MusicMusic Extension (Performance Year 12 only)Physics Physical EducationTechnology Studies Visual Art

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SportSt Laurence’s College enjoys a proud record of sporting achievement. Participation in sporting activities, especially team games, is an integral part of the life the College.

Sport is part of the physical education program. Students have a chance of selection in the school’s representative teams, which play in the Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) and the Combined Independent Colleges (CIC) competitions. Teams are represented in Rugby, Soccer, Cricket, Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, Tennis and Track Field.

Other sporting opportunities are offered through the Metropolitan East Region Sports program and other local club competitions.

MusicThe College has an extensive music program. Students can participate in the instrumental tuition program during the school day and join bands, ensembles and choirs, which practice outside school hours.

The College is proud of its reputation in this area and encourages all students to be involved in the music program.

ActivitiesStudents are encouraged to become involved in many other activities offered by the school. Debating, oratory, musical and drama productions, community service groups and student committees are all part of the array of opportunities open to students. Students are also encouraged to participate in Mathematics, English, Science, Computing and Arts competitions.

Career and Vocational EducationGuidance towards the choice of a career is given both through formal career education and the work experience program. Careers counseling is provided through the Careers Adviser. A careers centre is centrally located on the campus.

Outdoor EducationOutdoor education is an essential part of the College curriculum. These developmental programs enhance a boy’s self esteem and team skills. Students follow a program of increasing challenge culminating in a trek requiring significant self-reliance.

CO-CURRICULAR ProgramS

ENROLMENTS CONTACTDominique PoteRegistrar Phone 07 3010 1104Fax 07 3010 1188Email enrolments@slc.qld.edu.au

COLLEGE CONTACTSOffice Hours 7.45am – 3.50pmPhone 07 3010 1111Fax 07 3010 1188Email slc@slc.qld.edu.au

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