As the 2023 academic year at St Laurence’s College comes to an end, the College reflects on a year filled with achievements, growth and community engagement.
Throughout the year, the College has seen great improvements in its academic culture with an extraordinary 50% increase in Academic Gold Excellence Award Winners and a 40% increase in Academic Gold Merit Award winners since 2020.
“This is an outstanding achievement and is quantitative evidence to suggest a significant improvement in academic culture, stemming from the exceptional work of students and staff,” the College said.
“The school has maintained these high standards by fostering an environment where students are encouraged to excel in their academics. The College’s commitment to a holistic education was again reflected this year in its diverse curriculum offerings and innovative teaching methods.”
One of the major changes in the 2023 curriculum was the addition of the Manchester City Football School at St Laurence’s College. Over 64 students in Years 5, 6 and 7 completed their skill-based lessons before, during and after school, with all students showing significant growth.
Highlights of the year included wins at the EREA Tournament, outstanding results during the AIC season and opportunities to train with other Manchester City Football Schools from across Australia and ask burning questions of Manchester City Players such as Manuel Akanji. The Manchester City Football School Program continues from strength to strength in 2024 with a new cohort of students joining the ranks.
Beyond the classroom, St Laurence’s College students showcased their talents in sport, music and extracurricular activities. Lauries showcased their sporting abilities across 16 sports in 2023 including AFL, Athletics, Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Cross Country, Esports, Football, Golf, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Swimming, Tennis, Touch Football, Volleyball and Water Polo. Some highlights of the year include its First XIII AFL, First XV Rugby and First IV Chess teams winning Premierships, as well as AIC Aggregate wins in Football (with 11 teams winning championships) and AFL.
Another major success was the continued growth in the College ‘Colours Cup’ where students who were not selected for AIC teams still engaged in their chosen sport through an internal competition. The Colours Cup gave students in Cricket, Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis and Chess the chance to play and there are plans to expand the program in 2024.
St Laurence’s College also proudly hosted the CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival during the June-July holidays. Over one week, 64 teams from across Queensland and Northern NSW competed in the round robin Rugby League competition at the College Runcorn Sporting Fields, with a number of special events including St Laurence’s College versus Villanova College as a curtain raiser at Suncorp Stadium. The Lauries First XIII placed second in Division 2 which was a fantastic outcome.
“It has been great to see the exceptional skills, sportsmanship and pride shown throughout our sporting program this year,” the College said.
The Music Program at Lauries, the largest singular cocurricular offering, also saw a huge 2023.
“Our music students and staff delivered three music camps, 14 concerts, six recital workshops and many other volunteer performance opportunities. The crowd favourites included the Cabaret Concert, Strictly Strings Concert, Band Blast and Jazz on the Hill. We witnessed another successful LIZID Festival where students nominated to perform for others during lunchbreaks, which also saw the return of an Old Boy band,” it said.
As well as internal productions, the College delivered performances to the wider community. Lauries once again competed in the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival in August, where they secured 11 Gold, five Silver and one Bronze award. Students were also able to perform as part of Brisbane’s Queen Street Jazzin’ Up The Mall Concert Series.
“The countless hours of work put in by our Music Program cannot be understated and they must be praised for their work,” the College said.
Additionally, the College’s clubs flourished, providing students with platforms to explore their interests and develop new skills. From debating to robotics to the Urban Farm, there is something for everyone at Lauries.
St Laurence’s College also remained deeply committed to serving the community. Throughout the year, students actively participated in various community service initiatives and outreach programs. Whether it be seen in the money raised for charities during Walkathon, or the volunteering efforts at Emmanuel City Mission, the College community came together to make a positive impact on society.
As 2023 comes to an end, St Laurence’s College looks forward to continuing the Lauries Journey for many in 2024.
