Dear Members of the Terrace Family,

Friday marks the final day for our Year 12 students. Along with their parents, teachers and the rest of the Terrace Gentlemen, we have the opportunity at the Farewell Assembly to say thank you and good luck. Our Year 12 students have again upheld the fine traditions of the Terrace Gentlemen that have gone before them. They have been Men of Spirit, bold and unjaded, and they have been brave and game men. For this we are very grateful, and on behalf of all within the Terrace Family, I say thank you, good luck and remember you are always a Terrace Gentleman.

For the remainder of the College, life marches on with exams just around the corner. Exam timetables have been published and assignments completed, so the focus now turns to exam preparation. I have previously commented on the importance of a thorough exam preparation period and the need to be organised, methodical and persistent. As parents, we can support our sons by being there for them and at the same time making sure they stay focused to the end. Good luck over the coming weeks.

As you may be aware, as part of the current Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, the Union, on behalf of the employees, has instituted Protected Action. At Terrace, this is manifesting in non-attendance to playground duty, supervisions or meetings. My priority is to ensure that the College provides a safe learning environment and that the teaching and learning remains of the highest standard. To achieve these goals some changes to lunchtime areas and the operation of the Library have changed. Until further notice, the Years 5 and 6 students will not be accessing Victoria Park for morning tea or lunch and the Library remains closed. I understand that these changes may inconvenience some students. However, I reiterate that our priority is to ensure that a safe learning environment is provided. In order to achieve this, there needs to be a reduction in the areas needing to be supervised.  

The union has notified employers of a planned half hour stoppage on Tuesday 19 November from 9am. During these stoppages, all students at Terrace will be appropriately supervised and the impact and disruption to students will be kept to a minimum. All students should attend school as normal on Tuesday. The College will hold its weekly assembly during this time.

At this stage I have no indication as to how long the Protected Action may continue. I will continue to provide updates via the Terrace News.

Finally, to assist with the successful conclusion to the school year, the students are required to return their textbooks prior to the end of the year, clean out their lockers and ensure that all their property is taken home. Please assist the College by ensuring textbooks are returned by Friday 29 November. This greatly assists the staff in Book Hire and offsets ill feeling when invoices for non-returned/lost textbooks are sent to families. Your support of this issue would be appreciated.

Have a great week.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal 

Staff News

Mrs Kathy Wilson has informed the College that after taking leave for 2019 and part of 2020, she will conclude her time with us. Most recently, Kathy served as Assistant to the Dean of Studies and has been instrumental in the management of various aspects of this key operational part of College life, including reporting and timetabling amongst a raft of other tasks. Kathy also previously worked with the Pastoral Team and in coordinating daily teacher absence along with various other responsibilities. In short, Kathy has been able to turn her skills and aptitude to everything asked of her. We will formally farewell her, but I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Kathy for her dedicated service to the staff, students and parents of Terrace.

Congratulations to Mrs Colleen Watson who has been appointed to the position of Assistant to the Dean of Studies. The College is currently internally recruiting for the inaugural position of Assistant to the Dean of Administration and for the Assistant to the Dean of Waterford Place.

Reporting and Year 11 reports

Congratulations to our Year 12 cohort on the completion of their final assessment. The group demonstrated throughout the year that they were focused and committed to their final exams through their actions and via preliminary results. The 2019 Terrace QCS results were released on Wednesday and the group has achieved strongly. At this stage we only have access to our own results. Statewide results are not released until December. The 2019 result is strong, however the variance to the State average is an important contributor to OP results.

There are a number of important dates for Year 12 students and parents in regard to OP results.

• Now - Remind all students in Year 12 of their LUIs (Learning Unique Identifier). Students need to log in to Student Connect, change their email address to a non-school account and check that their home address is correct for the delivery by post of their QCE certificate. If a student has forgotten his LUI, please email colleenwatson@terrace.qld.edu.au. 
• 20 November – subject SAIs (Subject Achievement Indicators) will be published on the Campbell Centre windows. SAIs are numerical representations that place Year 12 students in a rank order to show how they have achieved compared with other students in their subject groups within their school.
• 14 December - all results contributing to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), OPs and FPs will be available in student learning accounts on Student Connect.
• 16 December – the Studies Office will be open at the College. Mrs Natalie Twine (Careers Counsellor) will be available to discuss any further changes to student QTAC applications.

With Year 12 concluding, the remainder of the College commences exams next week. Students have received their exam timetables and should have prepared a revision plan. Ultimately, the key to good performance in exams is preparation and it is still not too late to be prepared. Therefore, when your son is feeling the pressure of exams, here are some hints to share with him:

• Be prepared. Work backwards from your exam date to plan when you will prepare. Don’t just leave it for the night before.
• Complete all of the revision sheets.
• Use the Moodle and the subject checklist to go back through the content you have covered.
• Test yourself:
       use flashcards
       do as many practice questions as possible
• Mind dump – close your notes and recall everything you can in your own words.

Sustained and consistent practice over a long period of time is the key. 

All the best for the week ahead.

We often refer to a student’s time at the College as his Terrace Journey. For most young men, this journey represents a large portion of their lives to date. The word journey is a common metaphor for life as it reminds us that the destination is not our only goal. Like any form of journey, there are times when the roads are straight and times when they are winding. There are ups and downs and potholes along the way. And there are often wonderful surprises and fun discoveries that you would never have experienced if it wasn’t for the route you chose. 

Tomorrow, we farewell the Senior Class of 2019 at their final College Assembly followed by the Valedictory Mass and Dinner to formally conclude the year. We hope they will continue to connect with us in some form as they become Old Boys of Terrace. While it might have its sadder moments as we look to mark their time with us, we also looking to celebrate the many gifts they have brought us. They will be remembered for their passion and spirit, particularly in the way they have supported each other, both at school and in co-curricular pursuits. On behalf of the College, I wish our Seniors the very best as they move on to the next phase of their lives. 

I believe that as a College community we are blessed to have a parent body that is particularly connected to the Terrace Journey, and for many of you, Friday’s Valedictory will also be a time of mixed emotions. More than 80 families will conclude their time at Terrace this week. On behalf of the College, I would also like to thank our departing parents for placing your faith in the College over the years. I am sure you will find something to fill the void in 2020, but please know that you are always welcome at Tennyson for a burger on a Saturday afternoon. 

A step along the way

Valedictory is one of my favourite moments of the school year. It affirms why I decided to become a teacher. It affirms the important role our Terrace Family plays in supporting the formation of each individual. It affirms our Pastoral Care program. 

Earlier this week our Dean of Students, Mr Damien Cuddihy addressed our teaching staff and reflected on the purpose of our Pastoral Care program. He shared with us the words of Archbishop Oscar Romero, who beautifully captured the essence of the Mission of the Church and the role we play in being part of this Mission.

As our Seniors of 2019 celebrate this wonderful moment with their friends and families, let’s use the words of Oscar Romero as a reminder to us of the special role that parents, teachers and mentors play in nurturing our Terracians of today and our Gregory Terrace Old Boys of tomorrow.

A Step Along The Way

It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent
enterprise that is God's work. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of
saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the Church's mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about.
We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an
opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master
builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.

Archbishop Oscar Romero

Successful auditions

As we farewell the Seniors of 2019, we are pleased and proud to announce that two of this cohort have already had offers from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and JMC to study music in 2020.  Congratulations to to these boys and we will keep our community posted as we receive more offers.  

Save the date | School of Rock

This time of the year sees the Cultural team preparing for 2020.  As always, the calendar is full. However, we would like to throw a date claimer out for our College Family: 6-9 May 2020 are the show dates for our College Musical, School of Rock.  With tickets selling out for the 2018 show within three days, these are bound to also set a sales record. Keep an eye on our social sites for ticket sale information.

Auditions | School of Rock

Stay tuned as these auditions will happen this year. We will advertise this through Parent Lounge and via email.

Entertainment Book

The Terrace Performing Arts support group works tirelessly in the background supporting our program. For the past several years, they have offered the Entertainment Book to the College's families for purchase. As of 2020, this book will only be available as an app. We trialed the app concept this year with great success - this can be gifted and shared. These are still available using the following link: www.entbook.com.au/2219s13

Support Group Meetings: Please note the change of venues

Tuesday 19 November, Terrace Performing Arts –  5.30pm in the Francis Rush Room, Mt Sion.

TPAChair@terrace.qld.edu.au 

Tuesday 19 November, Debating Support Group – 5.30pm in the Mary Rice Room, Mt Sion.

DSGChair@terrace.qld.edu.au 

Staying in touch   

To keep in touch with all things Cultural, we would suggest you download the Terrace App and follow us on Twitter (@GTCulture) and Instagram (terrace_gtculture) to ensure you don’t miss anything. If you have any photographs or video that you would like to share, please tag us.

  https://twitter.com/gtculture        https://www.instagram.com/terr... 

Yesterday, Music at Terrace came together in the Campbell Centre for the Spring Concert. This early evening concert opened with the dynamic Terrace Jazz Orchestra playing their 2020 line up. We were then treated to some percussive virtuosity by Percussion Ensemble 3. From there the Year 5 Strings and Band showed us why they did so well at the QCMF in August, before the concert closed with the highly accomplished Year 6 Strings and Band. All this in the presence of families and the program’s benefactor, Mr Norman Clarke. My sincere thanks to all the music staff for their support in making this event happen.

In these final weeks of the year, we will be reaching out to families with information regarding next year’s Music Camp. Along with the invitations to join new ensembles, I ask that you respond promptly to these messages, as they help us enormously in the logistics of running events such as these.

Events - Term 4

• Friday 15 November - Valedictory Mass 
• Saturday 30 November – Sunday 1 December - SHEP Primary  

Events - Term 1 2020 

• 20-24 January - Music Camp 

Staff Xmas Lunch Cash Donations - https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=573609&

Staff Xmas Lunch Volunteer Helpers - https://volunteersignup.org/JAHJE

Staff Xmas Lunch Food Donations - https://volunteersignup.org/MXMH3

Date Claimers 

• Friday 15 November 1.30pm – Valedictory Dinner Setup, Brisbane City Hall 
• Wednesday 4 December 8am – Whole School Staff Lunch, Campbell Centre 

Dates for 2020

• Saturday 22 February 2020 6pm – Girls' Night Out, Gambaro Restaurant
• Saturday 6 June 6pm GT 2020 Ball – Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre

Congratulations to all the boys on their performances across the year. Particular thanks to our Year 12 boys for their contribution to the Music and Culture programs across the years and we wish them well for their new adventures.

Thank you to all the parents, grandparents and others in the Terrace Family who purchased a ticket in our second Thermomix 6 fundraising raffle. It was drawn last night at the Spring Concert and we are delighted to announce Rachael Carter has won it. Congratulations Rachael and hope the family enjoy using it for many years to come!

We pray for the families of the following members of our Terrace Family who have gone to their eternal rest:

Mr Vincent Paul Tunn - GT 1934-1939

The ultimate raffle prize to end 2019 - a brand new Hyundai Accent, valued at over $17 400!

With a one in 350 chance of winning, this may be your best spent $100 all year long. 
Tickets available for purchase using the below link.

Order a delicious tray of juicy mangoes and help support Windsor House's Friendship Group fundraising. 

Details: Orders close Friday 15 November. Delivery to Gregory Terrace for pick up Friday 22 November.
Cost: $35 per tray (+ booking fees) 
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Anthony Hayward | AnthonyHayward@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Welcoming cash donations to assist with catering the staff end of year Christmas lunch.

Please use link below to contribute.

Details: Sunday 1 December | 1.00pm - 4.30pm
Where: Tennyson Playing Fields
For further information or enquiries, please contact 
Blair Copelin | BlairCopelin@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Details: 3 & 4 December | Various times for year levels
Where: Victoria Park Training Facility
Cost: $55 (+ booking fees) 
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Blair Copelin | BlairCopelin@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Details: 5 & 6 December | 8.00am - 11.00am
Where: Victoria Park Training Facility
Cost: $65 (+ booking fees) 
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Blair Copelin | BlairCopelin@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Date: Monday 16, Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 December
Times: Years 5 - 6 2020 | 7am - 9am
Year 7 - 11 2020 | 9.30am - 11.30am
Where: Victoria Park Training Facility, Gilchrist Ave Herston
Cost: $75 (+ booking fees) 
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Blair Copelin | BlairCopelin@Terrace.qld.edu.au 

Dates: Years 8-12 - 20 January | Years 5-12 - 21 January
Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm
Where: Waterford Place, Gregory Terrace
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Andrew Stormonth | AndrewStormonth@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Details: Friday 28 February | 12.30pm
Where: Queensland Cricketers' Club, Wooloongabba
Cost: Table of 10 - $1500 or Individual Ticket - $150 (+ booking fees) | Includes 2 course lunch and 4 hour premium beverage package
RSVP: Please RSVP using the below booking link by Friday 21 February
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Matthew Jackson | matthew.jackson@astutefinancial.com.au

To assist us with estimating numbers, please register your interest by following the below link prior to 30 November. 

Details: Friday 27 March 2020 | From 12.30pm 
Where: Howard Smith Wharves
Cost: $120pp or $95 for young Old Boys or Older than GT-1970 Old Boys 

Want to help but poor on time?

You can now donate money directly to Terrace's Care and Concern Committee. Cash donations will be used to purchase ingredients to make meals for Terrace families and staff in need. 
All donations are appreciated greatly, and will support the important work this committee undertakes for our community.

Year 6 End of Year Break Up

Details: Friday 29 November | From 12.00pm
Where: Centenary Pool, Gregory Terrace Spring Hill 
Cost: $15.50pp (+ booking fees) | Includes drink on arrival and nibbles
RSVP: Please RSVP using the below link by 25 November 
For further information or enquiries, please contact 
Bec Gasciogne | rgascoigne@retailfirst.com.au | 0419 792 463

2020 Next Step survey

The Queensland Government will conduct its annual statewide survey of Year 12 completers in 2020. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June next year, our current Year 12 students will receive a letter from the Minister for Education or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office inviting you to complete the survey. To enable them to reach you, please ensure your contact details are correct in your learning account by logging into www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au

Further information on Next Step and results from previous surveys are available online at www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.