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Principal’s Message | Dr Michael Carroll

Dear Members of the Terrace Family,

I hope that as we navigate to the end of Week 2 of our online learning program, your experiences have continued to evolve positively. As I wrote earlier in the week, there has been a focus on students using their non-contact blocks more productively.  It will be important for students to continue to develop this concept of self-directed learning as we journey together over the coming weeks.

We have become aware that several of our students do not have access to a microphone in the desktop/laptop that they are utilising for their online learning.  If your son is in that situation, we encourage you to make contact with individual teachers via email so that alternative class communication methods can be put in place. 

We have not been provided with any official updates regarding a planned return to school.  We are working towards an announcement being made on 15 May by the Premier in anticipation that students will not be returning before Week 6 (25 May).  I suspect that this will be a staggered return over a couple of weeks.  This is only my interpretation and not based on any hard evidence.  However, we are going to adopt this as a likely model resulting in progressive timetable changes for Weeks 3, 4 and 5.

Stage 1

From next Monday 4 May through to Friday 15 May, the student timetable for Years 5 – 10 will change to have a morning learning session, morning tea, a study/assignment session, lunch and then an afternoon learning session.  The major change is the addition of a learning session in the middle of the day.  This session is designed to provide an opportunity for the students to work on assignments or additional set work and revision, as well as conditioning them to a ‘full day’ in preparation for their return to school.  Students can also use this time to work through their Checklists, which can be accessed via Moodle.  It is also suggested that some of this time can be used for reading.  This would be very useful for the Years 5 and 6 students. 

The new timetable for Years 5 - 10 will be posted on the GT@Home platform on Friday.  The timetables for Years 11 and 12 will remain unchanged as they already have three learning blocks per day, but it will be important that they increase their usage of their non-contact blocks in the coming weeks.  The current Years 11 and 12 timetables will continue for Weeks 3 and 4.

Stage 2 

These transitional changes will involve all students reverting to their regular daily College timetable in Week 5, i.e. Period 1, Period 2, Morning Tea, etc.  The reason for this change is to further condition the students to a return to a normal school structure and re-engagement with their daily timetable.  This change will mean short lessons throughout the week and less non-contact blocks.  

As we approach Week 5 and have some clarity around the official ‘return to school’ model, I will provide additional details.  I believe that a progressive evolution of the student timetable will assist in preparing to transfer from learning at home (with some flexibility) back to learning at school (more structured).  I will continue to keep parents/caregivers informed around these changes and any updates regarding a return to school timeline and format.

Another issue of interest that has received recent publicity is that of tuition fees and the discounts apparently being offered by some schools for Term 2.  Further investigation shows it is evident that the schools are not charging their usual levies for sport, camps, etc. as they are currently not occurring. The reduced charges are being promoted as a ‘fee discount’.  At Terrace, we have also not charged any sport levies, cultural levies or camp levies for Term 2, but have chosen not to suggest that this is a discount.  We have charged the Term 2 tuition fee component and any Term 1 levies for activities that did occur.  I thank the many families who have continued to meet their fee commitments, and again reiterate that should people require fee assistance please contact Mr Adam Read, Dean of Business Operations, to discuss your situation.

Last weekend, the nation acknowledged Anzac Day in many new ways.  My family stood in our driveway a 6am on Saturday, along with many other families in our street.  I was also very proud of how Terrace commemorated this special day via an online ceremony.  Well done to everyone in producing this video.

Finally this week, I thank parents and caregivers for their ongoing support over the last two weeks – it has certainly been a new experience for all of us.  Over the coming weeks, we will continue to evolve the GT@Home platform to further enhance the current teaching, learning and pastoral support programs.  I have appreciated the range of feedback offered by parents as it does assist us in the evolution of our online platform.

God Bless.


Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal

Deputy Principal | Mr Damien Fall

In staff news this week, our best wishes go to Mr Luke Gribble, Dean of Waterford Place, who is taking leave for a week or two, to recover from two bouts of surgery. Luke took a relatively simple tumble while umpiring at a junior sports fixture, resulting in reconstructive surgery on both his hamstring and shoulder. Luke has had a few tough weeks recently but is now improving and looks forward to returning to work as soon as he can. We look forward to seeing him back soon. If parents/caregivers of Year 10 students require any assistance in Luke’s absence, I encourage you to reach out to your son’s House Dean or Mr Damien Cuddihy, Dean of Students.

We congratulate Mrs Mary Cassidy, Coordinator of Japanese and much-loved member of staff, who has become a grandmother for the first time. Mary is incredibly excited and is taking every opportunity to enjoy being grandma while adhering to social distancing rules. The College community also looks forward to hearing news from Mr Craig Tonkies, who is at the hospital with his wife awaiting the arrival of their first child as I write. Craig joined us from Toowoomba this year as a teacher of Business and Economics and has quickly embraced life as a member of the Terrace Family. Craig will most likely be taking a day or two of leave in the coming days as his family spend some time together.

I want to pass on my thanks to our families for working with us during this unusual time of online learning. It is important to remember that no one has ever suggested or expected that this mode of teaching will be as good as learning face to face. Students, parents and staff all look forward to a return to our usual methods, but in the meantime, we will continue to do our very best with a style of teaching and learning that will never sufficiently replace what we have grown used to. We have received positive feedback from staff and families, and we will continue to modify what we do to keep improving the current model for what will hopefully be only a few more weeks. Many thanks to all in the Terrace Family for your support, patience and constructive suggestions as we continue to educate the Gentlemen of Terrace. All the best for the long weekend ahead where we will hopefully get an opportunity to enjoy Brisbane with a little more freedom than in the past few weeks. 

Dean of Studies | Mr Mason Hellyer

For all Terrace students, there are several academic challenges to overcome this term. From getting used to distance learning, to working at home and managing their time. However, the habits that enable students to be successful when we are at school, also apply to distance learning. This week I posted a Year 12 academic assembly video and finished with the following points.

The steps to distance learning success

  • Be organised
  • Be disciplined
  • Work hard
  • Work efficiently
  • Stay connected
  • Stay healthy

We can all recognise that distance learning is not the same as face to face learning here at the College. However, the underlying actions and habits of students to ensure success are the same for both modalities. Students are encouraged to enact these habits, just as they have done in previous terms, to enable them to be the best they can be in Term 2.

We are already at the end of the second week. Week 3 is also a four-day week with the Labour Day holiday on Monday. Work for many subjects, especially electives in Years 7-10, will be still be provided online. As such, students should be completing this work through the remainder of the week during their study block. 

Assessment calendars will be released for all year levels shortly. Consequently, students must be prepared and set their academic goals for the term. 

To maximise performance at assessment time 

Students must: 

  • prepare their study timetable
  • plan how to use their study time effectively
  • plan how they will work toward their assignment due dates
  • set their academic goals for the term
  • prepare to work hard. 

While the College is here to work with each student on their academic journey, ultimately it is up to each student to take responsibility for their learning. There are some initiatives that students can access to assist with their study:

• Assessment calendars have been distributed to students to assist with their planning.
• Term 2 subject checklists are available from Moodle.
• A daily study session will be introduced into the distance learning timetable for Years 7-10. 
• Staff tutoring is offered to students by our generous staff. The staff tutoring list can be found on the College App.

Much of the feedback we receive from past students who have achieved academically is that academic success comes about through consistent work over a long period. Even at home, students can continue to employ effective study habits that contribute to their academic success.

All the best.

Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

While I would certainly prefer to have all students back at the College, it has been heartening to see several encouraging signs that the boys have been adapting well over the first two weeks of this term. This week I have been conducting academic mentoring interviews with Year 12 students and have been able to gain some greater insights into how they are coping with the change in learning. They have acknowledged that at times motivation has been challenging but overall are quite positive about the experience and feel as though they can support their learning. 

While most boys may demonstrate a strong degree of resilience in the current situation, others may not be faring as well. Some boys may be experiencing a range of emotions, from fear to anxiety, all of which are considered normal or natural responses. However, despite this, it is still important for parents and carers to be mindful of any unusual behaviour patterns that may emerge. Please consider contacting our counselling team through the College website if you feel they can be of assistance. This week’s special report from SchoolTV has focused on identifying if there is cause for concern for your sons and have provided the following checklists; primary school link and secondary school link. 

Finally, we are aware that some boys do not have an inbuilt microphone in their laptop, which makes interacting in class problematic. If this is an issue, then the use of earphones with a built-in microphone will also allow boys to communicate with teachers during class. The behaviour in video-conferencing classes has been very good overall, and it is important that this continues in the coming weeks. All lessons are being recorded and students have been asked to commence lessons with the camera and microphone turned off until invited by the teacher. Next week we will send out a survey to students asking them to reflect on their academic progress from Term 1. This is the normal academic mentoring process that we follow at the school.

Acting Dean of Identity | Mr Terry Thompson

Lest We Forget

Last Friday, the Senior leaders led an Anzac liturgy for the Terrace Family at home. It proved to be a heartfelt commemoration of the Australians and New Zealanders who serve/have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Thank you to the Dean of Communication, Ms Zoe Morgan and her team for assisting in putting this video together. If you missed it, I highly recommend viewing it here.

On the topic of Anzac Day, I want to draw your attention to Old Boy, Terence McSharry GT 1895, He was a 34-year-old surveyor from Clayfield when the First World War broke out. The Australian Dictionary of Biography provides us with a thorough recount of Terrence McSharry:

Enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 21 August 1914, McSharry was commissioned a lieutenant in the 2nd Light Horse Regiment and embarked on 24 September. The regiment landed at Gallipoli on 12 May 1915. He was permanent post adjutant and works' officer at Quinn's Post, where during the critical Turkish break-in of 29 May, although senior officers were present, it was McSharry who, 'with his thorough knowledge of the post and eminent coolness and decision, most fully grasped and controlled the situation'. He received a bullet through his 'Irish hat with the little brim', an example of the irregularities of the Anzac uniform—most of its brim was cut off. For his 'exceptional bravery and resource', especially in this action, he was awarded the Military Cross. He had been promoted captain and transferred as adjutant to the 15th Battalion in June.

In Egypt, McSharry was promoted to major in January 1916 and in June sailed with the battalion to France. He was promoted temporary lieutenant-colonel and took command of the 15th on 30 August … To fellow solider, Charles Bean 'there was no wiser head in the force'. He led his battalion for almost two years, an exceptionally long period. He commanded it in the battles of Stormy Trench (January-February 1917), 1st Bullecourt (April), Messines (June), Polygon Wood (September) and in 1918 at Hamel. Four times mentioned in dispatches, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in June 1917 and was appointed C.M.G. in June 1918. While helping a wounded man to shelter in a bombardment at Vaire-sous-Corbie, on the Somme, McSharry was mortally wounded and died on 6 August 1918. 

McSharry is just one example of an up-stander: someone who took action when action was needed, when the easier option, on several occasions, would have been to sit back and do nothing. There are obviously hundreds and thousands of men and women just like McSharry who we remember and show gratitude for on ANZAC Day, but McSharry is noteworthy as a lived example of a Terrace Gentleman. His virtues are the same virtues we see and nurture in our Terrace Gentleman of today – Knowledge, Wisdom and Humility.

They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
Lest we forget

As mentioned last week, to ensure we can maintain our connection with God, the Identity Team has created a Virtual Prayer Space within GTCare@Home. You are encouraged to engage with this Virtual Prayer Space every week and your prayer contributions are very much welcome. Please see the Community Prayer Intentions for Week 2.

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever

GTCare@Home

Time is of the essence 

At present, Australians have time to spare, time to muse, time to dream, time to plan. This gives Senior students a unique opportunity to turn their thoughts to the sometimes-neglected issue of what to do after school?

Although we are facing an uncertain economic future, the options for school leavers are many and varied. On a recent 4 Corners episode, the Reserve Bank Governor said he felt confident that the Australian economy would make a resounding recovery post-pandemic.  That being the case, students should feel confident to plan a future filled with possibilities.

For many students, this will mean finding a career direction that aligns with their natural attributes and interests.  The Terrace careers website at www.terracecareers.com is a great starting place for students to begin career exploration. By establishing an account in the Student Secure Area (under the 'For Students' tab) they can explore their career interests, skills, abilities and work values.  Under the 'Post School Options' tab (Job Information/ Australian Jobs 2019) they can find information on the labour market and areas of predicted job growth. Job and Career Information (under the 'For Students' tab) will take them to an extensive alphabetical listing of occupations brimming with information on matters like earning potential and necessary qualifications. 
The fortnightly careers newsletter can always be found under the 'Important Information' tab. This includes updates on career events and links to relevant articles.

Our 2020 Seniors may well end up being the best-informed cohort ever to graduate from Terrace.
Career guidance assistance is available from the Career Counsellor who is part of the Terrace Counselling Team and can be accessed via the online counselling referral form (College website) or by email at natalietwine@terrace.qld.edu.au

Director of Culture | Mr Matt Cocking

GTCouchella@Home

Well done to Luke Evans (Year 12) and Robbie Harris (Year 10) who collaborated from home to produce Hold the Line. The video was released on FaceBook and Instagram last week.

Sunday sessions will continue to be released on the College FaceBook and Cultural Instagram at 3pm every Sunday for you to enjoy. This week it will be Van Halen’s Jump.

GTCulture@Home - Chess 

Find us online at GT@Home with access to all students to join in while we are not on campus. With students having more time to try new things and learn new skills, there has never been a better opportunity for students to try chess and learn with and alongside (virtually) Terrace’s best Chess players. Chess is the perfect game to play when at home or self-isolating, it is a challenging game that works your brain and improves concentration.  With so many online chess apps, you now don’t even need a board and pieces to play.  

Terrace Chess will provide students with training exercises, puzzles and competitive tournaments to participate online using renowned global chess site ChessKid. The weekly “ISO” chess tournament is open to all students with winners and competition leaderboards to be announced in Terrace News each week. To sign up to Chesskid email Mr Herne to be added to the Terrace Chess club.

“ISO” Chess tournament

Terrace Chess held their first "ISO" Chess Tournament this week on Monday 27 April.  The tournament took place on the chess website Chesskid.com and featured 17 of the College’s top players.   The winner of the first tournament was Yang Zhang (Year 12) with Alex Ong (Year 11) in second and Joshua Alfredson (Year 9) in third place.  Well done to all of the students for taking part and continuing their chess participation online.  We hope to have even more participants for the next tournament which be held on Tuesday 5 May.

If any students wish to take part next in the next tournament, please contact Mr Herne at liamherne@terrace.qld.edu.au for more details. More information on chess can be found at the GTCulture@Home page on the Terrace website.

Online Music lessons begin in Week 3

Music is excited to start teaching their craft through Microsoft Teams beginning next week. All families have been sent correspondence from Mr Jan Hewerdine regarding these lessons.  We look forward to engaging with the students again.

Music staff have been busy preparing and testing the new system as well as attending webinars with colleagues from across the world to ensure our students receive the best outcome from these lessons. These live lessons are recorded and the link will be available within the student's OneNote. 

Support Group meetings

Due to the current health situation, all Support Meetings have been cancelled for the term. If you need to contact the Support Group Chairs, please use the email details supplied below. 

Terrace Performing Arts – TPAChair@terrace.qld.edu.au
Debating Support Group – 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 do not miss anything.   If you have any photographs or video that you would to share, please tag us.

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

The Weekly Wrap

Rugby Wrap

Drills of the week

This week’s Isolation Skills come from the QAS Rugby Sevens Program, which is headed up by our 1st XV Assistant coach, Mr Reg Tayler. It is the actual program that our aspiring female Olympic players are currently undertaking. Please click here to access the three-day skills program.

Terrace Rugby history

We have all heard the tale of the “battle of the colours”, where Terrace and Nudgee used a rugby game to decide who could keep the original College colours. The April Terracian investigated whether the fateful match was ever played, or if it was just a story, albeit a good one. Click here to read the full article, along with some of our Old Boys’ Rugby success stories.

STRAVA running

STRAVA is an optional running app for boys interested in tracking their efforts. To sign up:

  1. Create a STRAVA account here.
  2. Link your smart watch or smart phone to record your runs.
  3. Join the Terrace Rugby STRAVA club for your runs to be added to the Rugby leaderboard.

Weekly focus | pre-tackle: tracking

Tracking to tackle is a key skill in rugby. Most missed tackles are due to poor tracking. 

Errors that can lead to injury include defenders:

  • aligning directly in front of the ball carrier
  • dropping their head (and eyes)
  • attempting to a tackle with an arm out as the ball carrier side steps or passes the ball.

In order to minimise the risk of injury to the person attempting a tackle, it is important that defenders remember the mnemonic A-A-B-C:

  • Alignment: the defender ensures they are offset to the ball carrier.
  • Approach: the defender moves towards ball carrier with active feet.
  • Balance: the defender has good balance and stability.
  • Contact: the defender lowers their centre of gravity and steps into ‘hoop’ to tackle.

Tracking should always be practised before tackling as it is fundamental to developing effective and safe contact.

  1. A tackle occurs when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and is brought to ground.
  2. Opposition players who hold the ball carrier and bring that player to ground, and who also go to ground, are known as tacklers.
  3. Opposition players who hold the ball carrier and do not go to ground are not tacklers. These players are known as ‘assist tacklers’.

Don't forget to tag us on social media #TerraceFamilyConnect so that we can share your involvement on Terrace Rugby Twitter @TerraceRugby and on Instagram Terrace_rugby

Captains’ Corner | Vice Captain, Patrick Gleeson

For me, the past week has been a genuine example of good arising in the midst of hardship. Not only did Anzac Day go ahead, it went ahead with enthusiasm; on the driveway with my family, it struck me that others were around us – across the street or just ten metres down the road. People are still feeling a sense of community. Since the start of term, I have also played two games of chess with my eight-year-old brother and watched our local park become busier than ever, one lady likening it to peak-hour traffic. I encourage everyone to keep talking to one another and making these small things happen.

Last week, Sam noted the efforts that have gone into the GT@Home program and ensuring a smooth start to the term. Senior classes are certainly off to a great start, and I hope everyone in the community is finding a rhythm. The Year 12s appreciate the continued support – both peer and staff tutoring have started this week, and have already had an impact. Although we must not become complacent, with any luck the coronavirus will continue to decline, and we will need to keep our distance only for a little while longer.

Finally, on Monday I finished reading 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B Peterson, and a couple of his rules come to mind for the next few weeks. The first: treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping. With the independence of home learning, it is important to take responsibility – first and foremost for yourself. But more importantly, pet a cat when you encounter one on the street. Whether it be the chance to pet a cat or the opportunity for a family dinner, this week has brought many small, good things for us to appreciate.

I hope the coming weeks bring more happy moments.
Stay safe!

The Terrace Family

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

Mrs Yvonne HOLT - Grandmother to Henry Davis (Year 12) 

Mr Brian SYDES -  GT 1933-42

Mr Stanislaus STRATFORD - GT1941-49