Principal's Message Term 3 Week 10 | Mr Damien Fall

Dear members of the Terrace Family

Welcome to the final day of Term 3, the time of year at which we understandably see student and staff energy levels very much in need of a recharge. The timing of the Spring season is a nice metaphor for the September holidays as I see our people being revitalised and gaining new life throughout the break, much like that gained through the warmth that signals the end of winter. During the holidays, Brisbane will also experience the Equinox – the date of the year in which day and night lengths are equal. From this point, the days become longer and the nights shorter. The Equinox is a reminder that there is a place in our lives for both dark and light, good and bad, joy and sorrow, success and dissatisfaction. In a hectic time such as Term 3, it is likely that we have all experienced highs and lows. How our students manage the lows and remain buoyant is a test of character and a great source of personal learning.

Our last week has seen students complete their final round of GPS competitions for the term, with only Track and Field to come next term. I was proud of the way our students competed but equally impressed with the way they carried themselves and represented the College in a manner that showed character, morals, and values. These are far more important than results, and while Terrace wins plenty of matches and always provides tough competition, I am more concerned that we are well-regarded for the manner in which we compete. I thank all our students for this and hope you enjoy getting a little more time back. I want to congratulate the many Year 12 students who will have competed in the Red and Black for the final time. I hope you take away great memories and spend years recounting and exaggerating the stories with your mates.

Year 9 students have recently returned from Immersions and shared their experiences at the annual presentation evening. Just a few amazing stories include Meraki Outdoor Education working with disabled children at Maroon Dam, service opportunities in Cape York, Fiji and Cambodia and seeing Pope Francis in Timor-Leste. Whatever the experience, I trust the opportunity provides great memories and perhaps lights a spark of motivation to serve others in more need than us. Huge thanks to all the staff who make Immersions happen, particularly those who leave loved ones to travel and care for groups away from Brisbane for an extended period.

With assessment completed for the term, reports are currently being produced. Parents and caregivers of Year 12 students can expect a report indicating subject results for all three Internal Assessment items and the Formative ‘mock’ exams undertaken in Weeks 8 and 9. This allows Seniors to know exactly how many marks they have as they enter External Exams and provides invaluable feedback about their preparation for and execution of the mock exams. Reflection and adjustment of methods are key academic skills, and we look forward to helping the Seniors with this in their final weeks, including during the second week of the holidays, when staff will host a series of workshops and master classes. Students have been made aware of the schedule, and I strongly recommend that all Year 12 students enjoy a great break in Week 1 of the holidays before fully participating in the opportunities provided during Week 2. For all other year levels, reports will be made available during Week 1 of Term 4.

In staff news this week, I pass on the significant news that our Director of Sport, Mr Tony McGahan has resigned and will finish his time at the College at the end of the upcoming holidays. Tony moves to the role of General Manager at Easts Rugby Union, and he departs with our best wishes and thanks for his contribution to Terrace Sport. The complexity of school sport continues to grow, and Tony leaves us in a good position to continue providing a balance of strong competition at the highest level alongside a participation model where every student is given the opportunity to be part of a team.

This morning, the College hosted the annual Brother Barry Buckley Breakfast, and it was another memorable event, this year held on R U OK? Day. Fittingly, the event's theme was conversations in men’s mental health and that ‘any day’ is an opportunity to ask ‘R U OK?’. Given the alarming statistics accompanying this topic, the importance of the event cannot be ignored. My thanks to all who contributed to the day's success and to all who attended and enjoyed the breakfast. It was a great privilege to have Brother Buckley in attendance again and to see his vocation's positive impact on the lives of so many young men. I also thank our guest speakers, Ms Donna Thistlethwaite, Mr Warwick Parer and Mr Peter Cook, who kindly shared their stories in the morning’s Q & A session. The GT Old Boys’ Association is also working on an exciting initiative involving their network and how they can provide support to those who need it. We look forward to its launch.

In closing, I would like to pass on how much I have enjoyed the privilege of acting in the role of College Principal during Term 3. I have been blessed with great support from across the Terrace Family for which I am very grateful. As a College community, we can be proud of our achievements in the past 10 weeks. Most exciting for me has been the commencement of work on Margaret Rice Place; after significant time and energy devoted to the planning and preparation phases, it is fabulous to see its progress. We will see the project quickly taking shape over the remainder of the year. I look forward to a successful Term 4.

Spring Equinox Blessing

God of balance,
we ask your blessing at this threshold
when light and dark are equal.
Teach us to welcome both
into our lives, making room for joy and sorrow,
for sunlight shimmering and moonlight radiance.
As the light continues to grow,
and birds and insects begin their migrations,
journeying by impulse and intuition,
help us to listen to your call
to move in a holy direction.
Inspire us to celebrate the burgeoning
and blossoming of buds
all around us as well as within our hearts.
Holy Gardener, sustain us in nourishing
this season of growth,
cultivate trust in us that we are blooming
something the world needs.
Let the wondrous colours of creation
remind us of the grace in diversity.
Ignite our spirits and our feet
to enter into this sacred dance
of awakening with you.

Warm regards and kind wishes for a great break to those fortunate enough to have time off over the holiday period. I hope all our students return in Term 4 feeling refreshed and ready to finish the year well.

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Mr Damien Fall
Acting College Principal