Principal's Message Term 3 Week 3 | Dr Michael Carroll

Celebrating Catholic Education Week 2022 -‘Communities of Faith, Hope and Love’

After a very successful night at Pat Rafter Arena for House Choir last Friday, our attention this week is focused on Catholic Education Week. This year’s theme for Catholic Education Week is ‘Communities of Faith, Hope and Love’. Catholic Education strives to make a difference in the lives of all those in our schools, and the wider community, by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

For nearly 150 years, Terrace has been part of the Catholic Education community in Queensland. As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, we, as the Terrace Family strive to ‘make a difference’ in all that we do. Our Charter and the Touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity provide the Terrace Family with the signposts to ensure that we are a Community of Faith, Hope and Love.

Earlier this week we celebrated our Semester 1 Academic Assembly. There were 404 students (23% of the total student population) who received an Academic Medal, 100 of whom were awarded a Gold Medal. To receive a Gold Medal students need to receive all A’s on their Semester 1 Report. I congratulate all medal recipients on their hard work and focus during Semester 1 and also pass on my thanks to the dedicated staff and supportive parents who have encouraged, guided and nurtured the students during Semester 1. Well done to all involved.

Each of our Houses have Friendship Groups whom they support. One of the Friendship Groups supported by Barrett House is Small Steps 4 Hannah. Staff from this group spoke to students at the end of Term 2 about the work the group does to support women, particularly those in domestic violence situations. Recently the charity held its Gala Ball at the Convention Centre, and a number of the Barrett House students assisted staff set-up of the Gala and then acted as ushers for the evening. I have included a couple of photos of the boys at work. My thanks to Ms Kumar for her coordination of our involvement and to the young men who gave their time to support such an important cause. Well done.

Winterfest, our celebration of the Arts at Terrace, commences this week with the official opening on Wednesday evening. I encourage parents and students to come along and witness the extraordinary talent among Terrace students in the Arts. Details of times and venues are available on the College app. I hope to see many of you on Wednesday night.

This week, as our Year 10 students adapt to their return to Main Campus, they also begin the next step of their senior academic journey by preparing to select their subjects for Years 11 and 12. Staff, parents and students will work together over the coming weeks to ensure well-informed decisions are made. Good luck to our Year 10 students.

This week we congratulate Year 12 student Thomas Nunn-Rutledge, current Captain of our Senior A debating team. Earlier this year Tom, along with fellow Year 12 student Thomas Musgrave, was selected for the Queensland Schools Debating Team. Tom subsequently also gained selection into the Australian Schools’ Debating Team which will compete in the World Championships in August. Following further training and trials involving the Australian Team, Tom has been announced as the Captain of the 2022 Australian Team. This is an extraordinary achievement and testament to Thomas’s hard work, skill and dedication. Well done Tom and I know that the good wishes of the Terrace Family will be with you as you represent Australia in August.

Finally this week I would like to provide an update on the health of Mr David Mandall. David had surgery recently and has now returned home to recover, before commencing chemotherapy treatment. David is in good spirits and is very appreciative of the overwhelming support he is receiving from the Terrace Family. The Care and Concern Committee is assisting with meals, so if you would like to help, either through financial donation or meals, please refer to the Care and Concern link here (select either Reidy House option). Have a great week.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal

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

Mr Brian Eugene CARROLL (GT 1946)

Mr Brian DAVISSEN (GT 1955)

Mr Donald MUIR (GT 1959)