Principal's Message Term 3 Week 9 | Mr Damien Fall

Dear members of the Terrace Family,

This week, we were delighted to receive approval for the proposed names of our Primary Precinct on Quarry Street and the gymnasium and playing field on St Paul’s Terrace. We must follow a set of steps and protocols in naming any facility, which includes research into appropriate options, community consultation, endorsement by the School Advisory Council, and approval by the EREA Colleges Board. We also notify the Congregation of Christian Brothers to ensure they are comfortable with our choice.

Following the above, I am pleased to announce that the Primary Precinct will be known as Margaret Rice Place, and the gymnasium and field space across the road will be called Carrick.

The name Margaret Rice Place honours the mother of Edmund Rice and acknowledges her pivotal role in shaping Edmund's values and character. As a woman of strength, Margaret instilled in Edmund a deep sense of compassion, justice, and commitment to serving others, which became central to his mission of founding the Christian Brothers. The tribute also symbolises the familial roots of the school's mission and ethos, highlighting Margaret's foundational influence in shaping her son's vision for education and social justice. It serves as a reminder to students, staff, and visitors of the profound impact of family upbringing and school support in shaping individuals as contributors to society.

The name Carrick honours the pivotal role of Carrick-on-Suir in Edmund Rice's educational endeavours. In 1806, Rice established his second school there, known as the ‘Carrick School’ and it became instrumental in furthering his mission of providing education to disadvantaged boys, following the model of his first school in Waterford. The Carrick-on-Suir school symbolised Rice's commitment to serving the marginalised and became a cornerstone in developing the Congregation of Christian Brothers. In choosing Carrick, the College commemorates Edmund’s efforts to provide education within underserved communities, reaffirming our commitment to social justice and inclusive education.

In endorsing the chosen names, Brother Gerard Brady, Leader of the Oceania Province of Christian Brothers wrote to the College:

‘The two names Margaret Rice, the mother of our Founder Blessed Edmund and Carrick-on-Suir, the Community which Edmund asked to care for his daughter and his second school outside of Waterford, are two very appropriate names for those who will grace the buildings into the future. The inspiration from these two names assures the Christian Brothers of the long-term legacy of our Founding Story.’

We look forward to thousands of students enjoying these fabulous facilities in the decades to come.

This week marks National Child Protection Week and the message for 2024 is that every conversation matters. In keeping with this theme, throughout recent years the College has prioritised proactive approaches to respectful relationships and consent education. It is fitting that we do so, as last week the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission tabled its yearly report in Federal Parliament. Micaela Cronin (Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner) stated:

‘We are witnessing the first generation to grow up exposed to violent pornography and misogyny online in a way that has never been seen before.’

In 2021, 1 in 14 men had experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15. In contrast, 1 in 4 women had been subject to intimate partner violence (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). The Algorithm of Disrespect, an interactive tool, provides insight into a young person’s possible experience of hidden disrespect online. I recommend it to parents to better understand a style of interaction that we are largely unfamiliar with. The College has no higher priority than the safeguarding of students in our care and I extend my thanks to the Safeguarding team at EREA Colleges for their support of our commitment to child protection.

Only a week of Term 3 remains and holidays are close, but the coming days are most important for our young men. With Years 11 and 12 undertaking mock external exams, Year 9 students deep into their Immersion experience and all other year levels completing Term 3 assessment, we need our students to understand the importance of giving their very best and hitting the finish line at full speed. This week, we will also see the conclusion of GPS Chess, Basketball, and Rugby competitions for the year. As the season concludes and GPS Track and Field is the only competition remaining this year, I wish to acknowledge the many Year 12 students who will represent the College for the final time this week. I hope their years competing in the red and black will leave them with many warm memories long after their school days conclude. My best wishes to all students who are completing assessments over the coming week and a reminder to them that hard work always comes before holidays. I also wish to thank our teaching and non-teaching staff for their efforts in supporting students at this important time. In particular, teachers are on tight timelines during this period of marking and reporting, and I thank them for their commitment to looking to get the very best out of our young men.

On Sunday, the Catholic Church celebrates the Nativity (birth) of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This traditional date of 8 September is nine months after the 8 December celebration of Mary’s Immaculate Conception as the child of Saints Joachim and Anne. To me, the belief that Mary was without sin reminds us of the innocence of children and the need to protect them as our most vulnerable. In closing this week, a prayer for the protection of all children:

Protect our children, Father God, each and every day.
As they go to school, and as they come back home, be their shield and their fortress.
Keep them from the evils of this world.
Let no bad influence corrupt their precious minds.
Let no accidents fall on them while they are away from home.
Allow no physical harm to touch their bodies and protect their minds.
Lord, bless their studies. Allow them to gain more knowledge both about You and the universe You created. 
May they develop minds that seek the Truth above all.
May their education prepare them to make a difference in the world.
All these we ask in Your Name.

As always, I wish everyone in the Terrace Family the very best.

Mr Damien Fall
Acting College Principal