Principal's Message Term 4 Week 7 | Dr Michael Carroll

Tuesday night saw the Terrace Family come together to acknowledge the many achievements of 2023 during the Celebration of Excellence. It was an extraordinary evening and certainly showcased the breadth of talent and level of accomplishment that exists across the student body. My thanks to all involved in this special event, and my congratulations to all award winners.

Since the introduction of ATAR, the College Dux is not announced at the Celebration of Excellence but at the Scholars’ Assembly, which will be held in February next year.

Today, as a College community, we farewelled the 2023 Year 12 cohort. At the Valedictory Assembly held this afternoon, staff, students and families congratulated the Year 12 students on their contributions to the College, particularly for their leadership during the year. The 2023 College Captain, Tom Robinson, addressed the College for the final time before handing the baton to the 2024 College Captain, Tom White, continuing a special tradition for the Gentlemen of Terrace. I want to thank the Year 12 students for everything they have done for the College and wish them all the best for the journey ahead. I would also like to thank parents and teachers for all the care and support shown to the boys throughout their years at Terrace.

Tonight, we continue the Year 12 Farewells with Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral, followed by dinner at the Convention Centre. The rituals of Valedictory are very special and will be long remembered by our newest Terrace Old Boys. As well as the 244 boys leaving the College this year, 164 families will be finishing their Terrace journey. On behalf of the extended Terrace Family, I thank you for all you have done for your sons and the College over the years.

At Assembly today, I finished my words by offering an Irish Blessing to the Year 12 students:

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And may the rain fall soft upon your fields.
Until we meet again,
May you be held in the palm of God’s hand.

Finally, this week, the remainder of the students are in their exam period, and the following week must be a time for focused work right up to the last day of the school year. The students will be dismissed at 12.30 pm on Friday 24 November, following a Thanksgiving Liturgy, which commences at 12.00 pm.

Have a great week.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal