College Dean | Mr Chris Ryan

Congratulations to the 2017 Seniors on the occasion of their Senior Formal. This is always an important signpost in a busy and meaningful year in their lives.

I have spent this week in Geelong at the annual EREA national conference for Deputy Principals. I have used this opportunity to liaise with colleagues from New South Wales and Victoria in particular about a range of issues associated with the move to the new Senior Schooling model in 2019. It is always valuable time to spend with colleagues and to have this focussed opportunity is particularly helpful as we consider matters beyond subject selections such as student leadership, co-curricular programs and rites of passage. As a school with many good practices and traditions in areas such as these, it is helpful to consider them carefully so we retain the best of our present methods and integrate with the new model. It is helpful to discuss these matters with colleagues who understand our context as a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition.

Last week, EREA facilitated my formative appraisal as College Dean. This process included interviews with approximately 30 members of our extended community including senior staff, members of the College and Foundation Boards, teachers, non-teachers, students, parents and students. I thank all participants most sincerely for their insight in supporting my development in the role of College Dean. I enjoy my responsibilities very much and it is a privilege to work across so many dimensions of the Terrace Family. While I haven't received the formal report as of yet, the initial feedback from the appraisal was affirming and I look forward to the next three and a half years prior to the summative process in 2020.

Staff News

Like so many schools across Brisbane, we have had many staff and students sick with various bugs including influenza A. Please take heed of the Department of Health’s advice that Dr Carroll summarised in last week’s Terrace News.

Last week, I neglected to mention that Mr George Hornsby had finished his contract with us in the library. Mr Hornsby has done a great job and we wish him well. Mrs Cathy McDonald returned to her role this week and we welcome her back after some leave.

Next week, Mr Damien Fall will return to the College after long service leave. Mr Damien Cuddihy and Mr Mason Hellyer will continue in their respective roles as Acting Dean of Students and Acting Dean of Waterford until the end of Week 2 in Term 4. Mr Fall will be working with Dr Carroll and I upon his return as Dr Carroll takes leave in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term and Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4 and we wished to ensure continuity for this time.