Dean of Studies | Mrs Julie Quinn

Welcome back to our existing families and a warm welcome to the new members joining the Terrace Family. I trust that the holiday break has offered time for a slower pace to life for everyone.

As we gather to commence the new year, we are most proud of the achievements of our Seniors of 2017. These outstanding results of a median OP score of five and with just over 26% of the cohort receiving an OP one or two, give the community much to celebrate. As I often quote, these results do not happen by chance or by luck. The commitment made by staff, the boys and families are all part of the successful outcomes produced. It is this commitment to excellence and each person striving to achieve the best possible outcomes that makes the difference. We will gather on Tuesday 6 February to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the 30 students who received the highest possible OP score of one.

Our first few weeks commence with the many Parent Information evenings where we aim to inform you of the plans for the year ahead and the strategies that we believe can assist your sons to be “the best that they can be”.

During this week we have met with each year level and acknowledged the efforts of many students from their end of year academic outcomes. Again, we have record numbers of boys who have achieved academic medals and many boys who made significant improvement in their results. During these year level assemblies, we have also highlighted some of the early practices that the boys must employ to make the most of this start to the year.

All students in all year levels have been issued with an assessment calendar outlining the type of assessment and due dates. Copies can be obtained from Student Services and electronic copies are also available on Moodle. Course outlines are also available on Moodle. Every boy in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 has been issued with a copy of a checklist book which allows a designated place for revision for exam subjects to be completed and tracked.

As the boys will note, we are back and into “business” mode. We need to start well for the term if we wish to finish well for the term. Getting organised around study desks at home and starting routines of completing homework and then following through with assignment work and revision work will set the tone for the term and year ahead.

Best wishes for a very productive and rewarding start to the year.