College Dean | Mr Chris Ryan

A photo on display in the Founders' Room as part of the 'Being a Brother' exhibition celebrating 150 years of the Christian Brothers in Australia, recently caught my eye.  It was taken on a set of stairs to the Treacy Building (known as the Brother’s House by many) that I use to go to my office each day. It depicts a dozen or so Brothers from a time before the Second World War, and there is one who is taking the Mickey out of a serious Brother by putting a plate behind his head to make it look like a Saint’s halo. Several of the other Brothers are laughing at the joke. It is a joyful image of community, kinship and camaraderie.

In recent years, the Christian Brothers have faced many a challenge due to the actions of a few, and justifiably so. This part of the story that has been examined via the Royal Commission into child abuse and other measures has been a harrowing reality that must be met and addressed. 

Pictures like the one that caught my eye remind me of my childhood under the tutelage of the Christian Brothers and the many good men who have, and continue to form me. It reminds me of my days as a young teacher being mentored by Brothers with whom I lived in community that became my peers and then later in my professional life of being mentored and coached to become a senior leader in firstly a Christian Brothers' school and then what came to be Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition. It is a richly rewarding and challenging responsibility that certainly the lay College Leadership Team of Terrace and staff take very seriously.

Pictures like the one that caught my eye remind me of the playful wisdom and practical spirituality of my friend and mentor Brother Vic Larkin who passed away peacefully last Friday night at 89 years. Vic ‘Leo’ Larkin was a Terracian and one of the finest men you will ever meet. His Brothers, family and friends gathered to farewell him this week, firstly at Veridian where many of the retired Brothers, including Terrace stalwarts such as Brothers Barry Buckley, Tony White and Ted Walker now reside in community and then on to Holy Trinity Church at Banyo and to the Brother’s resting place at Nudgee Cemetery where Brother Patrick Ambrose Treacy, founder of the Christian Brothers in Australia, rests.

Our community is called to be true to the four Touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity. What a privilege to have known and loved a living Touchstone of these values, who gave so much and always put forth the OTHER in Brother. What an extraordinary legacy and gift the Christian Brothers of Terrace have given us. May Brother Vic Larkin Rest in Peace and may Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.

My sincere best wishes to all students, teachers and parents at this very busy time of the term. In particular, we pray that the efforts of the Year 12 students are fruitful for them and that they continue to support one another 'Shoulder to Shoulder'.