Principal’s Message | Dr Michael Carroll

Dear members of the Terrace Family,

It seems a little difficult to believe that the end of Semester 1 is here already. During the last six months, much has occurred at Terrace, both in and out of the classrooms. My thanks to the staff, parents and students for their contributions throughout the term.

While a well-earned rest is part of the holiday routine, there are also many College activities occurring over the coming weeks. During the break, activities include a Rugby tour to New Zealand, musicians travelling to the USA, Rugby and Basketball clinics, Year 9 skiing in New Zealand and space explorers heading to NASA in the USA. I wish everyone involved in these activities safe travels and remind you that while being fortunate to attend, you are representing Terrace locally, nationally, and internationally.

The new building is nearing completion and will be handed over to the College on Monday 1 July. Over the holiday period, staff will shift into the building so that it is operational for the first day of Term 3, on Monday 15 July.

With the building works completed, the drop off and pick up processes will revert back to Rogers Street and we will no longer be using the Centenary Pool car park for the afternoon pick up. This temporary pick up process has worked well, and I thank parents for their support and cooperation when using this area. 

With Rogers Street now becoming the major entrance and exit area, and therefore pick up area, I ask parents to continue to show great care and awareness when using this street. This is particularly important in the afternoon when nearly 1000 students will exit through this area. When picking up students, please avoid ‘double parking’ or doing U-turns in the street. I thank you in anticipation of your cooperation.

In the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours List, a number of Terrace Old Boys were recognised. Professor Peter Donnelly - GT 1976 was awarded a Knighthood for his contribution to genetic research, Mr Stephen Conry - GT 1981 and GTOBA President 2009-2010 was made a  Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to the property industry and community work, Dr Bill Sultmann - GT 1969 was made a  Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to education and the community and Mr Tony Shaw - GT 1970 was made a  Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to the rugby community. Congratulations to all four Terracians.

As we journey towards the end of the term, I wanted to include some staff news. In recent times the College has been conducting interviews for some new staff in the Finance area. I am pleased to announce the following appointments:

  • Ms Clare Condon – Compliance and HR Officer 
  • Mr Duncan Fairley – Fees Administrator

Also regarding staff news, I announce that Mr Phil Elvery and Ms Marissa Grant will finish at Terrace at the end of the term.  I thank Phil and Marissa for their valuable contributions to Terrace over the years. In particular, I wish to acknowledge the dedicated service of Marissa Grant, who has been a member of the Terrace staff for 29 years. I thank Marissa for this journey and acknowledge her contributions over the last 29 years. Mr Sam Mackinnon will be on leave for 12 months as he continues his coaching career with the Brisbane Bullets.

In the final piece of staff news, it is my pleasure to inform the Terrace Family that Mr Chris Ryan has been appointed as the Principal of Ambrose Treacy College from 2020. This is an excellent outcome for Chris and a reflection of his professionalism, dedication and expertise as an educator. I congratulate Chris on his appointment, and we will have the opportunity to more formally thank and farewell Chris later in the year. The process for the appointment of a new Deputy Principal will commence at the start of Term 3.

Finally this week, I again thank families for their engagement and support this term and hope all families have a restful break in preparation for what will be a busy Term 3.

Have a nice week.


God Bless,
Dr Michael Carroll College Principal