Dean of Studies | Mr Mason Hellyer

Success is what you make of it.

There are many quotes that attempt to define success. Many refer to the attainment of a physical object; a gold medal, a championship ring, money. Some refer to the attainment of intangibles such as power or influence. These definitions all refer to external rewards as measures of success.

External rewards are very powerful as they provide a focus or an outcome goal to strive towards. Tuesday’s Academic Awards Assembly was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the achievements of our students. At Terrace, the award recipients made the decision to commit to their studies, followed up on their commitment with hard work and have been rewarded with excellent results and an academic medal. 

The academic award is an external recognition of success. However, the majority of the boys awarded have been motivated by the internal desire to succeed. I see these award winners as a success, our Diligence and Improvement award winners are a success and our 2018 median OP6 student who was offered the University course of his choice is also an example of this success.

At Terrace we intentionally challenge every boy to be a success, or more specifically, to be the best he can be. Whilst I might aspire to be a medallist in the Snowboard Slopestyle at the Olympics, I know I may just miss out at present. However, that does not stop me from being the best that I can be.

Remember, as 2018 College Dux Jacob Montaner said at his Scholars' Assembly:

Motivation leads to hard work, and hard work leads to success.

Our Year 12 students are entering a busy time of the term with internal assessment tasks due and exam block commencing in Week 6. Now is the time where consistent effort will pay off during this peak in the assessment cycle. For our Year 12 students a reminder that staff tutoring, study group and peer tutoring is available for all students.

All the best.