Dean of Waterford | Mr Luke Gribble

I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees, Henry David Thoreau.

In my previous role as the Buckley House Dean, I was fortunate to have many opportunities to farewell the departing Seniors.  A very enjoyable part of the farewell process was the time spent with the boys as they reflected on their Terrace journey. They would share their stories, the highs and the lows, as well as their fondest memories. It was no surprise each year that many of the highs and great memories occurred outside the classroom. The camps and retreats at Maroon often feature in the reflections along with the successes and failures in their cultural and sporting pursuits. While the classroom is central to everything we do, it is the relationships that are forged and the experiences that are shared that become lifelong memories.

This week saw the conclusion of our nine rotations of camps and retreats for Year 10. While Girraween and Tennyson are spectacular venues, it will be the time ‘wasted’ with mates on the bus, around the campsite, out on the track and sharing stories that will be the lasting memories. I hope your son has enjoyed having a normal Term 3 and has made the most of the camp and retreat. I want to extend a thank you to Mr Toby Gowland and his team for creating the Outdoor Education camp and Mr Terry Thompson and our Campus Ministry staff for the Retreat program. A special thank you to our great friend, Br Damien Price, for sharing his skills and wisdom with your sons on the retreat.

It is difficult to believe that the final day of term is finally upon us, the first full, normal term for 2020! While blazers will no longer be compulsory in Term 4, we do need them for the Year 10 cohort photo on the first day back on Tuesday the 6 October. Over the break, please ensure that your son has had a haircut that complies with our College hair policy (as per the College diary) and that they bring their blazers (and student ID) along for the photo.

When we return after the holidays, one of our much-loved members of the Waterford team will be taking her first steps into retirement, after 14 years of dedication to Terrace and many years as a Terrace parent. Mrs Julie Ferris has been an integral part of caring for Terrace students as they journey through Waterford and previously running the Uniform Shop. Mrs Ferris, on behalf of all the boys, your colleagues and the extended Terrace Family, thank you.  We hope that the absence of bells and lost Akubras brings you joy and relaxation.

Happy holidays to every Waterford family – here’s to an exciting home run ahead. See you back for Term 4 with your blazer for the photo on day one!