Deputy Principal | Mr Damien Fall

This Friday is World Teachers’ Day, an occasion to celebrate, be proud of, and thank our teachers for all they do in a spirit of service to students and their families. We are generally known as a somewhat conservative bunch, so change does not always come quickly and easily to all teachers. The two enormous events that have forced us to make a significant change in a relatively short time recently are QCE and COVID. This year, more than ever, it has become clear that teachers are genuine experts in their field and the Learning@Home phase has shown that boys need schools like Terrace and the staff who are responsible for all that takes place.

Some of us carry the official qualifications, but all adults are here to guide, mentor and teach our youth. On World Teachers’ Day, we would like to expand our thanks to all staff at Terrace, both teaching and non-teaching. Each group is reliant on the other and our students are fortunate to have our staff of over 200 looking after their holistic development both within and outside the classroom. On behalf of the Terrace Family, I thank all staff at Terrace for the enormous difference you make every day. I thought it appropriate this week to share a section of a favourite prayer that can apply to any of our staff at Terrace.

I am a Teacher

I am a teacher first.
I was born the first moment a question leapt from the mouth of a child.
Through the course of a day, I have been called up to be an actor, friend, nurse and doctor, coach, finder of lost articles, money lender, taxi driver, psychologist, substitute parent, salesperson, politician and keeper of the faith.
An architect knows that if she builds with care, her structure may stand for centuries.
A teacher knows that if he builds with love and truth, what he builds will last forever. 
And so I have a past that is rich in memories.
I have a present that is challenging, adventurous and fun because I am allowed to spend my days with the future.
I am a teacher…..and I thank God for it every day.

Our Seniors commenced their external exams this week, the culmination of their years as school students. It was fabulous to see a large number of parents preparing and serving lunch for the boys on Monday and Tuesday – also a lovely opportunity for parents to reconnect. The thoughts and prayers of the Terrace Family are with the Seniors over the next few weeks as they finish their Terrace journey. For staff, there is a great sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes from shaking the hands of graduates as they walk out the front gate as students for the final time. Best wishes also to the remainder of our students as they enter the last month of the school year.