Director of Culture | Mr Matt Cocking

Culture recap 2020

Now that we have reached the end of the College year, a recap is in order for 2020 – a year that no one foresaw! 

The GPS Music Showcase is an annual event with the best musicians from the nine GPS Schools and Colleges gathering together to make music.  This event went ahead in early February with 29 Terracians participating. 

Debating was stopped before the end of Term 1 with our Senior A team in a very competitive second place.  QDU Debating was another casualty.  However, the program regrouped and held a mini-competition for the Senior students during Term 2.

We started 2020 with a cast of talented singers, dancers, musicians, and actors all ready to entertain us in May for our Senior Musical, School of Rock.  The disappointment for our students was palpable.  With their commitment and energy, we produced a Sizzle in September, thereby giving these gifted young people a chance to perform.

GTCouchella was born during Term 2.  This platform showcased the talent of our musicians, continuing throughout isolation and learning at home.  Two of these experiences were played on the screen during halftime at Tennyson – once again highlighting the collaboration between our co-curricular programs of Culture and Sport.  I encourage you to click and watch.

Not to be outdone, Terrace Chess conducted an IsoChess competition.  This provided some valuable experience in the lead up to the Term 3 GPS Chess competition that went ahead, albeit under new regulations.

Live streaming became an important new method of sharing this year.  We started small with a live stream of our Chamber Music Concert and ended with the 2020 Celebration of Excellence last week.  Congratulations to all of our Cultural award winners.


Without the talent and commitment from our staff, our programs would not have the depth of talent and experience that we need to challenge our students.  We would like to acknowledge several of the staff who are leaving this year.

Mrs Bernadette Debattista - After 15 years of Choral leadership and service to the College, Mrs D, as she is affectionately known, grew our choral program to the soaring heights of singing at a global stage in Gallipoli for five years.  She was integral in our Senior and Middle School musicals as well as our weekly College Masses and vocal lessons.  Thank you for your service to the College.  We look forward to seeing you in the audience. 

Mr Toby Loveland also resigned during the year.  Toby’s passion for guitar and bass helped to grow our student numbers on this instrument.  He was a great musical role model for our students, and we wish him well. 

Mr Jan Hewerdine will step down as the Director of Music at the end of the year.  As a professional musician for 45 years, he led our Music department over the past two years with honesty and integrity.  Many of our pieces at recent Celebration of Excellence nights were composed by Jan.  He has decided to semi-retire, meaning we will still have the privilege of working with him as a Music tutor in the coming years.

Mr Andrew Stormonth has been an integral member of the Cultural team – leading our Terrace Debating program as the Coordinator.  Andrew will step down from this role to focus on his other College priorities in the coming years.  During Andrew’s time as Debating Coordinator, our GPS Senior A team reclaimed the Vicki Sargent Trophy – a trophy that eluded us for many years. Your guidance and leadership have been vital, Andrew – thank you.

Mr Liam Herne stepped up as a Chess coordinator three years ago, and under his tenure, our program has grown in numbers and talent.  His vision for Terrace Chess has opened doors to competitions that we had not entered previously.  We wish you luck and enjoyment in your new role Liam, and thank you for your leadership.

Coaching staff – we are fortunate to have experienced staff as coaches and tutors for our students, many of whom are studying at University.  As their courses finish and they move to full time work, so does their time with us.  For their leadership skills, and guidance they so willingly give to our students, we thank them all and wish them good fortune with their future careers.

Our programs will continue to grow next year under the leadership of the following staff:

  • Ms Bridget Clarke – Public Speaking
  • Mr Sonny Ali – Debating
  • Mr David Giles – Chess

We look forward to working with you and having you all as integral members of our Terrace Culture programs.

To our students, parents, families, Support Groups and extended members of our Terrace Cultural family, we would like to thank you for your support this year – a year like no other.  To our Senior students and families who will no longer wear the Red and Black, thank you for your commitment and support for our programs.  To our students and families who will be returning in 2021, we look forward to a new year with you.

Merry Christmas.

Support Group meetings

Support Group meetings will be held online if necessary.  Should you wish to contact the Debating Support Group, please email: DSGChair@terrace.qld.edu.au or the Terrace Performing Arts, please email: TPAChair@terrace.qld.edu.au .

Staying in touch   

To keep in touch with all things Cultural, we would suggest you download the Terrace App and follow us on Twitter (@GTCulture) and Instagram (terrace_gtculture) to ensure you don’t miss anything.   If you have any photographs or video that you would like to share, please tag us.

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