Principal’s Message | Dr Michael Carroll
Dear members of the Terrace Family,
It is hard to believe that we are at the halfway point of the term. It has been a busy and full start to the year, but I think it has been a successful start. It will be important to maintain this positive momentum as we head into the second half of the term.
In recent weeks I have focused on the students’ academic journey and the importance of starting well. While an essential aspect of the College is its academic program, the co-curricular program is also key to the holistic education offered at Terrace.
Each weekend large numbers of students represent Terrace in a wide range of activities at an equally diverse range of venues. During Semester 1, Terrace students are involved in Debating, Chess, Swimming, Cross Country, Tennis, Football, Volleyball, Rowing, Cricket, Gymnastics and Music, with at least 1400 students participating in training, rehearsals and competitions each week. The co-curricular program is an excellent way to engage in another facet of Terrace life. It is also an avenue by which parents can become involved and meet other families. I will continue to encourage a strong co-curricular participation model at Terrace and emphasise the importance of maintaining a balance between academic and co-curricular activity.
Our co-curricular program is supported by the Sport and Cultural Departments, staff and hundreds of coaches who commit their time to training and competitions each week. The various activities are also supported by a strong network of College Support Groups. These Support Groups not only provide an opportunity for parents to be involved in their son’s activities at Terrace; they also offer another layer of support for each activity by supplying resources, coaching and volunteer assistance for game days and performances, helpers for setup/pack down, canteen volunteers, managers and officials. Like student participation, Terrace promotes a strong parent participation model through engagement with these Support Groups, and I encourage all parents to consider ways to volunteer and assist in the co-curricular program.
While a significant aspect of our co-curricular program will always be competitiveness, how we play the game is far more important than any results. The highest level of sportsmanship is key to the Terrace competitor. Winning humbly and graciously losing are hallmarks of a good Terrace competitor, and we all need to reinforce and maintain these high standards consistently. As I visit the many activities each weekend, I have been impressed with how we play the game. However, we must maintain our high standards both on the field and on the sidelines. I look forward to catching up with many of our supporters over the coming weeks.
Over the last couple of weeks, all new parents and many families who began their Terrace journey in 2020 have been invited to a Principal’s Reception. These events provide a social forum where I can share the Vision and Mission of our College and, importantly, provide further details of plans for Terrace. The evenings also introduce families to the work of the College Foundation and offer an opportunity for parents to further support the future direction and vision of the College. To put it simply, if Terrace is to continue to provide a quality Catholic Education in the Edmund Rice Tradition, produce outstanding academic results and provide extensive co-curricular and spiritual opportunities for all students, we need your support. I ask that parents accept these invitations to the upcoming Principal’s Receptions and consider how you can support our Vision and Answer the Call.
Finally, this week, I ask that you keep in your thoughts and prayers all those within our community who are dealing with loss, illness or life challenges. Please keep in your thoughts a former Terrace parent, Juliann Miller, who passed away recently. Juliann had Terrace connections that spanned five generations. Please also remember in your prayers Christopher Schouten (GT 2001) and Ron Fingleton (GT 1963), who also passed away recently. The Terrace Family supports everyone, particularly in times of crisis and need.
Have a great week.
God Bless.
