Dear members of the Terrace Family,

As this is the final edition of the Terrace News for 2020, I want to begin by saying thank you to everyone within our Terrace Family for all that you have done throughout this extraordinary year. Your support, cooperation, encouragement and resilience has ensured that despite the challenges we have faced, Terrace has continued to be ‘To the Fore’.

Last week, the College held three significant events: the Celebration of Excellence, Giving Day, and the Year 12 Valedictory. All three events were exceptional.  My thanks to the many generous people who contributed to Giving Day, where the $302 569 raised in the 24 hours of the appeal will go to supporting our Edmund Rice Bursary program.  This was an outstanding result, and I thank everyone involved.  Similarly, the Celebration of Excellence and the Year 12 Valedictory were extraordinary events.  Not too long ago, we were uncertain as to whether we could even hold the events.  However, the hard work and imagination of many people ensured that we not only hosted the events, but that they were wonderful celebrations.  Again, my thanks to all involved.

Tomorrow, we will finish the year with a Christmas Liturgy in the Campbell Centre.  As the final curtain falls on 2020, I sincerely wish to thank the Terrace Family for their efforts throughout this challenging year.  To the staff, parents and students – Thank you and well done.

I hope that our families can have a restful break over Christmas and the New Year.  Whether it is at the beach or simply staying at home, I hope the Christmas break provides an opportunity to recharge and importantly, spend time with family and friends.

Christmas is a special time where we can celebrate with and support those close to us.  I wish all members of the Terrace Family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Semester 2 reports will be available online from 9am on Tuesday 8 December.  The College Office will close on 18 December 2020 and reopen on 4 January 2021.

I again thank everyone for what you have given to Terrace in 2020 and wish each of you a Happy and Holy Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal

PS. See you in January 2021.

With the conclusion of the academic year upon us, we have several staff leaving the College for various reasons. Dr Carroll will outline all of these departures in future communication home, but I would like to make particular mention of a small number of departing staff. Two members of teaching staff, Mrs Karyn Negus and Mr Bruce Devine will retire after long and distinguished careers. We wish them every joy and success as they enter this new phase of life. Two of our non-teaching staff, Mrs Colleen Watson and Mr Glenn Brown will also retire and will be sadly missed. Colleen has held various roles over many years and brings an incredible work ethic and professionalism to all she does. The fabulous Glenn Brown has provided 27 years of humble, selfless service to the College. We are eternally grateful to Glenn, a classic old-school servant for whom nothing is too much trouble. On behalf of the College, I thank and wish all of our departing staff the very best for their future. As a staff, we will gather to farewell all our departing colleagues next Friday following our annual Mass. May the road rise to meet you and may the sun shine warm upon your face.

In sad news, Mr Devon Naeser and his family lost their dear mother in recent days after a period of illness. Her passing was far too soon, and the family is understandably deeply saddened. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Naeser family and all who are suffering hardship at this time.

As we reach the end of another academic year, many among us will be happy to see the end of 2020. The year has presented its challenges, and I am sure the world is collectively ready for a break and a more normal year in 2021. However, with every cloud, there is a silver lining, and I believe the professional learning and resilience that has come from our experience this year stands the College in good stead as we move forward. I would like to pass my thanks to all in the Terrace Family for everything you have done to make this another excellent year in the story of St Joseph’s College. We have long said that the College’s success comes on the back of a significant team effort, and this has certainly been true this year. On a personal note, I want to express my appreciation for the support I have received in my first year as Deputy Principal. In some ways, the year has felt like an eternity, but at times, it feels like it has gone in a blink. All along, I have felt deeply privileged to hold the position, and have also felt the Terrace Family has been with me along the way.

I hope everyone has the opportunity for a break over the coming holiday season and I would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and holy Christmas with family and friends. May God bless you and keep you safe. I look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

Hope. Peace. Love. Joy.

Last week saw the final week for our Year 12 students. In what has been a unique year for everyone, our Year 12s received a symbolic and meaningful farewell to conclude their journey as a Terrace student. To be honest, when I heard that our Valedictory Mass had to be moved from our historical location of St Stephen’s Cathedral to our sporting fields of Tennyson, I was somewhat sceptical about how it would pan out. However, last Thursday, I was quickly put at ease.  The Terrace students were able to say goodbye to the Year 12s in an intimate celebration in the Campbell Centre. The Seniors were then transported to Tennyson where their parents and caregivers formed a tunnel and cheered them on their arrival and shared in their Valedictory liturgical celebration. It was a great way to finish their Year 12 journey.

This Sunday, the season of Advent begins. With the beginning of the season of Advent, the Catholic Church begins a new liturgical year. The word Advent is taken from the Latin word, Adventus, meaning ‘the coming or arrival of a significant person’. Advent is the time in which we wait and prepare for the coming of Jesus.

Advent allows us to prepare ourselves to be the best people we can be and ensure we are not only refreshed and ready for all that is to come, but also to spend precious time with those we love. It is a time of preparation as we approach the day, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, to celebrate all that we have achieved, but also give thanks for all the blessings God has given us.

It is important for us to stop and reflect so that as we get closer to Christmas, we can remind ourselves what this time of year is really about. Four words continue to pop up on the front lawns, rooftops and cards we might give to others that best describe what this year is about: Hope. Peace. Love. Joy.

As we embark on the holiday season, I challenge you to bring hope, peace, love and joy to yourself and those around you. Yes, Christmas presents are nice, but the meaning of Christmas is so much more. May the Terrace Family be blessed with hope, peace, love and joy this Christmas.

Lord, as we head into these holidays, we are reminded that it is a time to prepare ourselves for the Christmas season. In a world often consumed with material pleasures, may we remember the true message of the Christmas story and celebrate together in a spirit that recognises and gives thanks for the blessings we already have. It is a time of hope for our families, a time of peace within our homes, a time to show love for each other and a time of joy for the good news that is the birth of Jesus. May we reach out to those in need and strive to create a world that is just and fair. Amen.

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever

Last Thursday was a very special day for the Terrace Family. The culmination of the Terrace journey is the Senior Valedictory. It was a privilege to enjoy the final gathering of the Seniors in College Hall in the morning, as the Seniors shared some words before their school farewell. To have so many people gathered at Tennyson was a fitting end for our families who have always supported their sons on the journey. Many thanks to the members of the TLG who assisted in preparing for the day and making it such a memorable conclusion.

And so, we come to the end of another academic year. We started 2020, the 145^th year of the College, with the assumption that it would roll through its usual markers. It didn’t quite end up that way and the heavy downpour on the first day just as we formed the tunnel for the new students was a warning for what was to come. I am proud of the way our 250 new students embraced the College throughout the year, showing a great deal of resilience and flexibility in their learning. As an institution based around developing strong, positive relationships, all members of the community have shared the responsibility of growing the atmosphere of care. As with any family, it would be unreasonable to expect that a school year would be without some clashes and low points. Fortunately, the positive times have far outnumbered the negatives, and I would hope that most of our students can reflect on a year in which they have embraced the ethos of the College, while making the most of every opportunity. I am a firm believer in the adage that it takes a village to raise a child. The House system always has been a cornerstone of the pastoral care of students, and it relies heavily on the contribution of a range of influential adults. We are deeply indebted to the pastoral team:  House Deans, Dean of Waterford Place, Program Leaders, Mentors, Counsellors, Identity and Maroon Staff whose efforts combine to form the young men we like to refer to as Terrace Gentlemen. It is indeed a team effort and we are fortunate to have such a quality group of people charged with the care of our students.

Finally, I would like to wish all our students and their families all the very best for a relaxing time over the Christmas break.  I hope everyone in our community can take some time to recharge and refresh after a particularly hectic year. I look forward to a successful year in 2021.

Congratulations to all of our students on the conclusion of the academic year. This year has seen all students academically striving to be the best that they can be. I have been fortunate enough to witness this student effort throughout the year - from the Scholars' Assembly in Term 1, Academic Medal assemblies, adapting to GTLearn@Home in Term 2, hearing the study strategies of students at the Improver’s lunches and the informal academic conversations with students in the yard.  The Year 12 cohort particularly showed great perseverance to improve as they grappled with the new QCE system.  It has been an excellent year for academic success.

My thanks go to the three groups of people who build, nourish, and maintain our academic culture. 

Firstly, the students for their commitment to their studies and recognition of academic success. To strive to be the best you can be is a Terrace norm. This recognition is a fundamental aspect of our culture and will continue to be recognised and nurtured.

Secondly, to the parents and caregivers. Thank you for your support of your sons and the College through the year. Your academic encouragement, support, proofreading and the provision of stability are essential to creating an environment where students can function at their best, both at school and at home.

Finally, the Terrace staff who have again demonstrated a full commitment to ensuring students are provided with the learning environment, knowledge and skills to be the best they can be. Teaching can be a challenging profession, especially in the current climate of profound educational change. The Terrace staff have ensured that the student is the centre of our decision making academically and pastorally.

The 2020 academic year will conclude with the publishing of the Semester 2 reports for Years 5-10 and the Unit 3 progress report for Year 11. These reports will be available on the Parent Lounge from 9am on Tuesday 8 December. The 2021 academic year will commence with the publishing of student timetables on the Student Café in the week before school commences.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and restful holiday.

The Waterford journey for the 2020 Year 10 cohort has come to an end. The boys are ready for a well-earned break before returning to the main campus to start their Senior school journey. This fact makes my final contribution to the Terrace News for 2020 bittersweet. In a year where social-distancing and isolation became household terms, we have successfully navigated COVID-19 restrictions, distance education and modified experiences to ensure that the show went on. At the same time, we considered the safety of everyone in our community. I think we would all agree that this was not what we envisaged on 27 January when the school year began.

As the year has unfolded at Waterford, new friendships have been forged as the boys found their own space with a like-minded crew to hang out with at break times. Many have enjoyed the basketball and handball games in the yard and on the court. Several groups loved playing cards in the company of friends. Large numbers gathered at lunchtime in Room 1.3 to discuss everything from gaming to politics. I am confident that the boys know the rest of the cohort well after years of being House centred.

The relationships that the boys have developed with the Waterford staff have also had time to evolve. The conversations in the yard, at tutoring and over coffee in the Waterford foyer before school have been a wonderful part of the day for the staff and students alike.

Tomorrow (Friday) we welcome the next batch, the Year 10 students of 2021 into the Edmund Rice Theatre to start their own Waterford journey. I look forward to meeting the next Waterford intake and working with them and their families in the New Year.

I hope your son has enjoyed and made the most of his time at Waterford, and I wish each of you a safe and enjoyable summer break, a very Holy Christmas and healthy and Happy New Year.

Best wishes for 2021.

Terrace Library - Holiday reading

Don’t  forget, students can borrow eBooks and audiobooks from the Terrace Library’s ePlatform 24/7 anytime, anywhere. Why not take the time to listen to an audiobook or read an ebook while on holiday? Learn how to download an audiobook or an ebook via the links here.

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.

TWITTER            @GTCulture  INSTAGRAM      terrace_gtculture  YOUTUBE          Terrace Culture YouTube Channel

Welcome to Week 8

Thank you to our choristers who supported the Years 5 and 6 Masses this week. Our sincere thanks to the Choir who have achieved so much in a very challenging year for them.

Congratulations to the following boys in the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble (SHEP) 

Middle School | 27–29 November

• Adrian Chan
• Max Chan
• Aidan Clancy
• Rohan Clancy
• Ethan Daly
• Cormaic Dunne
• Angus Godbolt
• Thomas Healy
• Bernie   King
• Gabriel Le Goullon
• Tomas Luongo Ruiz
• Jackson McConnachy
• Henry McDonald
• Ben McGraw
• Lachlan McNamara
• Benjamin Oliver
• Oscar Plant
• Alexander Richards
• Leo Rossetti
• Hunter Thompson
• Dominic Tucker 
• Zachary Yoong

SHEP Primary | 5–6 December

• George Barnes
• William Caro
• Liam Clancy
• Finn Connor
• William Coyle
• Leo Crombie
• Henri Dillon
• Darcy Dowd
• Max Elliott
• Jayden Harrison
• Hamish Hill
• Noah Litzow
• Rupert Mihala
• Alfie Newton
• Neil Trainor
• Orlando Whimp
• James White
• Thomas Wong 

Thank you to all of our musicians, singers, Speech and Drama students and your families for what has been a most remarkable year.

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact the Music Department  music@terrace.qld.edu.au

Term 1 2021 Events

• Monday and Tuesday 18-19 January - Terrace Choir Workshop - 8.30am-3pm – Chapel of the Holy Family
• Tuesday 19 and Monday 25 January - First Percussion Ensemble Workshop - 8.30am-3pm - Rooms 320/1
• Monday 25 January - Concert Band (2&3) Workshop - 8.30am-12pm ­- MU2
• Monday 25 January - Youth Choir Workshop - 8.30-3pm ­– MU1
• Wednesday 20 January - ANZAC Marching Band (SWE and Red Thunder Drumline) - 9am to 11.30am - Tennyson Playing Fields
• Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 January Music Camp (Red Thunder Drumline, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Terrace, Jazz Orchestra, Waterford Strings, Waterford Soloists) - 8.30am-4pm - Queensland Conference and Camping Centres (QCCC) 179 Gold Creek Road, Brookfield
• Thursday 11 February - GPS Showcase - 8.30am-8.30pm Griffith University Qld Conservatorium of Music select musicians and singers
• Saturday 20 February - Strings Workshop - 8.45am-1.15pm Terrace (TBA)
• Thursday 25 February - Chamber Concert-3.30-7pm Edmund Rice Theatre
• Friday 26 March - Terrace Jazz Night - 3.30-9pm (venue TBA)

Wow, where has the year gone? It feels like only yesterday that we were celebrating the New Year. For so many reasons, 2020 will be a year we all remember, no matter what age you are. 

Last Thursday, our Terrace Family celebrated the graduating gentlemen of 2020 in style. The day went off without a hitch, and the weather gods shone upon us. Many generous members of our Terrace Family cooked and also helped serve on the day. Thank you for your gifts. You could feel the sense of relief in the air, finally, we had made it to the end!

I have learnt over the years from other Terrace Family members if your child ends school happy and healthy, then we have done our job. After the Valedictory at Tennyson, each group of friends went their separate ways. Our group went to St Lucia Golf Club. We all had a fantastic day. Parents networking about schoolies, and the boys sitting around talking, playing mini golf and lounging on the greens. I believe not sweating the small stuff is the best advice to any parent or child. It is a tough thing to keep in check at times when the going gets tough.

People ask me what Finbar wants to do next year? I reply at the moment he wants to do this…. but who knows what he will end up doing.  As long as Declan and I are there for support when he makes his choices, then I believe that is what being the parent of a school leaver is - letting go of the reigns bit by bit. For those who know me, this isn’t easy.

Like many at this time of year, we now turn our thoughts to ways our family can give back. There are many ways through Terrace like Eddie’s Van breakfasts during the holidays. Email Mrs Judy McGuire JudyMcguire@terrace.qld.edu.au for more information. Or maybe Eddie’s Van at night might suit you better – contact Mr Tom Crowley crowleytom@hotmail.com. Another avenue to give back is to help out your local Vinnies conference – our family deliver bread, food parcels and make visits to those in need.

This is my last Terrace News, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped in some way - there are too many of you to mention but you know who you are. I would like to thank Sam Mills, my offsider, who is always there. To the new committee, best wishes and I won’t be far away. My interpretation of what the TLG’s primary function is is to bring our Terrace Family together as one, whether it be for events, school functions, sport or for those that need support.

I wish you and your family a Happy and Holy Christmas 2020. See you all back with bells on in 2021.

Staff Lunch Donations

It is that time of year when we would love to say thank you to all the Terrace Staff. What a year it has been, so why not spread the cheer? Each year we put on a Christmas spread for each and every staff member at Terrace. This year the Staff Lunch will be held on Wednesday 2 December.

You can make a donation, volunteer to cook food or volunteer your time to help out on the day. Thank you. Merry Christmas. 

Cash Donation https://events.humanitix.com/terrace-staff-christmas...

Food Donation volunteersignup.org/7QLTK

Volunteer to Help volunteersignup.org/8JCFQ

During Term 4 the Terrace Shop has been very busy welcoming our newest students to the College. With wonderful Terrace parents volunteering to help us, we have fitted out nearly 250 boys! 

It has been lovely to have the volunteers join us to make the new families feel so very welcome. We couldn’t have done it without them. To those mums (and a dad!) that volunteered this year – thank you. 

We really appreciate your help and look forward to seeing you again in 2021. Best wishes to all for a safe and happy Christmas.

The Terrace Shop will close at 1pm on Friday 27 November for its annual stocktake.

Details: Sunday 29 November | 1 - 4.30pm
Venue: Tennyson Playing Fields
RSVP: No RSVP necessary. All Old Boys and current Terracians and their families are warmly invited to attend.
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Blair Copelin | BlairCopelin@Terrace.qld.edu.au 

A chance to show your appreciation for Terrace's many amazing staff.

Contribute in any way you can to the annual Terrace staff Christmas lunch - via a cash donation, donation of food or help at the lunch on Wednesday 2 December. Please use the below links to show your support. 

Want to help but poor on time?

You can now donate money directly to the Terrace Family's Care and Concern. Cash donations will be used to purchase ingredients to make meals for Terrace families and staff in need. 

All donations are appreciated greatly, and will support the important work this committee undertakes for our community.

Details: Friday 26 February | 12.30pm
Venue: Queensland Cricketers' Club, Gabba Towers, Vulture St Wooloongabba
Cost: $150pp (+BF) or $1500 for a table of 10. Includes 2 course lunch and premium drink package for 4 hours
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Friday 19 February
For further information or event enquiries, please contact
Matthew Jackson | Matthew.Jackson@astutefinancial.com.au