Sections

Principal’s Message | Dr Michael Carroll

Dear members of the Terrace Family,

Welcome to Week 3.  Last week we held the second round of Parent/Teacher interviews via Microsoft Teams and again, the response from both staff and parents appeared positive.  Mr Damien Fall has sent a Parent Survey seeking your feedback regarding the processes involved, and I would encourage you to respond.  Given the positive feedback received so far, we are seriously considering continuing the online format in some capacity for future Parent/Teacher interviews.

The routine of the school week should now be well established with your sons.  The Assessment Calendars were distributed in Week 1, as were Checklist documents to students in Years 5-10.  Both these documents are valuable in the planning process for students. All students should now be doing homework and revision throughout the week.

For our Year 12 students, ATAR interviews with the CLT are continuing.  The Year 12 cohort also has a diagnostic IA3 exam in Maths occurring shortly. Although this exam will not count towards final marks, it is critical that all Year 12 students prepare well, as results will provide an important signpost of their progress.  All Year 12 students will be involved in a full program of Mock External Exams commencing in Week 8.  These exams will now be the students’ focus for Term 3 and will provide invaluable insight into the rigours of an external exam program.  While these exams do not count towards the final ATAR, they will be closely modelled on the real exams to be held in October.  I will continue to remind parents/caregivers and Year 12 students about the critical importance of these exams over the coming weeks.

This week our Year 10 students commenced their subject selection process for Year 11 2021 with a Virtual Information Night and follow-up interviews.  This is an important part of your son’s senior school journey. I encourage parents to discuss the selection process with their sons and to please contact the relevant staff if you have any queries.

At this week’s Assembly the Tennis, Football, Chess, Rugby and Cross Country teams were introduced.  I congratulate all players, particularly those selected in the First teams.  I would also like to congratulate our Captains:

Chess
  • Captain:  Yang Zhang
Cross Country
  • Captain:  Callum Walsh
  • Vice Captain:  Dan Migotto
  • Vice Captain:  Ned O’Rourke
Football
  • Captain:  Josah Hitchcock
  • Vice Captain:  Malakai Love-Semira
Rugby
  • Captain:  Henry Davis
  • Vice Captain:  David Vaihu
  • Vice Captain:  Marly Bitungane
Tennis
  • Captain:  Will Campbell

The Semester 1 Academic Assembly will take place on Tuesday 4 August.  Unfortunately, parents/caregivers will not be able to attend the assembly in person. However, to allow families an opportunity to witness the medal ceremony, the College will stream the ceremony from the Campbell Centre.  The live stream will be available to view online.  To watch the live stream of the Assembly please visit the College's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmthon7CF_xfhPJ9C5LAWw

Finally, at College Assembly this week we acknowledged Catholic Education Week.  As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, we celebrate that we are part of the Catholic Education Family and that our educational journey is centred on Gospel values.  Many of us within the Terrace Family have been fortunate to receive a Catholic education, which provided the foundation of who we are today.

Have a great week.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal

 

Deputy Principal | Mr Damien Fall

Following the recent rounds of Parent/Teacher interviews conducted via Teams last week, a survey was sent to families asking for feedback about your experience with this new format. I am delighted with the number of responses we have received, allowing us to have a very good understanding of the strengths, weaknesses and future prospects of this style of interview. Many thanks to the large number of parents and caregivers who took the time to reply. While we are still compiling the data, it has quickly become clear that many found the interviews a very positive experience. Staff will also complete a survey and we will use the combined feedback for future planning. Even as recently as the start of the year, if it was suggested we would be running interviews and subject selection evenings remotely via Teams, no one would have believed it likely or possible. We have certainly come a long way in a brief time thanks to the efforts of many dedicated staff.

Compliance around matters of student protection remains of critical importance at Terrace. New legislation regarding Blue Cards comes into effect on 31 August for all paid staff, which includes the huge number of coaches engaged by the College. The legislation summarised as ‘No Card, No Start’ means that all paid staff must be in possession of a Blue Card before they can commence any student engagement, such as a co-curricular training session. This change means that it is no longer sufficient to have a valid application lodged as has been the case until now. From 31 August, no student-related work can commence until the employee is in possession of the card. The College will work to communicate this change, but any assistance in spreading the message would be greatly appreciated.

Our run of babies has continued, with Mr Josh Kersevani and his wife Ellie welcoming their second son on Monday. As I write, they are still to decide on a name, but as an avid rugby league fan, Josh is rumoured to be trawling the team lists for an appropriate choice. The Terrace Family passes on sincere congratulations and every best wish on the new arrival.

While celebrations have been curtailed for this year, this week is acknowledged across the state as Catholic Education Week, a time when we celebrate the unique and special nature of schools such as ours. Schools are only as good as the people who make up their community, and we are truly blessed to have so many wonderful staff who bring the vision and mission to life every day.

Dean of Studies | Mr Mason Hellyer

Success is what you make of it

Many quotes attempt to define success. Many refer to the attainment of a physical object; a gold medal, a championship ring, money. Some refer to the attainment of intangibles such as power or influence. These definitions all apply to external rewards as measures of success

External rewards are compelling as they provide a focus or an outcome goal to strive towards. Next Tuesday’s Academic Awards Assembly will be a wonderful opportunity to recognise the achievements of our students. The awardees decided to commit to their studies, follow up on their commitment with hard work and have been rewarded with an academic medal.

The Academic Award is an external recognition of success. However, most of the boys awarded have been motivated by the internal desire to succeed. I see these award winners as a success. Our Diligence and Improvement Award winners are also a success.

At Terrace we intentionally challenge every boy to be a success, or more specifically, to be the best that he can be. Remember, as 2018 College Dux Jacob Montaner said at the Scholars’ Assembly, motivation leads to hard work, and hard work leads to success.

Next Tuesday’s medal assembly will also have a first with it being live streamed via the College YouTube channel. Unfortunately, parents/caregivers will not be able to attend in person due to social distancing rules. However, the Assembly can be watched by following this link  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmthon7CF_xfhPJ9C5LAWw

The Year 8 2021 Subject Selection evening will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Monday evening from 6pm – further information is available from the College App. This evening is an important aspect of the subject selection process for Year 8 and supplements the subject selection books already distributed to students. Additionally, there is the opportunity to gather further information and ask questions of Subject Coordinators. The evening is available through student’s College Teams. Year 8 students will be shown how the evening will occur at school on Friday morning.

Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

I genuinely enjoy the dynamic nature of a boys’ school and all it entails, but now and then some moments capture the strength of a school like Terrace. While it has been great to have the boys participating in a wide range of activities over the last two weekends, it was in watching a group of Year 5 students playing handball before school that caught my eye this week. It reminded me of the joy that simple activities can bring to boys. For ten minutes they laughed and enjoyed the company of each other playing handball, without arguing over who may have been out. It was magic.

With regard to GPS co-curricular activities, the limitation of two adults per student remains in place. Please be mindful that some indoor venues may not be able to accommodate two adults due to space limitations. Sports coordinators will communicate any variations to this via the College App on a week to week basis. The EVA Check-In App contact tracing process is proving to be quite effective but a gentle reminder to check out again when leaving the facility. The concept of arrive, play and leave is still the key message to all players. This week the GPS Association reconfirmed that student spectators are not permitted at Firsts matches this season. The boys will find this disappointing, but as College, we need to be consistent and follow this directive.

I have referred to this before, a book I have enjoyed reading is Cracking the Boy Code by Adam Cox. It unpacks in simple language the intricacies of communicating with boys. I make this comment frequently, but my time in boys' schools tells me they are all wired differently. As a teacher wanting to be a person of influence for your son, it can take time to develop a positive relationship. One theme that we focus on when developing a positive rapport with boys is understanding that boys will often treat you the way you treat them. This is reinforced by Adam Cox, who suggests that it is the form of the conversation that resonates deeply for boys, and which they remember for hours and days after the conversation. This is Rule #1. Your tone is ‘louder’ than your words. How you say things lingers longer than what you say. It is an excellent starting point when trying to penetrate that outer shell! Enjoy.

Acting Dean of Identity | Mr Terry Thompson

Catholic Education Week

This week, we celebrate Catholic Education Week and 175 years of Catholic schooling. The theme for this year is ‘A Spirited Tomorrow’. In what has been a unique year, we look toward the future with excitement and anticipation of what is to come for our journey ahead, trusting in God’s Spirit who walks with us and guides our way.

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

In Queensland, there are more than 307 Catholic schools with 20 000 staff and 149 000 students across five Dioceses. We recognise that each one of us, those in Queensland and beyond – has a place in shaping the future of Catholic Education.

Catholic Education:

  • is a faith-based education, which places the values of Jesus at its centre
  • is a high quality, holistic education for one in five young Queenslanders, educating them to be well-informed, highly skilled and constructive members of the community
  • values diversity and treats each student with dignity, enabling them in turn to promote and respect the dignity of all
  • nurtures in students a commitment to social justice and a critical social consciousness
  • prepares students for global responsibilities through stewardship of the earth’s resources
  • is an integral part of the local and universal Church
  • occurs in welcoming, inclusive, and connected communities.

www.catholiceducationweek.com.au

The features of a Catholic education have been reinforced at Terrace this week with the recommencement of our Eddie’s Big Brekkie van and on campus Kolega Café. With the support of staff and students in Years 10-12, our Eddie’s Big Brekkie Van provides breakfast to the poor and homeless at Wickham Park each morning of the school week. Years 7-11 students run the Kolega Café with all profits going to our friends in Timor-Leste.  

Additionally, last Thursday Reidy House engaged in a ‘daggy jumper’ day where students donned their daggiest jumper during their House assembly to raise funds for their House Friendship Group, Brisbane Youth Service . Students donated a gold coin, and each Pastoral Care Group performed a skit to add to the entertainment.

We look forward to more of these Terrace initiatives resuming over the rest of the year.

God of this brand-new day, you have filled the world with life through the gift of the Spirit. As we celebrate 175 years of Catholic Education in Queensland, we ask that you continue to pour out your Spirit upon us all, so that each one of us will be strengthened to take your Word into our world. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever.

Director of Culture | Mr Matt Cocking

Chess

It was a pleasure this week to present the 2020 Chess Premier Board to the College community for their Presentation Assembly. Our team is predicted to place seventh this season, worked out on a comparison of individuals Queensland Junior ratings. This means our real challenge will be how we compete against this benchmark. Great work is going on behind the scenes to grow the ratings of current and future players as we try to climb the ladder in GPS Chess. Well done to the following boys in the 2020 Premier Board who all sit within the top 33 Chess players of GPS.

  • Yang Zhang ranked 17th in GPS
  • Jonathan Hsu ranked 22nd in GPS
  • Jack Giufre ranked 30th in GPS
  • Alex Ong ranked 33rd in GPS

Check out the 2020 Chess video here! 

 

Debating

With the cancellation of the QDU season now official, the Debating staff have created a series of seminars to keep the students sharp and take time to further work on skills in preparation for 2021. This week’s seminar was a great success and well attended.

The next seminars will be:

  • Tuesday 25 August
  • Friday 18 September (Student Free Day)

To attend future seminars sign on here.

The QDU are offering a condensed three-day program (including quarter and semi finals) for Year 12 students only. Sign on will be sent shortly.

Director of Music | Mr Jan Hewerdine

Welcome to Week 3. As you may be aware, we have been fortunate to have a large number of our boys accepted to participate in the Queensland Conservatorium State Honours Ensemble Program. In recent times, this highly regarded initiative has expanded to encompass both primary and middle school aged musicians. What is perhaps less known is that it has also gone nationwide, with the introduction of the Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) in 2018. Entry standards are high, and few make the cut. We are delighted to announce that Liam Keates-Riley (Year 12) is one such student. Well done Liam!

 Missed lessons 

 Instrumental teachers will make up missed lessons in the following instances: 

  • Teacher absence 

  • Student illness (teacher must be contacted by 8am) 

  • If the student is on camp, retreat or excursion (with prior communication from the student) 

  • If the student has an exam (with prior communication from the student) 


Should a student forget a lesson or choose to not attend without consulting the Music teacher, the teacher will attempt to collect them from class. All attempts made to collect the student will be noted in the student OneNote. In the event that the student could not be taught, an email will be sent to the student and parent/caregiver on each occasion. Due to our duty of care if a student of a shared lesson forgets to attend, they cannot be collected. Missed time or lessons in the above circumstances will not be made up. 

Music Practice Hall

Music Practice Hall is held on Mondays from 3.15-5pm. We are seeing more boys coming to this again, so thank you for your support. A valuable way to use this is to work on the aural component of external exams. For AMEB candidates, the material for this can be found in your son’s OneNote Instrumental lessons, under the 'Content Library' tab. We encourage you to support this unique opportunity, whereby your sons can practice and receive guided supervision with tutors from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and other tertiary institutions.

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

The Weekly Wrap

Basketball

Round 2 of Terrace Basketball was a unique round with Terrace playing five different schools across the weekend. The majority of the A-B program travelled to Toowoomba to play the always competitive Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS). Despite the challenges posed by travelling, the program performed well to win 12 of the 13 games played, with the 10As playing out a tense 43-43 tie. The Year 10 age group was hotly contested with only six points the difference across all three games v TGS, whilst in contrast the 9Bs recorded the largest win of the weekend with a 97-5 victory. There were also dominant wins recorded by the 2nd V, 11As, 8As, 8Bs and 8Cs.

The 1st V made it consecutive wins to start the 2020 season, holding off a fighting effort from TGS, who despite being behind on the scoreboard for the majority of the game refused to yield, applying pressure to Terrace in all four quarters. Despite not being at their best, the team were able to come out on top as Justin Sullivan led the way with some impressive defensive plays.

A total of 24 supplementary games were played against Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Grammar, Nudgee College and Ipswich Grammar School. Terrace played above a division or age group in the majority of these games with teams able to take plenty from the learning and development opportunities against a higher standard of opposition. Despite being on the losing side of their games, the 7Cs, 9Ds and 10Ds were able to push their opposition until the final whistle. The 5th V were the standout of the round as the group were able to defeat the BBC 4ths by 32 points at the Campbell Centre.

This weekend will prove to be a tough challenge for the program against the traditionally strong Brisbane Boys’ College. All players are reminded to stick to the high playing standards expected of the playing group and to compete on every play.

Football

It was our first GPS home round this weekend and the rain could not dampen the feel-good mood as we hosted Toowoomba Grammar School.

The program notched some early wins across the board. A strong downpour forced the tough decision to move or cancel several games.  Thanks to all involved for making the late changes happen. Overall, 20 games were played on Saturday and Terrace won 15, putting on a great display of sportsmanship and skill.

The hard work put in by all boys stood out on the weekend, and all of the players can be proud of how well they represented the College.

For those impacted by the rain, particularly the washed out matches, we would like to thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your support, and this week at training we will do our best to ensure these boys get to play 11 v 11 internally to make up some of the lost match experience.

This weekend, we will host Brisbane Boys’ College for Round 3 of GPS Football. They are a strong footballing school, but Terrace Football welcomes the challenge and the opportunity for development as we aim to continue our great start to the season.

Please click here for results.

Rugby

As part of the GPS Rugby Grading Protocol, Terrace teams are drawn to play other schools’ higher graded teams – for example, this weekend, our GT 14C will play BBC 14B.  The GPS “Like for Like” philosophy is aimed at ensuring games between competing schools are as comparable as possible. A key driver for the “Like for Like” philosophy is player safety, along with player enjoyment. For more information relating to the Grading Protocol process please see below.

Grading protocol process

Prior to the commencement of each season, and then again at the conclusion of Round 3, a Grading Review Panel will convene to examine the grading placement of teams.

To ensure that some consistency of grading is achieved, the following guidelines may be used to influence discussions regarding the placement of each team across each age group.

 Grading Criteria

  1. The number of teams fielded in the age by each school.
  2.  A review of results from the preceding season to examine comparability of teams in each age group.
  3. Any preseason results may also be considered.
  4. For the Round 3 grading discussions, results from the Rounds 1 and 2 trials are also to be used to inform grading discussions.
  5. Pre-season discussion by the Grading Review Panel needs to consider any new students who have entered the school’s rugby program since the previous season.
  6. The Grading Committee will generate a full season draw to reflect the team reallocations that have been processed at the preseason grading meeting. This draw will be reassessed at the Round 3 meeting.
GPS Code of Behaviour

Players

  1. Play by the rules.
  2. Cooperate with and respect game officials and their decisions. 
  3. Abstain from verbal abuse, distraction, or provoking of officials or other players.
  4. Treat all players as you would like to be treated and respect the property of others.  
  5. Leave the field immediately and without dissent when suspended (Yellow Card) or sent off (Red Card). 
  6. Abstain from excessive encouragement of teammates. 

 Parents and Spectators

  1. Provide a model of good behavior for all players. 
  2. Demonstrate courtesy towards all players, all officials and all spectators. 
  3. Encourage honest effort, skilled performance and team loyalty. 
  4. Let game officials conduct the match without interference but be willing to help if requested. 

This weekend, most teams in the program will be away to Brisbane Boys’ College, with some teams playing in the supplementary draw in matches against The Southport School and Nudgee College.

Captains’ Corner | Vice Captain, Patrick Gleeson

Thank you - Yes, you!

Whether big or small, recognised or overlooked, every single member of the Terrace Family has done something worth a little thanks.

This week saw the recognition of four of our sports teams Football, Rugby, Tennis, Cross Country and our representatives for Culture with the Chess team – I would like to wish them the best of luck. On a different note, these gentlemen prove that the best teams at Terrace are not made of teammates, but brothers. Likewise, our greatest moments are shared not as the Terrace community, but the Terrace Family. Family seems to be the highest honour we can bestow, and the more you think about it, the more it seems to apply to the red and black.

For starters, no family is perfect. Every family has its problems, some bigger or more immediate than others. Always know that there is support for everyone at Terrace.

But my focus today is what happens in the shadows. Plenty goes unnoticed and unappreciated in a family of five, four, even three. Take a moment to imagine just how much must be overlooked in a family of over seventeen-hundred students and countless staff, families, and other individuals. For one, last Thursday a group of Year 12s spent lunchtime with the Years 5 and 6 students, a great time for everyone – and most of the College has no idea it happened. The preceding Tuesday saw the first morning mass in a long timeless recognition, yet beneath it all lies the actions of individuals, most of which are done with neither the expectation nor reality of recognition.

This is the realm of Be the One, a motto that at first glance, seems to miss the fundamental notion of Terrace as a family. Hopefully, it is now clear that Be the One doesn’t mean being at the front, or on the stage, or in the spotlight. Be the One embodies the tiny, individual contributions that keep the Terrace Family strong. That is my challenge to you this week. Be the One to lend a hand. Or to have a chat. Be the One to say thank you.

Events

Find all your upcoming Terrace Family event details here...

Pink laces - for a great cause - count us in!

Join us as we support Edmund Rice Education Australia in helping every girl and woman put her BEST FOOT FORWARD towards a brighter future of education and opportunity.

Purchase pink laces this week and next throughout lunchtime for $10 per pair. EFTPOS and cash both accepted. 
Boys are invited to show their #BFF solidarity and wear pink laces to school Friday 7 August and at all Round 4 Terrace v Nudgee matches next weekend.

Support Red and Black basketball and be in with a shot of winning some incredible prizes! What's not to love?

1st prize - LG LED TV valued at $1195
2nd prize - Nespresso machine valued at $399
3rd prize - Bunnings wheelbarrow with goodies

Tickets $25 each or 5 for $100 (+ booking fees)
Please click the link below to purchase. 

Raffle Tickets | Purchase Here

Please find below details of updated reunion dates for 2020:

FunctionDateTimeVenue
50 Year Reunion - Class of 1970Saturday 10 October 20205.30 - 9.30pmDuhig Place, Gregory Terrace
10 Year Reunion - Class of 2010Friday 16 October5.00 - 7.00pmDuhig Place, followed by offsite venue TBA
30 Year Reunion - Class of 1990Saturday 17 October4.30 - 6.30pmDuhig Place, followed by offsite venue TBA
40 Year Reunion - Class of 1980Saturday 24 October5.30 - 9.30pmDuhig Place, Gregory Terrace
60 Year Reunion - Class of 1960Friday 30 October5.30 - 9.30pmDuhig Place, Gregory Terrace
20 Year Reunion - Class of 2000Saturday 31 October4.30 - 6.30pmDuhig Place, followed by offsite venue TBA

For further information regarding reunions, please email GTOBA@Terrace.qld.edu.au or telephone 3214 5422.

GTOBA | Update your details

The College looks forward to celebrating this very special occasion with all the Terrace Family in 2021.

Date: Saturday 6 March 2021
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
RSVP: Tickets on sale early 2021. All tickets currently not refunded will automatically transfer to this new event. 
For further Ball enquiries or refunds on current tickets, please email
Terrace Communications | office@terrace.qld.edu.au 

Year Level Parent Social Functions

Find all your upcoming year level parent function details here...

Year 12 Parent/Caregiver Function

Details: Saturday 15 August | 7 - 11pm
Venue: The Warehouse, 8 McLachlan Street Fortitude Valley
Cost: $38pp (+ bf) | Includes canapes + substantial eats. Cash bar.
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Monday 3 August
For further function enquiries, please contact
Simone Hiley | hiley@iinet.net.au

Year 12 Parent Function | Book Here

Year 6 End of Year Break Up/Graduation Shorts

Details: Friday 27 November | 12 - 3pm
Venue: Centenary Pool, Gregory Terrace Spring Hill
Cost: Admission - $15 (+bf) | Includes admission, sausage sizzle & cake
Canterbury commemorative shorts - $30 (+bf) | Please view sizing chart linked below
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Catherine Hennessy | terraceclass2026@gmail.com

Year 6 Break Up | Book HereShorts Sizing Chart | View Here

Community Information

Would you like an apprentice?

Are you an employer in a trade-based industry looking for an apprentice who embodies all the wonderful attributes of a Terrace Gentleman? Would you like to have an extra set of hands to help you in your workplace, during the school holidays?

We have some fantastic young men at the College who are heading in the direction of trade-based vocations at the completion of their Year 12 studies.  Throughout the Senior years of their schooling, the gentlemen have undertaken a two-year Building and Construction course to get their trade careers off to a flying start.

A number of our students would love to undertake trade-based work experience in the school holiday breaks and the chance to show you what they are made of.

If you feel you can provide these opportunities, then please email our Construction teacher, Mr Glenn Cameron at GlennCameron@Terrace.qld.edu.au, and/or the Terrace Careers Counsellor, Ms Natalie Twine at NatalieTwine@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Information from the Brisbane City Council

Brisbane City Council wishes to advise of alternative transport arrangements, following the suspension of Cross-River and City Hopper ferry services on midnight 24 July for immediate maintenance inspections.

These changes may affect students and staff on their journeys to and from school. 

Alternative transport arrangements will be managed with bus and CityCat services and a new free shuttle bus which commenced from Kangaroo Point on Saturday 25 July.

For updated travel times and services, or for alternative transport options or to plan your journey, please visit www.translink.com.au or call Translink on 13 12 30.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

Please click here to find out more on the changes and click here for the full list of alternative bus options.