Dear members of the Terrace Family,

Welcome to Week 3.  It would be fair to say that over the last few weeks there have been a significant number of changes to our lives, and all within the Terrace Family have needed to adjust accordingly.

On Monday 4 May, the Premier announced a return to school plan for students of all year levels.  This has necessitated further changes to how we will operate over the coming weeks.  I sent a letter home on Tuesday 5 May detailing the impact of these changes and how it will affect our teaching and learning over the coming weeks.  To assist families, I have included a summary of what Weeks 3, 4, 5 and 6 will look like leading into all students returning to school on Monday 25 May.

Week 3 (4 – 8 May)

• All students continue with online learning using the modified GT@Home timetable.

Week 4 (11 – 15 May)

• All Year 11 and 12 students return to school for face-to-face learning
• All other year levels continue online learning at home
• All students revert to their regular Term 2 timetable (i.e. Periods 1 – 7)

Week 5 (18 – 22 May)

• As per Week 4

Week 6 (25 – 29 May)

• All students return to school and commence normal face-to-face learning
• All students continue using their normal Term 2 timetable

In last week’s Terrace News, I presented our proposed plan for the remainder of the online learning period. However, this needed to change after the Premier’s announcement on Monday.  

Now that we have a return to school strategy finalised, it is also appropriate to examine what the remainder of Term 2 will look.  The key focus will be to maximise the face-to-face teaching time that all students can receive.

To this end, I propose that Term 2 is extended to Thursday 25 June for Year 12 students and Wednesday 24 June for all other students. This will allow exams to be pushed back by a week to allow additional teaching time.

Semester 1 reports will be issued and will include Term 2 and Semester 1 results, but no teacher comments.  These reports will be sent on Tuesday 30 June. 

Term 3 was to begin with a Student Free day to allow Parent/Teacher meetings to occur.  This Student Free day will now be cancelled, and all classes will commence on Monday 13 July.  The Parent/Teacher meetings will be rescheduled to Wednesday 15 July (1.30 – 8.30pm) and Wednesday 22 July (3.30 – 8.30 pm).  The Parent/Teacher booking system will open on Wednesday 1 July at 9am.

I will provide further details of these and other Term 3 changes in my letter next week.  However, a clear objective of the current changes is to maximise face-to-face teaching time for all students.

On Tuesday this week, we celebrated the Feast Day of Edmund Rice.  Ordinarily, we would have had a full school liturgy to acknowledge this special day.  However, as with many things at this current time, a special video was developed to assist the Terrace Family celebrate this important day, and I thank and congratulate the staff and students involved in its production. I encourage you to watch this video which is available on the College Facebook and Youtube pages.  As we journey through this difficult time, let us continue to take inspiration from Edmund’s work and Live Jesus in our Hearts – Forever.

As I conclude this edition of the Terrace News, I again thank you for your support.  These are certainly unusual and changing times; however, the strong partnership that exists within the Terrace Family remains key to all of us successfully negotiating the challenges that are presented to us.

I also take this opportunity to wish all of the Mothers within the Terrace Family a Happy Mother’s Day, and thank you for all that you do within your families.  Happy Mother’s Day.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal

Warm congratulations from the Terrace Family is extended to Mr Craig Tonkies, who joined our teaching staff this year. Craig and his wife welcomed their beautiful daughter, Daniella Lyla last week. Daniella is the Tonkies’ first child and the new family are delighted and doing very well. We wish them the very best. The timing of the new arrival will ensure they have a memorable first Mother's Day together this Sunday. As one of eight children myself, as well as a father of three boys, I marvel at the sacrifice and selflessness shown by mothers, and I hope that all of our mums are spoilt for at least a little while this weekend. 

The contribution and example provided by mothers in the lives of our young men is critical for their development, but not just in the traditional sense. Mums will always be the ultimate example of love and care but are also outstanding teachers. They teach our boys about respectful relationships and that women are strong, courageous and powerful leaders. They teach our men about equality and humility while demonstrating what it means to be ‘warm of heart, while firm of foot’. I take this opportunity to wish all of the mothers in the Terrace Family a very Happy Mother's Day.

This week, members of the College Leadership Team have commenced academic mentoring interviews with Year 12 students. It has been an unusual experience to do so via Teams video link, but as always, a great privilege to hear the stories of their recent academic journey. The recurring theme is how keen the Seniors are to return to the College amongst their friends, and the irreplaceable experience of learning in the traditional classroom. I know I speak for the staff when I say I genuinely look forward to the return of the Years 11 and 12 students on Monday, and the entire school soon after. Terrace is not the same without the busyness that comes from almost 1700 young men on campus. It seems we are a step closer to a return to normal. 

We look forward to more steps forward in the coming weeks.

The announcement by the Premier to allow Years 11 and 12 students to return to the College is welcome news. All teaching staff are looking forward to having our Senior student back into the classroom. We also look forward to having the remaining years back on site as soon as possible. 

As Dr Carroll outlined in his communication earlier this week, Years 11 and 12 students will be on site engaging in face to face teaching via their normal Term 2 timetable and Years 5 to 10 will continue with the distance learning program. However, these students will also now be working to their normal Term 2 timetable. All days, except Wednesdays, will be utilising ‘long bell’ lesson times. That is, the same lesson times as a Monday or Friday.

For Year 5-10 students, the movement to distance learning with the normal timetable will present different challenges. Students will need to be more organised to quickly transition from lesson to lesson. The distance learning model will still see lessons comprising of both synchronous (live interactive) and asynchronous (student directed) work. Students will need to ensure that they are completing homework, assignment work and revision outside of school hours. This new model will also see an increase in screen time for students. Therefore, the morning tea and lunch breaks must be screen free to allow students to fully disengage.

Term 2 assessment calendars are now available. Students should be updating their study plans to take into account due dates for assignments and assignment drafts. Organisation is a key to academic success, with early planning allowing for the timely completion of tasks, management of assessment stress and provision of higher quality feedback. For example, if a student is organised and produces an assignment draft that is their best work, then the feedback that is received on that draft will provide direction for a student to potentially achieve a better result. 

The arrival back of our Senior students will see some changes to our academic support program:

• Years 11 and 12 staff tutoring will revert to Term 1 times
• Years 11 and 12 study hall will recommence in Week 4. Rooms 423 and 422 are available for Senior students before school (7-8.15am) and after school (3.15–5pm) everyday
• Peer tutoring will revert to Term 1 times
• Years 5-10 staff tutoring is available online, via appointment, with your teacher.

All the best for the week ahead.

We are looking forward to having the Years 11 and 12 students on campus next week, and hopefully welcoming the rest of the year levels in the near future. As we commence the transition back into normal classes, I remind students they will be required to wear the winter uniform. The Terrace Shop’s current opening hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30am to 12pm and 12.35 to 3.30pm. As usual, it is expected that student’s hair is presentable and in line with the College’s expectations. A blade three buzz cut will fix any iso home hairdressing experiments that may not have gone to plan! For students that are on campus next week, the canteen will be open for business with a reduced menu. 

While many of the boys have enjoyed the time away from school, I know that they have missed the daily interactions with staff and their peers and are quietly looking forward to returning to the College. We will continue to provide ample opportunities for students to wash their hands around the yard with hand washing stations and ensure the soap dispensers in the toilets remain full. Furthermore, we have increased the cleaning of student desks and common touch points around the campus throughout the day. 

Please continue to notify the College of any student absences by contacting Student Services (studentservices@terrace.qld.edu.au).  This includes arriving late or departing early from school. If students are not returning to regular classes due to issues related to COVID-19, I ask that you inform the College using the student services email above.

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever

As faith communities throughout the world, we celebrated the Feast Day of Edmund Rice, the Founder of the Christian Brothers, on Tuesday 5 May. Ordinarily, we would celebrate with a Mass. As this was not possible this year, reflections from Christian Brothers, staff and students were put together to celebrate this significant day in our College calendar. This video can be accessed:

For me, I had the privilege of being educated at a fellow Edmund Rice school, St Laurence’s College. It was the teachings and learnings of Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers that shaped who I am today and enticed me to the profession of teaching. Being guided by the principles of an Edmund Rice education, I have been lucky enough to have worked in Edmund Rice schools for more than ten years. 

Edmund Rice lived by the example of Jesus. This was evident in 1804 when he opened his first school, Mt Sion in Waterford, Ireland. Edmund’s vision and mission were simple – giving the poor and oppressed boys of Ireland the opportunity to have a Catholic education. Edmund saw the dignity in each of these boys, which gave them hope and possibility to be like you and me today. Edmund saw his calling as helping those stuck in the margins. 

In 2007, the Christian Brothers mission of a Catholic education was passed to a new governing body, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA). The Charter, which includes four touchstones for Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition, was created to ensure Edmund’s legacy, authenticity and vision is continued today. These touchstones are:

• Liberating Education, 
• Gospel Spirituality, 
• Inclusive Community and 
• Justice and Solidarity

These touchstones give us ideals authentically linked with the Charism which underpins the ministry in our schools and educational endeavours. They help us set our direction and define our goals as, following Blessed Edmund’s vision, we continue to reflect and to seek to make the Gospel a living reality in our communities (EREA, 2018).

In the coming weeks, I will unpack each of these touchstones and illustrate how the Terrace Family lives and puts these into action.

As we walk humbly serving others and becoming the best we can be, may we enact the same wisdom that Edmund Rice prayed for, To live Jesus in our hearts … Forever. This was one of his favourite prayers, a prayer he shared with his followers with keeping true to his mission of bringing hope to young men through education. 

We, as Edmund people, are called, just as he was, to look outside our window in this time of isolation and lockdown; to look for those who most need support. We are also challenged, as Edmund people, to look for and be signs of hope in this world through our words and actions (Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders, 2020).

O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice. He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice. May we follow his example of faith and generosity. Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund As we seek to live lives of love and service. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
~ Serenity Prayer

The simple yet powerful words of the Serenity Prayer have perhaps never been so applicable as they are to everyone navigating their life journey today.  With our 24/7 access to updates on the evolving world response to current challenges, it is too easy to waste precious energy on what we do not have any control over, while neglecting the areas we can control or influence.  Similar to the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, Stephen Covey offers practical guidance in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People highlighting the difference between our Circle of Concern (things we care about but can’t control) and our Circle of Influence (things we care about and can impact).  

Covey’s model can serve as a compass to guide us through our day-to-day lives’ to more efficiently and effectively spend our time and energy.  Being proactive rather than reactive in our approach to daily life can be really important in the current environment.   

Proactive people focus their efforts on their Circles of Influence and Control, which is the area we have power over, and we can act upon. They spend energy on the things they can directly influence, such as their health, relationships and work. When we act on our Circle of Influence, we are able to reduce stress levels and increase happiness, because we can intentionally impact change. 

Reactive people focus their efforts in the Circle of Concern, with usually little or no influence to change, such as the economy, weather or government responses to global pandemics. Reactive people often overlook the matters in which they do have control and influence.  All we have to do is turn on the news to see examples of unhealthy concern for what people can’t control leading to reactive decisions (e.g. toilet paper disputes). 

I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions. Dr Stephen R. Covey 

Developing awareness of our areas of concern against areas of influence can be an important first step as we attempt to embrace serenity, and develop the wisdom to know the difference.

GTCouchella@Home

Well done to Year 12 student Yang Zhang who collaborated from home to produce Jump by Van Halen. This was released on Facebook and the Cultural Instagram last Sunday as part of our GT Couchella Sunday Sessions.

Sunday Sessions will continue to be released on the College Facebook and Cultural Instagram at 3pm each Sunday for you to enjoy. This week Matt Cho will perform a Daft Punk song.

460 online Music lessons

Thank you to the staff and families for making our Music lessons possible. This week saw our music staff undertake 460 online one-on-one Music lessons with great success in the implementation, attendance and use of IT infrastructures. Thank you to the families for altering homes to accommodate your sons for these lessons. This week we were invited into your lounge rooms, home theatres and even a laundry! All lesson recordings are made available through student OneNote notebook. See you online next week.

“ISO” Chess Tournament Round 2

Well done to the following boys who have moved up the ISO Chess Tournament in Round 2 of competition.
• Alex Ong (Year 11)
• Joshua Alfredson (Year 9)
• Yang Zhang (Year 12)
• Darcy O'Rourke (Year 11)
• Max Elliott (Year 5)
• Justin Jeyarajah (Year 12)
• Adrian Jesuthasan (Year 10)
• Tom Barnett (Year 9)

This tournament is open to any Terrace student. Any students wishing to take part in the next round of this tournament, please contact Mr Herne for more details. More information on chess can be found at the GTCulture@Home page on the Terrace website.

School of Rock

This week was to be our biennial school musical.  We will be releasing unseen School of Rock footage of our journey, a flashback to a recently produced highlights package of We Will Rock You and a School’s Out video. 

There are so many people involved in such a production it is impossible to thank everyone. Students, families and staff all make extraordinary schedule alterations to make a production of this magnitude come to life. This year we enjoyed welcoming Mr Dan Venz to our team as the choreographer and we hope to continue this relationship with him. Our group of leads worked throughout the Christmas holidays like no other previous group of students, studying and perfecting their musical craft to perform for you on stage. In particular, I would like to mention and thank the support and dedication of Terrace parent Mrs Tanya O’Meally. While Tanya did not have a student in the production, she volunteered her expertise in costuming and graphic design and was always a pleasure to work with. Tanya was well into the creation of the program and making of the costumes from the costume look book. Our thanks to Mrs O'Meally for driving across Brisbane to obtain the best deals on culottes or fabric, and then engaging the assistance of Mrs Michelle Williams and Mrs Amanda Monckton to organise and size the cast, pairing purchases and creations with our recently arrived costumes from America. The College and cast our indebted to you all. Your shared vision of excellence and giving your time helps us achieve our great results. 

Thank you.

Entertainment Books

Good news! If you purchase by the 10 May 2020, you will receive a BONUS $20 BIG W eGift Card for Multi City or Multi Plus Memberships or $10 BIG W eGift Card for Single City Memberships*.  The Entertainment Books are continuing to add to their growing list of businesses offering takeaway and delivery for food, shopping and services, perfect for treating Mum at home. Latest additions include eGift Card offers from Amazon, iTunes, Google and BIG W.

Rugby wrap

With Term 2 and 3 sports and activities currently paused, it has been an ideal time for our 100-plus coaches and referees to update their Smart Rugby accreditation. Smart Rugby is Rugby Australia’s “Workplace, Health and Safety” program and is a minimum requirement for every coach and referee participating in rugby where there is a tackling component.

Once again, we have a solid number of student referees enrolled in our Refereeing Kids Rugby course. Refereeing kids’ rugby (Under 8 – Under 12) is incredibly rewarding and a great way to learn the game of rugby. Parents are also encouraged to assist with refereeing. If interested, please contact Director of Rugby Mr Tyron Mandrusiak via email (tyronmandrusiak@terrace.qld.edu.au) for more information. 

Well done to all boys who have been regularly engaging in the GTSport@Home activities. I encourage boys to continue the good work as we head towards a possible return to rugby sooner rather than later. Click here to access the program.

STRAVA Running

STRAVA is an optional running app for boys interested in tracking their efforts. To sign up:
• Create a STRAVA account here
• Link your smart watch or smart phone to record your runs
• Join the Terrace Rugby STRAVA club for your runs to be added to the Rugby leader board 

Interview – Isaac Lucas

This week’s guest coach is GT 2016 Old Boy and current Reds utility back Isaac Lucas. Isaac took some time out of his busy isolation schedule to reminisce about his time playing in the Red and Black. His interview is available on the Terrace Rugby YouTube channel here.

Moving forward

In the coming weeks, the GPS Association will be releasing information regarding Terms 2 and 3 Sports and activities, which will be subject to and in line with government and governing body guidelines – stay tuned. 

Don't forget to tag us on social media #TerraceFamilyConnect so that we can share your involvement on Terrace Rugby Twitter @TerraceRugby and on Instagram Terrace_rugby

Home learning; every high school student’s dream. As great as it sounds, it is easy to become enthralled in the life of leisure, as I like to call it. 

After a week of online learning, I was not overly satisfied with my efforts – so I sat down and devised a daily routine with my Dad. 

• 5am: wake up/exercise.
• 6am: reading (I am reading 1984, by George Orwell, for English – I had low expectations for it, but to my surprise, it has been a great read!).
• 6.30am: breakfast.
• 7am: shower and organisation for the day.
• 7.30am: study.
• 9am: class.
• 10.30am: break (time for morning tea or early lunch, as well as a brief check of the phone – but do not start texting!)
• 11am: class/study.
• 12.30pm: lunch/short break/study (try not to be back on the phone while having lunch, or during a break – go for a walk around the block, go outside, do a quick workout, have a chat with a parent etc.)
• 1.30pm: class/study.
• 3pm: study.
• 4pm: big break (I usually walk to my local lookout – where I can clear my mind and enjoy the phenomenal weather that Autumn has brought).
• 5pm: big break continued (free to do whatever – I eat dinner and shower at this time, but I am aware that most people do this later!).
• 6pm: study.
• 8pm: done for the day, relax/prepare for bed (I have been watching one Seinfeld episode per evening, and then I have been listening to a podcast/music).
• 9.30pm: bedtime (can be earlier, but I have been going no later).

A few additional things:

1. Leave my phone separate to where I study and sleep, and do not take it anywhere else in the house. 
2. Leave my book and study cards with my phone. 
3. Read my book or study cards whenever I check my phone.

Now, I am aware that it is a big day. From my experience, having big days leaves me exhausted yet satisfied at the end of it, and the sleep I get because of it is beyond good! You can take or leave my routine as I know it is not for everybody. My advice to my fellow Terracians is to find something that works and stick with it. 

I touched on how I have been watching Seinfeld in my daily routine and conclude my second instalment of my Captains’ Corner with a quote from Jerry Seinfeld:

To me, if life boils down to one thing, it's movement. To live is to keep moving.

Until next time.

We pray for the families of the following members of the Terrace Family who have gone to their eternal rest.

Mr John O’CONNOR, GT 1953-54

Mrs Maureen HORRIGAN - Grandmother to Charlie and Angus Gascoigne (Year7) and former GT teacher 1990-2002.

Mr Santo TOSCANO, GT 1949-52