Dear Members of the Terrace Family,

Welcome to the first 'real' week of the 2022 school year. It was fantastic to see the students return on Monday. They were eager to get back to school, full of enthusiasm and looking forward to reconnecting with their friends. For 300 students, Monday was the start of their Terrace journey. This is a significant step in their education and although we could not tunnel them into the Campbell Centre, as usual, our online assembly did acknowledge and welcome them to the College as Gentlemen of Terrace.

I indicated last week that I would provide regular COVID updates in the Terrace News. There are 39 students learning from home (six positive cases and 33 close contacts) and two staff members are working from home (two COVID positive). I will continue to provide updates each week. I also remind families of the need to continue with COVID-safe practices, including wearing masks, regular hand washing, and social distancing wherever possible.

As I have mentioned at a number of the Parent Information Nights already, the delayed start to the school year makes it even more important than usual that all students make a positive start immediately. Setting up good routines, positive study habits and being organised are key ingredients to a successful journey at Terrace. I wish all students the very best this year.

The Culture of Learning at Terrace is very positive, and we believe that it is important to acknowledge and celebrate academic achievement. On Tuesday, we held our Scholars’ Assembly and welcomed 39 Year 12 2021 students back to congratulate them on their academic achievements. Our 2021 Year 12 ATAR results were again very strong, with 12% or 24 students being awarded an ATSAR of 99+, including our College Dux Geordan Papacostas, who was awarded the top mark of 99.95. I congratulate Geordan and the other 99+ ATAR students on their success. To mark this achievement, each of these students received the Buchanan Medal. At our Scholars’ Assembly, we also welcomed back the students who were the Dux of their subjects in 2021.

Last year, I wrote to families outlining some of the outstanding results achieved by our 2021 Year 12 cohort. However, since that letter in December, additional information has become available, further highlighting the excellent results achieved by the students. These include:

• 12% - ATAR of 99+
• 53% - ATAR of 90+
• Median ATAR of 91.45
• Geordan Papacostas – ATAR of 99.95 (one of only 32 in the State)
• Rory Little – top result in the State for Specialist Maths and Engineering

Students who received 100% in the external ATAR examinations:

• Rory Little – Specialist Maths
• Geordan Papacostas – Mathematical Methods
• Zachary Thompson – Literature
• Ethan Lewin – Film, Television & New Media
• Patrick Milne – Film, Television & New Media
• Luke Ames – English
• Griffin Kelly – English
• Geordan Papacostas – English
• Zachary Ellis – English
• Daniel Fitzgerald – English
• Lachlan Cairney - English

• 98% of Terrace graduates received QTAC offers to University, including 70% who received an offer to study their first choice course.
• Eight 2021 Terrace graduates began apprenticeships on completion of their Year 12 studies.

These academic results are undoubtedly the result of hard work and application by our students. However, the support, encouragement and guidance offered by their teachers and parents also greatly enhance our academic outcomes. This partnership is key in all that we do at Terrace.

The GPS competition has commenced, and this weekend we will see Terrace teams competing across all age groups and all divisions. For many students, it will be their first opportunity to represent Terrace. Terrace has large numbers of players and teams competing across all activities and year levels. I look forward to seeing our students competing this Saturday. I reiterate that it is important to play hard and give your very best. However, what is even more important is how we play. We must always display sportsmanship, humility in victory and graciousness in defeat. Champions like Ash Barty are excellent role models for all young people involved in Sport and Cultural activities, embodying the positive qualities that all Terrace competitors should strive for.

It is my pleasure to announce the Captains for our Term 1 activities. Our formal Presentation Assembly will be held in Week 5, but I would like to congratulate the following young men on their leadership appointments:

Debating

• Captain: Thomas Nunn-Rutledge
• Vice Captain: Thomas Musgrave

Cricket

• Captain: Thomas Campbell
• Vice Captain: Brayden Laffan

Volleyball

• Captain: Nicholas Lawrence
• Vice Captain: Harry Lane

Rowing

• Captain: Bayley Clarke
• Vice Captain: Samuel Allen and Angus Munn

Swimming

• Captain: Felix Wilson
• Vice Captains: Zygmund Bickle and William Voltz

The Gregory Terrace Foundation board is seeking to appoint up to three new members to ensure that we have the capacity and skills to oversee our mission: to assist the College by raising funds for the Building and Bursary Funds. Positions are open to the extended Terrace network past, present and future. For more details about these positions please see the ‘Current Opportunities’ section of our website.

Finally, this week, I invite all parents to join us online for the Opening School Liturgy, which will take place on Friday 11 February from 8.30am. The link can be found here.

I wish all within the Terrace Family an excellent 2022 and look forward to connecting with you throughout the year.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll

It was a great pleasure to see our students return to campus this week. Staff and students alike were delighted to see things return to relative normality as the busyness of College life resumed on campus. Not many people are fans of online learning, so the return to the physical classroom was a welcome change for everyone. As a relationship-based organisation, students and staff place great value on their interactions, and we cannot underestimate the positive influence this has on all of us. It seems unlikely we will see future school lockdowns, which is welcome news and if all goes well, we look forward to a largely uninterrupted term ahead.

At the start of the year, I need to pass on some messages regarding carparks at Terrace. It is no secret we have a large and growing community on a relatively small campus, so parking will always be at a premium. Staff operate under a parking agreement that the only way we can fit all cars is to park each other in during the day and show courtesy to colleagues by ensuring no one remains parked in after 3.30pm. It is an organised form of chaos that works quite well most days. As well as providing enough parking spaces for staff, I am always concerned about student safety in these high traffic areas, especially at the conclusion of the school day.

Our systems and safety are compromised when non-staff cars drive through, stop or park in College carparks. I have no doubt this primarily arises from a genuine lack of understanding of what we require of parents and caregivers. To members of the Terrace Family who are not members of staff:

• Please do not park in staff carparks at any stage on any school day.
• Please do not drive through staff carparks, particularly the lower one near the basketball court. This is sometimes used to move between Rogers and Victoria Streets, but I ask that this does not happen.
• Please do not use carparks for student pickup. This needs to happen on the streets around the College.

Adhering to the above requests helps relieve congestion and lessens traffic when students walk through carparks. I thank all members of our community in anticipation of your understanding and assistance.

Finally, congratulations to our Senior students following their Induction ceremonies last Friday. While we were forced to downsize and simplify the liturgies, they were powerful and memorable for our Year 12 students and their families. On behalf of the College, I wish the Senior cohort of 2022 the best for a highly successful year.

Gentlemen of Terrace

This week, we officially welcomed all students back on campus. It was a special time for those experiencing their first day, those commencing their significant experience at Waterford Place, and those who were starting their final year as a student at this great College.

I can easily recall my first day at a new school, including my first day at Terrace as a teacher. And just like my first day, I am confident that students had a memorable and enjoyable experience.

At our streamed assembly on Monday, I spoke about Br John Stanislaus Campbell. Br Campbell is a Terrace legend and was Principal of Terrace half a century ago. He once said that the finest kind of friendship is between people who expect a lot of each other but never ask for it. He envisioned a great deal from Terrace boys, and he called them the ‘Gentlemen of Terrace.’

Br Campbell’s ‘Gentlemen of Terrace’ mantra is continued today. This year, we have unpacked what it means to be a Gentleman of Terrace, using the Edmund Rice touchstones to formulate actions that represent the legacy of Edmund Rice. Practising and reflecting on one’s commitment to these actions will be an essential part of the formation of a Terrace student. The Gentlemen of Terrace framework is an excellent moral compass that challenges students to be the best version of themselves.

All students are called to welcome and teach one another what it means to be Gentlemen of Terrace in their words and actions. May they be clear examples of our College motto: To Serve God is to be Wise.

Above all, the heart of the Terrace experience is in the building of an atmosphere of care, where relationships matter, and where the person of Jesus Christ is present to us, in us, and through us, at school each day.

As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, prayer is a special and purposeful time. When Jesus began his ministry, he laid out his plan for the journey. It is known as The Beatitudes – we offer this prayer of blessing over everyone in the Terrace Family as we commence the 2022 school year and our journey together.

Jesus, give us the wisdom and courage to be humble in a world that glorifies power and fame.
Give us the wisdom and courage to cry because we know you are with us always.
Give us the wisdom and courage to remain gentle and to be mindful of the truth that all we have and know comes through you.
Give us the wisdom and courage to do what is right, even when what is right is not what is popular or easy.
Give us the wisdom and courage to be forgiving because it is easy to forget what you did for us.
Give us the wisdom and courage to be pure of heart, even when we feel overwhelmed by uncertainty, fear, or a need to be popular.
Give us the wisdom and courage to be peacemakers and friend makers in a world torn apart by bullying, gossip, and violence.
Jesus, give us the wisdom and courage to serve our loving God by supporting one another to be and become the very best that we can be with you as our brother and guide.

And as Edmund Rice called himself to remember,

Live Jesus in our hearts…forever.

St Joseph…Prayer for us.

Opening School Liturgy

Friday 11 February at 8.30am

Streamed - https://youtu.be/NCRDMFjeMWE

Firstly, thank you to parents and caregivers for ensuring students were organised and ready for online classes over the last two weeks. With a new learning management system (SPIRE) in place for 2022, we are very pleased with how the boys have engaged in their learning.

I have been less pleased with the uniform standard this week, particularly students in Year 8 and above. Support with the following reminders for your sons would be appreciated

• College hat needs to be worn to and from school every day
• College hats with holes need to be fixed or replaced
• School socks that no longer stay up need to be replaced
• All shirts need to have a top button

House Deans will reinforce these requirements over the next fortnight. As usual, students with uniform issues need to collect a uniform pass from their House Dean in the morning. Students who choose not to obtain a uniform pass throughout the day will receive a short detention.

During year level assemblies this week, I have been very clear about following the COVID-safe measures throughout the day. Students are required to bring a mask to school and remove it when they are sitting down or eating. If students forget to bring a mask to school, they may purchase a disposable mask from Student Services for 50 cents.

I want to praise the Year 11 and 12 students for the way they have enthusiastically embraced their buddy role this week. It certainly makes an enormous difference for those young men who might be feeling a little nervous about the start of school. Next Friday, we are looking forward to the Year 5 Inter-House Futsal competition at Waterford Place. It promises to be a fun afternoon for the boys.

Many thanks to the large number of parents and caregivers who accepted the opportunity to book an online interview at this week’s Parent/Mentor Interviews. I trust the brief time together was valuable, and I encourage parents and caregivers to use Mentors as the first point of contact regarding pastoral matters.

At Scholars’ Assembly on Tuesday, I had the great honour of speaking on behalf of our 2021 Scholars. As I spoke about each of the young men, I was struck by the number of similarities evident in their academic journeys. While each student had natural academic talent, this talent was combined with motivation, determination and work ethic, ensuring that their goals were achieved. Each of them recognised that:

• They had to set their goals and then plan to work toward them.
• They had to utilise all of their support networks – teachers, staff tutoring, study hall and study group, mates, parents and family.
• They did the small things – used their diary, logged their study hours, completed homework tasks.
• They consistently did the best they could, every day, at everything they did.

The above points are a simple enough formula and one that is proven. However, what distinguishes those who succeed in any endeavour, is the self-motivation to get the job done. A great example of this self-motivation is George Burtenshaw. George was deservedly awarded the Student Award on Tuesday not just because of his improvement in his academic performance, but because of how he instigated his improvement. He made a conscious decision to improve his academic outcomes, and he worked hard toward achieving his goals. George made sure he did all the small things well (see above). This should be the starting point for anyone who wants to be the best they can be.

Ultimately, it is up to each student to take responsibility for their learning. The College is here to work with each student on their academic journey and there are several initiatives that students can access to assist with their study:

• Assessment calendars have been distributed to students to assist with their planning. By now, a study plan should have been developed and being followed.
• Staff tutoring is available. The list of times and venues can be found on the College App.
• Study Group is available to Year 11 and Year 12 students every afternoon in 422 / 423 from 3.15 – 5.30pm and mornings from 7.30am.

A warm welcome to our final cohort of Year 10 gentlemen and their families at Waterford Place. It has been wonderful to see our building come alive after a week of online learning. I know both staff and students alike have been looking forward to returning to a routine after the extended break. I hope your son has enjoyed reconnecting to the College community, friends, and teachers; and is settling into the unique Waterford routines.

An important part of the Waterford journey is the working relationship between your son and his Mentor. I trust you welcomed the opportunity to meet with your son’s Mentor last night. While it was disappointing that we couldn’t host this evening on campus, it remains a valuable night.

Our world has changed significantly since Waterford Place was first opened in 2007. However, what hasn’t changed is our focus on journeying with our young men as they navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence. As I am sure you can attest, this can be challenging. A particular focus on this at Waterford Place is the concept of a 'fresh start' – an opportunity to leave childish habits and behaviours behind as students move towards adulthood and responsibility. This is a welcome opportunity for some students who have struggled through middle school. For those who have travelled through with minimal fuss, it can be a good point of reflection and reinforcement of good habits. With new Pastoral Care groups, class groups, teachers and mentors, students have been encouraged to take the opportunity to form new relationships and meaningful positive habits. Across the first term, our focus is for students to look inward and reflect on their journey so far – who they are and what they value. As the year unfolds, we trust that our young men see this time as a chance to grow, develop outward thinking and engage in behaviours that align more closely with the man they desire to be. This serves as a good discussion piece for you and your son.

Another key feature of Waterford Place is the chance to develop our young men's leadership skills and opportunities. Throughout the semester, there will be a range of opportunities that will promote leadership. These include:

• Immersion
• Edmund Rice Camps (Head 2 Heart)
• Kolega Café
• Waterford Council
• Lenten Appeal

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we will also reintroduce:

• Eddie’s ‘Big Brekkie’ Van
• St Mary’s of the Cross Homework Club

I would encourage your son to strongly consider challenging himself through participation in a service program during their time at Waterford Place.

I trust that the Waterford Place experience will be a rewarding and memorable part of your son’s Terrace journey. I look forward to working in partnership with you and your son in 2022.

Objectives of music in society

Have we reached the ideal world whereby it is no longer necessary to advocate and explain the value of programs such as music education because the value is unmistakably adherent?

At Terrace, boys are incredibly fortunate to experience an expansive range of opportunities, including a diverse Music program. As we welcome many new families to Terrace, I challenge you to consider why your son might be involved in Music?

Are the inherent values of music great enough to simply justify its study, or is it the external benefits that are a by-product of an associated study of music, whereby the disciplines required for mastery are great enough justification? Regardless of one’s viewpoint, I believe this quote by Bruce Pearson, a well-respected music educator, captures the essence of what we aim to achieve no matter our passion or lifelong pursuit.

The objective of education is to provide young people with knowledge and skills that enable them to participate fully in society - Bruce Pearson

Congratulations to the Terrace Choir, who sang at the Year 12 Inductions last Friday. The boys are to be commended for their performance, the way they conducted themselves, their perseverance and ability to rise to the occasion, a true demonstration of what it means to be a Gentleman of Terrace. Led by our Choir Director Mr Jacob Bradford, the music assisted in creating a memorable occasion for our Year 12 cohort and their families.

Congratulations to the Waterford String Orchestra, who presented a moving performance, conducted by Mrs Domenica Kelly, at our Scholars’ Assembly on Tuesday.

Music Practice Hall 2022

Music Practice Hall provides the perfect opportunity for your son to benefit from a range of trained music professionals here to assist your son with their practice. With an emphasis on helping the boys master the skills required on their respective instruments, the program supports boys in building effective and productive habits that will set them on the road to success.

Music Practice Hall will commence next Monday 14 February in the Music Centre located on level 3 from 3.15-5pm. I urge all parents to support their son’s participation in this initiative.

Year 5 Norman Clarke Music program (classroom Music)

The Year 5 Instrumental Band and String program will commence next Monday. All boys will receive their instruments as part of the Music Immersion program. Each week, boys will be required to bring their instrument and music book to school. Boys are to store their instruments in the Music Centre and not in their school bags.

Tuition lessons and ensemble rehearsals

All Years 7-12 tuition lessons have now commenced for 2022. Years 5 and 6 classes will start next Monday. All Terrace Music Ensembles began this week. If you are unsure about your lesson time or ensemble, please do not hesitate to contact the music office: music@terrace.qld.edu.au or access the Terrace App.

Student instrument storage

All Years 7-12 students’ instruments must be stored safely and securely. Students are reminded to store their instruments in their locker or the Music Centre on Level 3.

Cricket

For the second week in a row, Terrace played at Tennyson. The weekend provided another terrific opportunity for the cricketers, as Terrace took on Brisbane Boys’ College in the Open, A level and internal games. The Open age group once again swept their opposition. The 11As and 7As also had tight victories, with both games going down to the wire.

Rowing

Congratulations on a successful first regatta of the season!

The conditions were challenging, with the entire regatta nearly getting called off several times. The crews should be very proud of the way they handled the conditions.

As mentioned in the post-regatta debrief, the boys answered the Captain’s call to attack the conditions, which showed great skill and commitment, and of course, some positive results on the day.

Let’s make sure we continue to strive for more boat speed in the coming weeks to stay in front of the pack.

Winners

• Year 9 9^th Quad
• Year 9 8^th Quad
• Year 9 7^th Quad
• Year 9 5^th Quad
• Year 9 1^st Quad
• Year 10 8^th Quad
• Year 10 7^th Quad
• Year 10 6^th Quad
• Year 10 4^th Quad (Won both races)
• Year 10 2^nd Quad (Won both races)

Notable performances

• Year 9 6^th Quad – 2^nd
• Year 9 3^rd Quad – 2^nd
• Year 10 8^th Quad – 2^nd
• Year 10 3^rd Quad – 2^nd
• Open 3^rd VIII – 2^nd

Open 1st VIII

• Morning – 4^th
• Afternoon - 3^rd

For the full breakdown, please see the attached BSHS Regatta results.

Throughout my life, I have had the tendency to jump straight into things - often without too much thought and have tried to find a way through, generally through sheer stubbornness. A quality my mum likes to criticise, which is ironic as it is quite clearly a trait adopted from her. So, for my first Captains' Corner, I saw no reason to change my ways and just jump straight into it!

So first of all, for those who don’t know me, my name is Luca Gassman. I am in Kearney House. I have a long and extremely proud family history at Terrace. As I am sure you are aware, the start of the year has been rather strange, with Years 8-12 experiencing the rather dull phenomenon of online schooling. However, with school back on campus on Monday, I have had some long, yet truly exciting days at school, words I thought I would never use to describe a school day. As I sat through the assemblies in these first few days, I heard the word 'presence' being mentioned several times. I first heard the term mentioned by Mr Hellyer. He discussed the importance of being present in the moment for our education and how the simple task of being there face to face and listening are fundamental for our ability to learn. This had me thinking about the phrase and what it means to be 'present', not just with education but in a broader sense.

During online school, at the start of each lesson, the roll was marked. Essentially you had to be present for five minutes, and then all bets are off. We would sit through hours of staring at a screen, and I would sit there slowly starting to become more and more restless before I would suddenly stand up and go to see someone face to face. Now back on campus, I have realised that being present in the moment goes so much further than just education. In the first few days back, I have found myself wanting to give my best to everything, and I mean everything. Every conversation I have had, I get fully invested. When I had the first Pastoral Care group gathering, we played cricket and Uno, which hasn’t happened before. Somehow it seems to have taken the COVID pandemic for me to realise the joy in being fully invested and participating. So, in my closing sentences, I urge whoever is reading this that once you begin participating, in any activity, to become fully invested and genuinely present in the moment, we do not get a second chance at the time already passed.

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

Br Len HANLONcfc – Teacher at Terrace 1957-60

Sports Nutrition Information Session

Details: Tuesday 22 February | 4.30 – 5.30pm
Venue: GT125 Theatre
Cost: Free
For further information, please contact
Mr Mark Chisholm | Director of Athlete Development

Terrow 200 Club Raffle

Details: Drawn Sunday 13 March 2022 | Tickets strictly limited to 250
Cost: $200 (+bf)
RSVP: Purchases close Saturday 26 February, or until sold out
Prizes: Full prize list available via below link
For further information, please contact
Tim Sheehan | terrow@terrace.qld.edu.au