Dear members of the Terrace Family,

Welcome to Week 3. I suspect by now the routine and busyness of the school year have engulfed your family.  I remain pleased with the boys and their focus so far.  It will be important for this focus to remain throughout the year.

The beginning of the school year brings several significant events.  Last Friday, we held our College Opening Mass and Year 12 Induction at Pat Rafter Arena.  It was a fantastic day and one that parents/caregivers and students will remember for some time.  My thanks to the many staff, parents/caregivers and students involved in the Mass and the beautiful afternoon tea hosted by the Year 11 parents/caregivers at Tennyson.  Well done to all involved.

On Tuesday, the College held its Scholars’ Assembly and welcomed back our highest achieving 2020 Year 12 students.  These young men performed extraordinarily well in their studies last year, and the assembly was an opportunity to congratulate them on their outstanding achievements.  It was also the opportunity to announce the 2020 College Dux and Proxime Accessit.  It is my pleasure to announce the following recipients:

• 2020 College Dux | Patrick Gleeson
• 2020 Proxime Accessit | Yang Zhang

Congratulations to Patrick and Yang on their achievements.  They worked very hard, and their work has paid dividends.  My congratulations also go to all the other young men who received awards on Tuesday.  The Scholars’ Assembly sent a strong message to our current students that hard work produces results, and that Terrace will always strive for academic excellence.

On a lighter, but nevertheless, important note, the highly anticipated Inter-House Swimming Carnival will be held at Centenary Pool on Friday, as will the College Distance Swimming Championships. The Inter-House Carnival is always a great day, with fierce competition, great spirit and lots of fun. Good luck to all and remember your hats, sunscreen and water bottles.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been conducting the Year Level Information Nights.  I thank the staff who attended each of the evenings, the TLG who provided the hospitality and the many parents/caregivers who attended.  This year we utilised both face-to-face and online platforms.  I trust that these evenings proved helpful and provided further details around the year ahead for your sons.  The PowerPoint presentations from these Information Nights have been uploaded to the College App.  Mr Damien Fall will also send out a parent survey in the next few weeks to seek feedback on the night's content and format as we continue to refine our processes.

Finally this week, I thank parents/caregivers for the way you have approached the drop-off and pick up protocols at the College.  Traffic is flowing well, and the majority of people are doing the right thing. However, there are still some parents who are double-parking or doing U-turns in Rogers Street.  As I have highlighted previously, these actions are hazardous, and I ask that despite the traffic backing up, that you do not double park or make U-turns.  The safety of our students is paramount. 

I would also ask, particularly for early morning sports training drop-offs, that you are quiet and considerate of our neighbours.  I suggest that drop-offs occur in the bottom car park, particularly for Volleyball, Swimming and the gym.  Car noise and conversations do carry in the early morning quiet of Spring Hill.  Thank you for your support in these matters as it will assist in strengthening our neighbourhood relationships.

Have a great week.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll

While far from my favourite topic, I need to pass on some messages regarding car parks 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, and 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 on 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.

In the first few weeks of the year, a parking complication we have encountered has been a number of non-staff cars driving through, stopping or parking in College car parks. I have no doubt this primarily arises from a genuine lack of understanding of what we require of parents and caregivers. Hence, can I please request the following of members of the Terrace Family who are not members of staff:

• Please do not park in staff car parks at any stage on any school day.
• Please do not drive through staff car parks, 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 the car parks for student pickup. Parking needs to be on the streets around the College.

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

Each year, an organisation known as Independent Schools Queensland publishes a trends book that summarises data of relevance to our sector. One section of interest from 2020 looked at the reasons educators chose particular schools as their preferred workplace. Among the reasons were:

• That the school’s values align with their own beliefs
• Their desire to make a positive impact
• An inspiring purpose
• Sense of community

The take-away is that, as much as families carefully choose schools for their children, teachers are equally concerned about selecting the best workplace for them. It is heartening for us to feel confident that Terrace Educators work in a school they believe is a good match for their vision, values and skill set. Good teaching does not happen by chance, and this is another small ingredient that contributes to the wonderful holistic outcomes for the Gentlemen of Terrace. At this week’s Scholars’ Assembly, many of our returning Seniors of 2020 commented on the exceptional care and devoted teaching they received during their years at Terrace. Our young men are fortunate, and I encourage them to make the most of every opportunity afforded to them. I wish everyone the best as we approach the end of Week 3 and the fun that is the Inter-House Swimming Carnival.

Year of St Joseph

Last Friday, we celebrated our opening Mass and Senior Induction at Pat Rafter Arena. Unfortunately, our usual venue at the University of Queensland was unavailable. However, Pat Rafter Arena was an excellent substitute, allowing the whole College and the Year 12 parents/caregivers to witness a significant ritual – officially opening the College year and inducting the 2021 Seniors.  It was a fitting occasion for the 2021 Seniors who I am sure will Answer the Call this year.

The 2021 Seniors affirmed the following pledges.

• The values, held by the Senior class of 2021, are based on the Gospel values where Jesus Christ is the foundation of a full Christian life. 
• Individually and collectively they will strive to reach the highest standard in pursuit of the College Mission
• By way of action and example, they will you commit to nurturing a just and life-giving community through knowing and espousing the College’s values, expectations and traditions
• They will lead through service, humbly modelling respect for differences by embracing diversity within the Terrace Family
• They will aspire to excellence by engaging wholeheartedly in the life and mission of the College
• They will continue to honour and value the Catholic faith, ensuring that the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice is an ever-present reality within the College community?

This year is extra special for the Terrace Family. Pope Francis has proclaimed this year as the ‘Year of St Joseph’. It has been 150 years since St Joseph was declared a Patron of the Universal Church. Pope Francis describes St Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient and courageous father, a father in the shadows.

St Joseph is often referred to as the “humble carpenter” as he is remembered as a faithful, hardworking and just man. He reminds us that a family, a home, a community, and a parish are not built on power and possessions but goodness, not on riches and wealth, but faith, loyalty and love.

As students, as teachers, as parents, as Old Boys, as friends, I challenged the Terrace Family last Friday at our opening Mass and Senior Induction to answer the call to be like St Joseph – loving, obedient, courageous, hardworking and humble.

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever.

Next Week

• Monday 15 February - 7 Treacy Camp + Retreat (all week)
• Tuesday 16 February - Waterford Mass (at Waterford) – 7.45am

One of the College’s significant events of the year took place last Friday when we acknowledged our commitment as an Edmund Rice school and inducted our Senior cohort at the Opening Mass.  It is always a wonderful event and a great celebration of our unique community. I congratulate our students on how they conducted themselves, recognising the importance of the day through their reverent participation. I often speak of our students’ need to recognise the sense of occasion at events such as these.  Our boys have been similarly engaged at this week’s Scholars’ Assembly. I was proud to be a part of last Friday’s celebration, and I wish all members of the community, particularly our Seniors, all the very best for the year ahead.

This Friday, we hold the annual Inter-House Swimming Carnival at the Centenary Pool. The boys have been informed about their involvement in the all-day event.  I ask that parents/caregivers ensure their sons have appropriate sun protection (all boys must swim in a swimming shirt) and a water bottle. There will be a canteen in operation, but it gets very busy, so bringing some food would be wise. Students should not take valuables over to the pool and items like mobile phones need to be left in lockers. While we look forward to a day of fun, involvement and House spirit, parents/caregivers will not be able to attend the carnival due to COVID restrictions. 

Yesterday we held our Parent/Mentor interviews.  I thank those parents/caregivers who were able to come along and connect with the Pastoral Care Mentors – an important adult in your sons’ Terrace journey.  My thanks to staff for their time in allowing these meetings to occur late into the afternoon.

Last week, at both the College and House Assemblies, staff continued to unpack the theme of respectful interactions and the topic of bullying and harassment was addressed in both forums. One of the misguided comments that boys often make when deflecting blame is to suggest that they were ‘just joking’ or ‘it was just a bit of banter’. The reasonably frequent use of this default excuse indicates that boys need some guidance to understand where the line is actually drawn in this space. Our guide to the boys centres around the repetition of comments, the nature of the personal relationship between the boys, and the presence of a possible power imbalance. As mentioned in recent parent information evenings, the management process for issues in this space is unique to each situation. However, the key common message is for you to reach out early to the College to work in partnership with you and your sons to assist in achieving a positive outcome.

At Tuesday's Scholars' Assembly, I had the great honour of speaking on behalf of our 2020 Scholars. As I talked about each of the young men, I was struck by the number of similarities in each of their academic journeys. While, undoubtedly, each student had natural academic talent, this talent was combined with motivation, determination and a work ethic that ensured that the students achieved their goals. 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, their mates, parents and family.
• They did the small things – used their diary, logged their study hours, completed homework tasks.
• They consistently did the best that 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 Will Caulfield. Will was deservedly awarded the Student Award on Tuesday not just because of his improvement in his academic performance, but also 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. Will made sure he did all the small things well (see above) and this should be the starting point for anyone who wants to be the best that they can be.

Ultimately it is up to each student to take responsibility for their learning. However, the College is here to work with each student on their academic journey. There are a number of 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 is being followed.
• Staff tutoring is available. Students can find the list of times and venues on the College App and Student Cafe in the coming days.
• Study Group is available to Year 11 and 12 students every afternoon in rooms 422/423 from 3.15 – 5.30pm and mornings from 7.30am.

Music

Congratulations to our Musicians who performed last week at the Opening Mass and Year 12 Induction.  We look forward to hearing more from this talented group throughout the year. 

The GPS Music Showcase will be held tonight at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music at Southbank.  We have 35 of our elite musicians performing with the other GPS schools and colleges.  Best of luck to these students. 

Debating 

Terrace debaters had mixed results last week. Continuing their winning form from Round 1 are the 9.1 and 11.1 teams, congratulations. This week is an away week against Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC).  Terrace will again be providing a bus for all our debating students to travel together and arrive at BBC as a team.  Parents/caregivers are required to collect their sons from BBC after their debates. With a Bye next round, this is the last round before our youngest Debaters join in for their first experience of GPS Debating. 

Production 

Rehearsals are continuing every Wednesday and Friday afternoon in the Drama Studio for our Middle School Musical. 

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 
• 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 videos that you would like to share, please tag us.

TWITTER                  @GTCulture

INSTAGRAM            terrace_gtculture

YOUTUBE     Terrace Culture YouTube Channel

Congratulations to all the boys who were involved with the Opening Mass and Year 12 Induction last week. Important College events such as these do not happen without the support of our dedicated staff. Thank you to the Terrace Choir on how they led Mass this week, their sense of occasion is commendable. Congratulations also to the Waterford String Orchestra who presented a moving performance of Zoosters Breakout at our Scholars’ Assembly on Tuesday.

Music Practice Hall 2021

What an excellent opportunity for your son to benefit from assistance as he practises his instrument. Being new to Terrace, I see enormous opportunity for students who participate in this Monday afternoon session. With a range of trained professionals here to assist your son, I urge all parents to support their son’s participation in this initiative each Monday from 3.15-5pm.

GPS Showcase

Today, students from the Terrace Big Band, Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra and Choral programs will represent the College at the GPS Showcase Concert held at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. I take this opportunity to wish all the students the very best for their performance.

Year 5 Norman Clarke Music program (Classroom Music)

The Year 5 Instrumental program is off to a great start; the boy’s energy and excitement are infectious. I was moved by their enthusiasm to learn and play their instruments. Please remind the boys that all the Year 5 program instruments are to be stored in the Music Centre, not in their classrooms.

Individual or shared lessons and ensemble rehearsals

All tuition lessons have now commenced for 2021, along with the wide range of ensembles. The Terrace Symphony Orchestra will start this Friday at 7.15am in room 3.20. If you are unsure about your lesson time or ensemble, please do not hesitate to contact the Music Office on music@terrace.qld.edu.au or access the Terrace App.

Instrument storage

All students’ instruments must be stored safely and securely. Students in Years 7-12 are reminded to store their instrument in their locker or in MU2 on Level 3.

Term 1 events

• Thursday 11 February - GPS Music Showcase 
• Thursday 4 March - Chamber Music Concert 
• Tuesday 16 March - TPA Meeting 
• Friday 26 March - Terrace Jazz Night 

Cycling

Congratulations to James Panizza (Year 12) for his bronze medal in the Australian Under 19 Criterium championship.  James also backed up this achievement with a sprint to the line and a top-five finish in the gruelling road race event.

Volleyball

Terrace Volleyball hosted their first home round of their GPS season last Saturday. Coming off an impressive Round 1 weekend for the program, the boys were excited for the opportunity to prove themselves against Brisbane State High School. 

Brisbane State High School presented good teams with some fantastic athletes, but they were no match for our Terrace players. The program had a total of 14 wins and 6 losses, demonstrating that the boys’ hard work over the holiday period is paying off this season.

The program had some great successes throughout the year levels, with the Year 9 age group signifying that they are the one to watch in coming weeks. The 10Cs put on an engaging performance, keeping spectators and coaches on the edge of their seats as they pushed hard for a 2-1 win. The 1^st VI proved once again they can play aggressive, error-free volleyball, dismantling BSHS 3-0.

We look forward to next week’s round against Brisbane Boys’ College who are known for their clinical and aggressive volleyball. The Terrace Volleyball community would like to thank all the parents, students, coaches and staff for their continued support and participation.

Last Friday, I sat on stage at the traditional Induction Mass. Admittedly it looked a little different than it had in previous years. The altered location, the humid air, and the stray tennis ball or two were a few changes that caught my attention.

Perhaps the biggest change of this year’s Induction Mass hit me while I was sitting in the midst of it all, looking at the sea of parents, students and teaches that lay before the Senior cohort; I was entering my final year at this great College. This year, I am the Senior. Now, you are probably a bit perplexed as to how I only appreciated I was in my final year of schooling while being inducted. Allow me to elaborate.

On my first day at Terrace, at my first assembly, Dr Carroll welcomed the new Year 7s as the Seniors of 2021. I remember thinking how silly it was. That year is so far away I thought to myself. I have got at least 20 more years left at Terrace! Looking back at my reaction to Dr Carroll’s initial welcoming, two thoughts spring to mind.

1. My Math was not great. At all. And…
2. The year 2021 appeared distant and foreign, but it was really right around the corner.

Fast forward a few weeks later to my first Terrace Induction Mass. I was a fidgety, skinny kid who couldn’t sit still throughout the duration of the Mass and didn’t understand or comprehend the importance of it. I believe my House Dean Mr Hohn had to tell me to stop talking at least twice. Sorry, Mr Hohn.

At the end of the Mass, Mr Hohn pulled me aside and told me that soon enough, that was going to be me being inducted on that stage, and I wouldn’t like it if young lads were being cheeky on my big day. Well, I find it rather poetic and fitting that I happened to see Mr Hohn lean over and give a stern talking to a little Year 7 boy in the middle of the homily. Full circle indeed.

And that is when it hit me, halfway through Father’s homily, looking at that cheeky little Year 7 kid who probably shook his head when given the same piece of advice that Mr Hohn gave me. I was now the scary, white-shirted behemoth, an image that had always seemed so distant to me.

So, what can be drawn from this tale? What was the moral of the Oliver origin story? Never take anything for granted, because when you take things for granted, the things you are granted get taken. My time at Terrace seemed so drawn out when I was younger. It seems like only yesterday I was annoying my House Dean, fidgeting and yawning my way through every Induction Mass I went to. However, I am here now, at the red and black finish line. And golly gosh, where did the time go?

 Answer the call to not take the little things for granted.

Last Tuesday morning, we gathered for the TLG Welcome Mass. It was a lovely service, and many in attendance were able to stay for the delicious morning tea that followed.

We were delighted to assist with the celebration for our 2020 Scholars. College Hall was filled with proud parents and teachers and young men who exemplified the Gentlemen of Terrace. The positivity was contagious. We wish the class of 2020 all the very best.

I would like to thank our year level social representatives for volunteering for these roles and kicking off the social festivities with year level events. These social events are a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to get to know others in the same year and spend time in a relaxed atmosphere. Your year level social reps will organise various activities throughout this year, so there is something for everyone.

Lastly, a big thank you to those who Answered the Call and volunteered for The Fashion Parade committee. It is going to be a fabulous event – mark Friday 11 June on your calendars.

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

Mr Larry MULDOON – GT 1958-65
Br Peter ANDERSON - Deputy Headmaster at Terrace 1977-79, Acting Headmaster 1978,  Staff member 1974-79

Last chance to RSVP today!

Details: Saturday 13 February | 5.30 - 9.30pm
Venue: Tennyson Playing Fields, Vivian St TennysonCost: 
Adults - $30 (+bf) | Includes finger food. Cash barStudents/Siblings - Free | Includes pizza & drink
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Thursday 11 February
For further information, please contact
Samantha Bodimeade | sbodimeade@mac.com

Details: Friday 26 February | 12.30pm
Venue: Queensland Cricketers' Club, Gabba Towers, Vulture St Wooloongabba
Cost: $150pp (+bf) or $1500 (+bf) for a table of 10.
Special Recent Old Boy ticket price - &75pp (+bf)
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

Details: Sunday 14 March | 11am - 4pm
Venue: Victoria Park Golf Complex, Herston
Cost: Adults - $70pp (+bf) Students - $20pp (+bf) | Includes 2 course lunch.
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Friday 26 February
For further information, please contact
Brendan McGrath | BrendanMcGrath@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Details: Saturday 20 March | 6 - 10pm 
Venue: Figs on Sylvan, Sylvan Rd Toowong
Cost: Adults & Students - $62pp (+bf) | Includes canapes, 2 course dinner, adults welcome drink and soft drink for students. 
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by 5 March
For further information, please contact
Toni Williamson | bwilliamson1@optusnet.com.au

Year 5 Parent/Caregiver Welcome Function

Details: Friday 19 February | 7 - 10.30pm
Venue: The Greek Club, Acropolis & Olympus Room, 29 Edmondstone Road South Brisbane
Cost: $40pp (+ bf) | Includes drink on arrival & canapes
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by 15 February
For further information, please contact
Erin Bledsoe | Erin.Bledsoe@shell.com

Year 7 Parent/Caregiver Function

Details: Saturday 27 February | 6.30 - 10.30pm
Venue: Southbeach Social, 30aa Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane
Cost: $30pp (+bf) | Includes drink on arrival & canapes
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by 15 February
For further information, please contact
Kelli McKeiver | kelli.mckeiver@outlook.com

Year 12 Mother/Caregiver & Son Breakfast

Details: Friday 14 May | 6.30 - 9.00am
Venue: Victoria Park Marquee, Herston Rd, Herston
Cost: $29pp (+bf) | Includes continental breakfast and drinks
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by 31 March
For further information, please contact
Julia Joseph | jjoseph@alfredechave.com.au