Dear members of the Terrace Family,

Last night we hosted our newest Terracians, Year 5 2022, at their Orientation Evening. There were 162 excited young boys and their families ready to begin their Terrace journey in attendance on the night. My thanks to the staff involved in the evening.

I also wish to congratulate our GPS Track and Field athletes and their coaches. On Tuesday, our Terrace athletes gave their all at the GPS Track and Field Championships, with our Junior team finishing third and our Senior team finishing a very creditable sixth place. My thanks to the many coaches involved and the Year 5 and Year 7 students who supported our athletes on the day.

The Track and Field event concludes our 2021 GPS season. While there were some disruptions throughout the year, it would be fair to say that Terrace has again had a very successful year. We had large numbers of students involved in many activities. Our results were very strong and included Premierships in the 1^st V Volleyball and 1^st XI Football. Well done to all involved, and my thanks to the many parents and volunteers who ensured our events were well organised and welcoming for all who attended.

It is with great pleasure that I announce the College leaders for 2022.

• College Captain - Xavier Stiles
• College Vice Captains - Luca Gassman, Harry Lane, George Platt and Joel Snell

Congratulations to these Gentlemen of Terrace, we look forward to taking part in your leadership journey.

As has already been communicated, the GT on the Green Long Lunch has been postponed to Saturday 13 November. This will be an excellent day for our community and a brilliant way to raise funds for ParaStart and our House Friendship groups.

Next Monday night, the 2021 Celebration of Excellence will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre. This is one of our premier events of the year and provides an opportunity to showcase the breadth and quality of the holistic educational, spiritual and co-curricular activities at the College. I extend an invitation to all parents and caregivers to attend and share in this special evening.

Last week we launched the countdown to Terrace Giving Day 2021. This is our opportunity to come together to create history: our first-ever perpetual bursary. By now I hope you have seen our Terrace story on terracegiving.com.au. With only six days to go, I am asking for your help in two ways please:

1. Spread the word and show your support on 20 October.
2. Volunteer in the appeal epicentre if you can spare an hour of your time by filling in this form.

The many parents, friends and Old Boys who come together on the day to volunteer make all the difference. We can not do this without your support. On this one day, your help will have an infinite impact. Your gift, no matter what size, will be the gift that keeps giving – a bursary that will never end. I thank you in advance for everything you can do to help.

Finally this week, I encourage all parents and students to maintain their focus over the coming weeks. We all recognise that Term 4 is extremely busy. However, it is imperative that all of us keep focused to ensure that 2021 finishes well.

God Bless.

As we approach the end of our second week of term, I am conscious that the Senior students now have less than a week of class time remaining before they commence their external exams. It is the time of year when planning Valedictory, the appointing of new College leaders and completing next year’s staffing and timetable are tasks to be fitted in amongst the usual busyness of College life. We are rapidly approaching the end of the year, but there is still a great deal to be done, and the message we often give our Seniors is to live in the moment and don’t think too far ahead. Excitement about the future can sometimes lead us to forget the need to enjoy today. This is especially true in schools, where it is easy to fall into the trap of wishing away the term as we look towards the next holiday. Earlier this year, I read the wonderful book The Happiest Man on Earth written by Eddie Jaku, a Jewish holocaust survivor who lived in Australia. Eddie passed away this week, having lived to 100 years of age, he is a prime example of a life fully lived and no moments wasted. He gives some beautiful advice throughout the book, and I thought I would share a few pieces:

• ‘Education is a lifesaver’
• ‘There are many things more precious than money’
• ‘You can find kindness everywhere, even from strangers’
• ‘If you lose your morals, you lose yourself’
• ‘Hug your mother’

I recommend Eddie’s book as a beautiful lesson about the things that are most important in life. Our Seniors have the best wishes and prayers of the Terrace Family as they go about making the most of every day.

Next Monday evening, we will hold the Celebration of Excellence. Excellence takes many forms, and this year, we would like to recognise the importance of our staff in helping students achieve excellence. While we have traditionally and justifiably recognised students for their commitment to the pursuit of excellence this year, we would like to recognise Terrace staff, both teaching and non-teaching, who have helped our young men on their journey. Having excellent staff is a key to helping students to be their very best. This year, we will acknowledge current members of staff who have given at least 25 years of service to Terrace. It is fitting that we recognise such commitment, and we look forward to the opportunity to do so on an annual basis. I look forward to Monday evening’s celebrations, and I congratulate all who will be acknowledged for their fine efforts.

Socktober

Socktober for Mission Month encourages students across Australia to kick goals on and off the field to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in Thailand and around the world.

Through the world game of soccer, students in Year 8 have learnt about the reality of other children in developing countries and their stories of struggle and hardship. Socktober provides young people in Australia with the opportunity to lead in mission, encouraging them to think not only about what they will do to help but also why they will do it.

Rise up from your couch, with your boots laced, and turn your hands into signs of love -Pope Francis.

Throughout Term 3, Year 8 students have been focused on the mission of the church and how they can respond to the call of Pope Francis. Each Year 8 Religious Education class has made soccer balls from recycled materials to show solidarity for those who play the world game in developing countries and has engaged in fundraising for this cause. At our College Assembly on Tuesday, Oscar Ficca (Year 8 Treacy) presented Sue Williams from the Catholic Mission a cheque of $1700 for this significant initiative.

Congratulations to Mrs Monica Keating and the Year 8 Religious Education teachers for leading this project. Following assembly, students used their soccer balls in a penalty shootout. Congratulations to Mahoney House who were crowned winners for this fun event.

God, thank you for the abundance of life, relationships, health, comfort, and wealth you have provided for us, and thank you that even in times of need, despair, and brokenness, you are there.

Please put your arms around children and families in extreme poverty so they feel comfort and hope; meet their needs both physically and spiritually. And, Lord, guide me so I can be your hands and feet pursuing justice for the poor and upholding the cause of the needy. Amen.

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever
St Joseph…Pray for us.

Last Friday, the College had a fantastic community day at Tennyson for the Inter-House Track and Field Championships. Congratulations to Mahoney House as Track and Field Champions for 2021. Student engagement on the day was excellent, and again, the Seniors set the standard through their actions. Our thanks to Mr McGahan, Mr Kennedy and their respective teams for the organisation of the day. As always, the parent community supported the event through the running of the canteen and on behalf of the boys, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to those who assisted.

The Waterford community had their first opportunity as sub-senior leaders on Wednesday night at the Year 5 Orientation Evening. The Year 10s are the big buddies next year for our youngest students at the College. They led tours of the College and assisted their House Dean in running several activities during the afternoon to create a sense of community for the new House members. It was also wonderful to see our current Year 5s and 7s out in force at the GPS Track and Field Championships at QSAC on Tuesday afternoon.

Dr Paul Gibney presented to Year 9 parents during the week on Adolescent Boys, Parents and Families: Towards a Mature Masculinity. Paul has presented to our Year 9 cohorts for several years and provides a valuable insight into adolescent life. One aspect of the presentation focuses on embracing your son’s “second family” - his friendship group. This could include the boys in his House group, Rowing crew, Debating team or handball group. Further to this, I found the following reflection from Jordan Peterson (2018) particularly insightful.

The infant is dependent on his parents for almost everything he needs. The child – the successful child – can leave his parents, at least temporarily, and make friends. He gives up a little of himself to do that, but gains much in return. The successful adolescent must take that process to its logical conclusion. He has to leave his parents and become like everyone else. He has to integrate with the group so he can transcend his childhood dependency. Once integrated, the successful adult then must learn how to be just the right amount different from everyone else.

Our Senior students are four teaching days away from their external exams. Exam success is not just dependent on how much you know. Exam success is also determined by how well you perform. Our athletes and musicians know this fact too well. It is your performance when it counts that matters, not what your potential indicates.

Therefore, his week’s focus has been on two aspects of exam management. Firstly, to have the right mindset. The right mindset comes from being prepared, rested and supported. Our Seniors are preparing well, have learnt the content, are practicing exam questions, interpreting the marking schemes and incorporating the subject specific exam strategies into their revision.

Managing personal wellbeing during the exam block will be crucial. The following habit needs to be formed:

Study + sleep + exercise + relax = optimal study and exam performance

Study will obviously take the most time. However, all other aspects need to occur to allow for the best performance possible on exam day.

Congratulations to Year 11 student Ryan Wong on his selection as a Queensland representative for the National Mathematics Summer School. The NMSS aims to discover and develop the mathematical talent of high-achieving school students from all over the country. Participation is limited to approximately 75 students nationwide who have completed their Year 11 studies. NMSS is academically sponsored by the Australian National University and the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers.

Welcome to Term 4 at Waterford Place

As Term 3 Reports have now been published, we can review, reflect and set goals for the final term at Waterford. Today we gathered in Pastoral Care groups for Academic Mentoring. The boys should have completed their Study Plan for a fast run to the end of the year. In the classroom, the expectations and subject matter are becoming more and more aligned with the Senior programs. For our young men, it is time to ensure that their engagement in the classroom, homework, study and revision techniques are refined to make the most of every opportunity.

Last night, your son participated in our Year 5 Orientation Evening. Their leadership role as a mentor to their little buddy is an integral one that will help nurture their first steps toward life as a Terracian. As parents and caregivers, you have come to know that our Pastoral Care and Formation programs are central to our College’s mission. We pride ourselves on growing an atmosphere of care in which every student is valued and welcomed. Our buddy system has become an important part of our College induction, encouraging positive relationships amongst our students. Our Year 10 boys did an excellent job, and it was great to see them build their interpersonal skills with their new buddies and parents.

Tomorrow we welcome our guest speaker, Mr David Kobler, facilitating the teenBrave program, an interactive cyber seminar for our Year 10s. David will explore sensitive topics such as the value of the human person, anger, consent, pornography and sexting. It would be worthwhile having a conversation with your son on the weekend about his thoughts on the presentations and following discussions. If you would like to look at the program, there is a parent section via the following link: https://yourchoicez.com.au/tee...

A friendly reminder that if you would like to report your son’s absence from school, please contact Waterford Student Services via Waterfordplace@terrace.qld.edu.au or phone 3214 5400.

The Terrace Library has a great collection of English study guides for George Orwell’s 1984 and Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood for our Year 12s to borrow. These study guides are invaluable in helping to gain a deeper understanding of these classic novels and they include plot summaries, character analysis, author biographies, study questions, historical context, suggestions for further reading and much more.

We also have a selection of Oxford Study Buddy Revision and Exam Guides available to borrow. Written by expert teachers and examiners, these resources have been developed to help students in Queensland prepare for their QCE external assessments and achieve their very best.

If you would like to know more or have any queries or questions, just email us at library@terrace.qld.edu.au

Celebration of Excellence

With our annual Awards Evening next Monday night, it is important that the Terrace Family can safely enjoy this event. To that end, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has asked us to advise the following:

• Do not attend the event if you have been in a current hot spot as designated by Queensland Health
• Stay home if sick
• Stay 1.5 metres away from other people
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and use hand sanitiser
• Follow BCEC directions and instructions during the event
• Review monitors in regard to health advice and follow guidelines published by Queensland Health
• Download the Check-In Qld App and be ready to check-in on arrival at BCEC

Congratulations to all our award winners. We look forward to a wonderful celebration to showcase our students and staff.

QDU Debating

At assembly this week, we recognised the achievements of our four Senior A debaters who were the runners up in the Queensland Debating Union Grand Final in the last week of last term. Congratulations to these young men.

Last night, three teams competed in the Quarter Finals – 9.1, 9.3 and 10.1. Congratulations to all three teams on their wins and progression to the semi finals! The 9.1 and 9.3 teams will debate against each other - good luck to all!

The Junior QDU competition for Years 5-7 continued this week as well. This season is especially long due to COVID disruptions, and we thank our staff, students and families for their continued commitment.

Support Group meetings

Support Group meetings will be held on 9 November in the board rooms at Mt Sion. Please note the change of rooms for the Debating meeting.

Debating Support Group: DSGChair@terrace.qld.edu.au

Terrace Performing Arts: TPAChair@terrace.qld.edu.au

Staying in touch

To keep in touch with all things Cultural, download the Terrace App and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. 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

A Musical Journey

Byron Jackson

To say that the journey through Terrace Music is like any other school experience is a complete understatement. My adventure since Year 7 as a trumpet player has rocked and changed my world and has given me a love of music and opportunities I could never have envisioned. In only Year 8, I was given a chance to join the 2017 USA Music Tour; this was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. For a 13-year-old to be playing with professionals across California and Indianapolis in multiple festivals taught me so much and shaped my understanding of music, instilling in me a love of different genres of music, but specifically developing a love of jazz.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to perform in multiple concerts. The Terrace Jazz Nights have been particularly memorable. Playing at Boggo Road Jail and being a part of the All-Stars Jazz band when you reach Year 12 is very special. Being involved in competitions such as QCMF and performing at the Celebration of Excellence is important because you feel like part of a larger community, working together to perform at your best. The notion of teamwork is significant when you participate in the Anzac Day March. This event is a privilege as we are one of the few schools that are able to do so.

The teachers who have invested in me and my music have played a significant role in my Terrace journey. Mr Esbensen has been particularly inspiring and has helped shape my journey as a trumpet player, encouraging me through nominations to the State Honours Ensemble Program at the Queensland Conservatorium of music, which was an incredible experience supporting my AMEB achievements. I have gained friendships, knowledge, connections with people, and more love for music. Making your way into Terrace Music is always scary, particularly when you audition for the top bands and perform in front of your peers – but when I look back now, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I have taken away so much from these experiences, and my time at Terrace is almost up. I urge every Music student to take on everything offered to them and be a part of history at this great school, Gregory Terrace.

Byron Jackson

Battle of the Rock Bands

Last Friday evening, the Terrace Rock Band, under the direction of Mr Michael Grabbe, competed in the Battle of the Rock Bands competition held at Clairvaux Mackillop College. The Rock Band received a Silver Award and should be immensely proud of their performance and how they represented the College.

Year 5 Orientation Evening

Congratulations to all students in Concert Band 3, Youth Choir, Waterford String Quartet and Waterford Strings 4 on their fine performances Wednesday this week at the Year 5 2022 Orientation evening. Thank you to our Music staff, Mrs Domenica Kelly, Mr Craig Dabelstein and Mr Jacob Bradford, for their ongoing work behind the scenes in preparing these students for their performances.

Music Practice Hall

Due to the Celebration of Excellence on Monday 18 October there will be no Music Practice Hall in the afternoon. This will resume on Monday 25 October.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Lachlan Young (Year 8) who was selected in the Under 14 Queensland Water Polo team along with Joseph Gallagher (Year 8).

The National competition was due to be held in Tasmania during the September holidays but was cancelled due to COVID. Attempts are being made to reschedule the event.

Congratulations to Jock Millar (Year 11) who hhas been selected in the 2021/2022 Under 18 Queensland team for Baseball. The team was selected after the Queensland State Titles held on 1-4 October. Jock represented Brisbane Metro and the team won the state championships in a close match.

Benny – ‘The Man’ – Chatwood

I am sure I can speak on behalf of all the Year 12 students when I say it is good to be near the end. No more late nights spent studying or doing homework, no more roastings by teachers for a slight discrepancy and no more external exam stress. Yet as eager as I am to say goodbye to all these things, there is still a part of me that does not want my time at Terrace to finish. I find it hard to grasp that I will no longer be eating lunch with my mates every weekday or going to Saturday sport and playing alongside and supporting my fellow Terracians, or greeting other students, teachers and staff in the corridors and around the grounds. The past eight years that I have attended Terrace, I have tried to get involved in as much as I can - whether that be playing a sport every term or participating in as many other co-curricular activities as I can, to challenging myself in my studies or attending Terrace events – I still feel like I want to do more. I would love the opportunity to answer more calls, sign up for more activities, go to more events, lead one more war cry, attend one more Gorilla gathering and become mates with more of the younger Terracians, but I guess that is the beauty of all amazing things - they must come to an end.

Eden – ‘Mr Brisbane’ – Chan

What a year it has been…

I was at first apprehensive of the challenge of Year 12. Having seen the hard work and struggle many of the 2020 Seniors were put through as the first-ever ATAR cohort of Queensland, it was, at first, somewhat petrifying to don the white shirt and finally call myself a Senior.

What amazes me, though, is that after all this time – after long hours of studying and after many days spent out supporting at Tennyson – I struggle to cope with the fact that my time at the College will shortly (and I assume abruptly) come to its inevitable end. Like Ben, I would give anything to turn the clock back and have another go at things, but, like all good things, it is the finiteness of the Terrace journey that makes it truly special.

Of course, the realisation will come in good time, but I just don’t feel it all yet.

Perhaps what I would like to leave my fellow Terracians within my final Captains’ Corner is a simple yet enduring realisation: we are but a speck in the vastness of the Terrace universe… Don’t be afraid to venture out from your comfort zone and have a crack at new things. School – by design – is meant to help you do this. After all, we are just a blip in time, so do not think for a second that your failures or defeats define your Terrace journey. The goal for you all is to make a mark in the history books – to ensure your place in the Terrace story is one that you are proud of. In short, cruising through a place like Terrace is easy, making the most of it is hard, but – equally – one of the most rewarding endeavours I am sure you will embark on.

Go Terrace. Love GT. Answer the Call.

Inter-House Track and Field Carnival

Last Friday, our year at Tennyson finished off with catering for the Inter-House Track and Field Carnival. We were blessed with a gorgeous day and many volunteers to help us feed the hungry boys. A huge thank you to our many volunteers who worked in the BBQ and canteen throughout the day. The sense of community was well alive at Tennyson all day.

TLG Christmas Raffle

Christmas is coming early to Terrace. There will be Moet champagne as prizes. Stay tuned.

TLG Committee 2022

The TLG is a Support Group to the College, and we are involved in coordinating a range of events and activities. Our executive committee consists of six positions – President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President of Hospitality x 2. These positions have a two-year tender, and elections are rotated so that the executive committee has consistency from year to year. We will be calling for nominations for Secretary, Treasurer and VP of Hospitality (x2) to join the executive committee for 2022. If you are interested in nominating for one of these roles, please advise your interest to TLG@terrace.qld.edu.au or feel free to email to ask for more information about a particular role.

TLG Events 2022

The TLG will be running various events in 2022 that require organising committees. If being a part of a team to coordinate an event interests you, please advise your interest or request further information from TLG@terrace.qld.edu.au

Upcoming Events

• 8 November – TLG AGM -7.30am
• 11 November – TLG Christmas Raffle draw
• 1 December - Staff Lunch

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

Dr Brian COLE OA - GT 1947

Br Stan CUSACK – Teacher at Terrace 1959

Mr Trevor HORRIGAN- GT 1958

Mr Stephen MIDDLETON - GT 1967

Year 12 ATAR Lunch

Details: Monday 25 October | 11.15am onwards
Venue: Duhig Place
Cost: Cash donations accepted via below link
For further information or event enquiries, please contact
Diana Gillies | gillieslaxon@gmail.com

Volleyball Support Group AGM

Details: Wednesday 27 October | 6.00pm
Venue: Francis Rush Room (Please head to College main reception)
For further event information, please contact
Andrew Weeden | polloni.weeden@optusnet.com.au

Terrace Volleyball Estee Lauder Corporate Shopping Experience

Details: Saturday 30 October | 10.00am - 4.00pm
Venue: Level 2, 33 Park Road, Milton
Cost: $10 (+bf)
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Monday 25 October
For further event information, please contact
Diana Weedon | polloni.weeden@optusnet.com.au

TLG AGM

Date: Monday 8 November | 7.30am
Venue: Founders Room | Head to College main reception
RSVP: Please RSVP via below link

GT on the Green

Details: Saturday 13 November | 12.00pm - 9.00pm
Venue: Tennyson Playing Fields
Cost: $65pp | $520 table of eight
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Wednesday 10 November
For further event information, please contact
Kirsten Carroll | dpklcarroll@gmail.com

Want to help but poor on time?

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

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

Year 12 Mothers'/Caregivers' Lunch

Details: Friday 12 November | 11.30am - 4.00pm
Venue: Rivershed, Howard Smith Wharves
Cost: $130pp (+bf) | Includes 3 course lunch & drink on arrival
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by 31 October
For further information or event enquiries, please contact

Sharon Loudon | sharon.loudon@co-bolt.com.au

Year 5 Mothers' Long Lunch

Details: Sunday 14 November | 12.30 - 3.30pm
Venue: Blackbird Bar & Restaurant, Riverside
Cost: $140pp (+bf) | Includes 3 course lunch & 3 hour beverage package
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by 1 November
For further information or event enquiries, please contact

Monica Katsanevas | monica@bloomberry.com.au