Dear Members of the Terrace Family,

Now that we have navigated through our first full week back at school, our focus returns to establishing good study routines across all year levels. Settling into homework, establishing a study timetable and developing a revision plan are all essential components of successfully negotiating the rigours of school life. I encourage all students to make a positive start to their learning this term.

On Tuesday, over 350 students from Years 6-12 were awarded their Academic Medals for Semester 2, 2021. All of these young men worked very hard last year to develop good study routines and habits and, as a result, produced strong academic results. I congratulate all Academic Award recipients and encourage all Terrace students to continue to work to the very best of their ability.

I thank parents for communicating with the College regarding their son’s absences and identifying their learning from home and COVID status. Overall, COVID cases remain low. On Wednesday 16 February, there were 89 learning from home (50 COVID positive). Two staff members are working from home (one COVID positive). Currently, there do not appear to be any clusters with positive cases. I again ask parents/caregivers to reinforce COVID-safe practices with their sons, including mask wearing where required, hand washing and social distancing.

Last weekend, students across all years and team levels commenced the GPS season in Debating, Rowing, Cricket and Volleyball. It was great to see large numbers of boys competing and many parents and caregivers out supporting them. I remind all students of the importance of demonstrating the highest level of sportsmanship when competing. Over 1300 boys represented Terrace across the various activities last weekend. The opportunity to be part of a team, represent the College and develop strong bonds with your teammates is an important outcome of team activities.

There were many highlights across a busy weekend of activities, including Thomas Nunn-Rutledge dissecting the opposition’s argument in the Senior A debate against Grammar, Theo Bacalakis scoring 109 in his first Cricket game for Terrace and Noah Coulson creating a superb block on the net during the 1^st VI Volleyball game. However, in my mind, The photo below epitomises the heart of Terrace sport - Will Sheehan, cox of the Year 10 9^th Quad and his crew before their race at Wyaralong on Saturday. I refer to the importance of academics regularly, but the holistic educational journey at Terrace is at the core of who we are. Well done to all involved in our co-curricular programs.

The first weeks of a new school year at Terrace are traditionally very busy at drop off and pick up times. I have written previously about the need to be careful when driving near the College. With over 1700 students arriving and leaving the College each day, road safety is critical for students and parents/caregivers. I thank the many parents and caregivers who continue to exercise caution, follow the road rules and remain patient, particularly at pick-up in the afternoon. However, there are a few practices that we must avoid in the name of safety and courtesy:

• Do not double park while waiting to pick up your son
• Do not perform U-turns in Rogers Street
• Do not park across our neighbours’ driveways
• If it is raining, ask your son/s to walk to your car rather than waiting to collect them on the footpath
• Do not cut through the staff carpark

There are some alternative practices that I recommend you consider:

• Arrive to collect your son after 3.20pm
• Park away from Rogers Street to avoid congestion and ask your son to walk to you
• Talk to friends and neighbours about carpooling options to decrease traffic congestion around the College
• Encourage your son to use public transport

Please consider what you can do to manage our ongoing traffic issues, particularly at afternoon pick-up time. We are a large school in an inner-city location, and we need to work together to address our traffic challenges. I thank you in anticipation of your ongoing support.

Finally, this week, I wish our Year 12 students all the best as they begin their first Internal Assessment block for the year. Good luck Gentlemen.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll

As we approach the end of our second week back on campus, there is a strong feeling that normality is very much returning to College life. Classes are progressing well, our Seniors are entering a short period of exams, and the co-curricular program is certainly back in full swing. As part of our academic mentoring program, members of the College Leadership Team meet with Senior students from one of the Pastoral Houses to track, monitor and provide advice about their academic journey. One theme that consistently arises in these conversations is students' appreciation for the quality of teachers they are fortunate to have to look after them. Research completed by ACER and educational experts including John Hattie indicates that the single most significant influence on student educational performance is the teacher. Dr Tim Hawkes, Headmaster of King’s School in Sydney and a prolific educational author writes - that it matters little if the school is government run or private, free or expensive, co-educational or single sex. A great teacher can make these things irrelevant. A great teacher connects with their students and travels with them. It is unlikely that students will always have the perfect teachers for their learning style. Still, we place great importance on recruiting quality teachers who we believe can genuinely make a positive difference for their students.

The College’s commitment to high quality, relationship-based pedagogy is evidenced at events such as Tuesday’s Academic Medal Assembly, where 20% of our student population met the lofty expectations required to earn a medal. In Dr Carroll’s absence, I spoke briefly about Ernest Shackleton, a world-famous explorer of the South Pole – Tuesday was his birthday. Before his expedition, in the London Times newspaper, Shackleton printed a small advertisement:

Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.

While the pursuit of academic excellence cannot be compared to polar exploration, the similarity is the need to sacrifice something if we want to achieve the high goals that we should be setting for ourselves. I acknowledge our students, whether they received a medal or not, who are prepared to make sacrifices and work hard towards achieving to their full capacity. Sincere thanks also to our teachers who work in partnership with them.

I look forward to the term continuing to progress without interruption and minimal student and staff absence due to the pandemic. Signs have been quite positive thus far, but the next few weeks will be important indicators of the extent of the pandemic at the College. I wish everyone in the Terrace Family good health and great happiness.

Dare to Go Beyond

Last Friday, we celebrated our Opening liturgy as a College. Although vastly different from the stands at Pat Rafter Arena, it was a meaningful and symbolic ritual. Below is a copy of our College Chaplain, Fr Anthony Mellor’s homily. It presented students and staff with wise advice for tackling the 2022 school year.

Dare to Go Beyond is the theme this year. I was reading an article not so long ago that said one of the worst pieces of advice that any learner can receive is to “follow your passion” because, the article went on to say, “if you hear those words, the presumption is that everything you do in life should give you a feeling of elation and therefore everything else is considered work and not worthwhile”, and so, while there are things in life that we love and that we are passionate about and that we are good at, what will teach us more and what we will learn more from, are the things we need to struggle to learn.

St Peter said, ‘be faithful stewards to God’s grace, be stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to you.’

Often, we don’t know what gifts we have until we are pushed in the direction of discovering them. So, this year, as you ‘Dare to Go Beyond’, be open to the things that you will struggle with, to learn and to develop.

You may discover your passion through the things that will push you, things that will motivate you – you might need to create an environment where it is possible to learn from mistakes. Try to create an environment where you support one another; when you see people struggling, lift them up and create an environment where together you can ‘Dare to Go Beyond’ and take risks in learning and growing and maturing.

Beyond the personal commitment to ‘Dare to Go Beyond’, make a communal one where you are open to sharing the journey together – learning through hard work, with dedication and motivation to create an environment where you can build each other up and together be stewards of the gifts that have been entrusted to you.

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever.

St Joseph…Pray for us.

Many thanks to those parents and caregivers who attended the online Parent/Mentor meetings last week. Developing positive relationships within our community is central to the atmosphere of care philosophy at the College. I hope you found this opportunity to share information about your son fruitful.

The importance of creating good routines for the boys at home and school at the start of the school year can never be underestimated. This has also been a strong focus for staff over the past two weeks, and I am pleased with the students’ efforts to engage in the learning process so far.

Assist your son to develop good routines

• Put your son’s Assessment Calendar in a visible space.
• Encourage your son to go to bed at the same time each night.
• Have a no screens rule in the bedroom after bedtime.
• Encourage him to have a nutritious breakfast each day.

As teachers, we focus on routines by asking boys to line up outside classrooms, providing predictable structures within our lessons, and insisting on high uniform standards. These actions may seem inconsequential, but cumulatively they help boys feel safe and secure and provide a stable environment in which they can take risks and learn productively. If you are concerned that your son has not established good study routines, please reach out to the relevant year level Program Leader or House Dean for assistance.

A major focus at the College this week has been raising awareness of the route students are required to take when walking to the Fortitude Valley train station. The practice of running across St Paul’s Terrace, Gipps St and Barry Parade is very dangerous. All students accessing the immediate vicinity of the Valley station must cross St Paul’s Terrace by using the pedestrian crossing at the five ways intersection. While at the train station, students are not permitted to take food through the turnstiles and onto the platform. If they wish to purchase something to eat, they must consume it in the court area.

Success is what you make of it

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

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

The academic award is external recognition of success. However, the majority of the boys awarded have been motivated by the internal desire to succeed. I see these award winners as a success. Our Diligence and Improvement award winners are also a success. Our 2021 median ATAR 91.45 student offered the University course of his choice is a success.

At Terrace, we intentionally challenge every boy to succeed, or more specifically, to be the best that he can be. While I might aspire to be a medallist in Snowboarding at the 2026 Italian Winter Olympics, I know I may just miss out. However, that does not stop me from being the best that I can be.

Remember, as 2018 College Dux Jacob Montaner said at the 2019 Scholars' Assembly, motivation leads to hard work, and hard work leads to success.

Our Year 12 students are entering a busy time with their first exam block commencing this week. The consistent effort will pay off during this peak in the assessment cycle.

All the best.

Firstly, I would like to extend a big thank you to our Pastoral Care Mentors, parents and caregivers for working together to gather online for the PC Mentor Interviews last week. The opportunity to put a face to a name, meet your son’s new PC Mentor, and share information certainly enhances our ability to maintain an atmosphere of care at Waterford.

The boys are settling into the Waterford routine quite well. Not gathering the cohort in the Waterford Theatre makes communication a bit difficult, but we are finding our way slowly. This week we will start our PC Group three on three basketball competition, which will be enthusiastically contested on the Waterford court.

Immersion preferences have now been submitted, and we are working through group allocations. This will take some time as we negotiate group sizes with our Immersion providers. Please be patient while we work through this process.

Usually, during this time of the year, we would celebrate our Year 10 Mass in the Chapel. While we cannot gather at present for the upcoming Lenten period, the time that precedes Easter provides us with the opportunity for personal and communal reflection. We hope this time also signifies our Year 10 students’ commitment to being open to renewal and the mindset of serving and being kind to others.

While it is only our second week onsite, it is Week 4 in the College calendar and midterm assessment pieces will be due soon. This is an excellent opportunity for you to check on your son’s progress and remind all students that they need to stay organised and on top of any assessment tasks, one of which includes the Year 10 Mathematics mid-term review, due in Week 5 (next week). Your son should be able to show you the Year 10 Assessment Calendar by heading to SPIRE/Studies/Academic Organisation/Year 10 Assessment alternatively these can be found on the College App.

Please keep our Waterford administration team informed when your son is absent via the Terrace App absentee icon, or emaling waterfordplace@terrace.qld.edu.au or by phoning 3214 5400.

GPS Debating

The most eagerly anticipated debating round in the GPS calendar was held last Friday. Congratulations to our newly minted ”Kings of the Hill” – our Senior A team who met the challenge of the Brisbane Grammar School team and walked away winners.

However, Debating isn’t all about one team. Congratulations to the 8.3, 9.1, 10.1, 10.2 and 12.1 teams who also won against BGS on Friday night. 12.1 are undefeated this season – credit to a great crew of coaches and team.

This week, we debate at Brisbane State High School (BSHS). They do not have primary students, so these young men will compete at Terrace on Friday. Please check emails and information on the Terrace App to ensure all families have the correct information. A bus will leave Terrace to take students to BSHS, with parents/caregivers to collect their sons after the debate.

QDU Debating

We have received an update from QDU with more rounds rescheduled. Please note the changes below:

• Brisbane ROUND 1 - Year 8 and Senior A Wednesday 9 March
• Brisbane ROUND 1 - Year 9 and Year 11 Thursday 10 March
• Brisbane ROUND 1 - Year 10 and Year 12 Wednesday 16 March
• Brisbane ROUND 2 - Year 8 and Senior A Thursday 17 March
• Brisbane ROUND 2 - Year 9 and Year 11 Wednesday 23 March
• Brisbane ROUND 2 - Year 12 Thursday 24 March
• Brisbane ROUND 2 - Year 10 Wednesday 30 March

Debating coaches

We have some unexpected vacancies within our Debating coaching team. If you have debating experience – great or small – please contact our Debating Coordinator, Miss McLean – AimeeMcLean@terrace.qld.edu.au.

Debating seminars

A team of very experienced coaches leads Debating workshops and seminars throughout the term. Please check the schedule and the College calendar to ensure all Terrace debaters attend these sessions.

Terrace Production - Grease

Students must advise us if they are unable to attend rehearsals. With such a large production – and show week less than 12 weeks away, we need to ensure we utilise our rehearsal time.

Public Speaking

If any student wishing to be involved in Public Speaking has not yet signed up, please contact Miss Clarke – BridgetClarke@terrace.qld.edu.au. An information session was held this week outlining student involvement in competitions.

Support Group meetings

The Terrace Performing Arts (TPA) and Debating Support Group (DSG) meet regularly throughout the year. These parent support groups assist the various activities in our program in many ways.

Meetings are held as per the College calendar. The next meetings for the DSG and TPA will be held on Tuesday 8 March.

We would like to invite all parents and caregivers to these meetings, starting at 5.30pm. The TPA meeting will be held in the Francis Rush Room, and the DSG meeting will be held in the Mary Rice Room at Mt Sion (main building, best accessed via Rogers Street).

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 (Ms Nicole Quinn) or the Terrace Performing Arts, please email TPAChair@terrace.qld.edu.au (Mrs Jenny Barends).

Staying in touch

To keep in touch with all things Cultural, we 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

Mindful music

An apple a day keeps the doctor away (Elizabeth Wright)

This common phrase, often associated with healthy living, has taken on a new meaning at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). A group of students from the Centre for Health Services at UCLA have undertaken a research project as part of the Healthy Campus Initiative’s Mindful Music Program. Each week a group of UCLA’s most talented musicians stage a 30-minute concert around various cafes on the University campus. Program founder Dalida Arakelian states:

The goals of Mindful Music are to lower stress levels; improve listener's mood and alleviate anxiety; provide a positive, shared experience among UCLA students, staff, faculty and visitors; and be the basis of a community research project that links music to scientific research.

Following each performance, surveys were conducted to ascertain what impact the music had on the listeners and if this had a positive effect in any way. While the research is ongoing, initial findings overwhelmingly support the benefits of music within our daily lives and its ability to lower stress levels and provide us with a break from our hectic schedules.

While we are not all musicians, we each have a particular artist or style of music we enjoy listening to, be it for exercise, study, relaxation, or musical mastery.

I encourage and challenge you to take a moment this week to stop and appreciate music for what it is and the positive impact it can have on each of us.

Musical performances

Congratulations to the Terrace Choir, who participated in last Friday’s Opening Liturgy. The choir sang beautifully and was commended on their performance by the Executive Director of EREA Dr Craig Wattam. I also congratulate the boys on their perseverance and ability to rise to the occasion. Thank you to Mr Jacob Bradford for his ongoing work with the College’s Choral program.

Congratulations to the Waterford String Quartet, who performed on Tuesday at the Academic Medals Assembly. Led by Ms Bowen, they skilfully performed a moving performance of Trumpet Voluntary by Henry Purcell.

Music tuition and ensembles

Has your son been thinking about learning an instrument or joining an ensemble? Now is the perfect time to begin your musical journey. For more information regarding Music and Speech and Drama Lessons or Ensembles please contact the music office via music@terrace.qld.edu.au or access the Terrace App.

Music Practice Hall

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

Last weekend saw Terrace play Brisbane Grammar School in the 1^st XI. Both teams were undefeated heading into the fixture. After Terrace won the toss and batted first, wickets continued to fall regularly and the boys just couldn’t form that much needed partnership. Bowled out for 110, the team fought gallantly in the field in what was a tight affair. Brisbane Grammar eventually chased the runs five wickets down. It was a great showing of determination to try to defend a low total. The team can take away many positives from the experience. This week the team plays Brisbane State High School away, which is always a challenge. There are no easy games in the GPS 1^st XI competition and any team can beat any team on their day. That’s one of the things that makes the competition so good.

The rest of the program had a strong day and came away with some great results. Go well this weekend.

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

Mr Peter CONNORS (GT 1953)

Mr Reginald DILLON (GT 1946)

Mr Brian KING (GT 1956)

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

2022 Celebration of Swimming Dinner

Details: Saturday 5 March | 6.00 - 10.30pm
Venue: Figs on Sylvan | 65 Sylvan Road, Toowong
Cost: Adult ticket | $60, Student ticket | $20
For further information, please contact
Vanessa Wilson | vanessa@performancelab.com.au

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

Terrace Rowing Supporters' Luncheon

Details: Sunday 13 March
Venue: Victoria Park
Information: All Terrace Rowing families invited - booking details coming soon
For further event information, please contact
Cate Clifford - Terrow Secretary | Terrow@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Terrace Family Race Day

Details: Saturday 23 April | 11.30am
Venue: Doomben Racecourse
Information: All Terrace Family welcome to attend - booking details coming soon
For further event information, please contact
Cate Clifford | Terrow@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Non-Executive Director - The Gregory Terrace Foundation Board Member

Are you considering board and governance opportunities? Are you passionate about shaping the strategy that supports the financial sustainability of our College for the future? 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. The roles are unpaid voluntary positions for a period of three years (with opportunity for renewal).