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Principal’s Message | Dr Michael Carroll

Dear members of the Terrace Family,

We are very much at the business end of the term with Year 12 mock external exams already underway and other year levels commencing their exams next week. It is important to maintain good routines and focus over the coming two weeks to maximise exam results. As our students have again experienced disruption to their learning this term due to the earlier lockdown, a deliberate focus on preparation for these exams will be critical.

Tonight, we host the Orientation Evening for the 2022 Year 7 cohort and their parents. This is an important evening for the students and their Year 10 and Year 11 buddies. My thanks to the many staff who have worked very hard to ensure that this night goes ahead and is a positive experience for our 2022 Year 7 students and families.

Tomorrow is a gazetted pupil free day; however, Terrace will be a hive of activity with Years 5 and 7 testing, music testing and staff professional development taking place across the day. For our students, it should also provide an opportunity to further prepare for their upcoming exams.

It was great to have our community back at the Campbell Centre and Tennyson last weekend. While I always comment that our core business is teaching and learning, the importance of community and the opportunity for families to come together is undeniable. It was fantastic to see Tennyson buzzing throughout the day, with large numbers of students and their parents enjoying this excellent facility. I also want to thank the many people who took the time to welcome me back throughout the day. I enjoyed my break, but it is also very good to return to our outstanding Terrace Family. Thank you for your welcome.

The impact of COVID continues to dominate many aspects of our lives, but hopefully, we can remain safe and healthy as we head towards the end of the term. The mandate for students to wear masks while at school and when travelling on public transport remains in place and will be reviewed at the end of next week. The students have been excellent in following this directive, and we all need to stay vigilant with masks, hand hygiene and social distancing protocols. There have been no other changes to the restrictions currently in place for schools. Discussions around students vaccinations and school vaccination hubs remain at the conceptual stage, and we have no further details at this stage. My thanks for your ongoing support and understanding of the range of restrictions currently in place.

Next week is Child Protection Week. The safety of all children is vital, and as a College, we remain committed to ensuring practices and processes are in place to protect our students.

Finally this week, I wish all of the fathers in our community a Happy Father’s Day and remember those fathers who are no longer with us.

Have a great week.

God Bless

Assistant Dean of Identity | Mr Chris Zammit

The last few weeks of international news have seen devastating images and stories come out of Afghanistan – from the horrors of indiscriminate terror attacks to the thousands of fleeing refugees who are prepared to leave everything they know to start again in any safe haven they can find. Stories of women and children who have fled to Kabul looking for safety from the Taliban now huddling in parks around the city, without food or shelter or protection. Single mothers who are hiding in their homes in Kabul, terrified and alone. Young girls are being taken from their families, as they are now considered the property of the Taliban.

It is hard not to feel a sense of helplessness, knowing these events are so far outside our scope of influence. Despite this, we are called as a Christian community to stand in solidarity with all who suffer and to continue the mission of Jesus to do all we can to create a world of justice and compassion.

In all places and circumstances, Christians are called to hear the cry of the poor... This is why I want a Church that is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us. Not only do they share in the sensus fidei (sense of the faith), but in their difficulties, they know the suffering Christ.

[Pope Francis, 2014]

Last week, students throughout the Terrace community had a moment of prayerful silence for the nation of Afghanistan, also forming an artwork of solidarity with words of support and providing financial assistance to the International Rescue Committee to get supplies to their teams on the ground in Kabul, where they are providing food and protection to internally displaced people.

We are painfully aware that this is not the only place of suffering in the world at present, and we acknowledge that the government here has held Afghani refugees in detention centres for years. While it is difficult to fully comprehend the fear of so many who have struggled for so long, we pray from within our Terrace Family to extend solidarity outwards to all Afghani families and individuals, especially girls and women in Afghanistan. We value human freedom, democratic rights, and access to education and social protection.

Let us call on God the Creator to hear the prayers from our hearts and homes, neighbourhoods and nation, and the broader world.

For world leaders: that promises made to the Afghani people will be upheld by the international community.
For conversion of mind and heart: that all people of goodwill overcome hatred and division.
For Afghani women and girls: that hard-fought-for freedoms will endure, and courage be placed in their hearts.
For Afghani staff who have supported Australian personnel since 2001: that security and safety be extended to them in practical solidarity.
For people of all faith traditions: that they will put aside differences and seek justice and peace together.
For those who have died: that they will be held in God’s loving embrace and continue to pray for all those in need.
Lord hear our prayer!
Live Jesus in our Hearts… Forever.

Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

To have a good friend you need to be a good friend

These words were one of the key messages given by Rebecca Sparrow at the first All Hallows’/Terrace Understanding Respectful Relations forums delivered online on Monday night. While for the second year in a row, we have needed to adjust the format of the evening due to COVID, it is an important concept that our students need assistance with. Rebecca provided a great insight into the value of friendships and how they are created in the small moments throughout the day. She warned against the trap of turning friendships into a performance and asked the audience to consider if there is a ‘price they are paying’ for some of the friendships they are involved in. All very relatable issues when considering respectful relationships. A link to the keynote address and transcript will be uploaded to the College App for those that may have missed the evening.

The wearing of masks continues to be a part of the regular school day for the foreseeable future. The need to implement measures to protect our school populations is of the highest priority; however, it has presented some challenges for the College. We have had to supply an increasing number of masks daily to students who forget to bring masks to school. At the College Assembly during the week, I asked that boys bring a supply of spare masks to keep in their lockers if one breaks during the day. The second issue is very disappointing and needs to be addressed immediately. Some students have followed the lead of a Tiktok video where the string of the masks is used to make cuts in the plastic chairs in classrooms. The staff have been working through this during the week, and we have had a noticeable improvement in a short period. This form of vandalism of school property will not be tolerated. The boys have received this message loud and clear this week.

It was wonderful to see so many families out and about on Saturday at the Basketball and Rugby, enjoying fixtures against Brisbane Grammar School. It is an important aspect of wellbeing that has been highlighted in the last 12 months. I always walk around the games on Saturday to observe how boys from all schools conduct themselves. I have been watching teenage boys play sport for 25 years in the GPS system, and while skill levels have certainly improved, I am not convinced the conduct has. We have room to improve both on and off the field with how we participate. If you see behaviour on a Saturday that you disagree with, I ask that you discuss this on the way home with your sons. They will dismiss you and normalise it as just a “g up”, but we need to put an adult lens over it to keep things in perspective. Look for the way boys act in the final minutes before they run on, the way they react towards the opposition after scoring, watch the ruck for a few seconds after the ball has gone, look at the comments made by spectators on the sideline and finally the way both teams react after the game. As coaches and players, we have room to move in this space to shape positive Saturday culture. It is not all teams or players, but it is not hard to find if you are looking for it.

Dean of Studies | Mr Mason Hellyer

The Senior students commenced this week with a significant milestone on their academic journey with the start of their mock external exam block. This is an important step in the external exam preparation program that started in Year 11. Exam nerves and anxiety are expected; however, our experience has demonstrated that the best way to mitigate these nerves is to be as prepared as possible. These exams provide essential feedback and experience in exam management as students prepare for the actual external exams in late October. We wish the Senior cohort well with the remainder of their exams.

All students have been issued with copies of their exam schedules. Copies can be obtained from Student Services, Moodle, and the College App. These timetables are a necessary part of a strategic revision plan. This week and next week’s challenge is to ensure that our boys exhibit perseverance in their preparation and commitment until the completion of their final exam. Our aim is for every student to finish the term knowing that he has given his best, whatever that outcome may be.

Ultimately, the key to good performance is preparation – It is still not too late to be prepared. Therefore, when your son is feeling the pressure of exams, here are some hints that can be shared with them:

  • Be prepared. Work backwards from your exam date to plan when you will prepare. Don’t just leave it for the night before.
  • Complete all the revision sheets.
  • Use subject resources and the subject checklist to go back through the content you have covered.
  • Test yourself:
    • Use flashcards
    • Do as many practice questions as possible
    • Mind dump – close your notes and recall everything you can in your own words
  • Continue to exercise and eat well. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
  • Have a good sleep the night before, be well rested.
  • Go back over your study notes before the exam. Don’t engage in speculative talk.
  • It is okay to be nervous. In fact, it is normal. Your mates may not show it, but they are just as nervous as you. Feeling nervous is your body’s way of getting ready.
  • Walk into the exam with confidence – you have done the work, now is the time to show it!

All the best for the next week.

Terrace Library

Director of Culture | Mr Matt Cocking

Chess

Last week, Chess played Brisbane Grammar School. The Open B and C teams won their matches convincingly, and after spirited battles, the top teams went down to more formidable Brisbane Grammar teams. We have a challenge coming up this week against Anglican Church Grammar School, but our boys are ready to put up a fight.

QCMF music success

Well done to our 838 musicians who performed virtually as part of this year's Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival. Terrace achieved a total of 45% Gold awards. The Music department numbers have grown an incredible 68% in the last seven years. In 2021 we entered 31 ensembles into the QCMF. These 31 ensembles were awarded 14 Gold, 16 Silver and 1 Bronze. Later this year, the Red Thunder Drumline and First Percussion Ensemble will compete in the nationals. We wish them well.

Gold
  • 1st Percussion Ensemble
  • Big Band 3
  • Concert Band 3
  • Red Thunder Drumline
  • Saxophone Choir
  • Terrace Guitar Orchestra
  • Terrace Jazz Combo
  • Terrace Jazz Orchestra
  • Terrace Rock Band
  • Terrace Vocal Ensemble
  • Year 5 Band
  • Year 5 Strings
  • Year 6 Strings
  • Youth Choir

Debating – QDU competition

With the changes to this competition this year due to lockdowns and venue issues, we are looking forward to wrapping up this competition on a high.

We have five teams still debating in the Years 8-12 competition, not forgetting our Years 5-7, who will resume their QDU rounds next term.

Congratulations to our Senior A team who won their debate last night. Unfortunately, the 11.1 team lost their debate.

Debating Dinner

Our annual Debating Dinner was held last Thursday night at Victoria Park. Thank you to our Debating Support Group Chair, Ms Nicole Quinn, and her team who worked with our staff to ensure a successful evening.

Public Speaking – Terrace competition

Congratulations to Ruari Burke, Jack Moore and Hugh Devine, the winners of the senior, intermediate and junior Terrace Public Speaking competition.

Public Speaking – Evatt competition

Well done to Year 10 students Liam Cleary and Luke Ames, who competed last weekend in the State Evatt competition. Unfortunately, they have not progressed to the finals. However, we look forward to seeing them compete in the Red and Black for the next couple of years.

Terrace Jazz Night 2021

Be the first to see the 2021 Terrace Jazz Night held at X Cargo on YouTube.

Support Group meetings

Support Group meetings will be held on 14 September in the Board Rooms at Mt Sion. Should you wish to contact the

Staying in touch

To keep in touch with all things Cultural, we suggest you download the Terrace App and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to ensure you don’t miss anything. If you have any photographs or videos that you would like to share, please tag us.

Director of Music | Mr Derek Rose

QCMF results

Congratulations to all students who performed and represented the College at this year’s Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival. The College entered 31 ensembles into the online festival and received 14 Gold Awards, 16 Silver Awards and 1 Bronze award. A fantastic result - all students should be immensely proud of their efforts.

Terrace Jazz Combo

Last Thursday evening, the Terrace Jazz Combo performed at the Annual Debating Dinner. Congratulations to all boys who performed. Their performance included an array of various styles and genres of music for the audience to enjoy. Events such as this allow us as a community to come together, celebrate, and recognise the importance of our cultural success.

Concert Band 2

Congratulations to all students in Concert Band 2 on their stellar performance at this week's assembly. The ensemble performed Cossack Dance led by their conductor Mr Dabelstein.

Red Thunder Drumline

Last Saturday was this year’s debut performance by the Red Thunder Drumline at the 1st XV Rugby game against Brisbane Grammar School. The Drumline delighted the spectators with a complex and exciting performance.

Year 7 Orientation

Best of luck to all ensembles performing at the Year 7 Orientation evening tonight. On occasions such as this, new families coming to Terrace experience the many facets of the Music program along with the many opportunities their son has to be involved in our thriving program.

Australian Percussion Eisteddfod

Lima Tse (Year 8), Sebastian Wright (Year 9) and Alex Smith (Year 12) are competing in the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod solo competition. This National online festival includes students from all over Australia. We wish these students all the best as they compete and represent the College.

Notice to discontinue lessons

If any students wish to discontinue the Instrumental and Speech and Drama Program, written notification by parents/caregivers needs to be received two weeks before the end of term.

Music Practice Hall

Music Practice Hall continues to provide a unique opportunity for all woodwind, brass, string and percussion students to benefit from the assistance of a range of trained professionals here to assist your son. Now is the time to develop your skills in practice technique and to join Music Practice Hall on a Monday 3.15-5pm in the Music Centre

Term 3

  • Saturday 11 September- Sousaphone Army Basketball performance
  • Saturday 11 September - Red Thunder Drumline Rugby performance
  • Tuesday 14 September 5.30pm - TPAmeeting

The Weekly Wrap

Basketball

On Saturday, Terrace played Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) in Round 7. Terrace also played Brisbane Boys' College (BBC) and The Southport School (TSS) in a number of supplementary games.

We had strong results against BGS, who are traditionally known for their depth and strength throughout the participation program, resulting in wins across our A team games.

Round 7 doubled as Old Boys' Round, with the 1st V wearing the 1997 commemorative singlet during their game. In addition to this, the group was addressed by Old Boy 1st V player Mr Mark Christensen (GT 1994), who is also a GTOBA committee member. Mark spoke passionately about his love of the school and how those willing to get in the arena and not sit on the sidelines are the students who get the most out of their Terrace experience. He also spoke of the bonds formed on the court that last a lifetime and the value and pride of being a part of the Terrace Old Boy community.

Terrace recorded is best winning results against BGS in recent years, winning 76% of games played between the two schools. This result is a testament to the program's depth as displayed in clean sweeps by the Years 5, 6, 7 and 10 age groups. For the first time this season, all of the Terrace A teams recorded victories, with the 11As getting over the line for their first win of the season. It was a well-deserved result for this group led by Coach Henry Mahoney. The 11As have been on the wrong side of tight contests but have shown great fighting qualities in all games they have played, coming together as a team to finally get the win.

Terrace played The Southport School in several supplementary games at Southport. It was an excellent opportunity for players in the D-H program to experience a good standard of Basketball at the facilities down the coast. The 7F team provided the highlight of the Round with a tense four-point victory over the TSS 7Ds.

The 1st V clash turned out to be a final minute thriller as an undermanned Terrace team fought valiantly to hold off a fast-finishing BGS outfit. BGS were ultimately too strong in the final quarter, capitalising on their significant height advantage to walk away with a two-point win. The result is a disappointing one for the group. However, the coaching staff were proud of the effort and intensity of the group, with several players doing a great job defensively out of their regular positions. The unavailability of players provided an excellent opportunity for Sam Schmidt and Cooper Marshall to Co-Captain the team, a just reward for years of dedication and service to the Basketball program, with both players arguably the best on the court for Terrace. In addition, the 1st V welcomed three debutants to the fold, with Paul Papacostas #304, Nick French #305 and Jacob Shaw #306 all getting court time.

The program now looks ahead to an exciting match up in Round 8 against the Anglican Church Grammar School in what will be a great round of GPS Basketball.

Rugby

Congratulations to all teams for the efforts last weekend against Brisbane Grammar School. A total of 32 well spirited games were played across the day. Terrace ended the day with 21 wins, 2 draws and a few teams recording narrow losses. I would like to congratulate all players and coaches for their efforts to get the program back up and running over the last couple of weeks. The outstanding results recorded over the weekend reflect the commitment and dedication the players and coaches have given to the program.

Thanks again to the Rugby Support Group and all the parents who generously gave up their time to assist in the BBQ and canteen. We go to great lengths to ensure all teams play at Tennyson on our home round as I firmly believe that our home day experience is why we have such large numbers of boys playing the great game of rugby year after year.

It was pleasing to see our Open age groups dominate last weekend against BGS. The 1st XV is three from three with a hard-fought 28 – 21 win, while our 2nd, 4th and 5th teams all had well-deserved wins. The 16As lost against BGS, while the 16B and 16C played their best games of the season.

The GPS team of the week goes to the never say die 15A team coached by Mr Glenn Cameron and Mr Jon Fitzgerald. The team had an entertaining 27 - 24 win over a powerful Brisbane State High School team. Several Under 11 teams were also in the mix for the team of the week and can consider themselves unlucky this week.

The Under 14 age group again dominated, with solid results against BGS, while the Under 13 and Under 12 age groups fought hard all day, with the 12Cs and 13Cs leading the way on the scoreboard with big wins.

Our Under 11 age group were outstanding, with all teams once again scoring plenty of points and playing an attacking style of Rugby. The age group tallied 266 points and conceded only 60 points. It is always pleasing to see the improvement of our younger players as the season progresses.

A special thanks to our Director of Culture Mr Matt Cocking, Director of Music Mr Derek Rose, and the Drumline for the entertainment.

An essential reminder that Training is not optional. If your son is unable to attend training, he must let his age group coordinator know.

I wish every team all the very best for their games this weekend.

Key Dates

  • 4 September GT v ACGS – AWAY
  • 11 September GT v TSS – HOME

Medical Room

Thanks to Dr Ben Forster and his team of parent doctors, along with the staff from twelve9teen sports physiotherapy, who will once again oversee our game-day coverage. The medical room plays an important role on game day, ensuring our boys, along with our opposition, are in safe hands. The coverage starts from game one and finishes at full-time of the 1st XV. We have sports aids, physios and doctors on hand to assist with all injuries.

TLG

Tennyson Canteen

Rugby was back last Saturday, and what a beautiful day it was out at Tennyson. The canteen was a hive of activity. Thanks to all our volunteers who signed up and others who dropped in to offer help on the day – big and small. We are very grateful to you all.

We have one home game left for the season. It will be a big day when we play The Southport School and host Back to Tennyson Day. Please keep an eye out for the Canteen and BBQ volunteer sign up links on year level pages. We will need all hands on deck to cater on the day.

Past Mother’s Mass and Morning Tea rescheduled

Events

  • 6 September – TLG meeting at 7.30am. Guest Speaker Mrs Loren Serafin-Huey will provide an overview of the benefits of the mock exam block, September break and her perspective as a parent.
  • 11 September – GPS Round 8 vs TSS and Back to Tennyson Day
  • 12 September – Past Mothers' Mass and Morning Tea
  • 5 October – TLG Thanksgiving Mass
  • 8 October – Inter-House Track and Field
  • 11 October – TLG Meeting at 7.30am
  • 16 October – Terrace Long Lunch - GT on the Green
  • 8 November - TLG AGM

Events

Details: Monday 6 September | 7.30am
Venue: The Founders' Room (located beside the College Chapel)
Guest Speakers: Mrs Loren Serafin-Huey - Program Leader: Years 11 & 12: advice on all things ATAR including mock exam information and the September program. An experienced educator and ATAR surviving parent - plenty of very valuable insight.
RSVP: TLG@terrace.qld.edu.au - for COVID safe purposes, please RSVP prior to the meeting's commencement.

All parents and caregivers are most welcome to attend.

2021 Terrace Basketball Raffle

Details: Saturday 11 September | Entries close at 9am
Cost: $25 per ticket (+bf)
For further event information, please contact
Angela Papacostas | angepapacostas@gmail.com

Basketball Raffle | Purchase Tickets Here

Details: Sunday 12 September | 9.00am - 12.00pm
Venue: Chapel of the Holy Family, St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace
Cost: $25pp (+bf) | Includes morning tea
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Wednesday 11 August
For further information or event enquiries, please contact
Nicole Hoffman | nhof8777@bigpond.net.a

Past Mothers' Mass | Book Tickets Here

2021 Open Rugby Celebration

Details: Sunday 12 September | 1.30 - 4.30pm
Venue: The Marquee, Victoria Park Golf Complex, Herston
Cost: Adults - $70pp (+bf) | Students - $35pp (+bf) | Includes two course dinner
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Sunday 5 September
For further event information, please contact
Michael Liddy | mjliddy@qldbar.asn.au

Opens Rugby Celebration | Tickets Here

Come and Try Rowing

Details: Saturday 9 October | 7.00am - 5.30pm
Venue: Maroon Dam | Bus departs and returns to Tennyson
Cost: Free
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Friday 17 September
For further event information, please contact
Brendan McGrath | brendanmcgrath@terrace.qld.edu.au

Register Here!

Year Level Parent Social Functions

Year 10 Parent/Caregiver Function

Details: Saturday 4 September | 6.30 - 10.00pm
Venue: Frida Kahlo's Summer House, 15 Goodwin Street, Kangaroo Point
Cost: $40pp (+bf) | Includes a shared banquet dinner
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by 31 August
For further information or event enquiries, please contact
Nicole Hoffman | nhof8777@bigpond.net.au

Year 10 Function | Book Here

Year 7 Parent/Caregiver Function

Details: Saturday 11 September | 6.30 - 10.30pm
Venue: Gusto da Gianni, Portside Wharf, Hamilton
Cost: $48pp (+bf) | Includes canapes & glass of prosecco on arrival
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by 1 September
For further information or event enquiries, please contact
Monica Katsanevas | monica@bloomberry.com.au

Year 7 Function | Book Here

Year 12 Formal Parent/Caregiver Function

Details: Thursday 16 September | 7.30 - 10.30pm
Venue: Viet de Lites, Southbank
Cost: $35pp (+bf) | Includes buffet dinner
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by Friday 10 September
For further information or event enquiries, please contact
Sharon Loudon | sharon.loudon@co-bolt.com.au

Year 12 Function | Tickets Here

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

Year 5 Mothers' Long Lunch