Dear members of the Terrace Family,

In the past few weeks, I have written several communications to the College community. I trust that these communications have provided adequate updates on what is happening at Terrace and importantly, what actions and changes the COVID–19 situation has created.  I thank those people who have provided feedback and comments regarding the communications and strategies undertaken to keep people healthy and at the same time, continue the important function of teaching and learning. Please note that the government has made a significant announcement about schools today that strongly impacts our functioning next week; effectively, the entire week will be student-free. I have emailed information about this and it can also be found in the College App.

In this edition of the Terrace News, I wanted to move away from COVID–19 commentary to acknowledge the many activities and achievements attained by the students over the last few weeks.

Although the GPS co-curricular program is currently suspended and all training and rehearsals have been put on hold, it is important to reflect on the Term 1 achievements.

The Cultural program at the College has had a very successful Term 1 campaign.  The Senior A debating team finished second in their GPS season while the 11.2, 10.3, 6.1 and 5.2 GPS teams remained undefeated in their GPS season.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Red Thunder Drumline participated in the Stanthorpe Festival a few weeks ago and were again very popular in the parade.

On the sporting front, the 1st XI Cricket team has finished their season in first position.  The 1st VI Volleyball team has also finished the season in first position.  The 1st VIII rowers capped off a demanding season with third place at the Head of the River.  It is also worth noting that all our Open crews had a successful day with the 3rd VIII finishing third and the 2nd VIII winning their Head of the River race. Our Junior GPS swim team finished fifth and our Senior GPS team finished seventh.

To all staff, students and parents involved in our Term 1 co-curricular program, I offer my congratulations and thanks for a great season.  Well done to all involved.  With the pre-season programs currently suspended, the extra time has allowed students greater preparation time for their upcoming exams.  I do, however, make the comment that it is important for the students to continue with their co-curricular activities; whether it is going for a run, practising your instrument or honing your skills, the maintenance of activity is important.

With the majority of students currently in exam mode, it is important that they prepare well for these exams until the end of this week.  It is important that their revision continues, that good practices around sleep are maintained and that students have the necessary equipment for exams ready.  Good luck to students as we finalise exams tomorrow. Despite the interruptions over what have been extraordinary recent weeks, we would like boys to give their very best in any exams they are completing.

Finally this week, I encourage families to keep connected.  Although many of our social events have been cancelled or postponed, it is important that we continue to connect – perhaps via the various social media platforms or even a good ‘old fashioned’ phone call.  It will be important to remain connected to family, friends and the College.

Have a great week and stay healthy.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal

I write this article on the Feast of the Annunciation, the date in the Catholic Church’s calendar in which the angel Gabriel visits the virgin Mary to inform her that she is to become the mother of Jesus Christ, the son of God. One can only imagine the shock and possibly dread that Mary felt when she heard this news. Many of us may not make the connection that the date of the Annunciation is exactly nine months before Christmas Day. No doubt, any of Mary’s initial thoughts would have been replaced, in time, by excitement and optimism about the impending arrival of her child. In Australia, this is a time when we are all experiencing a mix of emotions. As we deal with the shock and devastation of the current world crisis, it is important we remember to appreciate all we are fortunate to have, and to look forward with hope and optimism. We hope and pray that there are better times ahead and as a community, that we are stronger and closer as a result of the difficulties we have faced. Our thoughts are very much with those in the Terrace Family who have been negatively impacted and we pray with optimism for better times for these people.

I have written to a number of our families in the past week to inform them that some of our teaching staff have taken the option of working from home and isolating themselves from the human interactions that are inevitable in a busy school. The staff involved are considered, for various reasons, to be in categories at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus and hence the College has been strongly supportive of their decisions to self-isolate. These teachers are all working from home to continue supporting students’ learning. A number of our non-teaching staff have also accepted the opportunity to work from home for a period of time. The College is committed to the care of staff and I have been delighted by the messages of support for our staff sent by many of our families. We will watch the news closely over the next week or so and always respond in a way that keeps the welfare of students and staff as the highest priority. With today's government announcement, next week will see staff focusing their efforts on the preparation of units of work that can be delivered remotely if required during Term 2. Best wishes to all in the Terrace Family.

During exam block, I meet with each subject cohort of Senior students 15 minutes prior to the commencement of their exam. There are a number of reasons to do this. Firstly, to gather them all in one space to ensure that they are on time for the start of the exam. Secondly, to provide updates on what has been occurring and what may be coming up in the near future academically, as many will only come into school for their exams. However, most importantly, it is an opportunity to focus students on the exam ahead.

This has been especially challenging at present. Consequently, I have been using the concept of controllables and uncontrollables as advice for students navigating not only the pressures of exams, but also this period of uncertainty. The message is to recognise the stressors that you cannot control – school closure, what will happen in Term 2, whether sport and cultural activities will resume, and accept that you cannot influence these outcomes at present. However, you can control aspects of your life at this present time that will ensure you maximise your academic performance – exam preparation, staying healthy, getting enough sleep. 

In these current times, it is important that students feel they are in control of aspects of their lives and can influence future outcomes. Academically, this requires that students should be directing their energy and time into the things they can control, not on things that they cannot.

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 to share 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 of the revision sheets.
• Use the Moodle and the subject checklist to go back through the content you have covered.
• Test yourself:

1. use flashcards
2. do as many practice questions as possible
3. 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 obviously show it, but they are just as nervous as you. Feeling nerves 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!

With today's developments regarding coronavirus, the final exams for the term will be held tomorrow. I encourage all students to give them their very best and I wish our young men every success.

With the likely move to online learning platforms in Term 2, young people are going to be spending more time at home and online. While there are a lot of great ways for students to use platforms to learn and stay socially connected, they will inevitably present risks that will need to be managed more closely than ever before. The eSafety commissioner has recently sent schools reminders for common online safety issues that I will share in this article. 

Here are some steps to help protect young people.

• Start the chat now. While it is not possible to be at your child’s side every second of the day, it is important to talk with them about online safety issues to help develop their critical thinking and ability to make good choices. You may feel they know more about the latest technology than you do, but you have more life experience to guide them. They will need your influence over the next few months as exposure to possible negative online interactions increases. 

• Use parental controls and safe search options. Parental controls can help block your child from accessing specific websites, apps or functions. They can also monitor your child’s use of connected devices and set time limits. However, please be aware that you cannot always rely on them — they should be used in combination with other online safety strategies. FamilyZone is a product that provides control at the network level, enabling parents to manage any device that connects to the home WiFi. 

• Check smart device settings. It is surprising how many devices can connect online these days. While they can be both entertaining and educational, they can reveal your child’s personal details and location — and allow other people to contact them without you knowing. Talk to your son about turning off location settings on their devices. 

• Look out for unwanted contact and grooming. Unwanted contact is any communication that makes your child feel uncomfortable or unsafe, even if they initially welcomed the contact. It can come from a stranger, an online ‘friend’ or even someone they actually know. At worst, it can involve ‘grooming’ — building a relationship with the child in order to sexually abuse them. Again, with the increase in time that the boys are going to be spending online in the coming months, like you, I have great concerns in this space. 

• Know the signs of cyberbullying. As always it is very important to keep an eye out for cyberbullying. It can include mean posts, comments and messages, as well as being left out of online group activities like gaming. Remember, when they are away from school, kids have less access to their usual support systems, including friends, teachers and counsellors. Watch out for signs like your child or teen appearing upset after using their mobile, tablet or computer, being unusually secretive about their online activities or becoming withdrawn.

As I walked around the campus this week, I was reminded of the critical role schools play in the wellbeing of communities. While there is a different atmosphere here at present I think the boys have responded really well to the changing environment and continue to take one step at time. 

Take care. 

Hope

Earlier this week I presented the following reflection to the Terrace staff. In uncertain times, it is a timely reminder not to take our life for granted. 

When this is over may we never again take for granted -
• A handshake with a stranger
• Good hygiene and care for others
• Full shelves at the supermarket
• Conversations with neighbours
• A crowded theatre
• Friday night out
• The taste of communion
• A routine check-up
• Playing sport in a team
• Playing music in a group
• Coffee with a friend
• The stadium roaring
• Each deep breath
• Life itself

When this ends, may we find we have become the people we wanted to be, we were called to be, we hoped to be, and may we stay that way – better for each other because of the worst.

Laura Kelly Fanucci

O God, healer of all our ills,
to whom we turn in this time of distress,
grant, we pray in the power of faith,
eternal rest to the dead and comfort to those who mourn,
health to the sick and peace to the dying,
strength to medical workers, wisdom to our leaders
and a spirit of kindness to us all.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Please stay safe and stay healthy. 

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever

Musical – journey to the end

While the bell may have rung early on our School of Rock experience, it would be remiss of me to let the moment go without sharing some reflections on the 2020 Terrace production experience.  

We had a cast who committed body and soul to the challenges presented by a show like School of Rock.  We had a production team encompassing so many facets of the College community, supporting and engaging our students throughout the process.  To the Instrumental Music team, the Drama team, the costume team, and to the Grounds team - a huge thank you.  We are looking at creative ways we can share our School of Rock experience with the wider College community down the track.

As always, the health and safety of the Terrace Community must be our number one priority, and so while the bell may have rung early, School of Rock will live on in our hearts and minds for a long while to come.  See you after recess!

Debating State team success

Over many decades, Terrace has had a strong representation in the trial selection process for the Queensland Schools Debating team. The selection process involves participation in debates over four weekends to reduce the participants down to the top 12. From there, the top 12 participants are required to complete weekly readings on a variety of topics, complete exams on these and participate in three to four debates every weekend. Terrace had 14 students nominate themselves for this year’s trials with three students making it through to the top 12; Benjamin Scuderi (Year 12), Luke Ames (Year 11) and Thomas Musgrave (Year 10). Congratulations to these three debaters for the many hours they have put in to be the best they can be.

Due to the current situation, the selection process for the Queensland Schools Debating team and the National Schools Debating Championship (due to be held in May) have been put on hold. The Australian Debating Federation is hoping to run this later in the year. We wish Benjamin, Luke and Thomas all the best for their trials when they resume.

Term 1 Debating results

Well done to the 100 debaters that took part in the GPS season.  We came home with a healthy result with a Senior A finishing in second place for the season.

• Eight teams in first place
• Six teams in second place
• Four undefeated teams: 11.2, 10.3, 6.1 and 5.2

Click here for full results.

A reminder that all rehearsals have now finished for the rest of the term.

Term breaks provide the opportunity for students to develop a regular practice routine. All Music students are reminded of the importance of attending to regular and purposeful practice, both privately and in ensembles. An essential tool of the trade is the pencil. Taking note of difficult passages and suggestions from your Music tutor will help foster improvement rather than waste time repeating mistakes. Instruments need to go home so that practice can occur.

If any students are leaving the program, please advise music@terrace.qld.edu.au by COB today Thursday 26 March.

Cricket wrap

Unfortunately, the 2020 GPS Cricket season came to a premature end last week with the GPS committee announcing the cancellation of all Term 1 sport in the wake of the threat posed by COVID-19. The Terrace Cricket program supports this stance as it was made in line with guidance received from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and directives from Cricket Australia.
 
At this point, we will be awaiting further information as to how the co-curricular program will continue this year, along with a decision on the final standing of the 1st XI competition for season 2020.
 
Fortunately for Cricket, the program was able to complete the majority of its season including the Term 4 preseason program, holiday clinics, tours to Perth and Adelaide. We were also able to compete in the Christian Brothers Cricket Week competition and seven of the eight rounds of GPS Cricket. While this season will likely be remembered for the way in which it has concluded, it should be celebrated for another great year in which overs 530 students were given fantastic cricketing opportunities.
 
My hope is that we will be able to continue the regular Cricket season come Term 4, including our domestic tours in December. However, given the changing landscape of the current situation, this is obviously dependant on what occurs in the coming months.
 
I want to express my thanks to all who are involved in the Terrace Cricket program, including students, staff, coaches, managers, the Cricket Support Group, the team in the Sport Office and the CLT.
 
Lastly, I hope that all of you stay safe and remain vigilant during this uncertain time.
 
Thank you again for your participation and support of the Terrace Cricket program. There will be updates in the coming months regarding the Term 4 program and beyond.

Cricket awards

Congratulations to the following Cricket award winners

• Bowling Award 1st XI - Jeremy White
• Batting Awards 1st XI - Dylan Kritzinger
• GTOAB Fielding Award 1st XI - Mitchell Bodimeade
• Jack McLaughlin Perpetual Trophy for the Most Outstanding A Grade Cricketer - Tom Stubbin
• Kath Smith Memorial Prize for the Most Outstanding Under 15 Cricketer - Tom Campbell
• John Fanning Memorial Trophy for the Most Promising Under 13 Cricketer - George Hales
• Ron Oxenham Spirit of Cricket medal - William Campbell and Marindra Welgampola

Volleyball wrap

Congratulations to the players who received awards at the end of season dinner.

Please click here to see the list of award winners.

Today I sat down for lunch at a table built for eight but limited to just four students in an effort to maintain social distancing. Around the school, students have given up bubblers in favour of water bottles, and there is hand sanitiser in every classroom. We are rallying to the battle cry of control what we can, and are adopting the mantra of business as usual for what we can’t.

On the other hand, when I sat down for lunch today, the conversation was as enthusiastic as ever. Looking around, I saw many in the same situation – laughing, talking and playing handball with the occasional bump of elbows in place of a handshake. 

The Terrace spirit is unbreakable. 

While it might not be the Senior year that my classmates and I envisioned, the challenges that 2020 throws at us can’t shake the bonds that hold Terrace together. Those bonds will see us through uncertain times.

I recently read an Imperial College report modelling the spread of Coronavirus and the impact of different strategies. What caught my attention were the percentages of people predicted to adopt each strategy - numbers ranging from 80% to as low as 30%. Few of us have the background required to guide a country through an epidemic, but all of us have the capacity to play our part. One person’s actions make a difference.

At home, my family each have a sticker on the fridge handle, and that’s where we open it from. Last week at primary school, my little brother was taught to wash his hands properly – and mum made him teach the whole family. He is learning just now something that we should all be doing to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Social distancing does not change the fact that we are connected – through family, friends, teachers, children, siblings and more. We need to trust each other to do the right thing, and more importantly, Be the One who others can trust. Fortunately, support is at the heart of Terrace – this term alone, we have seen it time and time again from Volleyball to Rowing, from Debating to Cricket. An epidemic can stop sport, but it can’t stop the spirit behind it.

It is time to be thankful for the Terrace Family, to remember that it is for each other that we must rise to the challenge, and most importantly to remember that we are not rising to the challenge alone.

Be the One

Terrace Performing Arts fundraiser

The Terrace Performing Arts (TPA) support group will be once again supporting the Entertainment Book fundraiser. A total of 20%  from each sale goes to the TPA which in turn supports your son in his Cultural activities.  Please use the link below when purchasing your online Entertainment Book to ensure all Terrace sales come to our Support Group.
For further information, please contact
Imogen Brown | ImogenBrown@Terrace.qld.edu.au

Want to help out but poor on time?

You can now donate money directly to Terrace's Care and Concern Committee. 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.

Enrolment Interviews

Please be advised that all enrolment interviews scheduled for Year 7 2023 have been postponed.  The College Enrolment office will contact families with adjusted processes when these are finalised.  Please ensure that your email contact address(es) remain up to date with the College Enrolments office (enrolments@terrace.qld.edu.au).  We thank you for your understanding.