Sections

Principal’s Message | Dr Michael Carroll

Dear members of the Terrace Family,

As Term 4 continues to unfold quickly in front of us, I remind all families of how important these weeks are for the hard work of study.  The hard work of study and revision is critical as students across all year levels will commence their exams in just two weeks.

This week has seen several special events happening. At Terrace, we are very lucky to have the Terrace Ladies Group (TLG), who work hard to support so many different aspects of life at the College.  I thank Mrs Kirsten Carroll and her committee for all the work and support they have offered during this difficult year.  I particularly acknowledge Mrs Kirsten Carroll (retiring President), Mrs Samantha Mills (retiring Vice President) and Mrs Cathy Nash and Mrs Chris Giust (retiring Care and Concern coordinators) and thank them for their contributions to the College. The TLG AGM was held on Monday, and the new committee has been appointed. I congratulate the committee and look forward to working closely with them in 2021.

  • President (incoming) - Mrs Hayley McBrien
  • Vice President (incoming) - Mrs Nicole Hoffmann
  • Vice Presidents - Mrs Holly Hohn and Mrs Megan Beattie
  • Treasurer - Mrs Christina O’Kane
  • Secretary - Mrs Kris Siddle
  • Care and Concern (incoming) - Mrs Linda Beckmann, Mrs Victoria Bryant and Mrs Di Ames

Tomorrow the College, along with the Gregory Terrace Old Boys’ Association, will host the annual Vintage Terracians' event in Duhig Place.  There are over 100 Terracians attending tomorrow and it will be a special day as a significant part of our history gathers to celebrate their time and memories of Terrace.  To be a Vintage Terracian, you must have left Terrace at least 50 years ago, so there will be an enormous amount of history gathered at the College this Friday.

On one day every year, we celebrate our Edmund Rice tradition and mission through a fundraising event for the Bursary program. This year has been a little challenging for our Terrace Family. Acknowledging this, our annual Giving Day was moved to a time where we were all a little more certain about how we would fair as a community. Yesterday, we started the countdown to Terrace Giving Day 2020. I encourage you to visit terracegiving.com.au and hear the Terrace story. I hope you can join us, in your way, to raise funds for this cause - the heart of our Terrace spirit.

Training and preparations for the 2021 sporting and cultural seasons have already commenced, with many boys involved in training for Rowing, Volleyball, Tennis, Cricket and Debating.  It is my pleasure to announce the 2021 Terrace Swimming Captains. 

  • Captain – George Williamson
  • Vice Captain – Byron Jackson
  • Vice Captain – Luke Hancock

Congratulations to these gentlemen.  I know they will lead the team with distinction.

Finally this week, I ask that you keep our Year 12 students in your thoughts and prayers as they continue the arduous journey with their external exams.  This is a challenging time for them, and it is important that they know they are not alone.  The entire Terrace Family is very much with them on this journey.

Have a great week.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll                                                                                                        College Principal

Deputy Principal | Mr Damien Fall

Our thoughts and prayers this week are with Mr Peter Marendy, who is a long-serving member of the College’s teaching staff and a former Head of Faculty. Peter’s dear mother Barbara sadly passed away late last week, and the family farewells her tomorrow. May perpetual light shine upon her and may Barbara rest in peace.

This Tuesday, we held the College’s annual Commemorative Mass. Each year we remember those members of the Terrace Family who have gone to their eternal rest. The occasion is a reminder we are a relationship-based organisation and that the most important thing in our lives is the loved ones who surround us. We wish everyone in the Terrace Family the very best of health and happiness. May you gain strength and energy from the love and care of others.

Recent months have seen the College Leadership Team work through a process of consultation and discernment to produce our new Strategic Plan. We are close to a final draft which will then be refined before the plan is launched in 2021. With the assistance of members of the Terrace Family, we have identified five strategic priorities, namely:

  • Lifelong learning through excellence in education
  • Our faith
  • An atmosphere of care
  • Responsible stewardship
  • Community relationships

These overarching priorities will be the foundation upon we produce an annual operational plan that will inform our actions each year. We look forward to finalising the College’s Strategic Plan before bringing it to life through our actions. I thank the large number of people who have provided their input to this point.

With Valedictory in two weeks, the final day of school in just over three weeks and the 2021 calendar almost complete, it feels like the end of the year is fast approaching. I look forward to our students giving their very best for the next few weeks. Staff are keen to assist in ensuring the boys can finish the academic year knowing they have given their best - all the best to everyone.

Assistant Dean of Identity | Mr Chris Zammit

The first week of November holds two important days in the liturgical year – All Saints Day and All Souls Day. All Saints Day is an opportunity to honour those holy men and women who have gone before us in faith; those who have both walked the walk and talked the talk; and who, as great champions of faith, continue to play a role in the life of the Church. Similarly, All Souls Day is a time when we remember those who have come before us who have died. As I reflect on the people I have lost in my own life, particularly my own Dad, I am reminded that it is those with whom we share this journey that makes us who we are. Each of us carries parts of those people with us each day, and they are never too far from our hearts.

Throughout Terms 3 and 4, students in Year 9 have participated in the Micah Retreat, centring around the call to ‘Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God’. During this time, they have grown in their understanding that the world is not as it should be, that many are suffering and that it is our responsibility to reach out to those who need help. We are reminded of the work of Edmund Rice in reaching out to form an Inclusive Community and that special phrase: That I am because we are. During this retreat, we are grateful for the work and courage of our House Deans, who have shared their own Micah stories of uncommon men and women; people who have humbly made a difference in the world through their small, everyday actions. Similarly, we are called to make a difference by doing small things well – how we treat each other and asking what we can do each day to help those in need.

As we enter the second half of Term 4, and as we approach our Advent Season, each of us is called to be men of faith and action, specifically through the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Each student has an opportunity to provide support for a family in the form of a donated item to Christmas hampers through your Pastoral Care Group. We are encouraged to be generous, knowing that these gifts will bring hope and support to a local family this Christmas season.

Every blessing for the month of November.

Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

I have been very impressed with the collective energy on display while observing our Year 12s over the last two weeks as they continue their external exams. Their upbeat attitude is a testament to their self-belief and faith in their preparation. Throughout the day, I observe numerous groups of students collaborating, sharing ideas and encouraging one another to perform their best.

In addition to the 2021 College Captain and Vice Captains, the House Captains have now been announced. They will quickly commence planning and building relationships within the House for the year ahead. As always, at the core of our student leadership model is an understanding of service. While we congratulate these students, it is just as important to recognise that all students who wear a white shirt are considered to be Senior leaders and have a responsibility to uphold the College values of knowledge, humility and wisdom. Often our hidden heroes throughout the year come from the wider Senior group. The Terrace Gentleman has been woven into the fabric of a Terrace education for many years. The College must continue to redefine what this means in a contemporary context. Young men that have an awareness of their social surroundings and the role they play in promoting a positive social environment is a good starting point.

Last week, our Year 8 students enjoyed listening to award winning author and all-round teenage specialist, Rebecca Sparrow on the topic of respectful relationships. The audience well received her simple message to ‘not trade your authenticity for being liked’ and how to engage in positive relationships with both boys and girls. Friendships are made in small moments of shared experiences. These may include, walking to the station, waiting in line for class and even sharing a Friday detention together! The key is to keep on the lookout for these opportunities and then to present as a happy, interested person who is prepared to listen. Rebecca also touched on understanding personal boundaries. It is the first time we have had the pleasure of listening to Rebecca Sparrow at Terrace, but I am sure we will have the opportunity to listen to her wisdom in the coming years.

On occasion, I am consulted by parents on the topic of drug and alcohol use by teenagers. Boys in older years will often use the excuse that “everyone else is doing it.”. This is far from the truth. The longer you can delay the use of alcohol by your son, the better. It is concerning to hear about situations that our students find themselves in when they have been under the influence of alcohol. Research indicates that the frontal lobe of young adolescents is not developed enough to absorb these substances. The world is full of good young men who are suffering the consequences of making poor choices. Our students are not immune to this. Parenting is a hard job but having the ability to say “no” when it is in their best interest is of great importance and pays dividends in the long run.

Dean of Studies | Mr Mason Hellyer

Persistence – to continue in the face of difficulty or adversity.

Through the course of a term, I communicate to students through a variety of events, assemblies, and group discussions regarding academic success. There are a number of intentional messages that I reinforce:

  • Be organised. Use the resources available and plan to use your time effectively.
  • Success = consistent effort x time.
  • Seek assistance. Use staff tutoring, peer tutoring, study hall, ask a question, speak to a mate.
  • Exam techniques. Know the content but also manage the exam.
  • Reflect on your performance.

Our current Senior cohort is exhibiting another important aspect of success – persistence. In the middle of a three-and-a-half-week external exam block, it would be easy to be distracted, be off task or succumb to blue-sky thinking. For our Years 5-11 students, persistence is especially required through the middle of a term when assignment drafts and finals are due, and exams are on the horizon. At this time, it takes persistence to stick to your study plan, to be consistent in your study and revision, or to know when to ask for help. Consequently, the above messages are not effective unless a student is persistent.

As I mentioned to all students, persistence starts as a mindset and then becomes a habit. To be persistent, you need to set a target or goal, know how to work towards it, then take responsibility to move forward. To develop persistence as a habit, start small – set a goal for nightly revision, identify the actual questions or content that you wish to revise, then do it without interruption, disruption or excuse.

Practice persistence every day, and it will become a habit. A habit that will enable a student to achieve success.

Congratulations to Year 10 student Ryan Wong, who has been selected to attend the Australian Mathematics Olympiad Committee (AMOC) School of Excellence later this term. This is a very select opportunity for Ryan, where he will be challenged mathematically and vie for a place in the Australian Maths Olympiad team. We wish Ryan all the best.

Director of Culture | Mr Matt Cocking

School of Rock Sizzle

An annual highlight for a Terracian is the involvement in the Terrace Musical. Each year we produce a sizzle video trailer for the musical to spark interest and set our ticket sales alight. Unfortunately, this year, lockdown began before we could film and stage our beloved musical. However, we are very proud of the passion and efforts that all cast members from Terrace and All Hallows’ displayed on their personal journey in this activity. It is our pleasure to finally bring you the sizzle video for School of Rock and a final medley performance at Celebration of Excellence as our presentation of this year’s production to the Terrace Family.


Debating

After our recent trials, we are proud to announce the following students will be the members of our 2021 Senior A Debating team:

  • Luke Ames
  • Eden Chan
  • Fergus Farrell
  • Thomas Musgrave
  • Thomas Nunn-Rutledge

We are fortunate to have this group of students who have years of debating experience and we look forward to watching them in action in 2021.

AMEB exam results

Recent Speech and Drama exams have 80% of our participating students achieving results of a B or above. We are very proud of their achievement in this field.  Three of these students will be speaking at our upcoming 2020 Celebration of Excellence evening.  Even more will be members of our 2021 Middle School Musical.  Congratulations to these young men.

Support Group meetings

Support Group meetings will be held online if necessary.  Should you wish to contact the Debating Support Group, please email: DSGChair@terrace.qld.edu.au or the Terrace Performing Arts, please email: TPAChair@terrace.qld.edu.au .

Staying in touch   

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

TWITTER            @GTCulture  INSTAGRAM      terrace_gtculture  YOUTUBE          Terrace Culture YouTube Channel

Director of Music | Mr Jan Hewerdine

Welcome to Week 5

On Tuesday next week through to the following Monday, we start before school rehearsals for the Celebration of Excellence Orchestra. Rehearsals run from 7-8.20am. Please note that these will be running from room 320 with strings in MU2.

A reminder that if you wish to cease lessons, you need to notify us two weeks prior to the end of term (Week 6, Friday 13 November).

Thank you to all who attended Music Practice Hall. I ask that as many students as possible participate in this initiative, to ensure that it continues next year. We are also looking at adding a second day.  We welcome Ariana Dedecius, who in due course will be looking after our string musicians for this initiative.  Our thanks to Harry Ottley who has been covering for the string musicians at this time.

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact the Music Department  music@terrace.qld.edu.au

Term 4 Events

  •  Tuesday 17 November - Celebration of Excellence
  • Thursday 19 November - Year 12 Valedictory Mass 

Term 1 2021 Events

  • Monday and Tuesday 18-19 January - Terrace Choir Workshop - 8.30am-3pm – Chapel of the Holy Family
  • Tuesday 19 and Monday 25 January - First Percussion Ensemble Workshop - 8.30am-3pm - Room 320/1
  • Monday 25 January - Concert Band (2&3) Workshop - 8.30am-12pm ­- MU2
  • Monday 25 January - Youth Choir Workshop - 8.30-3pm ­– MU1
  • Wednesday 20 January - ANZAC Marching Band (SWE and Red Thunder Drumline) - 9am to 11.30am - Tennyson Playing Fields
  • Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 January Music Camp (Red Thunder Drumline, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Terrace, Jazz Orchestra, Waterford Strings, Waterford Soloists) - 8.30am-4pm - Queensland Conference and Camping Centres (QCCC) 179 Gold Creek Road, Brookfield
  • Thursday 11 February - GPS Showcase - 8.30am-8.30pm Griffith University Qld Conservatorium of Music select musicians and singers
  • Saturday 20 February - Strings Workshop - 8.45am-1.15pm Terrace (TBA)
  • Thursday 25 February - Chamber Concert-3.30-7pm Edmund Rice Theatre
  • Friday 26 March - Terrace Jazz Night - 3.30-9pm (venue TBA)

Director of Sport | Mr Tony McGahan

Cycling

Congratulations to the follow students on their success in the Australian Track Cycling.

The Queensland team has been announced for the Under 19 and Elite National Championships to take place in Brisbane in December (postponed from March).

Terrace is represented in the Under 19 team by Finn Walsh (Year 12) Conor Watson (Year 11) and James Panizza (Year 11).  Finn’s brother, Liam Walsh (GT 2018), has been selected in the Men’s Elite team.

The announcement from Cycling Queensland is available on the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/cyclingqueensland/photos/a.405706042384/10157503788052385/

Hockey

Congratulations also to Max Mackley ( Year 8) who has been selected in the 2020/2021 Under 15 Queensland hockey squad (outdoor).

The Weekly Wrap

Tack and Field

We have come to the end of another Track and Field Season. On 23 October our 13 Years to Opens boys competed in the Senior GPS Championships at QSAC. With an eighth place finish we did not reach our desired result, but our Terrace athletes performed admirably in what was an incredibly challenging competition. Our 13 Years athletes placed fourth, and our 14 Years athletes placed sixth, with 26 personal bests. These results are a reflection of the effort of our boys and their desire to give their all for the red and black.

Outstanding performances of the day:

  • Bernie King: 2nd place - 13 Years Javelin and 2nd place - 13 Years Shot Put
  • Griffin Kelly: 3rd place - Open 1500m
  • Blake Russell: 2nd place - 13 Years Long Jump and 3rd place - 13 Years 200m
  • Max van Balen: 3rd place - 14 Years 200m and 3rd place - 13 Years 100m
  • Denver Loli: 3rd place - 13 Years High Jump

In addition to the fabulous performances mentioned above, a number of our athletes achieved First place, an extraordinary achievement regarding the quality of competition.

First place

  • Blake Russell - 13 Years Triple Jump
  • Max van Balen - 14 Years 400m
  • Max van Balen, Kiyan Gunewardene, Tom O’Reagan and Val Adami - 14 Years Relay team.

On Thursday 29 October we finalised our season. A number of awards were given out including our Age Champions for 2020, our most valuable athletes at the GPS for each age group, and our most valuable athlete at the Senior GPS.

Age Champions 2020

  • 10 Years: Tom Nasser
  • 11 Years: Will Reilly
  • 12 Years: Max Lloyd
  • 13 Years: Blake Russell
  • 14 Years: Max van Balen
  • 15 Years: Austin Russell
  • 16 Years: Mali Dorante
  • Open: Oliver Casey- Ryan 

Most Valuable Athletes at the GPS for each age group (based on points scored)

  • 10 Years: Tom Nasser
  • 11 Years: Will Reilly
  • 12 Years: Max Lloyd
  • 13 Years: Blake Russell
  • 14 Years: Max van Balen
  • 15 Years: Austin Russell
  • 16 Years: Mali Dorante and Josiah Harrison-Leonoa
  • Open: Oliver Casey-Ryan and Griffin Kelly

Most Valuable Athlete at the Senior GPS (based on points scored)

  • Blake Russell

Congratulations to all of the athletes who committed themselves to training and worked hard each session to improve that little bit. 

Terrace Shop

Volunteering at the Terrace Shop

During Term 4 we are welcoming our newest students to the Terrace Family and we need your help! We would love to have you assist us in the Shop as each new student is fitted for his Terrace uniform.

It is a lovely tradition to have current parents volunteer in the Shop during this time. It gives new families an opportunity to meet other parents and ask those everyday questions in a friendly and welcoming environment.

It doesn’t matter if you have not volunteered with us before – we warmly welcome everyone! We will be here to help you and will give you a quick cheat sheet for the fitting process.

We will attend to the uniform fittings from Term 4 Week 1 -  Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am - 2.45pm. 

On Tuesdays 27 October, 10 November and 17 November we will need assistance until 5.15pm. There are two families booked at one scheduled time, therefore we hope to have two volunteers kindly assist after school.

If you are interested in helping us, please put your name down to volunteer via the following links.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We both look forward to welcoming you!

Donna Asnicar and Felice Gatenby terraceshop@terrace.qld.edu.au

Terrace Ladies Group

Hello Everyone,

It has been a while since my last news article. Much has happened since we saw each other last and the year is coming to an end very quickly. Last Monday 2 November we held the annual TLG AGM. This year nominations were called for President and Vice-President 2021-2022. I am happy to announce Hayley McBrien as President and Nicole Hoffman as Vice President (Logistics). Welcome.

There is much to do before the year is over for the TLG. We are the hospitality arm of the College and our next gig is the Year 12 Graduation morning tea at Tennyson on Thursday 19 November.

Due to restrictions placed on the numbers at venues, Year 12s and their families are not able to attend the traditional Valedictory Dinner. A ceremony will be held at Tennyson instead. In true Terrace tradition we want to make this a day to remember for these gentlemen and their families. We are asking the whole College to get behind us and show support for the families who have supported us.

We are asking for cash, food or time donations for the day to supply a morning tea spread to remember. We will be catering for approximately 600 people for the morning tea and require volunteer mums and dads to help out on the day. COVID-19 guidelines say food should be served to people not set out buffet style as we would normally do.

If you are able to donate cash, food or your time please see the links below.

Food donations hereVolunteer assistance hereMorning tea financial donations welcome here

Year Level Events

Earlier in the year Dr Carroll and I met to discuss planned events going forward. From this discussion we came to an agreement that all College supported social events should be put on hold until next year. We are very aware there are many families hurting and watching their budgets closely.

We do encourage you to organise your own small social gatherings within your year levels at low or no cost places like parks, etc. Watch this space for a full calendar year of events in 2021.

Care and Concern Update

This year may have kept us apart, but it provided a timely reminder about the importance of community and how special and unique the Terrace Family is.

Over the past two years Chris Giust and Cathy Nash have capably and generously guided the ship and we would warmly like thank them both. No amount of cooking, logistics, emailing or advocating has ever been too much. Many initiatives such as the Mealtrain and Cook Up A Storm are now embedded in the workings of the group. Thank you, ladies, for sharing your kindness, friendship and of course, your recipes with us! We would also like to thank our fabulous volunteers. Our Terrace families have come to the fore, whenever called upon, with beautiful meals in times of need.

So, as 2021 looms, changes are afoot! We are broadening the reach of the group and supporting families and staff, not just in times of crisis but also in happy, busy times, such as the arrival of a new addition to the family.

If you would like to be join our merry band of helpers, please drop a note with your details and you will be added to volunteer contact list.  

CareandConcern@terrace.qld.edu.au

If you are time poor but still keen to help, a donation is an easy way to contribute to the cost of ingredients.

C&C financial donations welcome here

Thank you

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the year level coordinators, canteen, BBQ volunteers, care and concern volunteers within the College. Our College is what it is because of each and every one of you. The Terrace Family is alive and strong. It is amazing talking to people who passed through the gates many years ago who recall what it meant to them.

A sense of friendship, a sense of love, a sense of acceptance and most of all a sense of belonging to a family - the Terrace Family.

Events

Find your end of year Terrace Family invitations below...

The joy of Christmas is giving to others. 

The Terrace Family is warmly invited to show their support for the 2020 St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Over the coming weeks, students are welcome to donate hamper items to their House or Waterford Place which will be used to make up hampers for families and individuals in our local community.  Let's Be The One to make someone's Christmas a little merrier this year. 

Due to COVID-19 venue restrictions, this year's event can only accommodate two parents/caregivers per award recipient.  Award winners have been notified by email. Ticketing information will be made available to families in the coming days. 

Details: Tuesday 17 November 2020
Time: Commencing at 7.00pm and concluding at 9.00pm. Guests are requested to please be seated at 6.30pm.
Venue: Great Hall, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dress: Students - Formal uniform, which includes blazers and white shirts.

For those family unable to attend in person, the 2020 Celebration of Excellence will be available to view via live stream. Please use the below link should you wish to view the celebrations via the College YouTube.

2020 COE Live Stream | View Here

Terrace Giving Day: it's not just a day, it's a legacy.

From midday on 18 November, for 24 hours, we are asking the Terrace Family to help us raise $192,000 for the Edmund Rice Bursary Program. This will fund the tuition of two boys through their six year journey at Terrace.
Join us on Wednesday 18 November, using the below link to register.

Terrace Giving Day | Join Us Here

Fresh, juicy mangoes taste even sweeter in the name of a wonderful cause!

Order a tray of mangoes and support Windsor House Friendship Group - Youngcare. All funds raised will go to directly to helping young Australians with high care needs.
Details: Order using the below link by Thursday 19 November. 
Cost: $35 (+ booking fee) for 1 tray
Pick up: Students and parents/caregivers can collect their order at College reception Monday 23 November

Fundraising Mangoes | Order Here

Details: Sunday 29 November | 1 - 4.30pm
Venue: Tennyson Playing Fields
RSVP: No RSVP necessary. All Old Boys and current Terracians and their families are warmly invited to attend.
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Blair Copelin | BlairCopelin@Terrace.qld.edu.au 

Terrace Christmas Appeal 
Thank you to for your generous support so far of the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.
While food donations are gratefully being accepted in Houses over the coming weeks, the College is also requesting donations of toiletry items such as toothbrushes, soap and toothpaste.
Donations can be dropped off at the Campus Ministry office. Your support is greatly appreciated by those who will receive these essential items.

Year Level Parent Social Functions

Find your end of year parent/caregiver get together details here...

Year 6 End of Year Break Up

Details: Friday 27 November | 12 - 3pm
Venue: Centenary Pool, Gregory Terrace Spring Hill
Cost: Admission - $15 (+bf) | Includes admission, sausage sizzle & cake
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Catherine Hennessy | terraceclass2026@gmail.com

Year 6 End of Year Break Up | Book Here