From the Headmaster

Dear boys, staff and parents

‘The beginning is the most important part of the work.’ (Plato)

Welcome to the new academic year and a special welcome to families who joined the Churchie community for the first time in 2024. I join with the staff in expressing our excitement for the beginning of this school year and all the opportunities that lie ahead for our students. In a potent expression of the educational life cycle at Churchie, in the first hour of the first day, parents watched on as 44 Reception boys took their first steps into class just as 15 Year 12 students took their oath of prefectship—a commitment to lead the student body throughout 2024.

In our boarding community, we have new families from Bamaga, Townsville and Cairns in the north, south to Narrabri and from centres across the south-west and central regions of Queensland as well as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. We also welcome expatriate families from Southeast Asia. We welcome all families into boarding and appreciate the way they enrich the whole school community.

New beginnings equal new opportunities. Every student, from Reception to Year 12, has a wonderful opportunity to begin afresh, set ambitious goals, and learn and grow beyond their own expectations.

Perhaps, like me, you have enjoyed seeing the recently released movie The Boys in the Boat, based on the beautifully written book by Daniel James Brown. It tells the true story of the University of Washington rowing crew (eight) who pursue their ambition of representing the USA at the 1936 Summer Olympic Games. Immersed in the overarching story is the personal narrative of crew member Joe Rantz, who rises from extreme poverty to achieve his goals through the pursuit of self-directed study, odd jobs in depression-era America and membership of the university boat shed. That Joe Rantz progressed to a long and successful professional and family life speaks volumes for the inspirational manner in which he seized opportunities and new beginnings. His determination to advance, against significant odds, serves as an inspiration to all and is a cogent reminder of the importance of throwing oneself into new opportunities and new beginnings.

Our hope for all the boys is that they give their all to this school year and grasp every opportunity to challenge and advance themselves in what, I am sure, will be a great year ahead.

Over the coming weeks, the boys will be introduced to new members of our staff team. Parents will have opportunities to meet our new staff at forthcoming events and parent-teacher conferences scheduled in our school calendar.

At our initial services in the Canon Jones Memorial Chapel or St John’s Cathedral, our newly appointed Senior Chaplain, The Reverend Sharon Mitchell, will be introduced. Reverend Sharon has served as an educator and ordained priest in a number of Anglican schools in Queensland for several years and brings a wealth of experience to lead the spiritual and worship life of the School.

Finally, I extend a cordial invitation to all parents to attend our annual Headmaster’s Welcome to Parents 2024 event in Magnus Quad on Friday 2 February from 6 to 8 pm. This will be an enjoyable opportunity to meet senior members of staff and new and returning parents.

With every good wish for a great year.

Dr Alan Campbell
Headmaster