Audio edition
Starting new this year, we have introduced this audio version of the Churchie Weekly Newsletter as a trial and an additional way for you to hear what’s on at Churchie. For feedback or general inquiries, please contact Churchie News.
From the Deputy Headmaster
The past few weeks have certainly been busy and productive, with students settling into the new year, planning ahead and establishing routines. Also, as is our tradition in these early weeks, we have commissioned our new leaders across the School in a variety of ceremonial occasions.
This morning, in Morris Hall, our new Senior Chaplain, The Reverend Sharon Mitchell was commissioned. At the ceremony, we were encouraged to contemplate the wonders of the universe, with the power of education to stretch our imagination and understanding, while guided by the immutable values of Christian teaching. We welcome Reverend Sharon into our community and look forward to her steadfast support, inspiration and leadership.
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Last week, our annual Founder’s Day service at St John’s Cathedral also set a wonderful tone for 2024. An important part of this service was to commission our Year 12 student leaders for the year ahead. We were reminded that leadership is not an exercise in vanity or pride, but an act of service and devotion. ‘Do nothing in selfishness or conceit,’ we heard from Philippians, ‘but in humility count others better than yourselves.’ In our 113th year, it has been 104 years since the introduction of the very first student leadership group at Churchie, and we are still deeply committed to the leadership opportunities offered to our student executive, prefects, house captains and cocurricular captains. Notions of leadership and responsibility are pervasive across all areas of the School, many expressed without any badge or formal recognition, but each with the potential for significant and positive impact.
Both Founder’s Day and Reverend Sharon’s commissioning featured stunning performances from our Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings 1 and Senior Choir. Thank you and congratulations to the music staff and students, especially the soloists, who performed so magnificently.
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As we all set our bearings on the year ahead, particularly with regard to the curriculum, I encourage all students to engage with every subject with a strong sense of personal direction, genuine tenacity and an open mind. Don’t just walk in and out of classrooms. Rather, make every effort to think about how topics and ideas relate to our own quality of life, our place in the universe, our own ethical compass, or the traditions and livelihoods of other people and communities. We look forward to our students becoming intellectually, emotionally and motivationally embroiled in all aspects of their learning.
May the first few weeks of 2024 continue to inspire and challenge us in profound ways, building healthy momentum around our four key values of integrity, courage, respect and faithfulness.
Richard Wheeldon
Deputy Headmaster
Student safety notice
While Churchie is fortunate to have Oaklands Parade providing convenient vehicle access to the campus, we remind parents that students of all ages cross this road, throughout the day, often unpredictably despite the best efforts of staff. As such, the peak morning and afternoon periods present a high risk to students as parents and buses converge to drop off or collect children. Queuing across intersections and into surrounding streets also creates congestion for residents and further risk to pedestrians given it blocks visibility.
We understand all parents wish to collect their children as quickly as possible to continue on to after school activities. Staff, and Senior School students, all do their best to operate a variety of supervised processes. If you are approached by a staff member requesting your car to be moved, please respect their duty to create a safe environment and comply. Staff have reported unwillingness and abuse from parents, even when they are parked illegally and risk a hefty fine from parking enforcement officers.
Therefore, please respect each other, our staff and ultimately the safety of your children. Follow the signage and parking rules, and, most importantly, be patient and considerate. The main issues are parking in bus zones, queuing across intersections, blocking/driving in driveways, and not responding to staff requests to move on.
We appreciate that congestion occurs during the morning and afternoon, but we also have ample space for all to arrive/depart safely and efficiently if everybody works together. We also know that parking inspectors are targeting school zones such as Churchie as a matter of priority given student safety takes priority above all else.
This week Prep School news and Senior School news both have specific information relevant to their zones.
Prep School
Setting up boys for success
After a successful start to the school, it is timely to focus on how we can prepare our boys for success. Setting routines, ensuring boys are well-fed and getting plenty of sleep, limiting technology and engaging parents are all proven approaches that set up boys for success. We often equate success with talent, but the reality is talent, knowledge and skills alone are not enough. I would like to share ten behaviours often cited in business and leadership articles that will have a huge impact on the success of our boys.
- Being on time shows discipline, leaves a positive first impression and indicates you are ready to learn. It requires planning and organisation, and this can lead you to greater success. It also shows care and respect for the people you are working and learning with.
- Work ethic: cutting corners and taking the easy option leads to poor outcomes. It takes discipline to consistently show up and give your best each day. Having a work ethic means that you know what is important to you; it means you’re willing to put forth the time and energy, and it’s based on your personal core values.
- Effort is how hard you work. Effort is a mindset as much as it is a behaviour.
- Body language: your body language speaks volumes about you. Be aware of your body language, and make sure it is saying the message you want to communicate.
- Energy: showing you have energy about your learning shows you are serious about your learning.
- Attitude: having the right attitude to learn is crucial. Use positive language when you can. Never criticise or find fault in what you are learning. And don’t complain too much. You will find that your positive attitude will begin to rub off on others around you. The ability to learn, unlearn and re-learn is one of the most fundamental attitudes in life.
- Passion is contagious. Positive energy spreads around fast. When you get excited about something, others around you will also want in around that excitement.
- Being coachable: always be open to learning. You can never know everything. To increase your chances of success, you need to be a continuous learner.
- Doing extra: one of my favourite sayings is, ‘Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded.’ This means knowing what you want to achieve and working hard towards your goals.
- Being prepared: taking action to learn effectively and being ready to learn.
As Robert Collier wrote in his book Riches Within Your Reach, ‘Success is the sum of small efforts—repeated day in and day out.’
Value of the week: trust and trustworthiness
Trust is having faith in someone or something. It is a positive attitude about life; you are confident that the right thing will happen without trying to control it or make it happen. Even when difficult things happen, trust helps us to find the gift or lesson in the experience. Trustworthiness is being worthy of trust. People can count on you to do your best, keep your word and follow through on your commitments. You do what you say you will do. Trustworthiness is the key to success in anything you do.
Attribute of the week: open-minded
When you are open-minded, you understand and appreciate your own culture and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. You seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and you are willing to grow from the experience.
Curriculum Information Evening
On Monday evening next week, 12 February, the Prep School will hold our Curriculum Information Evening. After last year’s successful inaugural event, we are looking forward to another wonderful opportunity to strengthen the connection between home and school. There will be fun, interactive workshops to experience a day in the life of a Prep School student. It is a great way to experience how our teachers are teaching your sons. Staff will guide parents through a typical lesson and what is expected of the boys. It will be entertaining and fun, but informative. Please register via the below link. Workshop and presenter details are also below. I hope to see you there.
Date: Monday 12 February 2024
Registration: 5:45 pm
Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
Location: Prep School
Please note bookings are essential and close Thursday 8 February at 4 pm.
Curriculum information registration
Prep Curriculum Information Evening workshops
It’s all about the numbers: Reception to Year 2 Maths
Classroom 1A (PS40) with Vivienne Corness
In the early years, developing number sense includes recognising, reading and interpreting numbers, sharing, counting and understanding concepts like more and less. Join in this interactive workshop to see how we teach this important component of our Maths curriculum in the early years.
If the book fits…read it: Best fit books
Library with Alison Findlay and Belinda Booth
An important part of becoming a veracious reader is the ability to choose books that are a good fit. The IPICK criteria empower our boys to choose successfully, wherever they may be, without being tied to a level. Join our Teacher Librarians as they explain the process of choosing a Best Fit Book for your son.
To Infinity and Beyond: Years 3 to 6 Maths
Classroom 4C (PS21) with Richard Boles and James Harth
Problem solving places the focus on our boys making sense of mathematical ideas and problem solving encourages our boys to believe in their ability to think mathematically. Join us as we showcase the 10 problem solving strategies taught in the Prep School and what this looks like in practice in the upper years of the Prep School.
It is as easy as ichi, ni, san!
Japanese classroom (PS12) with Jenny Tanaka
Experience the Language, Embrace the Culture: Churchie Prep’s Approach to Japanese Learning! Our immersive CLIL (Content and language integrated learning) method brings Japanese alive through flashcards, gestures, songs, and real-world connections. Through games, storybooks, and hands-on activities, we make language acquisition an engaging adventure. Join us for a Japanese taster– where curiosity and an open mind create a path to discover a whole new world!
Blast off with books: Reception to Year 3 Reading
Library with Lauren Fernandes
Reading ignites creativity, sparks curiosity and stimulates the imagination of our youngest readers. Learn how our boys transition from beginning readers using decodable texts to more independent readers using a range of authentic texts. Join Lauren Fernandes as she shares this journey.
Feel the need…the need to read: Years 4 to 6 reading
Classroom 4B (PS22) with Nicole Baker
CAFÉ is a place we all like to visit to grab our favourite cup of coffee. Our boys are becoming immersed in CAFÉ while at school through the explicit teaching of the four main areas of reading. Join Nicole Baker as she looks at the strategies that make an effective and balanced reader in the upper primary years.
Hang around for a spell: Reception and Year 1 spelling
Classroom 1A (PS41) with Larissa Guy
InitiaLit is a programme utilised by our Reception and Year 1 boys. The spelling component of InitiaLit reviews phoneme-grapheme correspondence and spelling concepts and explicitly and systematically teaches the alphabetic code. This interactive workshop will demonstrate the basic principles of early years spelling.
Let us put a spell on you: Years 2 to 6 spelling
Classroom 4A (PS23) with Shay Thomas and Shannon Nicholson
The Australian English language is organised around 43 phonemes (sounds) and graphemes (a letter or letter combination) used to represent our written language. The teaching of spelling supports reading, writing and literacy skills. Join our teachers as they showcase the skills to develop a deeper understanding of the English language.
Teaching for understanding – Getting the most out of our boys
Classroom 6A (PS11) with Elizabeth Walker
How can we ensure that our boys are engaged in learning that is authentic, meaningful to them (both now and in the future) and lasts beyond the assessment? In this workshop, you will take a deep dive into quality teaching practices and learn practical ways to support boys not only in home learning but fostering a love of lifelong learning. You will leave this workshop with a deeper understanding of best practices, teaching and learning and a clear knowledge of conceptual-based learning versus topics.
Art attack
Art Studio with Karen Paris
Civilisations have been using art to express themselves since prehistoric times and the fact it continues today shows how important this function is. Art is a powerful form of self-expression. It is an outlet for our boys where they can share experiences, thoughts, feelings and other aspects of life. Join Karen Paris as she highlights the way we get our boys to artistically express themselves.
In-tune with Music
Music classroom (PS25) with Melissa Black
Parents will be encouraged to be risk-takers as they use play and movement to develop social skills, self-regulation and thinking skills. They will engage in a variety of singing and collaborative games not only to enhance learning and enjoyment but see how active, play-based, discovery and experiential music learning assists students in learning new concepts as they create new connections, whilst practising musical skills.
Just keep writing, just keep writing: Years 3 to 6
Classroom 6B (PS10) with Caroline Valentine and Jacki Kerr
From personal stories to persuasive writing to explaining how to do something, writing is a critical skill. Anyone can write words on a page, but making those words come to life in a cohesive and engaging text takes practice. This interactive workshop will have you planning and writing – just like our boys do to become more confident and capable writers.
Year 2 news
Year 2A has been busy grouping large quantities to help find the total number of objects. They have been using counting strategies such as grouping in fives and tens to count these objects quickly.
Year 4 news
Last week, our young scientists learnt about how the natural world changes over time through some hands-on experiments. Students explored chemical weathering, witnessed the impact of physical forces breaking down rocks and unravelled the intricate dance between living organisms and our Earth’s surface in biological weathering. They also saw firsthand the transformative power of water and wind by simulating erosion and deposition. Through these immersive experiences our Year 4 students are not only learning about science, they are also becoming enthusiastic stewards of the ever-changing beauty of our planet.
Term 1 photo day
Prep School class and team photographs will be taken by Leading Image, with dates and groups included on the Prep Calendar. Term 1 photo day is this Friday 9 February. All class and individual photos for Reception to Year 6 will be taken, as well as photos of student leaders, GPS Debating teams, the GPS Swimming team, GPS Volleyball and all GPS Cricket teams.
All boys in Reception to Year 6 should wear their formal uniform (white shirt and tie) to school on Friday 9 February. Boys may bring their blue and grey shirts to change into after their photo. If your son has HPE on Friday, he will also need to bring his sports uniform.
Swimming, volleyball and cricket team members should bring their appropriate uniforms for the photo.
If you have any questions, please contact the Prep Office.
Afternoon pick-up
I thank parents and carers for their ongoing cooperation with the collection of Years 4 to 6 boys each afternoon in the Mowbray Terrace pick-up zone. Generally, the system has been working effectively and efficiently. Please remember:
- If a vehicle has been waiting two minutes or longer and the student has not appeared at the zone, the vehicle will be asked to leave the zone and return to try again. Please understand that this is necessary for the zone to work effectively. Please be understanding and accepting of this request.
- Only Year 4 parents/vehicles should enter the pick-up zone before 3:10 pm. Year 4 classes are dismissed at 3 pm while Years 5 and 6 classes are dismissed at 3:05 pm.
- Years 5 and 6 parents/vehicles are permitted to enter the zone after 3:10 pm.
- No U-turns are permitted into the drop-off and pick-up zone when entering from the south along Stanley Terrace.
- When the pick-up queue stretches around the corner into Oaklands Parade, it is critical that cars do not stop in the school crossing no-stopping zones. These zones must be left clear whenever the crossing is operating. This is a matter of law as well as one of safety. Please cooperate with this important matter.
Don’t forget to follow us on our own Churchie Prep social media account. If you want to keep abreast of all the things Churchie Prep, follow us on Instagram @churchieprep.
Mark Wyer
Head of Preparatory School
Senior School
Parking on Oaklands Parade
Unfortunately some recent safety incidents have highlighted a need for parents to be more aware and considerate of parking rules and student safety.
Please note the wide range of parking zones and restrictions on the roads around the campus. Staff may ask you to move on from an illegal parking area. Please follow their request and know they are doing so to create a safe and efficient environment for students to arrive and depart school.
Blocking or parking in neighbouring driveways is illegal and inconsiderate to our neighbours. In particular, do not park at the units on Hilton Street (adjacent to North Field). Instead, use the nearby car park in Heath Park.
Bus zones on Oaklands Parade are also to be avoided. Most of Oaklands Parade’s eastern side becomes a bus zone in the morning and afternoon.
Camera equipped traffic enforcement cars patrol regularly and do not need to stop in order to issue you with a hefty fine. If you are asked to move on, you will be avoiding a fine as well as contributing to a safer environment.
Parent Wellbeing Lecture Series
Dr Terry Byers, A Learner’s Toolkit for parents
How to set up your son now for success in the future
The Senior School, in conjunction with Parent Connect, is hosting Dr Terry Byers, Director of Teaching, Learning and Research, on the topic ‘A Learner’s Toolkit for Parents – How to set up your son now for success in the future’. The presentation will commence at 6 pm; however, there will be a barbecue prior from 5:30 to 6 pm.
Date: Wednesday 7 February
Time: 5:30 to 7:15 pm
Location: The Centenary Library lecture theatre
As with all Parent Wellbeing Lecture Series presentations, there will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions toward the end of the session.
This free event is for parents of Senior School students. Unfortunately, we are unable to livestream or record this event.
Peta Carige, Advanced Sports Dietician
In conjunction with Parent Connect, the Senior School is also hosting Advanced Sports Dietician, Peta Carige.
Date: Tuesday 13 February
Time: 6 to 7:15 pm
Location: The Centenary Library lecture theatre
Peta’s sports nutrition work has included several elite teams across Queensland and New South Wales, including the Australian Rugby 7s men’s and women’s team and supported the women’s 2016 Olympic gold medal performance. She has also worked in rugby league for 15 years.
Peta will be speaking to parents on:
- Fuelling for performance and common mistakes
- Protein supplements and teenage muscle-building
- Body awareness – when to be concerned
- Practical tips for healthy habits in the home.
As with all Churchie Wellbeing Lecture Series presentations, there will be an opportunity to ask questions toward the end of the session.
This free event is for parents of senior school students in all year levels. If you have any queries in relation to this event, please contact Jarrad Boswell, Director of Athletic Development, via Jarrad.Boswell@churchie.com.au.
Josh Di Bella
Deputy Head of Senior School (Year 10 to 12)
National Youth Science Forum
Quan Nguyen (Year 12) was invited as one of the Queensland representatives at the National Youth Science Forum hosted at ANU in January. Quan stayed on campus for a week and had the opportunity to explore hands-on activities across a broad range of disciplines including AI and cyber, engineering, chemistry, environmental science, health and medicine and physics. He was able to visit research facilities such as the Bureau of Meteorology and listen to keynote speeches from leading scientists including physicists at the CERN in Switzerland. Quan also enjoyed participating in an Olympiad-style competition where he was able to develop crucial collaborative skills.
Grant Smith
Head of Gifted Education (Aquila)
Accounting classroom renovations
The recent renovation of the accounting classroom includes the installation of large computer monitors facilitating students’ utilisation of Excel for accounting tasks with their laptops. This addition allows students to efficiently create financial statements and access multiple documents simultaneously, mirroring real-world scenarios. This enhancement offers students a dynamic learning environment, equipping them with practical skills for their future accounting careers.
SchoolTV wellbeing resource
SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource at our school to help support you in the challenges of modern-day parenting relating to youth mental health and wellbeing. Topics can be accessed via myChurchie or by clicking on the following link: SchoolTV
Josh Di Bella
Deputy Head of Senior School (Years 10 to 12)
Rod Olsen
Head of Senior School
Chaplain’s corner
Admission to Holy Communion Service
Date: Friday 1 May 2024
Time: 6 pm
Location: St John’s Cathedral
Churchie students in Year 4 and above are invited to celebrate being admitted to Holy Communion in a joint service with students from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.
All students in Year 4 learn about and explore the sacraments as part of their RE unit, while Years 5 and 6 students will meet together and prepare in small groups, facilitated by Chaplain Stephanie in the Prep School.
Senior School students will be contacted by Senior Chaplain The Reverend Sharon Mitchell, for preparation as needed.
Sisters, from any school, are welcome to be admitted to Holy Communion with their brothers.
Please invite family and friends. They are welcome to support and attend this service, which will be followed by light refreshments.
Please complete the Admission to Holy Communion JotForm.
If your child has not yet been baptised, this can occur during or before the Admission to Holy Communion Service.
Please contact Chaplain Stephanie for further information at stephanie.cotroneo@churchie.com.au.
Stephanie Cotroneo
Lay Minister – Chaplain Preparatory School
Music
Symphony Orchestra and Senior Voices – Founder’s Day Service
Last Wednesday, the Churchie Symphony Orchestra and the Senior Voices accompanied the Founder’s Day Service in St John’s Cathedral with great distinction. Luka Roberts (Year 11) and Samuel Blackburn (Year 12) performed a triumphant fanfare as part of the Old One Hundredth processional hymn. Later in the service, the members of the Chamber 1 String Section performed ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’ featuring Eric Kim (Year 12) on the melody as the perfect incidental music whilst the Headmaster anointed the leaders of the School. To accompany the anointing of the Headmaster, Chairman and members of School Council, the Senior Voices sang the stunning and most appropriate hymn ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ unaccompanied and in harmony, filling out the beautiful and resonant acoustics in St John’s Cathedral.
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Music Calendar Launch and Welcome
A reminder for any students interested in the Mt Gambier Generations in Jazz Tour, 2024, the 2025 Vienna music tour for students in Years 8 to 12, or anyone in Years 7 to 12 that would like to hear about the 2024 music calendar and meet the wonderful music community, please come along to the Music Calendar Launch and Welcome on Thursday 15 February at 6 pm.
It is a wonderful opportunity for students and their parents to come along and meet other parents and students within the music community, especially if you are new to the School or in Year 7. The evening will serve as an opportunity to view slides from the recent Japan Music Tour and collect information on the next tour to Mt Gambier in 2024 and the Strings and Choral tour in 2025. You will also receive some wonderful information on the music calendar events followed by an opportunity to share some food and drinks with the parent and student community courtesy of the Music Support Group. The event will take place in the Centenary Lecture Theatre on Thursday 15 February 2024.
Bohdan Davison
Director of Music
Sport
The weekend saw another series of challenging opponents as we took on Terrace, producing a range of thrilling matches and standout efforts. Furthermore, this week’s round against Nudgee will be another big round, at home, where we expect a large turnout of spectators. We will be hosting the rowing regatta at Lake Wyaralong on Saturday and debating on Friday afternoon at home.
Please see the Round 2 results summary on the myChurchie GPS Sports and Activities page.
Volleyball
A special recognition goes out to six exceptional young men from Year 8. Occasionally, teams are faced with the challenge of double duty, and these six individuals handled it with utmost professionalism. They completed their first duty before their game, played with great intensity, and then proceeded to fulfil their second duty while the rest of their team departed. Thank you to Harry, George, Nathan, Fraser, Fred and Ben for honouring their commitment. The coaches, referees and players from the fourths game were highly impressed with the level of engagement and accuracy in the duty roles.
I remind all members of Churchie Volleyball that attendance at duty is expected and required on Saturday game day. It is essential that the entire team be present on the court at least 15 minutes before their duty, and all players must fulfil their duty responsibilities. Ian Bullock has dedicated time and effort to training and upskilling teams to ensure the knowledge and involvement of all boys.
Against Gregory Terrace, Churchie displayed exceptional sportsmanship, camaraderie and skill. Across all venues and teams, their outstanding abilities on the court were evident throughout the day. The nerves from last week were absent and the hard work of the preseason and current training began to bear fruit in terms of performance and results. Our players showcased aggressive and powerful serving, precise sets, and impressive spikes. Some matches were intense, featuring long rallies and strategic plays from both teams, while others were characterised by our team’s composure, teamwork, and superior skill level, resulting in comfortable wins.
Round two showcased Churchie Volleyball’s dominance, with victories in all but two matches. These two matches were fiercely contested, with both sides going point for point in the final sets. Congratulations to the boys and coaches on their achievements!
The Prep School volleyballers had another amazing weekend, coming away with all four wins for the second week in a row. Although everyone brought their A-game, there are a few special mentions from the day:
- Ben Potter (5A) for consistent serving
- Ethan Valentine (5A) for great net work
- George Scott (5B) for consistent serving and awesome work to the entire team for a solid performance
- Ryan Fraser (6A) for chasing balls and diving all over the court with his excellent defence
- James Davis (6B) for his consistent serves
- and a shout out to Mason Page (6B) for his clear communication on the court
The First’s game presented an equally challenging test. After securing the first two sets, Gregory Terrace came back in the third set with renewed energy, providing a formidable challenge. They tested our serving abilities, requiring our team to adapt quickly and adjust strategies accordingly. Throughout the match, our players demonstrated exceptional agility and court awareness, making swift decisions and executing well-timed attacks. It was an exhilarating contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, our team emerged victorious once again, showcasing their determination and resilience with a 3-0 win.
We have a huge round this weekend against Nudgee and hope to see the stands full of the BOC army for the Firsts commencing at 12:30 pm.
Carrie Mill
Director of Volleyball
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Swimming
As the countdown continues to the GPS Championships on 1 March, last week was jam-packed for our GPS Swimming squads. The annual Churchie Invitational Meet was well supported last Friday as The Southport School, Brisbane State High School and Churchie war cries filled the Barry McCart Aquatic Centre.
The Churchie Invitational saw 120 boys representing the School, achieving an amazing record-breaking number of personal best times. Accompanying this was wonderful support from parents for the bake sale. All parents have a deserved week’s break from baking! We are well on our way towards the GPS Championships. Meet photos can be found on Pivexety; thanks to Mark Shepherd-Smith.
Churchie Age Championships is the next event, and boys will need to nominate for their events via myChurchie – Swimming. We are expecting attendance from every boy from Years 5 to Year 12. Please note that presentations will commence immediately after the last race in Brenan Pavilion and our Age Championship trophies will no longer be presented at our presentation awards event.
Met East Trials process and forms are now available online. Please note there are different nominations timeframes for Lytton and Met East. Ensure your forms are submitted before the deadline.
Following the GPS Championships on 1 March, our Swimming Awards Presentation event will take place on 2 March. We invite any Years 7 to 12 boys and their parents to attend and celebrate the season together.
A reminder to parents that our last Swimming Support Group meeting for the season will be held on Monday 12 February at the Brenan Pavilion.
Jaye Finocchiaro
Director of Swimming
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Debating
Our round two debating opponent, Gregory Terrace, was the school that won both the GPS and QDU Debating premierships, and the overall championships, in 2023. Much like with round one, we faced a school with finely honed training programmes, discerning selection and a track record of big wins. On the night, the mixed results reflect the toughness of this competition.
Seeing some strong teams, such as 8.1, 8.3, 9.1, 10.1, 10.2 and Senior B, sustain very close losses must have been a heartbreak for the boys, but my advice is to look at every loss as a chance for recalibration of expectations and approaches. Debating can feel like an unpredictably subjective activity, and sometimes a team that felt like it was strong and responsive comes away having addressed fewer of their opponent’s cases than they thought. However, remember our resilience is shown in how we respond to challenges.
Our wins (when they came) were outstanding. Well done to 8.2 and 9.2 for ensuring that everyone has come out with a win from the competition thus far. Likewise, well done to 11.1 and the Senior As at the pointy end of the competition. It’s particularly impressive that the Senior As took a unanimous panel decision in their favour against Gregory Terrace. They should be very proud of themselves.
This week, we debate at home against Nudgee. Additionally, this will be an opportunity for Year 7 boys to be trialled into their official GPS teams. Parents of the boys in the GPS Debating programme in Year 7 are warmly invited to view their son’s trial debate. The details for this have been included in the draw for this week, available on myChurchie.
Have a great week, and remember to always respect your opponent by fully engaging with what they say!
Rebecca Hewitt
Director of Debating
Cricket
Saturday’s round of GPS Cricket against Terrace saw Churchie come up against a traditional cricket powerhouse. It was a day of hard-fought matches and some incredibly thrilling results.
Overall Terrace enjoyed the better of the day, especially amongst the Prep School and Years 7 to 12 B to D teams. However, a number of the A teams and Open teams produced some wonderful cricket, with seven teams remaining unbeaten so far in the season. This includes 7A, 9A, 10A, 11A and all Open teams. Congratulations to the players who produced some outstanding individual performances:
- Connor Rudman 75 (First XI)
- Angus Storen 4/23 (First XI)
- Morgan Taylor 4/5 (Third XI)
- Sean Hansen 63* (11A)
- Will Souter 89 (10A)
- Lachlan Moore 57* (10A)
- Angus Peters 106* (9A)
- Teddy Chandler 46 (8B)
- James Turley 80 (7A)
- Angus Burns 66 (7C)
A special mention to 9A Captain Angus Peters, who scored the first hundred for the GPS season by a Churchie cricketer. His 106* guided his team to a target of 175 with nine overs to spare. Congratulations Angus.
The Firsts’ game was truly a remarkable game of cricket. After 100 overs of constant swings and changes in momentum, the two teams could not be split, with the match finishing as an incredible tie!
Churchie batted first and struggled early to adjust to the tricky batting conditions on a slow outfield. Opener Connor Rudman showed determination and resilience to score an outstanding 75, while a handy contribution of 30* from Henry Hillier saw Churchie post a competitive 8/151.
Terrace’s run chase started well, taking advantage of some wayward Churchie bowling to race to 1/57 after 13 overs. From there, an outstanding bowling spell from Angus Storen (4/23), with ample support from the Churchie spinners saw Terrace reduced to 9/112. However, their final wicket partnership dug deep and took the match all the way to the final over and ultimately the final delivery, where a final ball runout saw the match end in a tie.
This weekend sees Churchie take on Nudgee College, which is always a highly anticipated clash on the cricket calendar.
James Patmore
Director of Cricket
VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ON PIXEVETY
Rowing
It was a wonderful second regatta for Churchie Rowing. Early in the week, each crew identified their priority improvements to make from regatta one and, as a shed, we delivered our best result so far and set the expectations for Head of the River.
We had 16 podium finishes in Round 1 of racing, backed up by 14 podiums in Round 2, with a total of 10 winning crews across the days of racing. At the beginning of the season, we set ourselves a goal of 10 podiums at Head of the River and overall we are tracking well.
Standout performances were the Open Second VIII. They had a fantastic row in their first fixture, with stroke seat Tom Taylor taking them 9 seconds quicker than last week and backing that up with victory in the second race of the day. The Open Third VIII won their first race in a great time, which also would have got them the win in the second race if not for some injuries that ruled them out.
The Year 10 Thirds continued their great start to the season, the Parker brothers led this boat to convincing victories in both races on the day in impressive times. The biggest improvers are the Year 10 Fifths. his crew is finding its rhythm and took out both victories to cap off a great week of training for the boys.
A highlight was seeing our Year 9 Fifths through to Twelfths, set the tone of improvement early for the whole boat shed, making up most of our podium finishes. This shows the depth we have coming through into the next few years and a strong foundation for future performances.
Tyson Sholl
Director of Rowing
Trent Goodrick
Head of Cocurricular
Pixevety
Pixevety – a photo platform for Churchie images
Pixevety is Churchie’s photo platform, where photos from across the School will be uploaded on a weekly basis. Students are recognised by the system so parents can simply click ‘myVIPs’ and see their son’s photos in one easy location.
Families new to the School may not see ‘myVIPs’ yet, as new student ID photos are still to be processed in the system. However, you can still browse the galleries.
Watch the video below to learn how to use Pixevety.
For more information visit the Pixevety page on myChurchie or email news@churchie.com.au.
Churchie Shop
Term 1 opening hours
| Days | Open | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8 am | 2 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am | 2 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am | 1:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am | 2 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am | 2 pm |
| Weekends | closed | closed |
Parent Connect
Parent Connect is the school-wide parent community support group focused on nurturing the fun and family-centric side of school life. We provide valuable support services through formal and informal networks across the School. We intentionally communicate, connect, coordinate services and facilitate wellbeing support for our families and the greater community. Click here to access on myChurchie.
Join Parent Connect
It is a long-standing initiative of the Churchie parent community to enable the sharing of contact details for those who opt in and provide consent. Joining the Parent Connect database is easy. Join here. Once you have joined, you will receive communication from your parent coordinators and access to your cohort’s parent contact list.
Year and house parent coordinators
Each year and house has a parent volunteer who is the friendly peer contact for parents to help navigate school life, host social connections, and assist with the administration of the private Facebook groups.
Parent Connect services and volunteer engagement
Any member of the Churchie community (parents, old boys, friends, and staff) can participate in these services or make a confidential request for wellbeing support. Click here to volunteer or request support.
Meals on Wheels Parent volunteers needed
This is a service that requires the involvement of parents to be the volunteer drivers for boys from Biggs House and Gerald House on a Friday to provide meal delivery services for Bulimba and Carina Meals on Wheels. The commitment is approximately two hours once a term. Stacey Lacy is the Parent Connect Coordinator she is a current Year 10 and Grenfell House parent. Click here to volunteer.
Upcoming events
Wellbeing Lecture Series: Dr Terry Byers
Wednesday 7 February
Centenary Library Lecture Theatre
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Wellbeing Lecture Series: Peta Carige
Tuesday 13 February
Centenary Library Lecture Theatre
6 – 7:15 pm
Coffee & Connect
Friday 8 March
The Arches
After drop-off
Parent Chapel Service
Friday 8 March
Canon Jones Memorial Chapel
9:30 am
Parents and Churchie Staff Morning Tea
Friday 8 March
Morris Hall
10:30 am
Boarding and Day Mothers Afternoon Tea
Friday 8 March
Brenan Pavilion
1:30 – 3 pm
Tuckshop news
Viking Café volunteers
We welcome mums and dads to volunteer at our tuckshops. Please contact the Tuckshop Volunteers Coordinator for more details if you can spare some time during the term to help in our busy tuckshops.
- Viking Café volunteers please contact via email.
- Prep Tuckshop volunteers please contact via email.
Upcoming events
View the school calendar on myChurchie for all scheduled events.
