I recently attended a leadership symposium in Melbourne, where an impressive lineup of keynote speakers discussed topics ranging from the future of generative artificial intelligence to strategies for enhancing personal wellbeing and fostering a positive learning culture in our schools. Among these presentations, the one that most resonated with me was Dr Adam Fraser’s talk on ‘Embracing the gift of struggle.’ Having also read his book Strive, I found his insights both intriguing and inspiring.
Dr Fraser’s research centres on cultivating a constructive relationship with challenge and struggle as a means to drive change, transformation and personal growth. He encourages us to reflect on a critical question: ‘Is happiness truly the key to a meaningful and fulfilling life?’. According to Dr Fraser, our society has become overly obsessed with happiness, with countless books, presenters, courses and apps dedicated to teaching us how to achieve it. Yet, despite this obsession, Fraser’s research suggests that we are far from happy. In fact, he points out that we are currently the most depressed, anxious and medicated generation in history—indicating that the happiness movement has failed us.
However, his message is not one of despair. Instead, Dr Fraser offers a compelling alternative: to focus on fulfilment and evolution through embracing struggle. His research is driven by a desire to help people become more fulfilled and evolved versions of themselves, achieved by recognising the value in struggle and learning to embrace it.
What does this mean for our boys?
Dr Fraser’s insights are particularly relevant when considering the development of our boys. His research indicates that, as parents and educators, we often shield our boys from discomfort and challenge, inadvertently doing more harm than good. Instead of paving the road for our children, he suggests that we should focus on preparing them for the road ahead. Protecting them from struggle deprives them of the essential experiences that contribute to growth, resilience and self-confidence.
Dr Fraser’s findings reveal that humans feel most alive when striving toward a goal. The process of hard work, perseverance and even experiencing failure is beneficial for our boys. To truly prepare them for life, we should allow them to struggle, sit with discomfort and solve problems independently. By embracing their struggles, they grow as individuals, building confidence and self-esteem.
Underlying Dr Fraser’s research is the notion that our fixation on happiness may cause our boys to avoid discomfort, thus limiting their potential for growth. Instead of focusing on happiness, Fraser advocates for a focus on fulfilment. We should encourage our boys to experience negative emotions, fail and rise again, and develop a healthy relationship with struggle. This approach, Fraser suggests, will lead to a life of fulfilment—one struggle at a time.
Mark Wyer Head of Preparatory School
Withdrawal of enrolment for 2025
Withdrawal of your son from Churchie requires one full term’s notice in writing to Churchie Admissions via email (admissions@churchie.com.au) as outlined in the terms and conditions of your son’s enrolment agreement. Notice of your intention to withdraw your son at the end of Term 4, 2024 (i.e. he will not be returning to Churchie in 2025) must be received by the first day of Term 4, 2024 (Monday 30 September) or one term’s fees will be charged.
The next general meeting of the CPAA is on Sunday 29 September 2024 at 4 pm in Nichols Theatre located in the Stanley and May Smith Science Centre. Each year, one of our meetings is held on the day boarders return from holidays to enable our further-flung parents to attend in person. It is a great opportunity for day and boarding parents to share the afternoon and we look forward to seeing many parents there. The agenda will be released shortly.
CPAA Executive membership in 2025
While all Churchie parents are automatically general members of the CPAA, there is also a CPAA Executive body, which meets one to two times per term to provide parent input and advice directly to the School Executive and School Council on matters of strategic and practical importance. In 2024, the CPAA Executive worked with the School in relation to fundraising policy, the master building plan, cocurricular support, volunteer engagement and boarding provision, among other topics.
The Executive is appointed by the School Council and consists of two representatives from the Prep School, Years 7 to 9, Years 10 to 12, boarding and cocurricular support groups, and one representative from Parent Connect. Members are appointed for 12 months at a time, with a maximum term of four years. The Constitution is available on myChurchie on the CPAA page.
Are you interested in joining the CPAA Executive in 2025? Nominations are now open, and we encourage all interested parents to apply by completing the document at this link and returning it to cpaa@churchie.com.au by Friday 25 October 2024. Our current Chair, Angela Rae, would be happy to talk further if you would like more information—she can be contacted at agrae@burnettlane.com.au.
ACEL award winners
Two Churchie staff have been recognised as leaders in education.
Director of Teaching, Learning and Research Dr Terry Byers and Director of Staff Development and Research Dr Vicky Leighton have both been awarded The Pivotal People Leadership Award for 2024 by the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (Queensland).
This award recognises Dr Byers and Dr Leighton as influential leaders generating better learning outcomes for students.
As Co-Directors of The Churchie Research Centre, Dr Byers and Dr Leighton were nominated for their work designing and implementing A Learner’s Toolkit, a Churchie programme that has global reach.
A Learner’s Toolkit is a world-leading programme that teaches students a range of study strategies that have been proven to be most effective for their learning success. The aim is to produce lifelong learners who move from high school into the tertiary environment and beyond, in a motivated, self‑efficacious and resilient way.
Dr Byers and Dr Leighton researched, developed and implemented the programme at Churchie over four years and have since led its expansion as an open-access resource for any interested school. A Learner’s Toolkit disseminates lesson plans for schools to use and adapt to teach students how to use evidence-based high-utility study strategies and change habitual study behaviours.
In implementing the programme, Dr Byers and Dr Leighton trained staff at Churchie and partner schools, ran instructional sessions for parents and embedded the course in Churchie’s Years 7 to 10 curriculum.
Photo: Dr Terry Byers and Dr Vicky Leighton
Prep School
Prep value of the week: understanding
Understanding is about thinking clearly and paying careful attention to see the meaning of things. An understanding mind provides insights and wonderful ideas, while an understanding heart fosters empathy and compassion for others. Understanding is the power to think, learn and also to care.
Attribute of the week: knowledgeable
When you are knowledgeable, you explore concepts, ideas and issues with local and global significance. In doing so, you acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Year 2
We have been investigating tools and units to help us measure length. We used the trundle wheels to help us measure The Flat quickly and accurately. We then measured some bark and ordered it from shortest to longest.
It was lovely to welcome the Year 2 dads to spend time with their sons decorating, constructing and flying a kite in celebration of Fathers’ Day. Our dads play a pivotal and crucial role in the development of their sons and it was lovely to see dads enjoying some quality time with their boys. How could the morning pass without a celebratory feast with the dads?
Year 3
As part of our second unit of inquiry this term into ‘how we organise ourselves’, the Year 3 boys have been inquiring into ‘how rules are designed and applied’ as one of our lines of inquiry. The boys had a very special visit from Old Boy, Olympian and Australian tennis superstar John Millman (2006). John explained the importance of following rules when playing tennis and how this has led to a successful career as a tennis player on the international tennis circuit, where competition is fierce. The boys were very fortunate to try on John’s blazers from past Olympic events and share in the memorabilia he has collected from various other sporting greats.
Book Week costume parade certificates and prizes
Certificates and prizes have been awarded to celebrate excellent costumes and enthusiastic participation in the Book Week costume parade on Monday 19 August and the magic show competition on Tuesday 20 August. Thank you to all parents for the support you gave your sons when preparing their costumes. The morning was a high-energy celebration of books and reading. Congratulations, also, to Charlie Green in Year 4 for winning naming rights to our library dragon, Fafnir, named after a dragon from Viking mythology.
Year 4: Emu Gully, Wednesday 16 October to Friday 18 October
Year 5: Tyalgum Ridge Retreat, Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 November
Use of school crossing
Please note that before and after school, boys should only cross Oaklands Parade at the supervised crossing near Gate 1. As these are very busy traffic periods, a crossing supervisor is provided to ensure the safety of the boys (and others using the crossing). When dropping off boys on the western side of Oaklands Parade in the morning, please insist that the boys use the supervised crossing. Please note that there is no parking in front of the Health Centre and the Churchie Shop on Oaklands Parade. Brisbane City Council has just replaced the signs in front of this building and will be regularly monitoring this area.
Class placements 2025
As we move towards the end of the year, planning for 2025 is well underway. Class placements for 2025 will be communicated to our parent community at the end of this year in preparation for the commencement of the academic year. Our staff are in the initial stages of looking at class allocations, and we are undertaking a thorough process to ensure we continue to have the boys at the forefront of our decision-making.
When allocating boys to classes, there are several factors we consider. One key priority is ensuring we have an even spread of academic ability levels across each of our classes and another is ensuring that the social structure of classes is conducive to both learning and the building of friendships. This sometimes means we need to separate boys when a friendship becomes a distraction to their learning and enables boys to further their friendship circles. Other factors that help determine our class allocations are the social and emotional needs of our boys, student interests and, if applicable, personal and family backgrounds.
As a school, we also need to consider our entry points and the impact this has on our class placements. The construction of class groupings is therefore a process we take very seriously and plan for carefully in collaboration with class teachers, specialist staff and the Preparatory School executive team. When creating class lists, we will consider all information about a boy that may have been communicated to the teacher, deputy heads and head of the Prep School throughout the year. Balanced classes are created according to the educational and social information we have about each of our boys. We do value these ongoing conversations; however, class placements will remain the professional and operational responsibility of the School and, as such, we will not be accepting requests for specific teachers.
As you can appreciate, the consideration of all these factors makes class placement a time-consuming but important process. We feel positive that the extensive time and care we give to this process, together with the talented and committed team of staff into whose classes we are placing each boy, means we can produce the best possible class combinations to benefit each and every boy.
We know you appreciate the careful consideration that goes into these decisions and the competence and dedication of every member of our team involved in the process.
Mark Wyer Head of Preparatory School
Senior School
Indigenous Round
The Indigenous Round on Saturday 24 September was more than just a rugby match between Ipswich Grammar School and Churchie; it was a powerful moment of recognition, reflection and celebration of First Nations culture. Our First Nations students played an important role, leading the First XV onto the field, symbolising the importance of unity and respect. During the event, Jayden Ah Boo delivered the Acknowledgement of Country, while Isaiah Missen’s didgeridoo performance resonated with the crowd, highlighting the rich cultural heritage that we honour and celebrate. This round serves as a reminder of the significance of supporting First Nations students and embracing the diverse cultures that enrich our community.
Kelly Jackson Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator
Congratulations to Eric Zhang in Year 11, who has authored and published a maths textbook. Eric’s An Introductory Guide to Differential Calculus is published by Clark and Mackay. Copies are available to purchase from Eric, or if interested, contact Mr Grant Smith via Grant.Smith@churchie.com.au.
Grant Smith Head of Gifted Education (Aquila)
Vision Valley (Year 9, 2025) information evening
Year 8 parents and students are invited to an information evening for the four-week Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning Programme in partnership with Pymble Ladies’ College. The event will take place on Wednesday 4 September at 6 pm in The Centenary Library Lecture Theatre. This event is for parents and students who may be interested in this groundbreaking opportunity.
A dedicated Vision Valley myChurchie page has further information, including a video of the 2024 experience and the 2025 Vision Valley Programme Handbook.
Berian Williams-Jones Deputy Head of Senior School (Years 7 to 9)
SchoolTV – Special report
The highlighted topic in SchoolTV this month is a special report on R U OK? Day, which can be accessed via this link or on the Wellbeing page of myChurchie.
Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations contribute to these issues. It is therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.
R U OK? Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, ‘Are you OK?’.
Engaging in R U OK? Day activities go beyond the classroom; it is a commitment to our students’ overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK? Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together we can truly make a difference.
This special report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.
Dr Alex Krzensk Acting Head of Senior School
Jack Parry
Year 11 Mansfield student Jack Parry represented the Strikers Powerchair Football team at the 2024 Australian Powerchair Football Club Championships (APFA) Club Championships, held from Monday 26 August to Saturday 31 August at Nissan Arena. The championships brought together the best talent from across Australia, New Zealand and the world, with the Strikers securing fourth place overall.
Excitingly, Jack has been invited to travel to Sydney in October to train with the Australian team and has also been offered a scholarship to play at a university in the United States.
Congratulations, Jack!
Photos: Simone Parry (Churchie Parent)
Viking Café volunteers
We are fortunate to have parents like Brendan Pollock, whose son Hayden is in Year 10, contributing their time to our Viking Cafe. Brendan volunteers once or twice a term when his schedule allows, and he finds it to be a rewarding way to give back to the School.
Volunteering offers him a chance to see Hayden, his mates and the other boys throughout the day while gaining a unique glimpse into the School’s daily life. Brendan also enjoys seeing the care that goes into preparing healthy, high-quality food with great alternatives—plus, it is always a win when Hayden’s favourite nachos are on the menu.
We invite you to join Brendan in experiencing the sense of community that comes with volunteering at the Viking Café. Even a small contribution of time can make a big difference, and we would love to see more parents get involved.
Please contact the Tuckshop Volunteers Coordinator for more details if you can spare some time during the term to help in our busy tuckshops.
Churchie Boarding is continuing to travel far and wide to meet with current, future and past community members. We are pleased to be supported by members of the OBA Committee, School Executive, School Council and the Churchie Foundation at many of these events. Please spread the word or visit us if you are in the area.
Outback Rowing Regatta, Barcaldine and Longreach, 5 and 6 October
Noosa boarding families dinner, 5 October
Mt Isa Boarding Schools Expo, 3 December
See Churchie Boarding on the road for RSVP links and further details:
We extend an invitation to families within our Churchie community who have daughters aged 8 to 17 who love to sing. This is a wonderful opportunity for her to experience life as a chorister at one of Australia’s most beautiful and historic ecclesiastical buildings, St John’s Cathedral.
Girls attending this event will spend an enriching afternoon rehearsing, meeting the current girl choristers and exploring the inspiring surroundings of the cathedral. The experience will culminate in the girls joining the choristers to sing at a service of Evensong, where families and friends are invited to attend.
Date: Sunday 8 September Time: 3 to 7 pm Venue: St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane
Participation is free, but pre-booking is essential for catering purposes. To register your daughter, please contact St John’s Cathedral Assistant Director of Music Andrej Kouznetsov at AKouznetsov@stjohnscathedral.com.au.
We encourage you to consider this unique experience for your daughter, offering her a glimpse into the world of choral music and the vibrant community at St John’s Cathedral.
Stephanie Cotroneo Lay Minister
The Arts
Youth Theatresports Competition
Congratulations to our grand-final teams for this year’s Youth Theatresports Competition!
Both the Junior D and Senior B teams performed admirably against an exceptional suite of six schools from across South East Queensland, demonstrating their comedic timing, playful energy and sheer creativity. While we didn’t come away with a medal this year, both teams received commendations from the judging panel, identifying them as ‘teams to watch’ in 2025.
Thank you to the coaches, families, carers, friends and housemasters who supported these students across the three-term journey of the 2024 season. These students would not have been able to achieve their success without your continued support of Churchie’s rich Arts programme.
Time for a well-deserved break for all!
Issy Mowen Theatresports Coordinator
Music
Strike A Chord
On Saturday 31 August 2024, the final of the Musica Viva Strike a Chord Competition took place in Melbourne. The final consisted of 12 ensembles from all Australian states. ‘Take Six,’ a Queensland chamber ensemble featuring Eric Kim (Year 11) as one of the violinists, achieved second place.
Congratulations to Eric, who is having an amazing year after being awarded the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Young Instrumentalist prize earlier in the year.
For more information about the competition and the prize winners, please click on the following link: Competition link
Please take some time to view the photos below:
Man Up
Another congratulations to the members of Big Band 1 who performed at Man Up on 24 August 2024. Please see some additional photos from the professional photographer taken on the day:
Music Camp
Senior Farewell
After an extraordinary year for the 2024 Year 12 cohort, it is time to farewell them at this year’s Senior Farewell. This event is also an opportunity for the entire music community to celebrate the 2023/24 music season. The evening will begin at 6 pm in Magnus Quad with performances from Senior Voices, Viking Vocals 1, Big Band 1 and Chamber Strings 1. Following this, celebrations will continue inside Morris Hall with a year-in-review video and a combined performance by Morris Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra and Senior Voices. Please click on the following link to purchase tickets, which include refreshments. All attendees are required to purchase a ticket and drinks will also be available on the night.
All Years 7 to 12 students with barcoded music are to return their original copies to the Textbook Room next to The Centenary Library lecture theatre. You will notice an overdue notice on this music. Those members of Morris Winds and Symphony Orchestra should retain their Speech Night and Tri-Service Cadet Parade music, including ‘Jupiter’, Interstellar and ‘American Barndance’.
Talkin’ Jazz Big Band
Last Saturday night, Churchie students and staff had their time to shine at the Brisbane Jazz Club. The show featured vibrant solos and expert ensemble playing from current student Noah Oxenford on piano and Churchie staff members Cassie Whitehead (saxophones) and Bede Prince (bass), who served as mentors in the Talkin’ Jazz Big Band—the Brisbane Jazz Club’s resident youth Big Band.
Ms Whitehead also led her all-female big band, Unladylike, , earlier in the show, with our very own Kayleigh Pincott (Churchie singing tutor and Talkin’ Jazz Director) featured on lead vocals. Unladylike is Queensland’s only professional all-female big band and is the brainchild of Ms Whitehead, who will also take leadership of Talkin’ Jazz next year.
Talkin’ Jazz runs monthly jam sessions and workshops throughout the year and is one of the best community youth jazz initiatives in Brisbane for high schoolers. Talkin’ Jazz Link
We are privileged to be surrounded by such a wealth of passion and professionalism from our own Churchie staff, who are shaping our next generation of players and singers.
Bohdan Davison Director of Music
Sport
Securing two GPS Premierships this week was the penultimate way to end our basketball and chess seasons. We invite everyone to view the round eight results summary via myChurchie – GPS Sports and Activities.
2025 GPS Sports and Activities selections – changes window
We would like to provide all families with a final opportunity to submit, check and amend boys’ 2025 GPS Sports and Activities selections.
The portal link will be reopened for the final time from Monday 2 September at 6 am to Thursday 12 September at 6 pm.
Only parents have access to the portal link and students’ GPS Sports and Activities selections must be submitted by parents.
This is the final opportunity to amend any previous selections before 2025 selections are finalised. Please log back into the system now to make any changes.
Service and cadets preferences are administered through the subject selection process.
Music and the creative and performing arts selection process follows the same process as GPS Sports and Activities selections
Churchie Basketball concluded the GPS season with a round eight match-up against TSS. This saw 28 teams still in line to win their respective GPS divisions, as well as the First V seeking to secure an outright GPS Premiership for the first time since 2020.
Churchie now has all 28 of those teams as GPS first-place finishers, and the weekend’s results saw another nine teams secure a second or third-place finish. Thirty-seven top-three finishes, a programme record, can be attributed to many factors, with parent support at the top of the list. The boys have much to thank their parents for, and the staff were proud to hear the boys thank their parents across the day during post-game talks. Another pillar of the programme is the coaching and programme staff. They are simply second to none, with the time, energy and attention to detail underpinning each team’s success. Last, but certainly not least, the boys of Churchie Basketball have made great strides forward across Terms 2 and 3. Well done to each boy who has dived on loose basketballs, taken charges, worked on their offensive and defensive game and bought into the Churchie Basketball style of play.
This Saturday is the culmination of the programme with the Churchie Basketball Awards Dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. This awards and recognition evening will see the perpetual awards, in addition to team-based awards, recognised as well as impressive video footage of the programme in 2024. All staff are looking forward to this event and to joining the wider community from Years 7 to 12 in a great setting. The Reception to Year 6 basketball players will celebrate their two terms involved in basketball, including Vikings Club Basketball, along with the Years 7 to 12 Vikings Club Basketball-only teams. This is hosted in the Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex on Sunday morning with a barbeque, awards and some time on the Dr Dish machines afterwards.
Saturday was a historic day for the men of the First V. Last year’s national champion TSS was all that stood in the way of an undefeated First V season for Churchie. This was a chance for the team to achieve their individual and team goals by implementing the style of play that will transition to the Champion Basketball Schools of Queensland Tournament to end the term.
The First V not only won the contest at TSS last Saturday; they did so in a way that showed the boys have grown as players and young men. The team-before-self attitude, the willingness to rebound, run and defend the three-point line, as well as make the extra pass that led to great shots, was evident all game. The boys opened up an 8-point lead at quarter time, stretched the score to 15 and headed into half-time with a strong lead. The scoreline was 50 – 35. That certainly was not as comfortable as the boys would have liked; however, the third quarter was truly one of the best of the Churchie premiership season. TSS came out of halftime focused, and the First V had their most balanced attack this season. Jake Miles-Wrency, who was perfect from the field for the game, had seven crucial points to go with seven timely points by Captain of Basketball Oskar Olechnowicz and a key late three-pointer from Noah Kirk, who was critical to the victory. The fourth quarter saw another winning quarter for Churchie, and the boys were able to finish the game with a convincing 95 – 69 victory in by far the best defensive performance of the season.
Congratulations to Coach Drew Summerfield, his staff and the boys on what has simply been a season for the ages. The undefeated season is captured in another amazing set of photographs from Amy Storen, who the programme cannot thank enough for her time, attention to detail and effort this season.
The final round of the 2024 GPS Season for Churchie saw us travel to Southport for the TSS round. Overall, we won eleven teams and lost two for a successful close to our season. This victory means that the Premier Team officially secured their fifth consecutive GPS Premiership, winning eight rounds out of eight. This is a feat that has only been matched once before by the successful ACGS team of 1997–2002, who won six consecutive GPS Premierships. Congratulations to all of the boys who have played a part in this team’s success this year, notably the following players:
Sravan Renjith
Jayden Ooi
Ryan Liaw
Nicholas Bond
Zerui Xing
Alex Renwick
Special congratulations must also go to the boys in the Open B, C and J teams, who all won their games.
As this week is our GPS bye round, we will be conducting training a little differently. Thursday and Friday afternoons will be our Best of Viking Tournament for students in Years 5 to 12. This is a 5|0 Blitz tournament from 3:30 to 4:45 pm in The Centenary Library lecture theatre, which shall begin on Thursday and continue on Friday. Students will attend the lecture theatre as usual (from the Prep School Office or otherwise) and participate in this tournament, which will crown a ‘Best of Viking’ for each year level.
After the Best of Viking Tournament concludes on Friday, there will be pizzas for the participating boys, which will lead into our Endgame event. This whole-of-programme event serves as our end-of-season function and awards night. Attendance at this event is only for boys in Years 7 to 12, and parents are encouraged to attend. This will be held in The Centenary Library lecture theatre from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Awards for boys in Years 5 and 6 will be distributed at Prep Assemblies next term.
We thank everyone for their participation and continued support of our programme.
Max Condon Director of Chess
Rugby
Round eight of the GPS Rugby competition saw Churchie play TSS in our final game of the season. With fantastic conditions, a cool breeze and large crowds, the stage was set for a cracking day of rugby. Both schools played the game the way it should be played, with enterprising attacking rugby and powerful ball runners on display.
It was a close tussle between the two schools right throughout the day, and the overall result came down to the First XV fixture. Despite a brave defensive effort from the Churchie First XV against probably the biggest side in the competition, TSS was able to come away winners with 11 victories to Churchie’s 10.
This Saturday, we will host our End of Season Function in Morris Hall. Please join us as we conclude the season.
Andrew Moloney Director of Rugby
First XV report
In the final round of the GPS season, Churchie and TSS clashed on a splendid day for rugby, with the perfect weather setting the stage for an exciting encounter. Churchie drew first blood with some impressive attacking play. Kasper Tammela showcased his agility and speed, breaking through TSS’s defence and making significant ground. Following his break, Bailen Noy was in close support and almost crossed the line, but it was Sio Kite who managed to power through the defence and score the opening try for Churchie.
TSS quickly retaliated, breaking through Churchie’s defensive line with a well-coordinated attack. Will Bloxham made a stunning solo effort, dodging several defenders and capitalising on a turnover created by Churchie’s defence, which was led by Max Blanch and George Ward. TSS continued to build on their momentum with a series of effective pick-and-go phases, their persistence paying off as they managed to score again, closing the first half with a slim lead of 19 – 12.
The second half began with TSS coming out strong, quickly adding a few more tries to their tally and extending their lead. Despite the early setback, Churchie began to rally. Harry Solofa, known for his explosive line breaks, started to make an impact, slicing through TSS’s defensive line and creating opportunities for his teammates. Max Blanch, Churchie’s captain, converted a crucial try, demonstrating leadership and composure under pressure.
Sam Williams also played a pivotal role in Churchie’s resurgence, making several crucial line breaks and putting immense pressure on the TSS defence. His relentless efforts, combined with the effective support play from his teammates, started to shift the momentum.
Despite Churchie’s determined comeback and spirited effort in the latter part of the match, TSS maintained their lead. The final score was 44 – 26 in favour of TSS, reflecting a game filled with dynamic play and competitive spirit from both sides.
Andrew Brownhill First XV Coach
Rowing
While some of us enjoyed a leisurely Father’s Day on Sunday, our 2025 rowing coaches were hard at work participating in a full-day development programme. The day was facilitated by Michael Brake, dual Olympian and winner of the Olympic gold medal in the New Zealand Men’s Eight at Tokyo 2020.
The focus of the day was building a winning culture, setting our values for the boat club and executing at a pinnacle event. Thank you to the Rowing Support Group for funding this initiative aimed at improving the technical competency and broader development of our rowers.
Year 7 Coxes
Churchie Rowing invites Year 7 boys to join our programme as coxes for the 2025 season. Coxes play an important role in training and racing, perhaps the most important part. Boys will be mentored by their coaches and a dedicated coxing coach. It is a fantastic way to get a taste of rowing before taking it up in Year 8.
Please email Director of Rowing Tyson Sholl, to register interest at tyson.sholl@churchie.com.au.
Tyson Sholl Director of Rowing
Track and Field
We are looking for donations of spikes for boys. If you have any that you have outgrown or no longer use, please consider donating. You can drop them off at the Sports Office upstairs in the Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Sporting achievements
Congratulations to the following students who achieved representative success in their sporting pursuits.
Track and Field
Twenty-one Churchie athletes competed in the Metropolitan East Regional Track and Field Championships on 22 and 23 August.
All boys competed very well, with the following boys being selected in the Metropolitan East team to contest the state championships from 10 to 13 October:
Jayden Ah Boo, 16 Years, 100 m and 200 m
Adam Beiers, 17 Years, 400 m
Mac Chandler, 14 Years, 3000 m
Cruz Collins, 14 Years, Long Jump and Triple Jump
Josh Kwan, 14 Years, 100 m, 200 m and Long Jump
Freddie McDonnell, 15 Years, 1500 m
Campbell McIntyre, 18 Years, 400 m and 800 m
Zac Moore, 15 Years, 3000 m
Lachlan Moore, 16 Years, 1500 m and 3000 m
Andrew McConnel, 14 Years, 1500 m and 3000 m
Hamish Russell, 15 Years, Javelin
Caleb Watson, 14 Years, 400 m and 800 m
Will Forrest, 13 Years, Discus and Shot Put
Jack Love, 18 Years, 400 m Hurdles
Congratulations to these boys, and we wish them well at the state championships next term.
Cross Country
Last weekend, five Churchie boys competed in the Athletics Australia Australian Cross Country Championships in Launceston, Tasmania.
All boys ran very well:
George Chandler, U12, 9th
Daniel Lane, U13, 38th
Andrew McConnel, U15, 19th
Freddie McDonnell, U16, 31st
Lachlan Moore, U17, 11th
Congratulations on these wonderful results to conclude an outstanding 2024 cross country season. All boys now focus on preparing for the track and field season.
Lachlan Moore (Year 10) competed at the School Sport Australia (SSA) National Cross Country Championships over the weekend of 24 to 25 August in Yarra Glen, Victoria.
In addition to last week’s celebrated achievements, Lachlan’s Queensland team also won gold in the team event and silver in their relay.
Basketball
This week, Year 9A and First V player Andrew Watene added a national selection to his impressive year of basketball achievements. Andrew was selected by Basketball Australia in the U15 Oceania Selection Camp, which preludes the first chance for junior basketballers to represent their country at the highest level. Andrew will attend the selection camp later this year for a chance to represent Australia and qualify the country for the World Junior Championships. Well done Andrew, for adding this to his All-Australian Schoolboys selection and representing Queensland at the national championships back in July.
Table Tennis
Owen Jin (Year 9) recently competed in the Table Tennis Australia Tour – Brisbane where he placed second in the U15 Boys’ Singles. This tournament, one of four major tours held annually, attracted top players from across various states and New Zealand.
Owen Jin (left) Photo: Christine Yu
Trent Goodrick Head of Cocurricular
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 view on myChurchie.
Join Parent Connect
Join here. The Churchie parent community has a long-standing initiative to enable the sharing of contact details for those who opt in and provide consent. Joining the Parent Connect database is easy. Once you have joined, you will receive communication from your parent coordinators, access to your cohort’s parent contact list and membership to the private Facebook groups.
Parent Connect Contacts
Click here to meet the Executive Team and Coordinator Community of volunteer parents. Each Year, House and Service activity has dedicated, friendly peer contacts for parents, helping them navigate school life, host social connections and administer private Facebook groups.
Upcoming events
We host several events throughout the year to unite our community and we would love for you to join us. Our upcoming events include:
Sunday 8 September | Mawson House Family Social | 3 to 5 pm | RSVP
Wednesday 11 September | Spring Lunch | Greek Club | 11:30 am
Thursday 12 September | Year 12 Father and Son Breakfast
Spring Lunch – floral gifts
We have some gorgeous orchids as our table centrepieces this year, which can be purchased and gifted with a handwritten message. They are $60 each and can be pre-purchased and collected from the School on Thursday 12 September. Purchase yours today.
Wellbeing Information
No matter where you are in your parenting journey, there are always new experiences to navigate. One resource available to support parents as part of the School’s focus on wellbeing is SchoolTV. Check it out here for useful and credible information.
Student-led initiative – help feed the Zei Balas (bonded brothers) team
The team of 27 needs community support to ensure they are well-fed for the competition from Tuesday 24 September to Sunday 29 September. This is the team’s most ambitious financial goal in the shortest time. There are two ways you can assist:
Click here to assist with the donation of snacks or preparation of meals
Best wishes, Parent Connect Executive Team and Coordinator Community.
Churchie Foundation Raffle
The Ultimate $500k Sports Car and Experience Raffle
The Churchie Foundation is giving you the opportunity to win extraordinary prizes from a prize pool valued at $500,000. Prizes include a Porsche vehicle package valued at $320,000, Porsche Alpine Travel Experiences valued at $80,000 each and a Sports Travel Experience valued at $20,000.
Ticket sales close on Friday 22 November 2024 at 9 am.
Pixevety is Churchie’s photo platform, where photos from across the School will be uploaded weekly. The system recognises students 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.
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.
