Kaye and I were deeply moved by the Anzac Day Ceremony on Thursday and respectfully commend all involved—especially, of course, the students and cadets, the staff and the Viking Anzacs!
It was brilliantly executed and also reflected an appreciation of the real point of the thing.
Churchie has been a model citizen in leading these annual commemorations since the School’s first in 1919.
As the Anzacs were immortalized through sacrifice, we must never forget all those who have fallen defending our way of life, and our young people can draw on their experiences to guide them through inevitable times of difficulty.
The tradition of this great school of ours lends respect for the past and the challenges of progress. That was exemplified on Thursday. The respect and reassurance shown by our enlightened students were heartwarming.
And in saying ‘Lest we forget’, we acknowledge the courage and determination of all those servicemen inscribed on the Roll of Honour inaugurated at the Anzac Day Ceremony of 1950—a regular reminder to our boys to be true to themselves, their compatriots, their country, and their inherent honour. In my observation, that characterises the daily life at Churchie.
The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC CVO KC Chairman of School Council
The Churchie Parents Advisory Association (CPAA) communicates between the parent body and the School Executive and School Council and provides advice based on the information it gathers. All parents and guardians of Churchie students are automatically members of the CPAA.
All parents, step parents and guardians of current Churchie students are warmly invited to attend the upcoming CPAA General Meeting. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 7 May at 6 pm in Nichols Theatre (SC11). For those unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join via video conference: Join conversation (microsoft.com) The agenda is available on myChurchie.
Student absences
Absences through the myChurchie app
Parents can now submit absences, early departures or late arrivals for their sons using the myChurchie App and the Absentee icon as below:
(Please make sure to update your app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
Student Absences: For more information click here.
Cocurricular Absences: For more information click here.
Please notify the school each day that your son will be absent.
While our preferred method of notification of absences will be through the App, you can still notify the school about your son’s absences by contacting the school as below:
We ask that the following information be included in the comment: Name, Form Class, Reason (eg Illness, Doctors Appointment, Family Issue)
Prep School
Prep School value of the week: gratitude
Gratitude is being grateful for what we have. It is an attitude of thankfulness for learning, loving and being. Appreciate the little things that happen around you and within you every day. Think positively. Gratitude brings contentment.
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 other individuals’ and communities’ perspectives, values and traditions. You seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and you are willing to grow from the experience.
Head of Prep Reading Challenge
This week marks the beginning of another reading initiative for 2024: the Head of Prep Reading Challenge. All students from Reception to Year 6 are encouraged to participate in reading challenges set by Mr Wyer. All participants will receive a certificate, and prizes will be awarded in each year level for first, second and third based on the student submissions. The Reading Challenge will run from weeks three to six (inclusive) for Reception to Year 2 and from weeks three to seven (inclusive) for Years 3 to Year 6. All boys will receive a challenge card this week, and Mr Wyer would love to see every boy in the Preparatory School become involved in reading for pleasure and enjoyment!
Congratulations to the Class Captains for Semester 1
4A – Benjamin Roper and Harvey Nguyen
4B – Fred Stapleton and Sean Pan
4C – James Vickery and Marcus Lee
5A – Sam Stobie and Adrian Lam
5B – Hugh McKenzie and Dorce Walters
5C – Cole Watson and Liam De Almeida
5D – Dhairya Bansal and Benjamin Potter
5E – Huxley Callianiotis and Joshua Vlamos
6A – Zachary Tran and Joseph Harrison
6B – James Davis and Archie Maloney
6C – Will Bryant and Theo Nearhos
6D – Archer Rhydderch and Harry Burke
6E – Mitchell Kelly-Sammut and Henry Furness
Year 5
Year 5 has been developing a range of reading strategies. This term we are working on developing questions before, during and after reading so that we can find information within texts. Questioning helps us make sense of our reading. By using skimming and scanning with our eyes we can quickly find the responses to our questions within an informative text.
Reception
In Reception, we have been learning about living things and how we can observe their features. Reception boys were visited by Wildlife on Wheels from Currumbin, who brought an assortment of different animals for us to explore. We observed a magnificent tree frog, Macleay’s spectre (spiny leaf stick insects), spotted python, central bearded dragon and a 40-year-old galah named Wally. The Reception boys also enjoyed touching some of the animals as well as various animal skins, feathers and quills.
Year 2
Classes 2A and 2B had Mad About Science presenter Sarah come to Churchie on Monday with an array of science experiments to test out forces in action. Firstly, we tested which ramp material had the most friction by racing cars. Next, we looked at inertia with the spinning tops. We couldn’t even see them spinning on our hands they were moving so quickly. Then we tested which objects sank and which floated in salt and fresh water. Finally, we looked at magnetic fields and experimented with how they joined and repelled. These activities will assist the boys in our unit of inquiry this term as they investigate how force and materials affect how an object moves.
Prep School policy on mobile phones and smartwatches
Mobile phones
These may be brought to school; however, they must be turned off upon arrival and left in bags until students depart school at the end of the day. Students may hand them to their teachers or into the office for safe storage. If students need to contact their parents during the school day, they should come to the office and Mrs Jackman, Mrs Carr or Mrs Garnier will happily assist students to use the school phone to call home.
Smartwatches
These devices include any devices worn on the wrist that have the ability to message and receive or make calls. It is not a suitable option to simply put the watches on silent. The Prep School’s preference is that these devices are not brought to school, but if they must be brought to school, then, like mobile phones, they must be removed and stored throughout the school day once they have arrived at school and placed back on the wrist once they have been dismissed from class at 3 or 3:05 pm.
Please be aware that if students are found to be using these devices during the school day between 8:25 am and 3/3:05 pm, teachers will confiscate them, and students can collect them from the Prep Office at the conclusion of the day (or week).
Prep Support Group meeting
The next Prep Support Group Meeting will be held on Thursday 2 May commencing at 8:30 am in the Brenan Pavilion (behind the pool), and all parents are welcome.
Parking in surrounding streets
During pick up and drop off, please be mindful when parking in surrounding streets. We have been contacted by our neighbours alerting us to the problem they have been facing with access to their driveways. Please ensure that you are not parking across driveways and blocking access for our neighbours.
Instagram
Follow us online at our Churchie Prep Instagram account @churchieprep to keep up to date with all that is happening in the Prep School.
Churchie takes great delight in celebrating student success in all areas of school life.
Boys in Years 7 to 12 have been updated regarding new parameters for Academic Achievement Awards. These awards are always presented in Term 1 and Term 3 during Headmaster’s Assembly for work completed in the previous semester.
The changes outlined below will come into effect in Term 3 this year, with awards that reflect Semester 1 efforts and results. The changes are subtle, but ensure greater levels of fairness for all students. For example, there were occasional situations with our previous parameters (which were largely based on subject grades) where students with strong overall percentages were excluded (e.g. outstanding A+ results in five subjects and two high B+ results), while students with weaker overall percentages were included (e.g. with 6 low As and one B). Our new metrics prevent this issue and still allow for a reasonable number of students to be recognised for their hard work and success.
Therefore, Academic Achievement Awards will now be presented for each semester as follows:
Top 10% of the cohort based on the mean percentage or all As (or the equivalent for Year 11 and 12 IB students)
A minimum of a B in RE
Full subject load for Year Level
Typically at least 85% of Learning Behaviours at or above ‘Consistently’ (4) across all subjects for the most recent full semester
* QCE Applied subjects in Years 11 and 12 given normalised percentage results based on A-E grades.
This information is also available in myChurchie through the Academics tile.
Richard Wheeldon Deputy Headmaster
Interhouse Carnival: Friday 3 May
The Senior School will be holding our annual Interhouse Cross Country, Chess, Fly ’n’ Die and Tug of War competitions this Friday 3 May.
These events are for Years 7 to 12. Chess will be held in the Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex and all other events on The Flat.
All students are to wear their Blues uniform to school on Friday. The day will begin with a house meeting at 8:25 am, followed by shortened Periods 1 and 2.
Students will change into their house shirts and sports attire during morning tea.
The first cross country race commences at 10:50 am, with the final race beginning at 12:20 pm. The afternoon events then start at 1 pm.
Parents please note, there will be no access to the rear car park (by the swimming pool) from 10:45 am until 12:45 pm whilst the cross country races are on.
Students are not to take their tablets, wallets, mobile phones or other valuables to The Flat. They must be secured in their lockers.
The Viking Café will be open from 10:10 to 10:30 am and 12:30 to 1:15 pm. Students will be allowed to access their lockers at these times to get their lunch or student card to purchase food from the Viking Café.
Students are required to change back into their Blues at the end of the day.
World’s Greatest Shave
Last Friday in Morris Hall was the celebration of our most successful World’s Greatest Shave in Churchie history, with 35 students having their heads shaved on stage in support of the Leukaemia Foundation. Mr Howe, Mr McIntyre, Ms Lewis as well as Neil Wisson and Ary and Elly from Col Nayler Barbershop North Lakes donated their expertise to celebrate the $72,000 raised by Churchie’s team this year. Students shared their stories of personal connection and motivation to the cause, and they were supported by staff, students and parents in the hall. Even Mr Di Bella braved the shave this year to support fundraisers like Henry Majer (over $13,000) and Orlando Culpo (over $5,000 as a Year 7 student). Nick and Lisa from the Leukaemia Foundation explained that the funds raised would support blood cancer research to achieve a goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.
At the end of last term, Year 12 IB Theatre students presented their Collaborative Project. This project requires students to create, stage and perform an original piece of theatre lasting seven to ten minutes. The piece is presented as a fully realised production and the audience is selected by the students. All group members must create a scene and act within the performance. It was wonderful to see the diversity of performances by the Year 12 students and their enthusiasm and energy on stage.
Group one, comprised of Alex Davies, Harry Deefholts, Tom O’Neill, Finlay Peterson and Caelan Smith, used elements of physical theatre and shadow puppetry to help their audience of senior students empathise with the struggles of individuals wanting to reveal their true identity to their peers.
Group two, comprised of Bentley Burke, Henry Capp, Harry James and Nicholaus Suchting, utilised elements of physical theatre and realism to educate their audience of teachers on identifying students with anxiety, understanding the causes of anxiety and how to mitigate it.
After each performance, the audience was interviewed by the group to gather feedback on the extent to which their intentions as theatre-makers were met. These interviews led to fascinating discussions on the themes that emerged in each performance.
Congratulations to these students for completing their second assessment piece of the year. A big thank you to Mr Andrews for his work with the students in preparing them for this task.
Catherine Prosser Dean of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Exam techniques
Date: Tuesday 7 May Venue: The Centenary Library, Level 1 (CL110) Time: 3:20 to 4:15 pm Presenter: Dr Terry Byers
Join us for an engaging and insightful workshop on mastering exam techniques! This one-hour session after school will explore essential strategies for excelling in assessments and exams.
Learn how to maximise your planning time, ensuring every minute counts towards your success. We will discuss effective time management techniques, including breaking down the timing of the assessment to avoid the common pitfall of spending too much time at the beginning and rushing towards the end.
Gain valuable tips on how to read questions for deeper comprehension and maximise your chances of scoring higher grades.
Additionally, we’ll explore the four main cognitive verbs used and how they guide your responses, ensuring you address each question precisely and clearly.
This workshop will equip you with practical strategies and insights for academic success.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your exam performance! Act now, reserve your spot today and take the first step towards achieving your academic goals. Spots are limited.
Kelly Jackson Senior Learning Support Coordinator
Churchie versus St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School netball game
Written by Year 12 student and Prefect William Hood
The afternoon of Thursday Week 1 played host to the annual Churchie versus St Margaret’s netball match. With Churchie not having held the cup since 2021, the team of 9 boys led by Ms Brumpton and Ms Ryan were locked in and keen to make history. The game was close, with the lead changing every quarter but when the final siren went Churchie had it 20-17. Thank you to Mr Wise for umpiring and everyone else who contributed to a wonderful afternoon.
Beef Week
Churchie families, Old Boys and friends are invited to meet with our staff at our on the road events to catch up with the latest news from Churchie or learn more about our boarding programme.
Boarding staff will be available at each event for an informal chat about everything Churchie Boarding can offer your son, including multiple academic pathways, world-class boarding facilities minutes from Brisbane’s CBD and a dedicated team committed to providing the highest level of care for Churchie boarders.
Join Headmaster Dr Alan Campbell and Boarding Housemaster Nick Power in Rockhampton at Cocobrew on Wednesday 8 May for a Beef Week function hosted in conjunction with St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School for boarding families (current and future) and Old Boys.
Registrations for Senior Ichthus Camp 2024 are now open! Junior Ichthus is a residential camp taking place during the September school holidays, designed for young people in Years 7 to 9. This exciting holiday camping experience encourages participants to venture beyond their comfort zones by engaging in a variety of group and individual activities.
When: 24 to 28 June 2024 Where: QCCC Tamborine, Tamborine Mountain Who: Years 7 to 12
Tickets are now on sale for the Churchie and Somerville House 2024 musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Follow the story of lucky Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe as they visit the mysterious candy factory owned by the brilliant and eccentric chocolatier, Willy Wonka, and staffed by his team of dancing Oompa Loompas. Charlie, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee each have a golden ticket, but which child will win Wonka’s ultimate grand prize? Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, this comedy production is suitable for all ages and will delight the whole family.
Evening performances commence at 7 pm and matinée production commences at 2 pm
Music
Bands Concert
Date: Thursday 2 May 2024 Time: 6 pm Location: Morris Hall
After rehearsing for two terms, the bands will be presenting their repertoire for 2024 in this week’s bands concert as we launch the first of the May Concert Series in Morris Hall. Mythological stories such as ‘Hercules vs the Hydra’ and the 1862 ‘Great Locomotive Chase’ in Georgia will come to life in song followed by some of the great composers of the Big Band era like Josef Zawinul, Duke Ellington and more. Pre-show entertainment from Windpower, Squeak, Twisted Metal, Brass Ensemble, Sax Quartet and Percussion Ensemble will begin at 5:30 pm. Please feel free to bring your extended family and friends along to support our students on their wonderful music journey:
Anzac Day
Congratulations to Morris Wind Symphony and Senior Voices who played with great reverence and sensitivity for the Anzac Day Ceremony at the School. The music is a wonderful way of honouring the Anzac spirit and reflecting on the opportunities we have at Churchie. Luka Roberts (Year 11), played a stunning rendition of ‘The Last Post’ from the balcony after featuring as the soloist in John Williams’ ‘Theme’ from JFK. Morris Wind Symphony was front and centre and aptly accompanied the cadets through their General Salutes and Marches, while Remy Gaffney (Year 8) and Charlie Hartwright (Year 12) recited the National Anthems of New Zealand and Australia with great vigour.
If you missed their performance, please take the time to listen to a recording of all the music from the Anzac Day Ceremony below:
Best wishes to Eric Kim (Year 11) and Gabin Won (Year 11), who recently won the Open Championship at Redlands Eisteddfod for a fifth consecutive time, as they perform in the final of the QSO Young Instrumentalist Prize on Saturday 4 May 2024 at 6:30 pm in the QSO Studios. If would like to purchase tickets to support Gabin and Eric, please click on the following link:
Round two began with a cracking day on Saturday with picturesque blue skies bringing out some brilliant competition for our first home round of tennis and football this season. Terrace pushed hard, but we were victorious overall in both programmes. Churchie supporters filled the stands in support of the First XI’s battle against the black and red. The inaugural Churchie vs Terrace Old Boys football game had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Churchie took on Gregory Terrace (GT), a school with whom we’ve had many tight battles in the past. Twenty-seven GPS and two supplementary matches were played, and Churchie came out on top winning 16 matches to 13.
A clean sweep by our eight Prep teams made Churchie hard to beat at the end of the day’s fixtures. Our Year 10 boys won all three ties, and our Year 9 boys won four of the five battles with the only tight loss to our 9D team against GT’s Year 10 side in a supplementary match.
The First IV, unfortunately, lost their second round, two rubbers to six, with each of the doubles pairings winning their match against GT’s number two doubles pair. A couple of boys had chances in their singles matches, but didn’t close it out the way they would have liked.
The next round against Nudgee will see our senior grades travel to Boondall and our younger grades return to the David Turbayne Tennis Centre.
In preparation for the annual peregrination, Churchie Years 5 to 8 families will be travelling to Toowoomba for round four, so please start to make your arrangements. It is important we travel to Toowoomba, as they travel every second week and us once a year. The programme will organise a bus if necessary for our Year 7 and 8 boys, as Prep boys must be taken by parents. Please consider offering and arranging carpools for Year 7 and 8 boys to support their commitment to their team.
Ian Malpass Director of Tennis
Football
We had a fantastic first home round of the GPS Football season on and off the field. A massive thank you to the Football Support Group, in particular Dr Anastasia Samios, for turning the canteen into a Greek taverna for the day. We hosted a very successful Old Boys game where Terrace ran out four to three winners, and we once again had 22 Year 5 and 6 boys walk out with the First XI and play games at half-time.
We won the overall round in a very convincing manner. The boys in the blue and grey recorded 19 wins, 4 draws and 12 losses (GT was the only programme we lost to last year).
The First XI made it two from two. After achieving 2–0 through a clinical Isaac Caruana goal and cooly converted penalty from skipper Luke O’Sullivan, a lapse from Churchie allowed GT to score. What followed was a tense last 15 minutes to keep Terrace at bay and secure a 2–1 win. The massive home crowd provided great support to help the boys at the critical moments.
Below are a few of the many examples of boys living by the Churchie Football values of integrity, discipline and determination in round two.
Integrity
Hamish Hadjipetrou (11D): No matter what scenarios were unfolding on the pitch, Hamish kept his composure and represented the team maturely and professionally, settings great examples for his Churchie peers and community.
Discipline
Theodore Patrick (7E) was great when leading the rest of the team in the warm-up, making sure everyone warmed up properly.
Determination
Ashton Papacostas (9A) played a full match as CB for the second week in a row. It is not his natural position, having played as an FB last year. Up against a team that beat them last season, with talented forwards, he fought very hard for the entire match and galvanized the team.
Prep School Man of the Matches
Archie Ellis (5A): Even though the scoreboard wasn’t in our favour, Archie’s relentless work rate up and down the pitch to help on defence and create attacking opportunities was a highlight for all to witness.
Sam White (6A): The Prep Football captain led from the front on the weekend, continually stopping attacking efforts from Terrace. Sam’s constant communication and direction allowed the members of his team to have numerous opportunities on goal.
On Saturday, we will play our fiercest rivals, Nudgee College. Let’s turn up in big numbers and show the great blue and grey spirit. For the First XI boys, this will be the toughest test yet. Another big away crowd could be the one percenter that the boys will need to take the three points back home.
All six Churchie teams completed the second round of competition last Friday against BBC. The Year 7 team began the afternoon with a very convincing 13–2 win but the Year 8s, winners last week, were brought back to earth and experienced a 4–8 defeat. The Year 9s were able to use superior teamwork to dominate BBC and record a comfortable 12–6 victory. The Year 10 boys were kept on the backfoot right from the outset and lost 2–14. The Open Seconds began well and were even with their opponents up to halftime, but BBC were able to pull away in the last two quarters to defeat Churchie 4–10. The Firsts looked like they would struggle and found themselves trailing by four goals before clawing their way back to just a single-goal deficit. The final score was 7–9 against BBC.
This Friday all teams have a bye, but training will continue as usual with the exception of the Open Seconds whose season is now over.
Alan Greenbank Director of Water Polo
Strength and conditioning
Just a reminder of the great opportunity offered by Churchie Strength and Conditioning and Integrative Physio Centre (IPC).
The primary aim of these sessions is to provide additional support to our student athletes through comprehensive physiotherapy assessments. This includes initial assessments, injury assessments, injury observations, referrals, modifications to the Churchie Strength and Conditioning program (conducted by our expert staff), and adjusted field/court training. The process follows a systematic approach to facilitate a safe return to training and play, with the option for further in-depth assessments during off and on-site clinic times.
This collaborative effort is designed to elevate the standard of care provided by the Churchie Sports department. Our goal is to offer prompt, direct, and specific assessments, recommendations, and rehabilitation exercises, ensuring our student athletes can remain actively engaged in their desired sporting pursuits.
Key details about the Churchie GPS Sport Triage Screening:
Who: Open to Senior School GPS Sports students Where: Medical room of the Sir John Pigeon Sports Centre (SJPSC) foyer When: Monday mornings from 6.30 am to 8 am, starting from term 2 Arrival: Students seeking assessment must be in the SJPSC by 7.00 am to ensure sufficient time for screening Supervision: Churchie S&C Staff and Physiotherapists from IPC
We are pleased to announce that the Monday morning assessment is free of charge to the community. However, follow-up appointments will need to be covered by private health insurance, with charges at a reduced rate compared to private clinic fees.
For those interested in learning more about the program, please feel free to reach out to Jarrad Boswell, Director of Athletic Development, at Jarrad.boswell@churchie.com.au.
To explore further information about IPC, visit their website.
We are enthusiastic about the positive impact this service will have on the well-being and performance of our student athletes.
Jarrad Boswell Director of Athletic Development
Sporting achievements
Congratulations to Alister Hillier who achieved representative success in his sporting pursuits by competing for Queensland in the under 17 steeplechase at the Australian Track and Field Championships in Adelaide from 11 to 19 April.
Photo: Supplied
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 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.
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. Once you have joined, you will receive communication from your parent coordinators, access to your cohort’s parent contact list and membership to join the private Facebook groups. Join here.
Parent Connect contacts
We are happy to share with you all that the Parent Connect executive team, Year, House and Volunteer coordinators can be viewed on the Parent Connect page on myChurchie. Click here to view on myChurchie
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
We also invite you to participate in our Chapel Centenary Special Project. The Chapel is celebrating its 100th year, and we are coordinating a creative task force of volunteers to add to the beautiful collection of kneelers and create some new pieces inspired by Reverand Sharon and Chaplain Stephanie. Click here to volunteer
Midweek meditation
All are invited; the chapel will be open from 7:45 to 8:10 am on Wednesdays for meditation, an opportunity to take a quiet moment in our busy lives. We will endeavour to post the meditations in the Churchie Parents Facebook Group.
Parent Connect upcoming events
Parent Connect Meeting Brenan Pavilion (29 May)
Wellbeing Speaker Series (TBC)
Best wishes, Parent Connect Executive Team and Coordinator Community.
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.
