Prep School

Recently we have been interviewing families for commencing at Churchie in Reception, and soon will start on future Year 5 boys. One of the questions I always ask parents is, ‘Why are you interested in a Churchie education for your son?’ There are variety of responses: lovely grounds and facilities, our teachers, locality, strong values and the School’s mission, the making of men. However, one common factor I repeatedly hear is, ‘your boys’. Our blue and grey uniform is very recognisable in the community and one that seems to gather significant attention. Pleasingly, the overwhelming feedback is that Churchie boys are great ambassadors for our school. Our prospective parents want their sons to be like your sons. I take great delight and pride when I hear that. Parents often remark that they had a conversation with a Churchie boy at the local shops or when they have been out and about. They are extremely impressed with their manners, conduct and behaviour, and this is something we should celebrate and acknowledge. It is these incidental conversations and interactions with parents on school tours that set us apart from other schools.

Prep school value of the week: service

Service is giving to others and making a difference in their lives. You consider their needs as important as your own. Be helpful without waiting to be asked. Do every job with excellence. When you act with a spirit of service, you can change the world.

Prep school attribute of the week: inquirers

Have a natural curiosity and learn to acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. You actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout your life.

National Simultaneous Storytime

Last Wednesday, our Prep boys participated in National Simultaneous Storytime. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. It is a wonderful opportunity for our buddy classes to read together and complete activities that support the themes of the chosen book. This year, the picture book was Bowerbird Blues, beautifully written and illustrated using watercolours by Aura Parker. Participating in National Simultaneous Storytime was also one of the Head of Prep Reading Challenge activities. Stay tuned for next week when the prize winners for each year level will be announced.

Caroline Valentine
Dean of Academics

May Concert Series: Choirs and String Ensembles

Congratulations to the boys in Prep Choir and Junior Prep Choir for their performance at the Choral Concert on 16 May, and our Prep Strings, Junior Prep Strings and Eagle Guitars for their performances in the Strings and Guitar Concert on 23 May at Morris Hall.

The May Concert Series works vertically, in that all ensembles up to Year 12 participate. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our Prep students to be inspired by the ensembles on offer to them in the Senior School. Our young musicians performed incredibly well as artists but also showed good listening skills and respect as audience members. Performing live is incredibly important for musicians as it not only boosts their confidence but also allows authentic interaction, connection and engagement with audiences in real-time.

A big thank you to ensemble directors and accompanists Ben Hooper (Prep Strings), Ingrid Rochet (Junior Prep Strings), Rosemary Oxenford (accompanist), Christian Gante (accompanist) and Russell Neville (Eagle Guitars) alongside all of the music faculty staff who worked behind the scenes. Thank you also to the Music Support Group for kindly providing pizza for the boys. They very much appreciated it!

Recordings from the Choral Concert on 16 May can be accessed on SoundCloud:

The developing musicianship of our Prep boys is simply outstanding. Our students enhance their musicianship through participation in ensembles—learning how to blend, balance, maintain accurate intonation, attention to detail and aural skills, all to create something bigger than themselves. Evidence shows that those who play or sing in musical ensembles have improved socio-emotional wellbeing, as musicians work together to serve a common purpose and experience a sense of bonding and a feeling of “belongingness”. Our Prep ensembles are special communities of friends who support one another to challenge and grow in their skills. It’s about inclusivity. They see beyond themselves and develop a greater awareness of what’s going on around them as collaborative team players. And the result, when all the hard work of rehearsal comes together in the form of a performance, is simply indescribable.

Our Prep ensembles grow every term and are thriving and full of energy. However, there is always room for more! Our choirs are about to start a new repertoire in preparation for Term 3. Now is the time to get inspired and come along, to experience the fun of performing with mates and growing one’s music skills.

• Years 3 to 4 Junior Prep Choir rehearses on a Wednesday morning in PS25 from 7:30 to 8:15 am
• Prep Choir rehearses on a Monday morning in PS25 from 7:15 to 8:15 am.

If your son is interested in performing with one of our string ensembles, please email Mr. Hooper for more information.

‘Chookas’ to our Junior Prep Choir who are off to the Queensland Youth Music Awards next week to perform for our wider community.

Melissa Black
Head of Prep Music

Billy Cart Grand Prix

Billy Cart nominations close at 4 pm this Friday 31 May 2024.

Prep Support Group meeting 

The next Prep Support Group Meeting will be held on Thursday 6 June 2024 commencing at 8:30 am in Brenan Pavilion (behind the pool), and all parents are welcome.

Student possession of medication

Students are not to have medications in their possession unless they have consent to self-administer medications. Permission may be granted for a student to self-administer medication if they have a long-term life-long medical condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes, epilepsy etc.) and have been assessed by their medical practitioner and the Health Centre. Medications found in the possession of a student without prior consent will be confiscated and parents notified.

Procedure for administrating medication on school campus

Parents are requested to deliver medication directly to the Health Centre. Students are to present in person to the registered nurse in the Health Centre to receive the medication.

The medication must be in its original container labelled by the pharmacist or medical practitioner and outline the following information:

• name of drug
• use by date
• name of medical practitioner prescribing the drug
• name of student
• dosage
• frequency of medication

Please note: medication that is not correctly labelled will not be administered.

Mark Wyer
Head of Preparatory School