Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and stirs the soul. Whether it’s playing a favourite piece, dancing to a beat or enjoying a performance, music has a way of touching our hearts. A favourite song can instantly transport us back in time. If we think about it, the soundtrack of our lives includes music that evokes milestones, memories, heartache and joy.
Learning music also has long-lasting benefits, and music education is an integral part of a Churchie education. Music helps us communicate, collaborate and develop our creativity. It helps our brains make connections that support our learning in areas such as literacy and numeracy. Music also helps us express and engage with our emotions. Watching our boys explore their creativity and artistically express themselves through the creative outlet of music allows them to develop and foster their self-confidence. When our boys come together to make music, it promotes a sense of social cohesion, wellbeing and a sense of belonging.
Our Music Immersion programmes in Years 3, 4 and 5 provide many of the aforementioned benefits for our boys. The recent May Concert Series was another wonderful example where our Prep boys showcased their musical skills through the choral, strings and band concerts. Prep boys are encouraged to practice their performance skills by playing at various events and Friday assemblies. Once a term, boys have the opportunity to perform in our beautiful chapel, in front of family and friends at our Prep Solo Concerts.
On Tuesday evening, 22 Prep boys performed in front of an encouraging and supportive audience. For 10 boys, it was the first time they performed a solo piece. Hopefully, it inspired them to continue their music journey well into Senior School. The level of musicianship, dedication to learning and passion for playing music is a testament to the boys’ discipline, dedication and commitment. I look forward to the many and varied opportunities for our Prep boys to demonstrate the fruits of their music education to the Churchie community.
Mark Wyer Head of Preparatory School
Prep School
Generosity
Generosity is giving and sharing. You share freely, not with the idea of receiving something in return. You find ways to give others happiness and give just for the joy of giving. Generosity is one of the best ways to show love and friendship.
Thinkers
Thinkers exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognise and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Head of Prep Reading Challenge
After many wonderful hours spent reading, the boys in Reception to Year 6 completed their Head of Prep Reading Challenge last week. Well done to everyone who participated, and a special mention goes to the award winners from each year level who amazed Mr Wyer with their drawings of their favourite birds and redesigned book covers:
Reception: Leo Zeimer, Ashton Gong, Arthur Armstrong
Year 1: Justin Park, Ayrton Mitaros, Aditya Mohan
Year 2: Lucius Lu, Azaan Bansal, Wariam Jandu
Year 3: Toby Cao, Patrick Hughes, Andrew Sun
Year 4: Tom Wen-Tao Lai, Fletcher Dacombe, Hayden Wang
Year 5: Isaac Saines, Chris Cong, Tom Duke
Year 6: Henry Orthman, Sam Kelly, Tomas Gazzard
Highly Commended: Rhys Robertson, Sidharth Arora, Nico Pople
We look forward to everyone participating in the next Head of Prep Reading Challenge in 2025.
Eisteddfods
Eisteddfods offer a platform for performers of all ages and skills to showcase their musical skills and gain performance experience in front of a live audience, and to show appreciation to others as audience members. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to gain experience, build confidence and receive feedback from industry professionals, interacting with others in similar fields in a safe and supportive environment. Eisteddfods encourage children to practice towards achievable goals and allow students to understand and experience the rush of performing, feeling the emotions of excitement and pride while accepting feedback and learning from mistakes.
I am pleased to share the recent achievements of our Prep School students:
Toby Cao (Year 3). Redlands Eisteddfod: selected to perform at the Lord Mayor’s City Concert in May, as last year’s gold medal winner at the Little Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition (category one, under 7 years); Piano solos own choice 8 years (1st place); Piano solos jazz/pop/Latin (1st place). Ipswich Eisteddfod: Piano solo 8 years (3rd place); Piano solo Grade 5 (3rd place).
Marcus Lee (Year 4). Ipswich Eisteddfod: selected to compete in the Gladys Payne Memorial Award Open Age Championship; String solo 9-10 years (2nd place). Redlands Eisteddfod: String solos own choice 8 to 9 years (2nd place); String solos Baroque composer 10 years and under (1st place); String solos Grade 6 (1st place).
Hiro Miyajima (Year 6). Wynnum Manly Speech and Drama Eisteddfod: Best comedic performance perpetual trophy; Prose (1st place); Duo poem (1st place); Australian poem (2nd place); Set poem (2nd place); Solo mime (2nd place); Duologue (2nd place); Humorous Poem (3rd place); Solo improvisation (3rd place); Impromptu reading (3rd place).
Travis Lee (Year 6). Wynnum Manly Music Eisteddfod: Piano solo Australian composer, own choice, 8-11 years (1st place).
If your son has completed an eisteddfod or external music exam, or if you have outstanding results to share of their recent musical achievements, please contact Melissa Black (melissa.black@churchie.com.au).
Date: Monday 10 June Time: Year 3 at Morning Tea, Years 2 and 4 at lunchtime Location: Prep School Basketball Courts
This RipStik, skateboard and scooter morning tea and lunchtime activity is a fundraising activity for our Prep School charities. Students wishing to participate will need to bring a clearly named skateboard, scooter or RipStik, as well as a compulsory Australian Standards-approved helmet. We also highly recommend that students wear wrist, elbow and knee guards during this activity.
Students wishing to participate are asked to donate a $5 note to participate and should hand this to their class teacher during the administration period on Monday 10 June.
Before the activity, your teacher will provide a sticker to those who have donated which should be placed on their collar.
All fundraising support is greatly appreciated!
Please ensure that the helmet straps are correctly fitted as per the images below. This is an issue all too often.
Uniform requirements on the last day of school
On the last day of school, Thursday 13 June, all boys are to wear their blue and grey uniforms to school. Students in Years 4 to 6 may change into their outfits for the Billy Cart Grand Prix during the day.
Mark Wyer Head of Preparatory School
Senior School
Red Shield Appeal
By Samuel Box, Year 12 Magnus House Vice Captain of Service
On Sunday 26 May, 300 Churchie boys and 75 girls from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School demonstrated community spirit and raised an impressive $13,000 for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal. Through door-knocking efforts, we collected $10,000 in cash donations, alongside $3,000 in electronic deposits. This event reflects our students’ commitment to service endeavours, particularly in supporting The Salvation Army’s vital programmes that fund homeless shelters, counselling and family welfare assistance. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the generous donors, the staff and parents who supported the day, and the students of Churchie and St Margaret’s for their outstanding work. The level of support across the whole school for the Red Shield Appeal underscores Churchie’s long-standing commitment to service and a strong sense of community.
Year 12 IB Music
One component of the IB music higher level course is the contemporary music maker. This component requires students to plan and collaboratively create a project that draws on the competencies, skills and processes from the entire music course, and must be inspired by real-life practices of music-making.
When designing his project, Tom Crooke, who is a leading member of the Stage Crew, decided to combine his interest in stage lighting with his passion for live music. Tom chose to be assessed in the role of performer for the technical demands of the criteria. His aim was to produce the Year 7 to 9 Churchie Dance, creating the stage design, coordinating the bands and production elements, as well as performing.
After gaining permission from Production Manager Brian Bowen and Director of Service Clayton Kelly to coordinate the event, Tom spent several months in preparation. One interesting facet of the process was the creation of a band to perform after the renowned Churchie band Danny and the Bachelors. This band was dubbed The Crooke Collective featuring Tom Dwyer on vocals, Raff Keirnan on rhythm guitar, Zac Patane on lead guitar, Oscar Isles on drums and Tom Crooke on bass.
Ultimately, the night was a huge success. To finalise the project, Tom will create a 15-minute multimedia package that showcases the creative and technical process. A very big thank you to Brian and Clayton for their willingness to support Tom’s project, and to IB Music class teacher Director of Music Bohdan Davison for his wonderful support throughout the entire process.
Catherine Prosser Dean of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Churchie Stage Crew 2024
Music
Jazz Under the Stars – James Morrison
As we continue to build momentum for this momentous occasion, here is some more information about the wonderful guest artist for 2024. Please continue to spread the word and encourage friends, family and members of the public to attend this wonderful event where Churchie hosts one of the great Australians of music.
In a recording career spanning three decades, James Morrison has released a huge variety of albums from gospel to big band to electronic fusion. He has been nominated for eight ARIA awards, winning in 2010 and again in 2017. In 2013, James was inducted into the Australian Jazz Hall of Fame. In 2016, his album In Good Company charted simultaneously in both the ARIA jazz and popular album charts, retaining the top spot in the jazz charts for over 20 weeks. James currently records for ABC Jazz/Universal and Fanfare Jazz and is an exclusive artist for Schagerl Instruments.
Vintage Viking lunch
Last week, the Piano Trio and Churchie’s Big Band 1 performed for the wonderful Vintage Viking Old Boys. Big Band 1 featured the recent star of the Churchie musical, Charlie Hartwright (Year 12) singing one of his favourite items, ‘Feeling good’ and Thomas Dwyer finally had his opportunity to sing ‘Come by me’ with the full force of Big Band 1 behind him. The piano trio performed the Haydn Piano Trio in C unaccompanied, as tradition expects. Congratulations to James Duffy (Year 10) who played a very significant role in keeping the trio together as the role of the pianist.
Please see below for photos and a recording of the performance at the Vintage Vikings lunch:
Photos: Michael Warrington
Manly Music Soiree
Congratulations to Alex Carson (Year 8) and Toby Pattison (Year 10), who played superbly at the inaugural Manly Music Soiree. Any opportunity to perform solo is valuable as it provides much experience, and for parents, it is a great opportunity to see and appreciate all the hard work and practice. Thank you to Rianne Wilscutt for hosting such an amazing event.
Soiree
As part of the upcoming Signature Concert Series in Term 3, all students will be performing a solo piece as part of the Soiree studio recitals. This is a fantastic opportunity for parents to see their sons perform in a warm and friendly environment as we encourage students to improve their performing skills. Please note the date, time and location of your Soiree below. You should also receive further, more detailed, communication from your tutor by the end of the term.
Churchie’s Best Solos auditions will take place in the final week of school. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain audition experience and to give yourself every opportunity to be considered for the finals. All instruments and year levels are welcome to attend. Please prepare a high-level excerpt of no more than five minutes for your audition and discuss your suitability with your teacher. Here is the link for the final opportunity to be considered:
Think of your favourite space movie or a theme that relates to time. Chances are you will hear it and see it at the Gala Concert on 15 August 2024. Save the date for this spectacular night of themed music with an audio-visual extravaganza.
Auditions released
Next term the audition music for the 2025 ensembles will be released. Start practising and preparing your own choice repertoire in anticipation of the release.
Congratulations to Morris Wind Symphony on your performance at Headmaster’s Assembly. This was the third iteration of ‘American barndance’ and by far the best. Much of music is about learning to deliver in performance conditions. The more experience we have through opportunity, the more comfortable and fluent we become. Students were then presented with their silver folders and a special presentation was made to Year 12 students with their years of service to the premiere ensembles written on the folder.
Please follow this link to a recording of Morris Wind Symphony at Headmaster’s Assembly.
Musician spotlight
By Henry Down, Year 12
I started my journey in Churchie Music in Year 6 when I joined Prep Band, after already having lessons for five years. Throughout my time in Senior School, I have been a part of several ensembles, including Concert Band, Jensen Winds, Morris Winds, Big Band 3, Big Band 1, Senior Percussion Ensemble, as well as the pit orchestra for the last three Churchie/Somerville Musicals. Some of my best memories would have to come from these musicals, as we got to play a diverse range of new music and build close friendships with other musicians, as well as actors and crew.
With a successful May Concert Series behind us, I look forward to the Signature Concert Series later this year, where the incredible talent of all of Churchie’s musicians will be showcased at Jazz Under the Stars, the Gala Concert, and Churchie’s Best Solos. In 2024, I hope to see more boys take accountability for learning their parts, rather than having to be told to practice in the weeks before a performance. I would also love to see more boys from outside the programme at our performances to enjoy the excellent music we have to offer.
Henry Down
SHEP
Congratulations to the following students on their recent participation in the State Honours Ensemble Programme (SHEP). These weekends are amazing experiences for students to advance their ensemble skills under the tutelage of some of the finest conductors in the state:
Congratulations to the Junior Prep Choir on their outstanding result last Thursday at the Queensland Youth Music Awards (QMYA) achieving third place. The choir was not the largest but certainly showed their energy and enthusiasm for singing. Congratulations are also extended to Head of Preparatory Music Mellisa Black and accompanist and Choral Coordinator Rosemary Oxenford for their preparation and direction of the group.
Bohdan Davison Director of Music
Sport
Exceptionally exciting news for our football community as we edge towards closing out the 2024 GPS premiership and celebrate a tremendously successful whole programme season. We look forward to seeing the strong blue and grey support this week at home as we take on The Southport School.
After another exciting GPS round seven last weekend, we invite everyone to see the weekend’s results summary via myChurchie – GPS Sports and Activities.
Football
Saturday’s round seven against Ipswich Grammar was a fantastic day of football. We recorded 15 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses. A further 11 supplementary games were played, recording 5 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses.
The First XI made it seven wins from seven rounds with a very hard-fought 3–1 win against IGS, a team that had not lost at home in close to three years. The win secured Churchie’s second-ever GPS Football premiership.
The first half was a real arm wrestle with neither side conceding an inch. There were many physical challenges with both sets of boys putting their bodies on the line. It was a very competitive and physical affair with neither side creating many clear-cut chances.
Midway through the second half, the Brisbane Roar Quinn MacNicol and Lucas Herrington combination was the difference, with the duo combining for the first two goals. Quinn chipped in a delightful ball which Lucas converted with a clinical header. A few minutes later, from another set piece, Quinn put in another cross which was fumbled by the IGS keeper (who was impressive throughout the game). Lucas was quickest to the second ball, kicking it into the empty net. Both players showed their qualities in a tough match with Lucas Herrington dominating the aerial duels in attack and defence and Quinn MacNicol being dangerous every time he touched the ball in open play and set pieces.
Both fullbacks, Max Slaughter and Ethan Castle had very good games in defence and their determination and work rate helped Churchie to secure the win. Levi Collins secured the third after following in a shot on the edge of the box from Veivers Brown.
A win or a draw against The Southport School (TSS) would mean an outright premiership for Churchie. The next game on Saturday 8 June against the third-placed TSS will be significant. Let’s get behind the boys and get over 1,000 spectators. It’s a game not to be missed.
Artwork: Jacob Castle (2020)
Below are a few of the many examples of boys living by the Churchie Football values of integrity, discipline and determination in Round 6.
Integrity: George Samios (11A)let the referee know that the ball went into our goal through the broken net after the referee signalled for a goal. Great sportsmanship from George.
Discipline: Harry Love (10A)has been injured all season yet has come to every single game to support his teammates, including Ipswich this weekend.
Determination: Harry Bell (7D) had to play goalie in the absence of Tom and showed great resilience to step in late, put in a solid performance and get a clean sheet.
Prep School Man of the Matches:
Tomas Gazzard (6B) for his continual display of teamwork and effort throughout the entire match. Tomas continually works hard to ensure his teammates have multiple opportunities to score without any recognition.
Elliot Batstone (5B) for his defensive and offensive running up and down the pitch. Elliot worked tirelessly to provide support and options for his teammates, which led to another fantastic win.
I look forward to seeing everyone for the last game of the 2024 GPS Football Season. Once the football is finished, we will have the annual Football Awards Function at Morris Hall from 4 to 5 pm. If you haven’t had a chance to register, please do so at your earliest convenience.
Our sole competitor in the GPS gymnastics competition, Harry Makridakis (Year 11), competed in division one against athletes from Brisbane Grammar School, Gregory Terrace, The Southport School, Brisbane Boys’ College and Brisbane State High School. Harry placed third overall in the individual competition. Well done, Harry.
Tennis
Round seven against Ipswich Grammar was not supposed to happen due to rain threatening to ruin another Saturday of GPS tennis. Thankfully, for most of our teams, their matches were played and completed before the rain hit Ipswich. We played IGS in 22 matches, we had 5 supplementary games and our Year 9D and E boys played an internal battle. The day was incredibly positive with only one loss to a team that was hurt with sickness to two players. While two boys stepped up and did a great job, the end result went the other way.
Our Year 9 boys had to wait and the late start stopped them from getting most of their sets in, but they were given victory by IGS as Churchie was a long way in front.
The First IV had completed their four doubles matches with the rubbers at two all when rain stopped them for the day.
Round eight is our last match of the season and we are up against The Southport School (TSS). Our Years 5 to 8 will be travelling to the coast while our older boys will stay at home. All of our teams, barring the 9E and 5D, will play this Saturday.
Please take the chance this weekend to thank the coaches and Age Group Coordinators for all of their hard work throughout the season. The program cannot run with the aid of the people in these roles.
Congratulations to the following students for their success in the following sporting pursuits:
Basketball
Connor Davidson and Jake Miles-Wrency represented Met East in the Queensland Championships and were selected in the Queensland School Sport Representative 17 to 19 years boys merit team.
Cricket
First XI Cricketer Daniel Desmet has been selected for the Queensland under 15 team for the School Sport Australia National Under 15s Championships, which will be held in Mackay in September.
First XI Cricketer Alex Walduck has been selected for the Queensland Under 17s Development Squad for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Hockey
Riley Wondergem represented Metropolitan East in the 16 to 19 years State Hockey Championships in Rockhampton in May. They finished as runners-up with a silver medal. Riley was named in the Queensland 16 to 19 years merit team.
Riley also represented Brisbane in the U18 Queensland Men’s Hockey Championships in Rockhampton in late April, placing fourth overall. Riley was successful in gaining selection to represent Queensland at the upcoming U18 National Titles at the Gold Coast in July.
Trent Goodrick Head of Cocurricular
Photos: Belinda Wondergem
Churchie Rugby Luncheon
The annual Churchie Rugby Luncheon will be held on Friday 9 August 2024 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Brisbane’s South Bank. This event precedes the Wallabies’ match against the current World Champions, the South African Springboks at Suncorp Stadium. As always, there will be top-level entertainment, with Justin Harrison as the main speaker, along with a panel discussion conducted by MC Greg Clark featuring new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt and other former Wallabies. Additionally, there will be the usual raffles, auctions and the ball-passing competition for both men and women.
With the much talked about British and Irish Lions Tour in 2025, tables purchased for the 2024 luncheon will receive priority for 2025, which will undoubtedly be a sell-out at the new venue, The Star Casino, Brisbane. Save the date for the Churchie British and Irish Lions Test on Friday 18 July 2025.
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 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, hosting social connections, and administering private Facebook groups.
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.
Chapel Centenary special project
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 Reverend Mitchell and Chaplain Stephanie. Click here to volunteer.
Midweek meditation
Reverend Sharon welcomes all. 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.
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:
Wellbeing Lecture Series
Date: Tuesday 4 June Time: 6 pm Venue: The Centenary Library lecture theatre
Mothers of Old Boys High Tea
Date: Wednesday 17 July Time: 10 am Venue: Brenan Pavilion
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.
