From the Headmaster

As the last days of winter recede and we move towards another beautiful Queensland summer, our boys have an opportunity to reflect upon their efforts across the three terms of the year.

I wonder, as they consider their achievements and progress, are they well pleased, somewhat pleased, or disappointed? It may well be a mixture of all three as they cast their eye over the landscape of their school year. The great thing about life, particularly when you are young, is that new opportunities and beginnings come along all the time. A new approach, a new attitude, or a new solution can be found by an inquisitive mind on any given day.

The forthcoming vacation provides an ideal opportunity to reflect on progress, review one’s goals, and redouble the intention to improve upon current results. Whether our boys are travelling during this vacation, preparing for ATAR or IB examinations, or spending time with family at home, it is important to think about the personal growth and milestones established throughout this year. I would love to see every boy draw a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment in knowing that there has been tangible growth and improvement this year—that every opportunity has been seized, and hitherto insurmountable challenges have been embraced, resulting in an imbued sense of self-confidence and willingness to strive further.

Each term, like each year, brings with it the promise of a new beginning, made so much the richer after a period of honest reflection. In his book Sons of Magnus, School Founder Canon Morris wrote, ‘If you are foolish and make a mess of things, or even just get slack, you can always start afresh, and do better next time!’ (Chapter XIV).

Year 12 Study Camp 2024

I commend to our Year 12 students the study camp opportunity available to them, hosted in The Centenary Library, in the second week of the semester break. This is a great opportunity to consolidate learning prior to the Term 4 external examinations for IB and ATAR subjects. Such an opportunity is made possible by the generosity of our teaching staff who make themselves available to offer tutoring sessions. I do thank our teaching staff very much for their willingness to support the Year 12 students in this way.

Congratulations: four GPS premierships

Winning a GPS premiership is always a challenging enterprise. Given the very competitive nature of GPS sports and activities, it is not often the School secures four premierships in a single year, with the Track and Field Championships still to come. I therefore warmly congratulate the staff, students, coaches and volunteers in our basketball, chess, football and volleyball programmes who have achieved a Firsts premiership this year. Such achievements are only possible with a whole-community effort; I thank and congratulate everyone involved in these cocurricular success stories. I also acknowledge the many parents who volunteer their time to support our students, staff and coaches—supporting and building the communities upon which our success is built.

Best wishes for a safe and refreshing mid-semester vacation

Dr Alan Campbell
Headmaster