Iconic Australian jazz musician James Morrison OAM and vocalist Darren Percival led an outstanding Jazz Under the Stars event last Friday evening on the edge of Main Oval. Many of the School’s musicians, from the Prep School and Senior School, revelled in the opportunity to perform with these established stars of the music world and to share their love of performing before their friends and families.
Also featuring the Queensland Youth Orchestra, the event presented five student big bands and several vocal ensembles to a very appreciative audience. An occasion such as this is a wonderful example of how our students can grow and develop their passion for music in a multi-age setting.
I congratulate our talented music staff, led by Bohdan Davison and including Ben Hooper, Sarah Washington, Paul Kriesch, Jeremy Williamson and Rosemary Oxenford. Each of these staff members is deeply committed to music education and providing outstanding performance opportunities for our students. I also commend the contribution of the Music Support Group who provided a great deal of time, support and encouragement in the successful staging of this annual musical highlight in the School’s calendar.
All members of the Churchie community are reminded that, as an entity of the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Brisbane, we are governed by clear guidelines and procedures regarding child safety and mandatory reporting.
To inform students, parents, staff and visitors, our policies and procedures regarding child safety are available on the School’s website.
The School’s Child and Youth Risk Management policy has as its central statement:
‘Anglican Schools and Education and Care Services are committed to providing environments where children and young people receive the highest standard of care, where their rights are supported, and they have the opportunity to thrive and be fruitful. Such environments nurture and safeguard the intelligence, dignity, safety and wellbeing of each child or young person, by placing them at the centre of thought, values and actions.’
Students can also find helpful information regarding child safety on the second page of the school diary.
With good wishes
Dr Alan Campbell Headmaster
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.
Orderliness involves being tidy and living in harmony. You are organised, and you know where things are when you need them. You solve problems step by step instead of going in circles. Having order around you creates order inside you. It brings peace of mind.
Attribute of the week: balanced
You understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal wellbeing for yourself and others.
Strategies for successfully raising boys
Boys are awesome. They are also exhausting, challenging, difficult at times, fun-loving, caring and sensitive. They can grunt at you one minute and wish to hold an in-depth conversation with you the next. They eat and eat and eat and grow right before your very eyes. Michael Grose, a parenting expert, believes the ability to adapt strategies and principles to the sons in your life is the key to raising a happy, confident and balanced young man. I have read his article and thought it worth sharing with our Prep community. He raises some boy-friendly common parenting strategies that you may find useful for the boys you have in your household, including understanding their psychology, matching their relational style, playing to their strengths, building their emotional smarts and building an attitude of respect.
Celebrations and commemorations allow us to express our identity
In week four, the Year 3 boys gathered to listen attentively to Year 12 student and Army Cadet Bruno Hickey as he explained what being part of the cadets meant to him. Bruno described what active citizenship looks like, sounds like and feels like in a community. This informal incursion encouraged the boys to think about how and why people participate in and contribute to their communities. This formed part of our unit of inquiry into how ‘Celebrations and commemorations allow us to express our identity’.
Photos: Churchie Staff
Upcoming library activities
Date
Event
Year level
Details
9 August
Story Arts Festival
Selected Years 5 and 6 students
Literature festival for students: 30 passionate readers have been invited to attend.
16 August
Sarah Armstrong author visit
Years 3 to 6
All students: information and order forms on class myChurchie pages.
19 August
Book Week Parade
Reception to Year 6
All Reception, Year 1 and 2 students participate in costumes. Years 3,4,5 and 6 are encouraged to dress in costume if they would like to participate. All classes will attend the parade.
20 August
Andy Geppert Author visit
Reception to Year 2
All students: information and order forms on class myChurchie pages.
20 to 21 August
Magic competition
Years 4 to 6
Lunchtime competition: parents register students via Jotform on myChurchie.
Student diaries
As the boys start to participate in more after-school activities this year, please ensure all after-school arrangements are written in the diary each day. Please include after-school care and any activities your son may be attending so their teachers can ensure they safely get to where they need to be. Also, please ensure the boys bring their diaries to school every day.
Mark Wyer Head of Preparatory School
Senior School
GPA Improvers Years 10 to 12
The following Years 10 to 12 students were recognised in last week’s Headmaster’s Assembly as our biggest GPA improvers from Semester 2 last year to the end of Semester 1 this year. They have also achieved strong learning behaviours in all their subjects, which of course is essential to any sustained improvement and success.
Time: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:15 to 4:15 pm Location: The Centenary Library (CL204) Tutors: Teachers, Teacher Aides, Old Boy Tutors, Year 11/12 Peer tutors Contact: Please email Ms Jackson for more information
The goals
For a student to work collaboratively with a peer, specialist staff, talented senior students and Old Boys
To help students understand classwork, homework or assessments
To help students catch up with missed work in a supported environment
In all cases, students are required to come up with specific tasks to complete or with questions to ask.
Sign-in and attendance stamp
Students sign in on arrival in the Study Hub attendance register.
After the sessions, students (Years 7 to 9) will have their diaries stamped by the supervising teacher, and time in and out will be recorded.
Kelly Jackson Senior Learning Support Coordinator
Aquila news
F1 in schools
Four Churchie teams represented the school in the F1 in Schools programme regional round at The Southport School. The competition asks students to design and manufacture a prototype Formula 1 car and develop a business and marketing case for their team. Competing for the first time, Hyperion Racing (comprised of Kevin Lu, Jacob Seldon and Hugo Johnstone in Year 10) was the best-performing car in the Professional division and finished third overall in this division. Invincible Racing (Alister Hillier, Henry Peters and Angus Peters) was the best-managed team and produced the best portfolio in the Professional division. Velocitas Racing—a Year 9 team composed of Owen Yu, Charles Chen, Jayden Ooi and Charlie St Clair—was the overall winner of the development class. Max Miles and Arin Jadhav, in Year 8, represented the School in the cadet class.
Photos: Churchie staff
Write a Book in a Day
On Tuesday 10 September, students in Years 7 and 8 are offered the opportunity to participate in the Write a Book in a Day competition. Working in teams of 5 to 10 students, they will be asked to produce a book, based on specified prompts, within a school day. The programme is run by the Kids Cancer Project, and students who participate raise funds through sponsorship for this great charity. If you would like to be involved or find out more, please email Grant Smith (grant.smith@churchie.com.au)
Grant Smith Head of Gifted Education (Aquila)
Headspace Viking Run
Years 5 to 12 students are invited to join the Senior School at this year’s Headspace Viking Run, a fun afternoon of mental wellbeing, walking and running after school on Friday 9 August. The Viking Run sees students from Churchie and St Margaret’s complete a 4.5 km fun run course (2.5 km for Years 5 and 6) while wearing Viking helmets, with the course lined with conversation starters, music and drinks stations to add to the feel of the event. Starting on The Flat at 3:45 pm, there will be a world record attempt for the ‘largest gathering of people running in viking helmets’ verified by our Federal Member Max Chandler-Mather MP and local Councillor Fiona Cunningham. Students have also organised bands, a sausage sizzle, a food truck selling sushi and prizes for runners who get involved. It is also a fundraiser for Headspace Woolloongabba, with the funds helping to connect young people in our community to wellbeing services.
Entries are $16, which includes fun run entry, a donation to Headspace, helmet hire, entry to the prize draws and a memento from Headspace. Prep School students can be collected from the Flat from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. Entries can be purchased from the Churchie payment portal here, with preregistrations including a wristband and entry to the prize draw. Any questions about the event can be directed to Director of Service Mr Clayton Kelly at Clayton.Kelly@churchie.com.au.
Please note that Gate 8 will be closed for the car park at the rear of the school from 3:45 pm.
Clayton Kelly Director of Service
Parent wellbeing panel discussion: mental health and seeking support
On Wednesday evening, the Churchie Wellbeing Lecture Series, in partnership with the Old Boys’ Association, hosted a panel discussion facilitated by Damien Edmonds (1987) on the important topic of wellbeing.
The panel included current Year 12 student and Wellbeing Ambassador Alastair McDonald, teacher and Nansen Housemaster Mitch Rosenlund and Founder and CEO of Ford Health, corporate health and resilience expert and Churchie Old Boy Toby Ford (1977).
Josh Di Bella Deputy Head of Senior School (Years 10 to 12)
National Science Week
Join us for an exciting National Science Week filled with activities, competitions and educational fun! Here’s what we have planned:
Science show
Don’t miss the highlight! At the end of each show, enjoy some delicious handmade ice cream straight from our experiments. Bring your lunch and your friends.
Dates: Tuesday 13 August and Thursday 15 August Time: Lunchtime Location: Stanley and May Smith Science Centre forecourt Presenter: UQ Science Ambassadors and Dr Mikhai
Year 7 science meme competition
Create the funniest and most creative science-related memes that are appropriate. Prizes will be awarded to the best three memes.
Submission: Submit them via this JotForm by Friday 16 August at 3 pm.
Spaghetti bridge building competition
Join us for a challenging and fun Spaghetti Bridge Building Competition. Put your engineering skills to the test and see whose bridge can hold the most weight!
Date: Wednesday 21 August Time: 7 am Location: Stanley and May Smith Science Centre (SC02) Organisers: UQ Science Ambassadors and Morning Scholars Group
John Martin Head of Faculty (Science)
Boarding
Director of Boarding
Our new Director of Boarding, Mike Symons, is enjoying getting to know our boarders and their families as he settles into his role at Churchie.
Mike is an experienced teacher who joins us from The King’s School, Sydney, where he served for many years as a Senior Boarding Housemaster.
Last Saturday, Mike met several boarding families in Toowoomba following the GPS rounds, and this week he is representing Churchie at the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast. If you are attending this conference, please say hello to Mike at the Churchie stand (112) in the Trade Hall.
Photo: Churchie News
Upcoming events
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.
Australian Cotton Conference, 6 to 8 August
Mt Isa Boarding Schools Expo, 3 December
See Churchie Boarding on the road for RSVP links and further details:
On Friday 2 August 2024, Churchie hosted James Morrison and Darren Percival in what was the largest Jazz Under the Stars, with 1,000 audience members in attendance. Throughout Thursday and Friday, Darren Percival and James Morrison were extremely generous with their time, workshopping with each of the three Viking Vocal ensembles and all five of the Big Bands at Churchie. The end result was an amazing night for the Churchie community, culminating in an outstanding set of music featuring both James Morrison and Darren Percival backed by the Queensland Youth Orchestra Big Band.
Big Band 5 stole the show with an enthusiastic rendition of ‘Jammin’ with Charlie’ (or perhaps we should call it ‘Jammin’ with James’). Following this, Big Band 4 featured almost every soloist in the band with Mr Williamson’s composition called ‘Oaklands 830’, which could indeed be the new ‘Jammin’ with Charlie’ for Prep Band. Big Band 3 stole the show with an epic version of ‘Route 66’ featuring James Nash (Year 8) and James Morrison trading choruses. Big Band 2 managed to memorise the entirety of ‘Lindy Hopper’s Delight’, setting a high standard for years to come, and Big Band 1 went to a new level on James Morrison’s composition ‘Ease On In’ with one of the most virtuosic trumpet cadenza’s including the highest and fastest notes possible on the trumpet.
Viking Vocals were also in top form, with Viking Vocals 3 featuring Darren Percival on vocals with their arrangement of ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin‘. Viking Vocals 2 then took it up a gear with an arrangement of ‘Sunny’ featuring the soulful sounds of Darren Percival once again, before Viking Vocals 1 showed why they are the premier vocal group with an outstanding version of ‘Sh-Boom! ‘ featuring Darren Percival.
We hope that everyone in attendance will have wonderful fond memories of the evening—it is not every day that you get to see James Morrison and Darren Percival live on Main Oval, let alone have the opportunity to perform with them. There are so many people to thank, and we are grateful to everyone who helped to make the night a success, from our Administration team, Events team, Property and Works, Music Support Group, Stage Crew and, of course, our Music Staff who all helped to make the night a success. Certainly not to be forgotten is the huge contribution from all of our volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and around their students’ performance schedules to help make the night a success:
Alice Liu, Andrea Genest, Angela Rae, Angelique McIntosh, Angie McWilliam, Anita Chang, Belinda Fleming, Belinda Midson, Belinda Sutherland, Ben Duke, Bridget Stobie, Brooke Wilson, Cath Neill, Catherine Shooter, Claudia Fusca, David Hughes, Diya Javiya, Donna McCart, Elita Saines, Erica Clark, Fiona Li, Gail Tarditi, Jacquie Dwyer, Jill Trevethan, Julia Godfrey, Julia Han, Kate Zavros Bode, Kathryn Quarterman, Kirsten Allen, Kirstin Aralar, Kirsty Brittain, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Kelly, Lisel Robbins, Lori Dhupelia, Lucy Evans, Mary-Jane Blackburn, Michelle Carr-Brown, Nabeela Furtado, Nat Moloney, Paul Robbins, Pip Englund, Renae King, Roma Clayton-Tweedie, Sharon Staggs, Shirley Cheung Mullins, Stacy Bailey, Suyang Jiang, Tai Ma, Teresa Shulman, Tricia Carr and Trudy Naylor.
We also thank the wonderful members of our community who donated prizes, and I trust that the lucky winners will enjoy these amazing donations:
Hayley Johnson of PowerArts for the donation of Peter and The Star Catcher tickets
Russell Luhrs from the Springfield City Group for the donation of the golf package
Nick and Danielle Buick for their donation of the Lamborghini experience
Carla Haddan Place Estate Agents for the donation of the beautiful hampers with vouchers to White Label Noba and Ristorante Tartufo
Chez Nous Catering for the donation of the Jeroboam of Champagne for helping the support group with supplying the champagne for tonight
Marie Meek from Bird’s Nest Yakitori Bar and Restaurants for their donation of a voucher to their restaurant
Angie McWilliams from Cesco Work Solutions for her donation of a career coaching session
Greg Aiken at Brass Music Specialists for his donation of a $200 voucher
Senior Voices Assembly Performance
Senior Voices presented an engaging performance of ‘Space Oddity’ by David Bowie at Headmaster’s Assembly as a preview of what is to come for the Time and Space Gala Theme next week.
Please follow this link to a recording of the Senior Voices:
Gala Concert
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 Thursday 15 August 2024. Save the date for this spectacular night of themed music with an audio-visual extravaganza.
Audition music for 2025 ensembles is now available on myChurchie. Please take the time to consult your tutor about the best excerpt to perform and the best selection for your own choice. You may wish to use your soiree piece and dedicate your time to perfecting the excerpt. Your tutor will also be able to assist you with any other questions about the process. Upload recordings are due by the end of Week 7 to allow for new ensembles to begin in Term 4, 2024. If you are successful in your audition for a premier ensemble, you will be expected to attend Music Camp from 18 to 20 October 2024, so please save the date. For more information on the cocurricular selections for 2025, please follow the link:
Musicfest
On Sunday 4 August, both Churchie Strings and Chamber Strings 2 String Orchestra performed at Musicfest at Indooroopilly State High School. This year they were both awarded a silver award and represented the School to a high standard. The adjudicator, Mr Mark Sullivan, encouraged all ensemble to master the art of music making through listening and good technique as well as working through the challenges. Most importantly, he said, make sure you enjoy the process and result.
Thank you must go to Ingrid Rochet and Ben Hooper for directing these ensembles and to Ms Jules Hanlon for her administrative support.
Bravo to the boys on their first competitive performance this year.
Bohdan Davison Director of Music
Sport
The Blue and Grey headed up the range to unusually not-so-chilly weather for our GPS round four competition against Toowoomba Grammar School. Both rugby and basketball first teams faced tough competition against the blue and yellow and came away with hard-fought wins. We are facing another tough competition round against BBC this weekend at home and urge the boys to stay and support each other on the court and field.
After another exciting GPS round four last weekend, we invite everyone to view the weekend’s results summary via myChurchie – GPS Sports and Activities.
Trent Goodrick Head of Cocurricular
Basketball
Round four saw the Churchie Basketball programme matched against our rivals from up the range, Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS). Over the past few years, the Toowoomba programme has gone from strength to strength, and they have provided many competitive battles across the year levels, particularly in the current Year 10 age group and in First V matches.
The preparation for many teams was about hitting the halfway mark of the season playing in line with the Churchie Blueprint style of play that all our coaches are inducted into and committed to improving our boys within. The 112 wins and 18 losses we have through four GPS rounds only occur through our coaches’ combination of implementing our style of play, having boys adhere to the players standards and expectations in place in the programme, and expecting full attention and effort from the boys. Our coaches have put in a huge effort across the preseason and current season, and I thank them for doing and continuing to do this.
With all that in mind, and some very well-run photo days behind us, our next challenge is to get our mixture of training commitment, positive next-play attitude and results at an optimum level.
This week we have the programme taking on Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC). This proud school has always been a traditional powerhouse of the GPS, however, our recent success will see BBC out to balance the ledger after we only had 1 loss in 34 games against them in 2023. It is important that we play with the integrity of a Churchie boy and basketballer, and not get caught up in anything other than the next play to strive for similar success. Whether it is parents, boys, coaches or family in the crowd, let’s remind each other that we cheer hard for our team, congratulate the other team and their successes, and use our energy to be better in our pursuit of the record 37 premierships that are still on offer from our 40 GPS teams. This is very achievable and will come from being at training and being positive and forward-thinking.
Good luck to all teams this weekend, and thank you in advance to all the volunteers and those who attend to support not only the First V but teams around their own game to help each team across the line.
The game of the season to date took place last Saturday up the range in TGS’s Glen McCracken Court. The First V had not beaten TGS in a First V fixture since 2021, and it was time for redemption. Despite some niggling injuries and one of the key members of the team, Andrew Watene, being away representing Queensland at the National School Sport Australia Championships, the boys all returned to the court together as the week progressed prepared for this contest. From the first lay-up of the warm-up, it was obvious what this stood for in each squad’s mind.
The first quarter saw Churchie start with some amazing accuracy from close range and beyond the three-point line. The 27 – 22 scoreline was reflective of some great plays and some defensive corrections which coaches Drew Summerfield, 2012 Old Boy Harry Nicholson and 2017 Old Boy Ben Hastings let the boys know about. Ten points from Captain Oskar Olechnowicz early, and a well-rounded attack with six players making the scoresheet, countered the deep shooting prowess and size of the TGS attack.
The second quarter was just as fierce in pace and intensity. Six crucial points from Connor Davidson, to go with five from Jake Miles-Wrency and two massive threes from Year 10 and National Indigenous Camp Invitee Noah Kirk saw Churchie go into the locker room at half-time with a strong, but far from safe, 55 – 48 advantage. The third quarter would take some serious courage and fortitude as Toowoomba had left bitter memories of a comeback and win in the Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex in 2023 in the boys’ minds. Agent OO, the Captain, would stamp his authority by adjusting his way of attack and not settling for some strong contact from TGS putting him off from his goal. Another 10-point quarter combined with some unstoppable inside finishes from the competition’s most dominant big man, Kurt Siwek, and two huge three-pointers offset plays from Nash Harding saw the onslaught of shot-making from TGS minimised. The score was 77 – 71 going into the fourth quarter; it was now time to right the wrongs of 2022 and 2023 in one quarter of boys doing their job and thinking of the blue and grey and not themselves.
Of all the scenarios, most would not have predicted what was to follow, although I know the boys would have from all the battles on the training floor. The starting point guard Noah Kirk decided he would let the whole of the GPS know who everyone would have to go through at the point guard position. The 11 points in the final quarter by Noah was just part of the story. His composure, leadership and passion lifted every boy, be they on the court or the bench. His assists to Kurt Siwek, who was simply not going to be denied with his eight critical fourth-quarter points and timely rebounds, as well as his overall floor game was one of the best clutch performances witnessed in a First V uniform.
The entire team from the top to the bottom of the bench had each other’s back, and the final score of 104–97 was a great sign coming into this epic BBC battle ahead.
As is the case for the aforementioned 37 Churchie GPS Basketball teams, the First V are in the premiership battle of their lives against BBC at 12:15 pm this coming Saturday in the Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex at Churchie. This is without a doubt the match-up that has been circled for a year by the team since Churchie got the better of what is essentially the same two teams from the 2023 GPS season and the CBSQ State Championships. BBC have bolstered their team considerably, and the bronze medal we won against them in 2023 in the state championships is a distant memory, but the amazing crowd we could have this weekend is not. It would be greatly appreciated by the staff and the team around any game and Vikings club commitments you have, that our Churchie boys in their uniform are there to support the First V. The marching band, some half-time competition and lucky door apparel prizes and vouchers are just a small reason to come. The gameplay, skill, athleticism and the chance to say you were there for this epic battle will be the greatest part. This level of basketball is something all players should see in person and look to build towards. Each boy will provide a small part of what I hope could be the biggest crowd for many seasons in what is the first true top-of-the-table game at this point of the season since 2020. The First V have every chance to play their way and get one step closer to that premiership that has eluded the programme since the back-to-back premierships of 2019 and 2020.
Good luck to everyone this coming weekend, and let’s go Churchie.
Round 4 of the 2024 GPS Chess season saw 53 young men travel up the range to Toowoomba Grammar School on a sunny Friday afternoon. We won 12 teams and drew one, with only six players losing their games across the programme. Special congratulations to players in our Premier, Open A, C, D, E and J teams, who all won their games.
This week marks our inaugural Prep week, where students in Years 5 and 6 who have not yet had the chance to represent the School in GPS Chess will be able to do so. We host Brisbane Boys College on Friday, and our Second Chance tournament will run for senior students missing out on selection. This will help inform our team choices for next week’s tricky round against BSHS—best of luck to all boys involved.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another successful week of chess when we meet Brisbane Boys’ College at home.
Max Condon Director of Chess
Rugby
Last weekend, Churchie played Toowoomba Grammar School in round four of the GPS competition. In what is normally a tough physical round of rugby, both schools toiled hard throughout the day, but it was Churchie who finished the day on top.
Overall, there were 25 games played between the two schools with Churchie recording 15 victories and one draw. The junior age groups put on some fantastic rugby throughout the day with the U11, U12, U14 and U15 age groups winning almost all their games. The mighty First XV and Second XV also continue to impress with both sides registering another strong victory and playing some attractive rugby.
First XV report
Churchie travelled to Toowoomba on Saturday where they came away victorious 33–22 in a fantastic game of rugby. It was TGS who opened the scoring through some strong forwards’ play; a well-worked pick-and-drive secured them an early seven points. It wasn’t long before the Churchie back line clicked into action, led by Fletcher Austin.
Churchie’s ability to keep the ball alive and offload set them apart on the day. Some well-worked offloads by the forwards opened things up for Fletcher Austin, whose ball distribution found Treyvon Pritchard who assisted Oliver Chancellor in opening the score for the away side, bringing things level 7 – 7. TGS made the most of back-to-back penalties to score another well-worked pick-and-go try taking it to 12 – 7.
Churchie soon began to assert their dominance on the game, a well-timed pass by Fletcher Austin found Harry Solofa who broke through the TGS defence and offloaded to Max Blanch who ran it in from 30 out making it 14 – 12. Some well-worked set-piece play saw Churchie score again going into halftime 19 – 12 up.
The second half started how the first half ended, with Churchie dominating possession and field play. Two back-to-back scores that were finished off by Treyvon Pritchard helped seal the victory for Churchie rounding out the score 33 – 22. These scores were even more impressive as they came from well inside our own 22 with Will Bloxham assisting in both. TGS had a late surge in the final few minutes where they clawed back some points.
We host BBC at home this Saturday.
Team Photos: Saturday 10 August at approximately one hour before your kick-off near the cricket nets, more details this week. Those teams playing away will have their photos taken in round nine.
End of Season Presentation: Saturday 7 September in Morris Hall, more details to follow.
Andrew Moloney Director of Rugby
Sporting achievements
Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in the following sporting pursuits.
Basketball
Noah Kirk, a member of the First V, was selected for the National Indigenous Basketball Camp. This is a prestigious selection, and his time in Canberra for this will no doubt enhance his already amazing on-and-off-court performance.
Image: Provided
Andrew Watene recently represented Queensland in the National School Sport Games. He was selected in the All-Australian Team which included the 10 best players at the tournament.
Photo: provided
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.
Services and Volunteer Engagement—Community cookers needed
Community Cookers is a confidential service that provides meals for families within our community. Meals are dropped off and picked up via the staff at The Arches. Maddie Legget is the parent coordinator. Click here to volunteer or request support.
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.
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:
Friday 16 August | Mansfield Goat Burger Day | Churchie | from 12 noon
Sunday 18 August | Kingsley parent catch up | Revel Rivermakers | 3 to 6 pm | RSVP
Sunday 8 September | Mawson family social | Victoria Park Bistro | 3 to 5 pm | RSVP
Wednesday 11 September | Spring Luncheon | Greek Club | 11:30 am RSVP
Wednesday 25 to 28 September | Zei Balas Rugby Supporter | ABF QLD Murri Carnival | TBA
Thursday 12 September | Year 12 Father and Son Breakfast
Student-led initiative—Zei Balas (Bonded Brothers) rugby team
Thank you to Mansfield House (Churchie) for their generous $1,000 donation. It’s wonderful to see the boys of Churchie rallying behind and supporting our Zei Balas boys.
The Zei Balas squad has been named this week. It consists of four Churchie students and fifteen guest students hailing from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Woorabinda, Thursday Island, Weipa, Townsville, Mabuiag Island and Mungindi. All are eager to run on the field and show what they are made of at the ABF QLD Murri Carnival on Wednesday 25 to 28 September.
Guest Students: Tom Gagai; Frances Billy Whap; Jesi Joel Li Blanco; Devin Ahboo; Zack Mosby; Samuel Tamu; Rolatielu Joe; Colin Bani; Shaun Whap; Fred Kebisu; Tramaine Mckeen; Jacoby Assan; Kymani Willie-Jawai; Tibian Evans; Christoper Miller Keemo Williams
Best wishes, Parent Connect Executive Team and Coordinator Community.
Churchie Rugby Luncheon
Stop press
Recently retired Wallaby skipper, Michael Hooper, will join Wallaby Coach, Joe Schmidt on the panel at the upcoming Churchie Rugby Luncheon.
Limited seats remain
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.
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.
