The Weekly

Term 3 Week 6 | 14 August 2024

A historic round for the Churchie Basketball programme.

In this issue

From the Head of Senior School Withdrawal of enrolment for 2025 Prep School Senior School Boarding Music Sport Parent Connect Churchie Rugby Luncheon Churchie Foundation Pixevety Tuckshop news Churchie Shop Upcoming events Follow Churchie

From the Head of Senior School

Mental health across society continues to be an area of both concern and focus in contemporary Australia. In support of this, Churchie works with all students and engages a range of expert organisations to help us in this area. Three such events, illustrating the breadth of our school’s support for mental health initiatives, occurred over the weekend: the Viking Run, the inaugural mental health GPS round and the Chess Beyond Blue Tournament. Notably, students are a driving force behind these initiatives.

Viking Run

The fourth annual Viking Run was held on Friday, with well over 550 runners, walkers and volunteers from St Margaret’s and Churchie coming together on The Flat for an afternoon focused on physical and mental health. Each year, students make suggestions on how to promote wellbeing within the community. This year saw the addition of Matthew Li’s food truck (powered by Miso Hungry), support from the YRNA Fun Run crew through Noah Monahan and the successful setting of a new Australian record for the most people running in Viking helmets, with 454 helmets making the 400 m trip! When the Viking Run began in 2021, it was designed to encourage participants to slow down, do something novel and spend time speaking with one another. Reaching this record attempt four years later is humbling and shows how the community has embraced the event. Federal Member for Griffith Max Chandler-Mather and Councillor for Coorparoo Ward Fiona Cunningham attended in support of the effort.

Photos: Ben Hughston-Roberts (Churchie staff)
VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ON PIXEVETY

You Are Not Alone

Round five of the Term 3 GPS competition against Brisbane Boys’ College saw the inaugural mental health round supported and sponsored by the YRNA (You Are Not Alone) foundation. The day was devoted to raising awareness of mental health in society, especially among young men, which can be a significant issue in boys schools across the country and the world. Visually, the day featured red signage around Main Oval along with an arch leading onto Main Oval. The main initiative involved all teams, both in basketball and rugby, wearing yellow and green tape around their arms. This simple but powerful gesture reinforced the message to all boys that they are not alone. Whether during the school day, at sporting events on a Saturday or at home on a Sunday, you are not alone. You are never alone, and especially if you are wearing a blue and grey uniform—no matter the day—you will always have a thousand brothers to have your back, no matter what. With this in mind, I look forward to seeing this day and concept continue and develop in future years. 

Beyond Blue Chess Tournament

As part of his IB CAS project, Sravan Renjith organised and ran a fundraiser for Beyond Blue in the form of a chess tournament. The Chess4Charity Blitz event took place on Saturday in The Centenary Library. Open to both the Churchie community and the public, the event brought together a range of competitors for some friendly matches while also drawing attention to Beyond Blue, a national organisation that offers 24-hour counselling, online forums, mental health coaching and other resources for people suffering from anxiety and depression. With almost 40 competitors registered and over $700 raised for Beyond Blue, Chess4Charity Blitz was a big success. Well done, Sravan.

In summary, thank you to all involved in the organisation and facilitation of these events. It is great to see the community’s efforts to raise awareness and normalise seeking help with respect to mental health in our school and community.

Dr Alex Krzensk
Acting Head of Senior School

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.

Please send notices to admissions@churchie.com.au.

Prep School

Prep value of the week: integrity

Integrity is living by your highest values. It is being honest and sincere. Integrity helps you to listen to your conscience, do the right thing and tell the truth. You act with integrity when your words and actions match. Integrity gives you self-respect and a peaceful heart.

Attribute of the week: risk takers

Risk takers approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. You are brave and articulate in defending your beliefs.

The Olympic spirit

The Olympic Games have sadly come to an end. The 16 days of competition provided us with some exciting, breathtaking, surprising and even emotional experiences as we cheered on and supported our mighty Australian athletes. The Olympics is a wonderful opportunity for our boys to watch some of the best athletes in the world compete. The years of dedication, hard work perseverance and commitment shown by the competitors are something for our boys to aspire to and learn from. Another aspect of the Olympic Games that I truly love is the individual stories of the athletes who compete. Some of these stories are remarkable and truly inspirational. I shared one of these stories with the boys at assembly on Friday.

The story I shared with the boys dates back to the 1968 Mexico City games. It was about a Tanzanian marathon runner named John-Stephen Ahkwari. John-Stephen was a farmer selected to run the marathon for his country. The marathon is a tough race at the best of times, but in 1968, the runners had to contend with debilitating heat and high altitude. It was so tough that of the 75 starters, 18 didn’t make it to the finish line.

As the race approached the 30-kilometre stage, the athletes were jostling for position. John-Stephen was caught up in the tussle and fell heavily to the ground, gashing his knee and causing a dislocation. He also smashed his shoulder against the pavement. Most observers, seeing his injuries, assumed that he would withdraw from the race and seek medical attention. Instead, he received medical attention and returned to the course to race. His pace was now much slower but his resolve was to complete the race. And so, more than an hour after the winner had crossed the finish line, John-Stephen Ahkwari crossed the finish line in last place. Word had got back to the stadium about John-Stephen’s feat. Some of the crowd remained behind, after the sun went down and after the marathon medal presentation was over, the crowd cheered John-Stephen Ahkwari home. By the time he reached the stadium, he was limping and the bandages on his leg were barely secure. He was asked why he had carried on, and his response has gone down in sporting history. ‘My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race,’ he said. ‘They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.’

At the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, John-Stephen Ahkwari was invited to present the medals to the marathon runners. His extraordinary story has inspired others and hopefully will inspire our boys as well.

You can watch a short video of his story on the link below.

Story Arts Festival Ipswich by Ritvik Bhandari, Year 5 Reading Ambassador

Twenty-five Years 5 and 6 boys from Churchie had the privilege of attending the Story Arts literature festival in Ipswich. We met authors from around Australia, including Katrina Nannestad, author of such historical fiction as We Are Wolves, George Ivanoff, whose newest book is Monster Island, and poet and graphic novelist, Joel McKerrow, who wrote Urban Legend Hunters. We also had the opportunity to buy their books and have them autographed. It was a really amazing day at the Story Arts Festival.

Book Week events

Details of all Book Week events, author visits and book ordering information, can be found on myChurchie class pages.

  • 16 August: Sarah Armstrong author visit (Years 3 to 6)
    All students – info 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 to 6 are encouraged to dress in costume if they would like to participate. All classes will attend the parade.
  • 20 to 21 August: Magic competition (Years 4 to 6)
    Lunchtime competition – parents register students via Jotform on myChurchie
  • 20 August: Andy Geppert author visit (Reception to Year 2)
    All students – info and order forms on class myChurchie pages.

Term 3 Music in the Prep School

Our musicians have had a busy few weeks performing at events, including Prep School assemblies, the Year 5 Immersion concert on Prep Field and Jazz Under the Stars. We love performing for our friends and family at school, showcasing our musical talents!

We have a few more performances coming up for our Churchie community throughout Terms 3 and 4—please note the following diary dates:

  • 3 September: Prep Solos for Term 3 – selected soloists
  • 9 October: Prep Ensembles Concert and Year 5 Immersion Showcase – all Year 5 and all prep co-curricular ensembles
  • 14 October: Music Fest – Prep Strings
  • 23 October: Music Fest – Prep Bands
  • 7 November: Year 3 and 4 Immersion Showcase – All Year 3 and 4
  • 12 November: Prep Solos for Term 4 – selected soloists (see my Churchie for more information)
  • 13 November: PYP Exhibition featuring Year 6 performance items – all Year 6
  • 18 November: Christmas Service at St. John’s Cathedral – Brass Ensemble, Prep Strings, Prep Junior Choir, Prep Choir
  • 27 November: Prep Final Assembly – Prep Band, Prep Junior Choir, Prep Choir

Many of our Prep students also participate throughout the year in external music performances, including eisteddfods and theory/practical exams. Performing to the wider community allows students to present their music to new audiences, gaining valuable feedback from supportive and knowledgeable music educators. Congratulations to all the boys who have been risk-takers and communicators, sharing their musical talents with others! We have had some amazing results this year. Please feel free to email me and share their achievements so that we can acknowledge them at our Prep School assemblies.

I wanted to make special mention of the boys who have recently performed as soloists or in chamber ensembles at the Ipswich, Beenleigh and Redlands Eisteddfods – Congratulations to Marcus Lee (Year 4), Joe Ge (Year 4) and Toby Cao (Year 3).

Marcus Lee is a member of Prep Strings and Prep Junior Choir. He is to be congratulated for outstanding achievement in music this term, particularly in violin performance. Some recent performances of his include:

The Redlands Eisteddfod 

  • String Solo Baroque Composer Under 10 years (1st place)
  • String Solo Grade 6 (1st place)
  • String Solo 8 to 9 years (2nd place)

The Ipswich Eisteddfod 

  • String Solo Age 9 to 10 (2nd place) 
  • Instrument Grade 5 to 6 (2nd place) 
  • Selected to compete in the Gladys Payne Memorial Award (Open-age championship for each section of String, Piano Vocal, only for selected participants) 

The Beenleigh Eisteddfod 

  • Instrument Solo: Baroque 1600-1760 Any Instrument (1st place) 
  • Instrument Solo: Grade 6 Excluding Piano (2nd place) 
  • Instrument Solo: Strings Age 8 and 9 (2nd place) 
  • Instrument Solo: Romantic 1815-1910 Any Instrument (Highly Commended) 

AUSTA Concerto Championship 

  • Intermediate Section AMEB Grade 5-7 (1st place) 
  • Vienna International Classic String Competition – Age Category D (2nd place) 
  • Queensland Youth Orchestra Junior String Ensemble 1 Twilight Concert (Selected soloist)
  • Osaka International Music Competition (Invited to perform at the final round)

Around the grounds

Student diaries

As the boys start to participate in more after-school activities this year, please ensure that 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.

Lost property

We have many unnamed lost property items in the Prep Office. Please check and ensure all school and sports bags, hats and clothing items are clearly named.

Prep School leather shoes

Many of our boys are not taking care of their black leather school shoes by treating or polishing them over the weekend or when they get home.

I ask all boys and parents to please pay some attention to these leather school shoes in the coming days so boys can display pride in their appearance as Churchie students. 

Mark Wyer
Head of Preparatory School

Senior School

GPA Improvers Years 8 to 9

The following students in Years 8 and 9 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.

Year 8

  • Fraser Chapman
  • Leo Donghi
  • Fred Evenden
  • Harrison Fluck
  • Henry Germon
  • Neil Hu
  • Arin Jadhav
  • Shoubhit Jain
  • Justin Packenas
  • Cameron Smee
  • Alexander Thornton
  • Ryan Thum
  • Joe Welsh
  • Dylan Wu

Year 9

  • Riley Anderson
  • Lachlan Barry
  • Conrad Campbell
  • Kian Chapman
  • Thomas Evans
  • Cristian Faull
  • Flynn Schmidt
  • Byron Stapleton

Richard Wheeldon
Deputy Headmaster

Photos: Churchie News
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Headspace Viking Run

The fourth annual Viking Run was held on Friday, with well over 550 runners, walkers and volunteers from St Margaret’s and Churchie coming together on The Flat for an afternoon focused on physical and mental health. Each year, students make suggestions on how to promote wellbeing within the community. This year saw the addition of Matthew Li’s food truck (powered by Miso Hungry), support from the YRNA Fun Run crew through Noah Monahan and the successful setting of a new Australian record for the most people running in Viking helmets, with 454 helmets making the 400 m trip! When the Viking Run began in 2021, it was designed to encourage participants to slow down, do something novel and spend time speaking with one another. Reaching this record attempt four years later is humbling and shows how the community has embraced the event. Federal Member for Griffith Max Chandler-Mather and Councillor for Coorparoo Ward Fiona Cunningham attended in support of the effort.

The strength of the run lies in the number of staff and student volunteers who get involved, and we are grateful to the bands, audio technicians, marshals, barbecue crew and the staff who lined the course to make sure it was a success. In particular, staff members including Dave McDermott, Jack Franklin and Ben Harbottle assisted behind the scenes, while crowd control provided on The Flat by John Callie, Jack Cawcutt, Ben Hugheston-Roberts, Mitch Rosenlund and Tom Wilson over many years has ensured this event runs smoothly and safely. The current tally being donated to Headspace Woolloongabba is our best ever, with around $5,300 already banked.

Clayton Kelly
Director of Service

Photos: Ben Hughston-Roberts (Churchie staff)
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Buzzing books

Written by Hillary Year 11 student James Lee.

The Hillary Charity Initiative aims to collect and donate books to underprivileged children in Vanuatu, Timor-Leste and Fiji to enhance their educational opportunities and foster a love of reading. Hillary would like to collect books suitable for children of all ages, focusing on educational and entertaining content. Hillary plans to continue this service in the coming years to provide ongoing educational support to children in these countries. The collection period started on Monday, Week 6, and will finish at the end of the term. If you have any old books collecting dust, please kindly donate them to the collection boxes located in your respective housemaster’s office. Through active participation and effective communication donation, you can help make a significant impact on the learning of these children.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Symposium

On Wednesday 8 August, some of our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students attended the Anglican Schools Commission Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Symposium. The symposium is an inaugural event where the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, elders and key educational leaders gather to discuss the issues confronting remote education and the challenges of studying in an independent school away from home for Indigenous students, their families and communities. Jayden Ah Boo was asked to introduce one of the key guest speakers, Josh Apanui an Indigenous lawyer. Isaiah Missen had a didgeridoo lesson with world-renowned didgeridoo player David Williams. Isaiah played his didgeridoo while the St John’s Anglican College choir performed the National Anthem.

Kelly Jackson
Senior Learning Support Coordinator

Theatresports Grand Final

We are calling all boys of Churchie, families, staff and community members to come and support both our junior and senior Theatresports teams in their quest for the Youth Theatresports Championship title. Come along to see Churchie teams battle it out with schools from all across South East Queensland in an exciting improvisational showdown. If you enjoy comedy, theatre, light-hearted fun, quick wit, physicality and cheering on the blue and grey, this is the event for you!

Tickets can be purchased here: Youth Theatresports Grand Final 2024 | La Boite

Issy Mowen
Theatresports Coordinator

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)

Photos: Science Week 2023

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.

Viking Café volunteers: please email VikingCafe.Coordinator@churchie.com.au

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 week, Mike met with several boarding families at the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast.

Photo: Director of Boarding Mike Symons and Director of Marketing and Communications Matt Hade

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.

  • Mt Isa Boarding Schools Expo, 3 December

See Churchie Boarding on the road for RSVP links and further details:

boarding on the road

Music

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 15 August 2024. This is the week to get your tickets and get excited. A free drink is included as part of your entry ticket. There will be stalls available from 4pm as well as some special guest appearances during the audio visual extravaganza.

purchase tickets

Audition music

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

Last week, Big Band 2 performed at Cavendish Road State High School as part of MusicFest 2024. The band performed in the B Grade section, drawing on the best of their repertoire, including the set piece ‘Chevre’, which they performed with James Morrison at Jazz Under the Stars. Yet again, the band performed Lindy Hopper’s Delight from memory and the adjudicator, Mr Dan Quigley, had many positive comments for the band as he ran a 15-minute workshop as part of the adjudication commenting on sound balance, attitude and dynamics. The band was awarded gold and Alex Smith (Year 10) was the recipient of the Outstanding Soloist Award which includes a free lesson at Jazz Music Institute. Congratulations to Alex and Big Band 2 on their success!

oppo_2

Please follow this link to recordings of BB2 at MusicFest:

Headmaster’s Assembly – Gabin Won (Year 11)

Congratulations to Gabin Won (Year 11), who was presented with his Churchie’s Best Soloist Plaque by the Headmaster last Thursday at Headmaster’s Assembly. Gabin performed the first movement of ‘Reinecke’s Flute Concerto’ after using the third movement for his winning performance at Churchie’s Best Solos. His performance and use of tone colour on the flute was yet again, engaging and moving.

Please follow this link to a recording of the performance:

Drumline

Congratulations to all the students who performed at the basketball on the weekend! The result and the atmosphere were incredible. A big thank you to all the parents who organised transport between games and scheduled some time in their weekend to make the game very special.

Bohdan Davison
Director of Music

Photos: Michael Warrington
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Sport

2025 GPS sports and activities selections – closing this weekend

A friendly reminder to all families: the 2025 GPS sports and activities selection portal link will be closing on Sunday 18 August at 6 pm.

Please note:

  • Only parents have access to the portal link, and students’ GPS sports and activities selections must be submitted by parents.
  • You can amend selections at any time prior to the closing date by logging back into the system.
  • The Service and Cadets preference process is administered via the subject selection process.
  • Music and the Creative and Performing Arts selection process is the same as the GPS sports and activities selections process.
  • If parents haven’t already submitted, please discuss with your son/s over the weekend and finalise selections via the link below prior to Sunday 18 August at 6 pm.
  • Please click on the relevant links below for access: myChurchie – 2025 GPS sport and activities selections

The livestream presentation video has been made available on myChurchie – 2025 Cocurricular Selections for those families who could not attend.

Please find below a summary timeline for the 2025 cocurricular selection process:

  • Monday 29 July (Term 3, Week 4) – Cocurricular selection information evening (6 to 7 pm) with the selection portal live and available from 7:30 pm.
  • Sunday 18 August (Term 3, Week 6) – Selection portal closed to all families at 6 pm.

After another exciting GPS round five weekend, we invite everyone to view the weekend’s results summary via myChurchie – GPS Sports and Activities.

Trent Goodrick
Head of Cocurricular

Basketball

The fifth round of the GPS competition was the chance for 37 of the 40 Churchie GPS teams to stay in contention for age group first-place finishes. The mission to mix positive results with the maintenance of high standards of gameplay was the challenge. The response by the Churchie basketballers was 34 wins and 0 losses in GPS like-for-like games. This is a first for the Churchie programme post-COVID and a great sign that the hard work by all coaches and players, as well as the support of their parents, is transferring to the court.

Photos: Michael Warrington
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The results show a dominant day. However, the First V game was a challenging battle. The two teams were undefeated heading into the contest and the pre-season favourites for the GPS premiership. The game did not disappoint. For a great wrap-up by the coaching staff, visit the open team match reports for details. The First’s 90 to 87 win was the best home game finish in my time at Churchie Basketball. Thanks to everyone involved, including the Acting Head of Senior School for his half-time shooting prowess and the support of the boys last weekend.

This week we have the new system for nominating to play the Terms 4 and 1 season for Vikings Club Basketball. Please complete this by the deadline; more information is available on the Vikings page.

Good luck to all teams this weekend thank you in advance to all the volunteers from Years 7 and 8 mainly, who will jump on the BBQ and canteen before their games.

Aaron Harding
Director of Basketball

Photos: Amy Storen (Churchie Parent)
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Chess

Round five saw Churchie hold its first ‘Prep Week,’ which gave 17 young men their GPS Chess debut for the year, 15 of whom were Prep School students. These students performed admirably against a strenuous Brisbane Boys’ College opposition, forming much of our Open F to K teams. Overall, we won seven teams, drew four lost three—our most significant participation round for the season. Special congratulations must go to players in our Premier, Senior, Junior and Open B teams, who all won their games.

Concurrently with our GPS games, we successfully hosted the ‘Second Chance’ tournament, which saw a thrilling competition among GPS students who sacrificed their team position for the Prep students. The tournament, which offered cash prizes, was a resounding success, with Aadit Arora, Alex Ko and Azaan Bansal emerging as the top three winners. We are thrilled to announce that this exciting tournament will return in our final home round against IGS next week, promising more intense battles and rewarding experiences.

This weekend marked a significant milestone as we witnessed the inaugural student-run FIDE Blitz Chess competition, expertly organised by Sravan Renjith IM, as part of his International Baccalaureate CAS(creativity, activity and service), one of the three core elements every student must complete as part of the Diploma Programme. CAS encourages students to engage in diverse activities throughout their studies, fostering personal and academic growth.

Sravan’s initiative is a prime example of what CAS aims to achieve. He meticulously designed and managed a nine-round FIDE-rated Chess tournament held in The Centenary Library on Saturday afternoon. The event was not only one of the most well-executed independent FIDE-rated tournaments in Queensland this year, but also attracted 33 participants from five different FIDE Federations, many of whom will now receive their first FIDE rating. The tournament drew participants from across the Brisbane area, competing for various prizes.

Sravan Renjith at the CAS project tournament

Sravan has donated the profits from the tournament’s entry fees to the mental health charity Beyond Blue, adding a layer of social impact to his already impressive endeavour. This event is a testament to Sravan’s leadership, organisational skills commitment to both the chess community and a greater cause.

We are gearing up for a crucial round this week as we travel to BSHS. This match is of significant importance to our Premier Team’s GPS title aspirations. We urge all our students to bring their A-game and perform their best. BSHS will not provide food, so we recommend that students bring some snacks with them to eat before their games. The bus will leave from the flagpole at 3:10 pm, and Prep students will be brought up from the Prep office at 3 pm. We look forward to your support and encourage all students to be picked up from BSHS upon the conclusion of their games.

Max Condon
Director of Chess

Photos: Churchie Staff

Rugby

Round five of the GPS Rugby competition saw Churchie take on Brisbane Boys’ College in our third home game of the season. The stage was set for some entertaining rugby, and both schools did not disappoint. Churchie, clearly the smaller team in most grades, toiled hard and was able to score some fantastic team tries right across the grades.

Overall, there were 19 games between the two schools, with Churchie winning 12 and losing 7. The day started well with the U11, U14 and Opens age groups all putting on some fantastic rugby, but just as BBC looked in trouble, they rallied towards the end of the day, winning both the 2nd and 1st XV fixtures.

First XV report

The Firsts game kicked off with Churchie showing early dominance, swiftly scoring three tries within the first 20 minutes. Caleb Godfrey was first on the scoreboard, followed by Max Blanch and Will Bloxham, giving Churchie a commanding 17-point lead. Their fast-paced, attacking play and precise execution set the tone early.

BBC, however, began to regroup and adapt. They capitalised on a few missed tackles and handling errors from Churchie, slowly clawing their way back into contention. BBC’s forwards took control, using their physicality to gain ground and apply consistent pressure on Churchie’s defence. This shift in momentum allowed BBC to score multiple tries, steadily narrowing the gap.

Churchie, despite their earlier lead, found it challenging to break through BBC’s increasingly solid defensive line. Fletcher Austin spearheaded several slick attacking moves, creating promising opportunities for Churchie, but BBC’s defence held firm and thwarted these attempts.

As the game progressed, BBC’s forward play started to pay off. Their ability to dominate the breakdowns and maintain possession was crucial in their comeback. By the final whistle, BBC had turned the tide, securing a 36–17 victory.

Special recognition goes to George Ward from Churchie, who delivered an outstanding performance despite the loss. His efforts in both defence and attack were noteworthy and exemplified his commitment and skill.

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.

Hockey

Riley Wondergem (Year 11) was selected for the Hockey Queensland (HQ) Academy team to attend the 2024 Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia from 3 to 9 November.

Photos: Riley Wondergrem (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—Cooks 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 | Mothers Spring Lunch | 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
  • Thursday 3 October | CART Awards Evening | Churchie
  • Wednesday 9 October | Parent Connect General Meeting | 6 to 7 pm | All welcome
  • Wednesday 30 October | Parent Connect AGM | 9 am | All welcome

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.

Churchie Students: Jayden Ahboo (Captain); Bailen Noy (Vice Captain); Tuviyah Tamwoy; Darcy Hodges.

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

You can support the team by learning more, following their story and contributing via GoFundMe.

Best wishes, Parent Connect Executive Team and Coordinator Community.

Churchie Rugby Luncheon

The Churchie Rugby Luncheon last Friday was attended by 1,000 members of the Churchie and Brisbane business communities. It was another sensational luncheon sponsored by Porsche Centre Brisbane at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, with guests being wonderfully entertained by Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt, as well as former Wallaby captain Michael Hooper and former Wallaby Justin Harrison. The usual ball-passing competition was hotly contested by both men and women, as was the Tiwi Island Retreat lure-casting competition. There were also many happy raffle winners and some great buys in the live and silent auctions. The party continued into the evening at the Rose & Crown owned by a Churchie parent, before the majority were back at Churchie the following morning for the rugby clashes against Brisbane Boys’ College.

On behalf of Churchie, we extend our thanks to everyone who attended and supported our great school as well as our nominated charity, The Endeavour Foundation.

Ian Greig
Organiser

Photos: Amanda Bloxham Photography
VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ON PIXEVETY

Churchie Foundation

The Ultimate $500k Sports Car and Experience Raffle

The Churchie Foundation is giving you the opportunity to win extraordinary prizes from a prize pool valued at $500,000. Prizes include a Porsche vehicle package valued at $320,000, Porsche Alpine Travel Experiences valued at $80,000 each and a Sports Travel Experience valued at $20,000.

Ticket sales close on Friday 22 November 2024 at 9 am.

buy tickets
learn more

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.

For more information visit the Pixevety page on myChurchie or email news@churchie.com.au.

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.

  • Viking Café volunteers please contact via email.
  • Prep Tuckshop volunteers please contact via email.

Churchie Shop

Term 3 opening hours

DaysOpenCloses
Monday8 am2 pm
Tuesday8 am2 pm
Wednesday8 am1:30 pm
Thursday8 am2 pm
Friday7:30 am2 pm
Weekendsclosedclosed

Additional opening hours

  • Saturday 5 October: 9 am to 12 noon
  • Monday 18 November: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday 19 November: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday 20 November: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday 21 November: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Friday 22 November: 8 am to 5 pm

Upcoming events

View the school calendar on myChurchie for all scheduled events.

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Churchie

Anglican Church Grammar School Oaklands Parade

East Brisbane QLD Australia 4169

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