ST JOSEPH'S COLLEGE, GREGORY TERRACE MAGAZINE
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St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, GREGORY TERRACE MAGAZINE APRIL 2021
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The Terracian April 2021
CONTENTS
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1 FROM THE PRINCIPAL 30 CULTURE UPDATE
2 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 31 QUEENSLANDER!
4 OPENING MASS AND SENIOR INDUCTION 32 SPORT UPDATE
6 SCHOLARS’ ASSEMBLY 33 CLIMBING TO THE OLYMPICS
8 MEDAL ASSEMBLY 34 AN ALL-ROUNDER
10 STAFF PROFILE 35 TLG – THE GLUE THAT BINDS
12 INTRODUCING OUR COLLEGE CAPTAINS 36 BACK RED & BLACK
16 STRATEGIC PLAN 2021 – TOWARDS 150 37 THANK YOU FROM THE COLLEGE
17 PRINCIPAL
18 INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL 38 THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 DONORS
20 A NIGHT WITH FRANK 42 GIVING THE GIFT OF EDUCATION: THE
22 HISTORY OF THE TERRACE CHAPEL CLASS OF 1987 BLAZING A TRAIL
24 BERNARD FRANCIS LEE – WE WILL 43 FROM THE GTOBA
REMEMBER THEM 44 GTOBA MASS
26 THE LAD COLLECTIVE – ON A MISSION 45 VALE
TO HELP AUSTRALIAN MEN 47 REST IN PEACE
28 A BROTHERLY BOND 47 SAVE THE DATE
29 INDUCTION TO THE MEDIA HALL 48 INTRODUCING TERRACE SPORT’S NEW
OF FAME MOBILITY SCOOTER
Graphic Design by:
Pistol Creative
Contributors:
Ms Doreen Awabdy, Mr Anthony Barker, Dr Michael Carroll, Mr
Series IX, Volume 32, No.1, April 2021
Damien Fall, Mrs Paula Hall, Mr Mason Hellyer, Mr Mark Macklin,
Mrs Hayley McBrien, Br Tom O’Dempsey, Ms Cathy Stacey, Mr David
Toohey, Mrs Bianca Wagner
www.facebook.com/StJosephsCollegeGregoryTerrace
St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace acknowledges the https://twitter.com/gregoryterrace1
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples @stjosephscollegeterrace
of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional
Published by:
Custodians of the lands on which our campuses are
located. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and
St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000
descendants. St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace is Edited by:
committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Mrs Bianca Wagner
Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and Publications Coordinator
spiritual connections to the land, waters and seas and
P 3214 5259 E biancawagner@terrace.qld.edu.au
their rich contribution to Australian and global society.
Cover photo:
Patrick Gleeson - College Dux for 2020
2
St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to the first edition of the Terracian for 2021.
This time last year, we were experiencing something The outstanding achievements of our Old Boys
quite unique, with both the College and our city are also highlighted in this edition of The Terracian,
in lockdown. We were preparing to commence including Mr John McCoy (Media Hall of Fame), the
online learning for the first time in my 30 plus years Ovenden brothers, Mr Ben Lawson, and others, all
as a teacher, and life as we knew it was changing excelling in their chosen fields. It is always pleasing
rapidly. Despite all that has happened over the to see the ongoing contributions and achievements
last 12 months, including the most recent Brisbane of Terracians after they leave the College.
lockdown, a sense of cautious optimism is in the air. Congratulations to the 2021 GTOBA Committee and
new President, Mr David Toohey. I look forward to a
This edition of The Terracian provides a snapshot successful year of partnership between the GTOBA
of the kaleidoscope of activities, achievements and the College.
and stories from across the Terrace Family. The
start of 2021 presented an opportunity to welcome This edition of The Terracian also includes staff
our newest Terracians and, at the same time, profiles, insights into the TLG Mass, an introduction to
congratulate and induct our Year 12 students and the 2021 College Captains, stories on a range of
College leaders. The Opening Mass and Year 12 College activities and achievements and a thank you
Induction was held on centre court at Pat Rafter to all of our generous 2020 donors and sponsors. Yet
Arena and proved to be an excellent start to the again, The Terracian highlights the diversity of College
year. The introduction of ATAR in 2020 was history- life and the expertise and generosity of the Terrace
making for Queensland, and yet again, Terrace Family.
students performed exceptionally well. The Scholars’
Assembly provided an opportunity to celebrate the I wish everyone all the best in 2021 and hope that
young men who achieved an ATAR score of 99 and our year continues with the confidence and optimism
above and those who topped their Year 12 subjects in missing for much of 2020. Let us all Answer the Call.
2020. In particular, Patrick Gleeson, Justin Jeyarajah,
Joshua Long and Yang Zhang were amongst only 30 God Bless.
Queensland students to achieve the maximum ATAR
score of 99.95. This was an outstanding achievement
for these Terracians. Fittingly, Patrick Gleeson was
awarded the College Dux for 2020, while Yang Zhang
received the Proxime Accessit prize. Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal
1
FIRST DAY OF
SCHOOL
The sun was shining on a beautiful summer morning as we welcomed our newest
students to Terrace on 27 January. Our new Year 5 and 7 Terracians were greeted
by their buddies as they started their Terrace journey. The Seniors, accompanied
by the Terrace Drumline, formed a tunnel for the new students as their parents
watched on. More than 400 new students joined the Terrace Family this year, and
we look forward to a successful and safe 2021.
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The Terracian April 2021
OPENING MASS AND
SENIOR INDUCTION
The Seniors of This year, the Mass and senior induction was held
at the Pat Rafter Arena, followed by afternoon tea
2021 have chosen at the college’s tennyson playing fields. The open
air environment allowed the students and parents
the theme of to witness the significant ritual of opening the
College year and inducting the 2021 Seniors.
Answer the Call.
The Seniors of 2021 have chosen the theme of Answer the Call and affirmed
the following pledges:
The values held by the Senior class of 2021 are based on the Gospel values
where Jesus Christ is the foundation of a full Christian life.
Individually and collectively, they will strive to reach the highest standard in
pursuit of the College Mission.
By way of action and example, they will commit to nurturing a just and
life-giving community through knowing and espousing the College’s values,
expectations and traditions.
They will lead through service, humbly modelling respect for differences by
embracing diversity within the Terrace Family.
They will aspire to excellence by engaging wholeheartedly in the life and
mission of the College.
They will continue to honour and value the Catholic faith, ensuring that
the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice is an ever-present reality within the
College community.
The Seniors and their parents and
caregivers gathered at Tennyson
after the Mass to celebrate,
hosted by the Year 11 parents and
caregivers. It was an excellent start
to the year for the Seniors and all in
the Terrace Family.
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St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
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The Terracian April 2021
SCHOLARS’
ASSEMBLY
In February, the College held its Scholars’
Assembly and welcomed our highest achieving 2020
Year 12 students. These young men performed
extraordinarily well in their studies last year, and
the assembly was an opportunity to congratulate
them on their outstanding achievements. It was
also an opportunity to announce the 2020 College
Dux and Proxime Accessit.
Written by Mr Mason Hellyer
2020 College Dux 2020 Proxime Accessit
Patrick Gleeson Yang Zhang
The Scholars’
Congratulations to Patrick and Yang on their achievements. They worked
Assembly sent a very hard, and their dedication has paid dividends. My congratulations
also go to all the other young men who received awards. The Scholars’
strong message Assembly sent a strong message to our current students that hard
work produces results and that Terrace will always strive for academic
to our current excellence.
students that The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and the new ATAR score
allocation were introduced in 2020. The new ATAR score is more granular
hard work and ranges from 99.95 to a score below 30, in increments of 0.05. The
ATAR score is ordinarily calculated from three Internal Assessment pieces
produces results (IA) and an External Assessment (EA). For mathematics and science
subjects, the EA is worth 50% of the total subject mark, while for all other
and that Terrace subjects, the EA is worth 25%. For 2020, due to COVID, one of the Internal
Assessment pieces was cancelled, meaning that the ATAR for the 2020
will always strive Year 12 students has been calculated from two IA and one EA pieces of
assessment. As this is the first year of ATAR, there is no historical data
for academic available for comparison.
excellence. The Senior cohort of 2020 gained very strong results. Their median score
was 91.65 (which equates to an OP score of 5). Further to this, 8.61% were
awarded an ATAR of 98.85 or above (equivalent to an OP 1).
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St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
The 99.5 ATAR Scholars, Justin Jeyrajah, Patrick Gleeson, Yang Zhang and Joshua Long with Dr
Michael Carroll and Mr Mason Hellyer
First in subject winners
We congratulate the
following students who
received an ATAR of
98.85 or above. This is an
excellent achievement.
We particularly commend
Patrick Gleeson, Justin
Jeyarajah, Joshua Long and
Yang Zhang, who received
the maximum score of
99.95. Only 30 students
across the state received The Buchanan Medal winners
this score.
Patrick Gleeson – 99.95
Justin Jeyarajah – 99.95
Joshua Long – 99.95
Yang Zhang – 99.95
James Cameron
Matthew Cho
Samuel Weir
Samuel Fontes Andrade
Dan Migotto
Thomas Wick
Rory Jennings The 2020 Scholars
Hamish Carlile
Chazka Tan
Fergus Nasser All the students who returned for the assembly recognised that:
Henry Tunney
Kevin Ye ¥ They had to set their goals and then plan to work toward them.
Tom Moses
Will Roberts ¥ T
hey had to utilise all of their support networks – teachers, staff
tutoring, study hall and study group, their mates, parents and family.
¥ T
hey did the small things – used their diary, logged their study hours
and completed homework tasks.
¥ T
hey consistently did the best that they could, every day at everything
they did.
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The Terracian April 2021
MEDAL ASSEMBLY
On Wednesday 17 February, the terrace Family
gathered to affirm the achievements of the 351
students who chose to Answer the Call and be the
best that they could be in their studies, receiving an
Academic Medal for their Semester 2 2020 results.
Of the 351 students, 48 received an academic medal
for the first time.
8St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
9The Terracian April 2021
STAFF PROFILE
Deputy Principal Mr Damien Fall introduces three new members of staff to the
Terrace Family.
It is no secret that teaching and about pedagogy, the method and growing and improving what is
learning sits at the top of the the practice of teaching. We look already a fabulous program.
Terrace agenda, and we continue to forward to Ralda’s contribution
seek ways to improve outcomes at as we continue our commitment For over 20 years as Property
the College. to lifelong learning through Manager, Mr Glenn Brown led his
excellence in education. team with selflessness and minimal
The addition of a new member of fuss. Glenn’s retirement has seen
the College Leadership Team, Ms The College boasts an enviable us welcome Mr Nick Jeffrey to
Ralda Deoki, Dean of Pedagogy and co-curricular and classroom the role. The College has grown
Learning Innovation, is a strategic music program with a staff who in size and complexity over the
move to find new ways to add to come to Terrace with outstanding decades, so the management and
the learning environment. While qualifications and industry maintenance of Terrace’s property
our students continue to enjoy the experience. We are delighted that and assets requires a high level of
strong attention of staff, Ralda will our Music department will be ably leadership and strategic thinking.
work with teaching staff to assist led by Mr Derek Rose, who has Nick comes to Terrace with a
them with becoming the best joined us as the Director of Music. variety of professional experiences.
possible classroom practitioners . Derek knows and understands We look forward to him bringing
We are excited that our teaching Edmund Rice education, having a fresh set of eyes, a new level
staff will become better at their come to us from an interstate of professionalism and strategic
profession as a result of their time EREA school. We wish Derek the efficiency to this position.
at Terrace. Ralda brings significant very best as he assumes his new
experience and is passionate role and brings his personal touch,
Ms Ralda Deoki
DEAN OF PEDAGOGY AND LEARNING INNOVATION
As Dean of Pedagogy and Learning Innovation, Ralda will work with
teachers on their classroom approaches to teaching. The role, which
was introduced this year, will help teachers hone their practice through
professional collaboration and targeted professional development. The
aim is to build further capacity and growth in the pedagogical skills of the
academic staff of the College, leading to deeply engaged student learners.
Ralda has worked across a range of educational sectors and brings
extensive experience in leading school improvement through curriculum
and pedagogical development. A passionate teacher of History and
Humanities, she started her career at Ipswich Grammar School before
moving into international education in Singapore. On her return to Australia,
Ralda moved into middle and senior leadership positions in the Anglican
sector, first on the Gold Coast at All Saints Anglican School and then at
Canterbury College.
It was during her time at Canterbury College that Ralda developed a
passion for pedagogy and staff development. As Director of Curriculum,
she accompanied the Head of College on a research and development tour
of high performing schools in the United States. The focus was to identify
factors that led to improved student outcomes and innovative practices for
school improvement. She observed that schools that had seen the most
significant gains in student outcomes, utilised data driven differentiated
learning, innovative learning space design, social and emotional learning
integrated into the curriculum, and a culture of reflective, collaborative
professional development.
Always interested in new educational experiences, Ralda then moved into
EREA education at St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe. As Director of Pedagogy
10St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
and Learning Innovation, she consolidated existing pedagogical
practices into a school-wide approach, implementing a framework for
effective lessons.
In her role at Terrace, Ralda will work with teachers to identify and
define the characteristics of the Terrace Educator. Research has shown
that to promote academic growth and meet the needs of today’s
learners, effective teachers use a range of teaching strategies tailored
to the learning needs of individual students (Bhowmik, Banerjee and
Banerjee, 2013). Ralda is looking forward to working with the highly
professional and skilled Terrace teachers. Together they will engage in
a repertoire of evidence based pedagogical approaches designed to
enable creative, contextualised, differentiated learning.
By bringing teachers together in communities of practice to facilitate
professional collaboration and self-reflection, Ralda hopes to ensure
that every teacher is given the opportunity to reach their potential
(Bhowmik, M. Banerjee, B. and Banerjee, J. (2013). Role of Pedagogy in Effective Teaching. Basic
Mr Nick Jeffrey
Research Journal of Education Research and Review. 2(1) 1-5)
PROPERTY AND
FACILITIES MANAGER
Nick’s professional life has been
quite varied, with his experience
coming from across many high-
quality venues throughout the
world. Previous roles have been
in horticulture - building and
maintaining sporting surfaces.
Experiences in Hawaii at Princeville
Resort, in London at various
golf courses and landscaping
companies, through India looking
after football pitches for the
Indian Super League and in China
establishing an AFL venue for
the annual AFL game held each
season round out a dynamic career.
Nick also played a key role in the
construction and maintenance of
Mr Derek Rose the playing surface at Metricon
Stadium, assuming the role of
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC the inaugural Horticulture and
Operations Manager. Most recently,
Derek began his musical journey as a Pipe Organist before graduating Nick spent three years at Racing
from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a Music Education Queensland as the Construction
degree (BMus, MusEd). Derek completed a Master’s degree at Sydney Manager for the rebuild of the
University (MDesSciAudio) and was listed on the Dean’s Merit List of premier racing surface at Eagle
Honour. Farm.
Derek has worked in primary and secondary education for more than Nick is married to Meagan, and
20 years. His various roles have focused on Curriculum Music, Concert they have three boys Tom, Max
and Jazz Bands, including Marching Band and Orchestra. and Ben. Nick says that they are
an AFL family with Tom playing for
Studying Conducting under Jerry Nowak in 2010, Derek has studied Aspley (VFL) and Max playing at
under Dr John Lynch, Associate Professor of Conducting at the Sydney Morningside (Under 16.5). Ben has
Conservatorium of Music and was chosen for Symphony Australia’s Cerebral Palsy, which Nick says is
Conductor Master’s Program. mild in nature before boasting of
Ben’s impressive Dressage National
Derek was appointed Bandmaster at St Patrick’s College Strathfield in Championship title at the 2019
2010. Under his tenure at the College, the Wind Ensemble won both RDA National Horse Dressage
National and State Championships. Derek has led three international Championships.
tours to the United States and Europe and, in 2018, was a guest Band
Director at Denham Springs High School, Louisiana.
When not working, Derek enjoys theatre, the outdoors and spending
time with his wife Lauren and their two sons Hugo (5) and Jasper (3).
11The Terracian April 2021
INTRODUCING OUR
COLLEGE CAPTAINS
The College Captains took time out of their busy
first term as College Leaders to answer questions
for the Terracian so you, as a College community,
can get to know them.
The Terracian introduces College Captain Jake Laherty and Vice Captains
Luke Ames, Benjamin Chatwood, Oliver Casey-Ryan and Eden Chan.
What do you remember about your first days at Terrace?
Jake - I started halfway through Year 7, which meant that everyone knew
each other, and I didn’t know anyone. What I remember most though is
that it didn’t matter – boys immediately welcomed me to the classroom
and made me feel at home. One by one, these fragments of my early days
come back to me, and each one has managed to maintain its vividity
despite years of subsequent memories, laughter and friendships. I don’t
remember specific moments – what I remember is the aggregation of how
these moments made me feel and the impression they left on me.
Luke - I started at Terrace in Year 5 in 2014. I don’t remember specifics, but
I do remember being overwhelmed by the scale of the College. The fact
that I had just come from a primary school with more than 400 people,
to a school that had that amount of people in only two year levels, was a
daunting start.
12St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
Ben - I do not recall very much about my first few days at Terrace, but I do
remember feeling equally excited and nervous to meet new friends, many of
whom are still good mates today. The image that stays firmly in my mind is
walking through the front gates and being greeted by the 2014 College Captains,
and it certainly was bizarre being in their shoes eight years later, welcoming the
new Year 5s and 7s on their first day.
Oliver - I started in Year 7. Myself, Dr Carroll and my best mate Will Greentree,
and I all came from St Patrick’s College at the same time joining Terrace hand
in hand, so it made it pretty easy to fit in. I remember being scared of all the
hallways and some of my teachers. My fondest memory is of my first ever Terrace
v Nudgee game. The rain was bucketing down, and since I was in the younger
years, there was not enough room for me to sit in the grandstands, which meant
I was on the wet grass in front of the grandstand. There was no place I would
rather have been, and when we won, we all stormed the field. That day cemented
a sense of belonging that has become synonymous with Terrace for me.
Eden - I started in 2016, in Year 7. To be honest, my first couple of years at Terrace
went by in a bit of a blur. Coming from a relatively small school, Terrace felt
enormous to me, so much so that I often had to ask for help from my buddy to get
around. Certainly, in Year 8, I felt a little more comfortable with it all, participating
in Football, Music, and Debating. Although these years seem like an eternity ago
now, I can distinctly remember all the great new friends I made during this time.
What has your Terrace journey been like so far?
Jake - My Terrace Journey has been, at the risk of sounding like a cliché,
transformative. The kid who walked through the front gates in 2016 would
not recognise the guy walking the halls in 2021. My journey has been filled
with a series of experiences and lessons that will never leave. All of these
are an integral part of what I consider my Terrace journey.
Luke - My Terrace journey so far has been an absolute blessing. I have
participated in a lot of co-curricular activities, all while making great
friends along the way. I have had the opportunity to participate in unique
programs like Immersion and many other activities and events.
Ben Chatwood
Ben - I set myself the task of experiencing all Terrace had to offer, from
cultural activities to sport and community service opportunities. I was
keen to have a go at everything. While it can sometimes be a logistical
nightmare and quite draining, it is worth it. Terrace is the type of school
where you get out as much out as you put in, and in setting myself the goal
to put in 100%, I have had the best experience I could have hoped for.
Oliver - To put it simply, full of surprises. Anyone who tells you that a school
is just a place of learning and lunch is either lying or very dull. Yes, Terrace
offers an education (and lunch), but it is so much more than that. My
fondest memories to this date have all come from Terrace, and I know that
I have many more to create in the final year of my Terrace journey.
Jake Laherty
Eden – It has been the journey of a lifetime. The experiences, opportunities,
and challenges I have encountered throughout my time at Terrace have
– in retrospect – very much made me the person I am today. Although
there is still much to be learnt in my final year at the College, I know that
the many memories and mateships I have formed over the years are ones
I will not forget anytime soon. Helped along by many great teachers and
mentors, my journey at the College is one that I am continually privileged to
share with my fellow Terracians.
13The Terracian April 2021
What does this leadership role mean to you?
Jake - My position as College Captain means the world to me, specifically
because that kid in Year 7 would never have left his shell if it weren’t for the
leadership at Terrace. The opportunity to pay that forward – the opportunity to
provide for the new generation of Terracians in the same way – is an opportunity I
intend to fully exploit.
Luke - This leadership role means so much to me. As a young Terracian in Years
5 and 7, I was blessed with two fantastic buddies in Oliver Wightman and Jono
Bolton. They made me fall in love with the place and made it feel like a second
home to me. My goal when I came into Year 12, no matter whether I was a captain
or not, was to make Terrace home for someone else, the way that Jono and Oliver
made it for me.
Luke Ames
Ben - I am very fortunate to be given a captaincy role this year as it helps me
continue the legacy of the Terracians before me. The kind of Terracian that I
am today has been influenced by many people and factors. from teachers to
coaches and particularly the House and College Captains who I have admired.
As a Captain this year, I hope to be the same positive role model to the younger
students that my predecessors were for me.
Oliver – I am incredibly grateful to be in this leadership position. It means so
much that my peers and staff supported my decision and selected me to be at
the helm in 2021. I love Terrace, and over this Terrace journey, the love has grown.
This role is meaningful to me because I can inspire the students to reciprocate
this love and passion and give it their all for the red and black. I think that’s my job
this year.
Oliver Casey-Ryan
Eden - Being a Vice Captain of the College is an immense honour for me. Having
the opportunity to lead not only my cohort but also the College and my fellow
Captains is a challenge I look forward to every day and is something I hope will
inspire younger Terracians to do the same.
What are your goals for 2021?
Jake - My hopes and goals for 2021 are something I contemplate quite a
bit – the role of Captain is quite open-ended; I can do as much or as little
as I want, so how do I gauge where I am? There’s the surface level stuff,
which is relatively easy to tick off, like high academic results for the Year
12 cohort, big numbers for support on Saturdays, and as many successful
fundraisers as possible. Of course, I hope we can tick off each of those, but
for me, the more important hope lies in our legacy. If, after 2021, we can
leave the College knowing we influenced its direction, knowing we made it
home, then that is a job well done in my book.
Luke – There is a Maori quote that I love, that is, ‘aim for the highest
cloud, and if you miss, you shall have hit a mighty mountain’. With that in
mind, I would love this year to be the best year possible for myself and
every Terracian who walks through the gates. It would be lovely to make
lots of friends and have fun with everyone while achieving my academic
goals. I know that these are ambitious goals, but even anything close to
this and I will be ecstatic.
Ben - My hope for 2021 is to fulfil my goal to be an effective leader at
Terrace. Last year made me realise that we must be flexible and adaptable
and that we need to be ready for anything, even a pandemic. One of the
things I have loved about Terrace is the support of the student spectators;
this is where the Terrace spirit is really on display. We must encourage our
fellow Terracians to be innovative in the way we show support and that we
are always up to the challenge. I am also determined to achieve my best
academically, which is aided by the teachers’ dedication to ensure students
achieve to the best of their ability. Finally, I want to play well in the mighty
Mr Ali’s 3rd XI Football team.
14St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
Oliver - I would love to finish the year happy, surrounded by a great group
of mates and teachers who have been with me to celebrate my victories and
embrace me in my defeats. I aspire to make the 1st XV and to run in the Open
Track and Field team. But most importantly, I hope I end the year, knowing that I
have given 110% into every aspect of College life.
Eden - In 2021, I hope to continue to excel in all areas of College life. Be it
Debating or Rugby, I hope that all Terracians can excel in their own unique way.
For the longest time, I was always hung up on this idea of participating in every
activity possible, even if I wasn’t the biggest fan of it. What I soon realised is that
you have to pursue those things that you are passionate about. I have found this
is the only way to gain the most out of your experience at the College. I encourage
all Terracians to find their niche and pursue it endlessly. Whether in the form of
academic endeavour or glory on the sporting field, find your ‘thing’ and dedicate
Eden Chan yourself to it. That is my hope for Terracians in 2021.
Why did you choose Answer the Call as your motto, and what do you
hope to achieve with this call?
The Captains gave a unified response to this question.
We got together as a group to brainstorm ideas for mottos, using sticky notes
to record our ideas and separated into three groups; Yes/Right Ideas - wrong
wording/No. Brainstorming for approximately 45 minutes, by the end, we had
about 40 in the ‘No’, 5-10 in the ‘Right Idea’, and nothing in the ‘Yes’. We were
searching for perfection and went home empty handed. That night, we were
talking on the group chat about the motto and still had nothing. Ollie was so into
the process that he wasn’t taking any calls from his Dad, and when he finally did
pick up, his Dad said, ‘Ollie, why didn’t you answer my calls?’. Ollie promptly hung
up and sent the motto to the group chat, and we all loved it.
This is a fantastic story. It embodies the help and all the calls that those around
us answer as Terracians, whether that be teachers at tutoring, parents driving
us in and out every day or supporting our mates in the classroom and on the
sporting field.
The motto is a versatile one in that ‘the call’ can change depending on the
person and the time of the year. ‘Answer the call to be the best that you can be’
encompasses what we are trying to achieve as Captains in the sense that we
want to empower everyone to do their best for themselves and the College.
15The Terracian April 2021
STRATEGIC PLAN
2021 – TOWARDS 150
Towards 150 was In 2020, the College embarked on the process of
developing a new Strategic Plan designed to provide
a collaborative clear direction for the College leading into its 150th
year.
process that
involved At the St Joseph’s Day Mass held at These priority areas are:
the College on 19 March 2021, the ¥ Our Faith
input from Strategic Plan was officially blessed ¥ Lifelong Learning Through
and launched and is now available Excellence in Education
staff, parents, to view on the College website. ¥ An Atmosphere of Care
In developing this new plan, the ¥ Responsible Stewardship
students and the College has renewed both its Vision ¥ Community Relations
and Mission Statements, reflecting
College Advisory the College’s ongoing commitment Within each of these priority areas,
to forming the Gentlemen of there are key objectives and
Board. Terrace through knowledge, outcomes that the College aims
wisdom and humility. to achieve over the coming five
years. The areas of Faith, Lifelong
Vision Statement Learning and Atmosphere of Care
As a Catholic School in the Edmund are critically important for all within
Rice Tradition, we inspire young men the Terrace Family, particularly
in their lifelong pursuit of knowledge, for the Gentlemen of Terrace.
humility and wisdom through a For nearly 150 years, Terrace has
liberating Catholic education that produced quality young men
is informed by the life of Blessed with the skills to influence many
Edmund Rice. aspects of our society. Towards
150 is designed to ensure that this
Mission Statement important focus and direction is not
As the Terrace Family, we commit only maintained but extended.
to the formation and education
of young men who will make a Towards 150 was a collaborative
difference through service of God, process that involved input
the community and each other. from staff, parents, students
and the College Advisory Board.
At the centre of the Strategic Plan The development process
are five priority areas that will form was facilitated by experienced
the major focus for the College over educational consultant, Mr Damien
the next five years. Brennan, and I take this opportunity
to thank Damien for his skilled and
insightful overview of this process.
As the College edges closer to
the significant 150-year milestone
of providing a quality, Catholic
education in the Edmund Rice
Tradition, I encourage all those
associated with the Terrace Family
to view the Strategic Plan on the
College website to gain a better
understanding of the College’s
direction as it navigates Towards
150.
Dr Michael Carroll
College Principal
16INTER-HOUSE
SWIMMING
CARNIVAL
The Inter-House Swimming Carnival is the first House event to be held every
year. It is a well-loved tradition and an excellent introduction to the Inter-
House competition and spirit for those students who are new to the College.
Led by the 2021 Seniors, the students Answered the Call and gave their best
efforts throughout the day. Congratulations to Barrett House on their victory,
taking the Barrett Bulls to an impressive three in a row record.
1819
A NIGHT WITH
FRANK
The annual Terrace Jazz Night was held on Thursday 25 March, at XCargo in
Fortitude Valley. Jazz Night is an excellent opportunity for the Terrace Family
to come together and celebrate the wonderful world of Jazz music. The
Terrace Jazz Orchestra, Terrace Jazz Combo, Big Band 2, Big Band 3 and Big
Band 4 all performed as part of the evening’s entertainment. The evening
concluded with guest artist Brad Lever as Frank Sinatra, backed by the
Terrace All Star Big Band.
2021
The Terracian April 2021
HISTORY OF THE
TERRACE CHAPEL
Written by Mrs Bianca Wagner
1876-1964
The first Chapel built at Terrace was a part of what is now known as the
Treacy Centre. When the building was first constructed in 1876, it was
known as the Brothers’ residence. On 8 September 1876, the first Mass was
celebrated by Dr Quin in the Chapel located on the top level of the building.
The Brothers used the Chapel for their daily prayer program, which
consisted of morning prayer, Mass, prayer after breakfast, afternoon prayer
and rosary and evening prayer.
In the early years of the College, the Brothers and the students shared the
Chapel for prayer and Mass. Before the opening of Nudgee College in 1891,
Terrace spent a short time as a boarding school with the students and the
Brothers occupying the building. Student numbers grew so high that the
As the College Chapel, for a short time, was used as a space for the boys to sleep.
has grown over The boys were encouraged to visit the Chapel every day and spend private
time in prayer. With the student numbers increasing, there was no longer
the years, so too an ability to hold Mass with the whole school in the Chapel. These had to
be held outside in what is now known as Treacy Court.
has the need
The stained glass feature window at the end of the Chapel was installed
to accomodate in the 1930s and represents the story of the Annunciation as prayed in the
Angelus.
students for
The 1950 College Yearbook reports on the Chapel in the Spiritual Notes and
Mass and prayer Activities.
in a space The Heart of the School. The centre of the spiritual life of this Catholic College,
the power-point whence radiates the impulse that quickens every tissue of its
unique to the activity is the Chapel, where Christ presides and where His Heart is gladdened
by the daily visits of His children, who thus early learn a lesson that will be
needs of each invaluable when Earth’s consolations fail.
generation of The Chapel was renovated in 1959, with the boys raising £300 towards the
£600 cost of new Stations of the Cross.
Terracians.
22St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
1964-1989 1988 – 2001 2001 - Today
This second Chapel was the first In 1988 a new multi-purpose Terrace has gone through a
purpose-built Chapel for the learning centre was built housing significant growth period since it
students at the College and was the Chapel, teaching areas and first opened its doors in 1875, from
located in the rear annex of the new resource centre, named Mt Sion, 26 first day students to just over
Senior school building. The College the Holy place of Terrace. The 1700 boys in 2021. The College
Yearbook of 1964 states: name was given in honour of grounds had expanded as much
Edmund Rice. The new Chapel was as they could in that period. As
The Chapel is providing a veritable opened and blessed by Archbishop the College celebrated 125 years,
heart for the school and only the very Rush in April 1989. the opportunity was taken to build
indifferent or very disorganised fail new buildings and extend those
to make daily use of the refreshing The Mazzei family gifted a new already built. As a result GT125 and
means of Grace. organ to the College, and the the Chapel of the Holy Family were
Seniors of 1988 gifted Holy Water opened in 2001.
The Chapel was opened and fonts and presented them to
blessed in an inaugural Mass by College Principal Br White. The The Chapel was designed to
Archbishop O’Donnell on 26 May key feature of the Chapel was the accommodate 220 people, enough
1964. The Chapel featured a Edmund Rice Icon purchased in for a House or year group Mass. The
stained glass window of the Holy Ireland by Br White in 1986. It was Chapel was blessed on 11 February
Family donated to the College by hoped that the new Chapel would 2001 by Bishop Putney and opened
Monsignor Cremin. now become accessible to all of by Province Leader Br McLaughlin.
the students in its new central
The Chapel Sanctuaries were location. The Chapel was designed as a
restored in 1968 to conform with sign and symbol of the faith of the
the Liturgy changes, as was the Terrace Family and to harmonise
Brothers’ Chapel, which was with the traditional architectural
restored again in 1975. style of the existing buildings on
campus. The Chapel serves the
With growing student numbers, College and is the spiritual heart
there was once again pressure and place of worship for the entire
to find space to accommodate Terrace Family.
students in larger groups to share
Mass.
23The Terracian April 2021
BERNARD
FRANCIS LEE
We will remember them
Written by Mrs Paula Hall
Bernard Francis Lee (GT 1934) was a young
Australian pilot who gave his life in service during
World War II.
Born in 1920, the only son of Frank and Hanora Lee, Bernard grew up in
Paddington and was a pupil at St Joseph’s College from 1930, completing
his secondary studies to Junior level in 1934. After school, he studied for
his accountancy qualifications at the University of Queensland and worked
in the Public Curator Office. On weekends he volunteered as a lifesaver at
Coolangatta.
Bernard enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1941, alongside many
of his fellow Terrace Old Boys. After completing flight training in Australia,
he left for further training in the United Kingdom in December 1942. In 1943
he was posted to Royal Air Force No 247 Squadron flying Hawker Typhoon
fighter bombers. Although it was a British Squadron, the pilots were
recruited from not only the United Kingdom but Australia, New Zealand,
Canada and Norway. While based at Hurn on the English south coast, he
flew sorties over occupied France leading up to the D Day landings. Early
Early on the on the morning of 6 June, he witnessed the Normandy invasion from the air,
attacking gun positions near Caen in France.
morning of
After the successful invasion, the Squadron relocated to France to continue
6 June, he the attack on enemy lines. As allied forces pushed eastwards, the Squadron
moved to Belgium and, by September 1944, to the Netherlands. By now,
witnessed the the plans for Operation ‘Market Garden’ were about to be put into action.
The objective was to make a rapid thrust of ground forces over the Rhine
Normandy at Arnhem. The attack would begin with an airborne assault of British
and United States forces dropped into Arnhem and Nijmegen to capture
invasion from bridges over the Rhine. Bernard’s Squadron was tasked to attack at very
low altitude, the flak positions that would otherwise endanger parachute
the air, attacking and glider drop.
gun positions These were dangerous missions and losses were high. Bernard lost two
of his best mates, both pilots from New Zealand, and felt their loss deeply.
near Caen in Soon after, on 28 September, his time would also come. While attacking
enemy positions near Boxtel, he lost control of his aircraft and crashed
France. in a wood. He was just 24 years old. He was buried at Woensel General
Cemetery on 30 October 1944, with the funeral conducted by a Catholic
priest and Squadron members in attendance.
It would be another sixty years before a family member would visit his
grave. On a cold December day in 2005, I laid a floral tribute of eucalyptus
leaves and red tulips and reflected on the inscription: ‘May the Sacred Heart
of Jesus have mercy on his soul. R.I.P’.
24St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
247 Squadron, Pilot Office Bernard Lee - first on the left in the middle row Paula placing flowers on Bernard’s grave in 2005
Bernard’s funeral procession October 1944
25The Terracian April 2021
THE LAD COLLECTIVE –
ON A MISSION TO HELP
AUSTRALIAN MEN
Written by Mrs Bianca Wagner
For Brisbane brothers and Terrace Old Boys Bill
(GT 2012) and Ed (GT 2014) Ovenden, the psychology
of ‘messy bed, messy head’ was beginning to take a
toll on their everyday working and social lives. They
decided to leave their jobs and simultaneously fill
a niche in the market while also helping young men–
all during the COVID crisis.
When I was at Terrace, I left my room a pigsty every day - bed unmade, smelly
gym clothes all over the floor, dirty coffee cups on my desk and that feeling of
disarray and disorganisation seemed to follow me all day.
Bill believes the psychology of ‘messy bed, messy head’ is true. I never had
a clear head. At least Ed and I had mum to give us a hand, but we realise
many men don’t, and we want to help make life easier for not only the boys but
their parents, teachers and school principals.
Ed says the mission of their Aussie start-up,
The Lad Collective, is to provide innovative
and essential life products enabling young
men to focus clearly on the important things
in life, whether it be study, sport or cultural
pursuits. The Lad Collective - with its witty
The mission catchphrase ‘Get your Sheet Together’ -
empowers young men to take control of their
of The Lad lives with a range of essential life products for
bedroom, bathroom and laundry.
Collective is
At the forefront of their vision is offering a subscription that delivers high-
to provide quality products to young men’s bedrooms, bathrooms and laundries
Australia-wide. Their market research highlighted that Australian men were
innovative and underserved in the area of gaining full access to the bare living essentials
on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.
essential life
The Lad Collective has changed the game by producing easy-to-use fitted
products to sheets with marked corner straps (bottom left, bottom right, top left and
top right) to provide a visual reference point as to which corner goes where
enable men to and to make the task of pulling the fitted sheet corners underneath the
mattress quick and smooth. Top sheets have a logo placed directly in the
focus clearly on centre to allow for easy positioning, pillowcases have invisible zips, and a
colour palette designed to hide stains. The Lad Collective’s towel sets also
the important spotlighted a hygiene issue faced by many men. The TLC logo effectively
guides men to use one side for the upper body and the other for the lower
things in life. extremities.
We have all seen the horror scene that a young single man’s bedroom can
become, and we have all bought living essentials, like bedsheets, that are
grossly overpriced or poor quality, said Bill.
We surveyed more than 1000 men before settling on our product range. The
feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive - 66% of men surveyed
had never even purchased bedroom, bathroom or laundry products, and 72%
26St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
only washed their sheets once a
month.
We also interviewed many mothers
of sons who were fed up with telling
them to clean their rooms, wished
their sons were more independent
and were looking for some way to
achieve that.
Bill and Ed broke that trend by
marketing directly to men: offering
a simple one-stop-shop for
essential products and a brand
identity with a cheeky sense of
humour and uniquely Australian
feel that resonated with young men.
Our direct-to-consumer e-commerce
model creates a straightforward
experience for parents and blokes
wanting to skip a trip to the shopping
centre and instead order a set of our
sheets online.
You can find out more about
The Lad Collective and view
their product range at
www.theladcollective.com
27The Terracian April 2021
A BROTHERLY
BOND
Old Boy Mark Macklin (GT 1986) shares the story of
his two sons Oliver and Hugo.
My two boys share a common school bond, even though their journey at
Terrace was at different times. Oliver finished Terrace in 2016, and Hugo
commenced at Terrace in 2018 (Year 8).
Their Terrace connection is a rowing boat called the Norm Clarke.
Terrace Old Boy Norm Clarke (GT 1954) donated a number of Empacher
racing boats to Terrace Rowing; the first was in 2015. Oliver was lucky
enough to row in the 1st VIII in the Norm Clarke in 2015 and 2016.
In 2021, Oliver’s younger brother Hugo has the considerable honour of
being the cox of the Open 3rd VIII and is racing in the Norm Clarke. Sitting
opposite his brother’s stroke seat brings him tremendous pride.
Billy J Smith and John McCoy before they
Oliver and called the first State of Origin game
Hugo in front
of the Norm
Clarke, taken
in February
2021.
The 1966 1st XV, John sits in the front row, first on the right
28St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
INDUCTION TO THE
MEDIA HALL OF FAME
Written by Mrs Bianca Wagner
It is not often that you have the pleasure of meeting
a person who you grew up listening to, a familiar
voice for most of us who grew up in Brisbane. This
month, the terracian spoke to Terrace Old Boy and
legend of radio commentary, John McCoy OAM (GT
1966), about his recent induction into the Suncorp
Stadium Media Hall of Fame.
In receiving this honour, John joins fellow celebrity and Terrace Old Boy,
Billy J Smith (GT 1963) in the Hall of Fame. Both John and Billy followed
similar paths throughout their careers and forged a connection not only as
Old Boys but as lifelong friends. John recently visited the Hall of Fame with
Billy J Smith’s son Joel Smith (GT 1989), Joel’s son Jack Smith (Year 9) and
his grandsons Hugh (Year 6) and Will (Year 8) Devine to have their photo
taken together.
John’s career began with a lucky break – he met a sales manager at
Colour Radio in his final year at Terrace and lined up a job. He moved to
Mount Isa after graduation to begin his radio career at 4IP. Moving back to
Brisbane several years later, John pursued his love of calling sport, his voice
becoming synonymous with sport in Queensland and Suncorp Stadium,
then known as Lang Park. In 1980, along with Billy J Smith (who called for
Channel 7), John called the first State of Origin game.
The wall in the Media Hall of Fame states:
He covered sports with a flair, fairness and complete understanding to
listeners from across the country. As a host of popular radio sports shows
John tasted success everywhere he went, including being involved with the
Commonwealth Games in 1982 through to 2006, covering a multitude of
sports in the process.
In 1988, the new Brisbane rugby league
team was looking for a name. A fan of
the American football team the Denver
Broncos, John suggested the “Brisbane
Broncos” as it suited the team – a poll
showed the people of Brisbane agreed
with him, and the Brisbane Broncos were
named.
John loved sport when he was at Terrace,
playing for the 1st XV, but he also had a
love of radio and knew that he wanted to
call sport. He has never lost that passion.
When I spoke to him, John was very
thankful that he could retire from a job
that he loved and was always enthusiastic
about. Over the years, John has served
as a Committee member and President
of the GTOBA, and his Terrace legacy
continues with his son, an Old Boy, and
grandsons. He retires an ambassador of
Australian sport, this Terrace Old Boy and
Billy J Smith’s son Joel Smith (GT 1989) and his son Jack Smith (Year 9), John’s grandson grandfather now joining the ranks of the
Hugh Devine (Year 6), John McCoy, and grandson Will Devine (Year 8) many Gentlemen of Terrace of whom we
can be incredibly proud.
29The Terracian April 2021
CULTURE UPDATE
we look forward to watching william and Angus as
rising theatre stars in brisbane and beyond.
William Pyke has been making a name for himself as both an actor and
director in the Brisbane theatre scene. William graduated from Terrace
in 2011 as College Captain and as one of the highest achieving students
in Creative Arts, with a first in Film, Television and New Media. William
was also in the 1st VIII, winning the prize for Best Oarsman. He also played
Rugby in the 2nd XV. William was an all-round student who succeeded in
everything he put his mind to. William started a law degree at QUT before
realising his dreams and moving to London, where he gained a Bachelor of
Arts (Acting) and graduated with First Class Honours from the Royal Central
School of Speech and Drama. The famous institution’s alumni include
Dame Judi Dench, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Sir Laurence Olivier.
William was due to produce and star in Sam Shepard’s Fool for Love at
Brisbane’s Princess Theatre, but as with so many other events in the past
12 months, COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions made rehearsing
impossible. As a result, the play was postponed, and a future date will be
advised.
Year 12 student Angus Freer has also been making steps towards his career
in theatre while balancing his final year at Terrace. In January this year, he
played the role of Wally Webb in the Pulitzer Prize-winning production of
Old Boy William Thornton Wilder’s Our Town at the Bille Brown Theatre.
Pyke (GT 2011) Angus has wanted to be on stage since he was in Year 7 and was due to
perform in the College Musical School of Rock before COVID-19 restrictions
and current Year called for the event to be cancelled. Angus has also been involved with
Terrace Theatresports and the Terrace Rock Band.
12 student Angus
Freer have both
been making
a name for
themselves on
the stage.
30St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
QUEENSLANDER!
Ben Lawson (GT 1997) may be working in Los Angeles
and starring in the new Netflix drama Firefly Lane,
but he has found a way to honour his hometown and
fly the Queensland flag, albeit a vintage one.
Ben stars alongside Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke, playing an Australian
journalist in the series, which is trending in the top ten on Netflix (February
2021). He recently made headlines in Australia when he appeared on an
episode wearing a vintage 1991 Maroons jersey. Ben pitched the idea of
the jersey to the costume department; it was bought online and express
delivered. The Australian audience was very receptive to the jersey and Ben
responded with a post on Instagram: Managed to work a QLD State of Origin
jersey into the show. Because if you are going to play an Aussie, you might as
Managed to work well make it authentic #FireflyLane.
a QLD State of Ben is the third of five Lawson boys to attend Terrace. During his years at
the College, he was heavily involved in cultural pursuits, participating in
Origin jersey Drama, Theatresports, talent quests and musicals. His Theatresports team
(The Love Handles) were crowned state champions in 1997. In 1996 he won
into the show. Best Actor at the Brisbane Arts Theatre Drama Festival. To round out his
Terrace education, Ben was also a member of the 2nd V Basketball team.
Because if you
After graduating from school, Ben attended the National Institute of
are going to play Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. He first appeared on television in 1993 in an
episode of Time Trax and followed that with an appearance on an episode
an Aussie, you of The Adventures of Skippy.
might as well After NIDA, Ben joined the cast of Neighbours playing the character of
Frazer Yeats from 2006 to 2008. During this time, he was nominated for a
make it authentic Logie for the role.
#FireflyLane. Ben shifted his focus to Hollywood, arriving in Los Angeles in 2008. He has
since appeared in several American television series and movies. In 2011 he
starred opposite Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher in the film No Strings
Attached.
In 2014, Ben appeared in several episodes of popular Australian television
series, including Rake, Secrets and Lies and Love Child. In 2017-18 he played
the role of Damien Bennett on the political drama Designated Survivor and
played Basketball coach Rick Wlodimierz in the second series of 13 Reasons
Why.
In 2019 he appeared alongside his brother Josh Lawson (GT 1998) in
Bombshell playing Lachlan Murdoch with Josh playing James Murdoch.
While Ben was preparing for another Christmas away from home, the
Black Summer bushfires burnt their way across Australia’s eastern coast.
As the bushfires continued to rage into the new year on an unprecedented
scale, Ben, feeling angry, helpless and broken-hearted as he watched
the devastation from across the ocean, sat down and put his feelings into
words. To My Country is an illustrated ode to the endurance of the Australian
spirit and the shared love of our country (Allen and Unwin Australia).
Ben has donated the proceeds of the book to the Koala Hospital in Port
Macquarie.
In an article in The Daily Telegraph, Ben talks about the reaction to his book:
People immediately started getting in touch from all over the world. I went
from feeling like I was very far away to feeling kind of embraced, in a way that
was unexpected. Knowing that people were seeing it and donating to charities,
that was like, “Wow, this is actually doing some material good”. Hopefully, the
book will continue to do that.
31The Terracian April 2021
SPORT UPDATE
Congratulations to the following students and
Old Boys on their sporting endeavours. the year has
only just started, yet these sportsmen have already
achieved so much.
Cricket Nazar Angallo (Year 11) and
Nick McGill, Ryan Walker and Geordan Papacostas (Year 12)
Will Prestwidge (GT 2019), Toby have been selected in the Under
Snell, Dylan Kritzinger and Aubrey 18 Queensland South Squad, who
Stockdale (GT 2020), participated will competed at the Under 18
in the 13-man Queensland side Nationals from 10-17 April.
at the Under 19 Cricket Tri-series
Nationals in March.
Beach Volleyball
Jack Weeden (Year 8) and Caden
Cycling Rieger (Year 9) have been selected
James Panizza (Year 12) won a in the Under 15 Queensland Beach
bronze medal in the Australian Volleyball team to compete in
Under 19 Criterium championship. the 2021 National Youth Beach
James also backed up this Championships. The national
achievement with a sprint to competition was held in the last
the line and a top-five finish in week of April.
the gruelling road race event.
James has been selected for the
Queensland Under 19 team to Athletics
compete at the Australian National Blake Russell (Year 9) has
Track Cycling championships. successfully qualified for the
Australian Athletics Championships,
Conor Watson (Year 12) was which will took place in Sydney
selected in the 2021 Elite and from 12–15 April.
Under 19 Queensland Track team to
represent Queensland at the Track Blake came third in the Under 15
National Championships held at years men’s 100m, 200m and long
the Anna Meares Velodrome, 24- jump with Personal Bests in all
28 March, as part of the Brisbane events at the Queensland Athletics
Cycling Festival. Championships. His results were as
follows:
Basketball ¥ 1 00 metres - 3rd place - 11.55
Max MacKinnon has accepted seconds PB
a scholarship position at the ¥ 200 metres - 3rd place - 23.88
Basketball Centre of Excellence seconds PB
at the Australian Institute of Sport ¥ Long jump - 3rd place - 5.75
in 2021. Max joins an elite group metres PB
of young athletes in the program
and will be based in Canberra for
the year, where he will continue his Baseball
studies in addition to his training. Jock Millar (Year 11) played in the
We are sad to see Max leave Schoolboys State Championships
Terrace in what would have been on 12 March. Metropolitan North
an exciting final season. The Terrace won the competition, with Jock
Basketball family wishes him the pitching in the semi-final to move
best of luck on the journey, and we the team into the grand final. It was
look forward to tracking his career a big four days for Jock, which saw
in the coming years. him selected in the Queensland
State team.
32St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
CLIMBING TO THE OLYMPICS
Tom O’Halloran (GT 2009) has qualified as the sole male
representative for Australia in Sport Climbing at the upcoming
Tokyo Olympics. Sport Climbing is making its debut at these
Olympics and involves three disciplines—speed climbing,
bouldering and lead climbing. Tom spoke to the Terracian about
his experiences.
When I was at school, I never really understood the The one year turned into two,
Old Boy pride. When I saw the Old Boys at rugby and halfway through 2011, I
games or listened to them present at school assembly, decided I would pack up the
I always rolled my eyes when they spoke of the pride car and move to the Blue
and connection they still had for Terrace. ‘It’s school, Mountains. My love and drive
mate, why?’ But more than ten years later, I understand with climbing had set in, and I
them. Since leaving, my life has gone off in an entirely couldn’t imagine doing anything
unpredicted direction (it is totally awesome) and doesn’t else.
have much connection to my school life. Yet, I still
wonder how we are going against Nudgee. Did we The Blue Mountains is the
get them in the cricket this year? How are the Windsor epicentre of Australian
Warriors going? I think of the boys going out in the climbing, and I wanted to live
Eddie’s Van and feel a sense of pride when I hear the there, just for a few months.
work of Nic and Lucas with Orange Sky. I never realised Soon after I met my partner, we
the ties I had until I was out into the world or the had a daughter and bought a
connection I would still feel. To feel that way about a house. I climbed, worked and
place that taught you Math and English for seven years explored. Nearly ten years later,
must mean there is something more to it than study. I have climbed almost all of the
I don’t think every school leaves that legacy with its hardest outdoor rock climbs in
students; it is a powerful thing. the country and established a
lot of my own.
Climbing was always something I loved. Starting
‘officially’ when I was 12, it became what I did and When climbing was announced as a new Olympic
who I was. Before that, I was in the Mango tree in the sport, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to be a part of
backyard and climbing laps around windowsills. Back it. Being an Olympian was a dream since I was eight.
then, I didn’t know rock climbing was even a thing. I However, the competition side of climbing wasn’t
am eternally grateful to Mum and Dad for supporting something I connected with so much anymore. For me,
me every step of the way. In the beginning, I never climbing was about the outdoors, in nature with friends.
dreamed I would be where I am today. Climbing Not strict training regimes and countless hours inside.
wasn’t an Olympic sport In the end though, I couldn’t give up on the dreams of
when I started in 2004. my eight-year-old self. I didn’t want to regret passing up
I competed in State, the opportunity. I never want to live with regret.
National and International
competitions, but it was Training for the Olympic qualifiers was more
just something I did for fun. challenging than I could have ever imagined. I have
I never took it seriously, an entirely newfound respect for the athletes and their
perhaps because it wasn’t families. It is insanely hard. That time took me so far
a serious mainstream beyond my comfort zone that I lost sight of everything.
sport. It is not swimming or I am so incredibly grateful that my partner Amanda,
cricket. friends and family were there for me. I hadn’t realised
how deep a hole I was in until they pulled me out.
After I finished school, I
got a job and deferred To be able to call myself an Olympian now is surreal.
university to have a year to I don’t think it’ll sink in until I’m in Tokyo, wearing the
climb some more. It gave green and gold.
me a chance to charge my
batteries before launching As a new Olympic sport, there is not a lot of funding
into a Sport Science available. If you would like to support Tom’s journey,
degree. In my year off, I a tax deductible donation can be made through the
travelled to China, Thailand AIS https://asf.org.au/athletes/tom-ohalloran-tokyo-
and South Africa, climbing 2021-olympics/
in incredible places and
meeting amazing people.
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