Throughout the term our students have shared new beginnings, experiences of challenge and triumph and a start to the 2019 school year that is one to reflect upon with pride and gratitude. As always our PC tutors have been amazing and I’d like to start by thanking the following staff for ensuring PC is a time of inclusivity and engagement for our Tierney students: Mr Neil Poppleton (TI1), Ms Kelly Vowles (TI2), Mr Paul Raven (TI3), Ms Louise Nardi (TI4), Mr Mannie Navarro (TI5), Ms Lesley Gardner (TI6), Ms Candice Green (TI7), Mr Corey Braithwaite (TI8) and Mr Rowan Crossley (TI9).
Year 12 Investiture Mass and Senior Leaders of 2019: Congratulations to all the Year 12s who are leaders of their tutor group, as well as Junior School Big Brothers Cliff Nali, Henry Kennedy, Connor Chistiakoff and Zac Bousen; Prefects Ethan Ferraro, Izaac Fiorini and Charlie Radford; and College Vice Captain Patrick Long.
Tierney House Breakfast: Prefects Izaac Fiorini and Charlie Radford officially welcomed new and returning families before sharing personal stories that connected with the renewed focus on our House Charity, the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Thanks also to Tierney parents Ms Luanne Wishart, Dr Sue Vollert and the many Tierney students for their service in planning, setting up and helping out on the day.
Year 7 Camp: Kenilworth was a spectacular destination for our Year 7s to experience camp. We were blessed to be joined by Mr Brent Mitchell, who was a wonderful support to our Year 7 cohort. Year 11 students Ryan Trout, Jack Davies, Joshua Coughlan, Patrick Cabot and Tevita Mapa were outstanding role models for our students, as they joined Ms Lesley Gardner to visit for our evening liturgy while on camp.
Inter-house Swimming: This was the first Inter-house event for the year and while Tierney didn’t come away with the win, the effort and participation was impressive. Many Tierney students went on to represent Nudgee College in both our Junior and Senior teams, who were winners of the GPS competition. Congratulations to the following students who made these teams: Ronan Rowling, Isaac Bressington, Billy Connellan, William Dallimore, John Oneto, Ben Sands, Tom Sands, Jack Weaver, Dylan Andrea, Luke Barbour, Lachlan Clarkson, Thomas Connellan and Angus Tudman.
Activities for Term 1: Tierney students wore the blue and white in every GPS competition this term. In addition to Swimming, Tierney students were active every week in Debating, Volleyball, Rowing, Cattle Club and Cricket. A highlight for me was to be present to witness Seniors Ethan Ferraro, Patrick Long and Dylan Dunne not only complete a gruelling early morning training session, but also achieve the ultimate accolade in winning Head of the River as members of our 1st VIII crew.
Social Justice Programs: Tierney House has been actively involved in swag rolling, Big BBQ, Big Brekkie, House Charity fundraising and Project Compassion this term. Students who have shown commitment to one or more of these initiatives are: Declan Cabot, Simon Vollert, Jack Davies, Alex White, Denzel Huuma, Tevita Mapa, Ryan Trout, Nick Bell, Izaac Fiorini, Luke Powell, Robert Mapa, Cooper Green, Ricky Penson, Charles Best, Tehi Nicholson, Thomas Gordon, Thomas Connellan and Jack Peart. Further to that, Nicholas Nucifora, Dylan Roost, Genjirou Sato and Douglas Swan did a brilliant job of raising more than $100 each to support the World’s Greatest Shave, which was Fogarty’s House Charity.
Academic Awards: As we strive to champion a learning culture in Tierney, I’d like to congratulate our Academic Award winners who were recognised earlier in the term:
- Gold Medal: Angus Casey, Charles Dallimore, Thomas Connellan, Andrew Tora, Nicholas Bell, Simon Vollert, Zachary Krogh, Ethan Ferraro, Lachlan Cullum, Johnson Meraveka, Ashley Wong, Declan Cabot, Sam Schimming, Harrison Swane, Patrick Cabot, Jenry Kennedy and Ricky Penson
- Silver Medal: William Kewley, Matthew Rostron, Cooper Johnston, Jack Weaver, Tom Sands, Tom Shaw, Ciaran Casey, Shannen Gerard Solker, Harrison Smythe, Angus Phelan and Connor Chistiakoff
- Bronze Medal: Isaac Bressington, Cooper Hunter, Patrick Kennedy, Jack Barry and Fletcher Dunn
Honourable Mentions: I’d like to extend an honourable mention this term to Tom Shaw (Year 9), who was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Bridge Award, and Ashley Wong (Year 9), who has continued to excel in track and field by being the youngest invited athlete to the Queensland Open Track Classic (competing in an Open field). This week he was crowned the Australian Champion in the Under 16 100m.
May you and your families have a happy, safe and holy Easter.
Ms Joanne Barrett
Tierney House Dean