As we approach the final weeks of Semester 1, our students are revising academic content and preparing for key assessments. This week, our Year 7 to 9 students commenced their exams, while our Year 10 to 12 students will begin their exams next week. This period can be challenging for students as it demands increased academic focus. However, it is equally important that they maintain a healthy perspective and prioritise their wellbeing.
We wish all our students the very best in their assessments and commend them for their dedication and perseverance.
Service in the Senior School
This year, Churchie’s service programme has already achieved remarkable outcomes. From the World’s Greatest Shave to the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock, students across all year levels have stepped up, raising over $160,000 to support a variety of causes and strengthen the spirit of unity within our houses.
The spirit of giving was on full display during the World’s Greatest Shave, where we raised a record $130,000, earning Churchie fourth place nationally among schools. Combined with the annual Red Shield Appeal Doorknock with St Margaret’s, where over 250 volunteers raised $12,000 for The Salvation Army, it is clear that we can be proud of our community’s generosity.
The Push-Up Challenge officially kicked off this week with more than 350 students already committed to participating. This year’s challenge, supporting Headspace at Woolloongabba, takes on deeper meaning, with more than 3,000 lives lost to suicide in Australia last year. The challenge encourages us not only to push our physical limits but also to support those facing mental health battles. I thank Biggs House and Service Vice-Captain Harry Wardell for leading this initiative with energy and enthusiasm.
Last weekend, Churchie hosted the Years 7 to 9 Dance, welcoming over 1,000 students from Churchie and partner schools. A sincere thank you goes to all staff and parent volunteers who ensured a fun and safe evening. Special recognition goes to Nansen House for running the snack bar in support of the Darkness to Daylight initiative. All proceeds from the event will support ManUp!, the Sony Foundation, our partner school in Timor-Leste and domestic violence awareness.
Looking ahead, the You Are Not Alone 5K Fun Run takes place on Monday 16 June, another student-led initiative supporting youth mental health. Additionally, the Samoa Service Tour group will be running a pancake stall at the Interhouse Track and Field. Our IB students are also leading a stationery drive as part of their CAS projects, collecting essential school supplies for students in Samoa.
I acknowledge and thank Director of Service Clayton Kelly and our housemasters for their efforts in encouraging all students to contribute to this important school tenet.
Rod Olsen Head of Senior School
Prep School
Prep school value of the week: service
Service is giving to others and making a difference in their lives. You consider their needs as important as your own. Be helpful without waiting to be asked. Do every job with excellence. When you act with a spirit of service, you can change the world.
Prep school attribute of the week: inquirers
Have a natural curiosity and learn to acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research, and show independence in learning. You actively enjoy learning, and this love of learning will be sustained throughout your life.
Year 2
‘Ready, set, go!’ Students designed and constructed a marble ramp that allowed a marble to travel further than the length of 15 pop sticks, end to end. We had some great conversations about height, speed, slope and other variables that impacted how the marble travelled on the ramp.
Shay Thomas Year 2 Teacher
Year 5 Science
Our lives are reliant on the use of light energy. Have you ever wondered about the properties of light? Our Year 5 class has been conducting investigations related to the transfer of light. During our investigations, the boys identified that torchlight can be reflected around a corner using a mirror. The angle of the mirror was important to move the beam of light and illuminate an object hidden around the corner.
Fiona Gillespie Year 5 Teacher
Author visit: Tony Armstrong
The littlest Churchie Prep boys had a wonderful afternoon with author Tony Armstrong on Wednesday 28 May. Tony delighted the boys by reading from his newest book Maggie the Dragon. This book, and his first, George the Wizard, centre around themes of self-confidence and friendship. The boys really enjoyed Tony’s warmth and sense of humour.
Many thanks to families who donated one of Tony’s books to The Murri School prior to his visit. If you would still like to donate a book, please use this link
Alison Findlay Teacher Librarian
Reading Explorers – Last chance for Term 2 orders
Orders for the Term 2 Reading Explorers catalogue close at the end of this week. Final orders are due by Sunday 8 June. Books will be delivered to school. View the catalogue here. Funds raised this term will be used to purchase new books for The Children’s Hospital Library.
Prep Junior Voices shine at QYMA 2025
The Prep Junior Voices choir of un-auditioned Year 2 and 3 students recently showcased their budding talent at the 2025 Queensland Youth Music Awards (QYMA), participating in Section 5 for Junior Choirs up to Year 4.
Held on 29 May at Somerville House’s Valmai Pidgeon Performing Arts Centre, the event featured young ensembles from across the greater Brisbane region.
Despite stiff competition, the Prep Junior Voices delivered a heartfelt performance that resonated with the audience. The boys sang three pieces:
Row Your Boat, A Pirate’s Life for Me, a classic nursery rhyme with a twist that allowed the boys to practise canon singing and blend their voices to create harmony.
Can You See the Wind/Autumn Sun, an expressive partner song performed with lovely intonation and tuning.
Sea Song, a nautical, rollicking piece using choralography, actions and animated faces to express the joys of being at sea.
The boys’ participation provided invaluable experience, allowing them to perform on a prominent stage and share their passion for music with the wider community. We are so proud of their commitment, beautiful singing and progress. Events like QYMA foster musical ability, confidence and camaraderie. Their enthusiasm was evident and admired by peers and spectators alike.
The Prep Junior Voices is a new group in the Churchie choral programme, established this year. All students are new to the programme and are making wonderful progress. They love playing singing games, developing teamwork and listening skills. They rehearse weekly on Wednesday mornings from 7:30 am – please email Mrs Black if you are interested!
Thank you to the families who came to support the boys at QYMA, and to Mrs Oxenford for her wonderful support, accompaniment and rehearsal assistance.
As they continue to grow in artistry, the Prep Junior Voices are poised for future successes. Their QYMA performance marks an important milestone.
Recordings of the Prep Voices and Prep Junior Voices from last week’s choral concert (Wednesday 28 May) can be found on their respective myChurchie pages:
Billy Cart nominations close at 4 pm this Friday 6 June.
Prep Support Group meeting
The next Prep Support Group meeting will be held on Thursday 12 June, commencing at 8:30 am in Brenan Pavilion (behind the pool). All parents are welcome.
Mark Wyer Head of Preparatory School
Parent Connect
Save the date – Spring Lunch 2025
Parent Connect’s much-anticipated, yearly tradition, the Spring Lunch Wellbeing Fundraiser, is returning to The Greek Club on Wednesday 17 September 2025. Get ready for an afternoon full of connection, community and fun.
Whether you’re a familiar face or joining us for the first time, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet, mingle and enjoy the company of Churchie mums from Boarding, Reception and all the way through to Year 12.
New to the community? No worries – you’ll be warmly welcomed and well looked after.
Formal invitations and details will be sent out next month. For now, save the date and get ready for a wonderful afternoon together!
About Parent Connect
Parent Connect is the school-wide parent community support group focused on nurturing the fun and family-centred side of school life. We provide valuable support services through both formal and informal networks across the School. We aim to communicate, connect, coordinate services and facilitate wellbeing support for our families and the wider community. Click here to view on myChurchie.
Join Parent Connect
Join here. The Churchie parent community has a long-standing initiative that enables the sharing of contact details for families who opt in and provide consent. Joining the Parent Connect database is simple. Once you have joined, you will receive communication from your Parent Coordinators, access to your cohort’s parent contact list and membership to the relevant private Facebook groups.
Upcoming events
Upcoming events and dates for your diary are below:
Tuesday 23 July | Mothers of Churchie Old Boys High Tea | Pay via the events portal
Wednesday 17 September | Spring Lunch | The Greek Club
Senior School
Vision Valley
This week, the Term 2 Vision Valley cohort returned to Churchie following a memorable final week in the Hawkesbury.
The last expedition on the Great North Walk took place under challenging conditions, reminiscent of Wales rather than New South Wales. However, it is often in the most trying circumstances that we experience the greatest growth. I was delighted to hear from the students about how the coeducational groups came together, with support and teamwork evident within each ‘kin group.’
The Valley experience concluded with a twenty-four-hour solo challenge. Although the location is well supervised with a significant staff presence, the solo experience poses a considerable challenge and starkly contrasts with the daily stimulation the students usually receive.
Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have demonstrated wisdom beyond their years, recognising the skills they have acquired and the lifelong lessons they have learned. This experience is as much about coming of age as it is about outdoor education.
We are now working diligently to support and reintegrate the boys into Churchie while focusing on both their journey and their studies in mathematics and English.
Finally, I would be remiss not to formally acknowledge Tom Barton for his tremendous efforts in leading the programme for 26 days. I extend my gratitude to him and to the other staff members who participated: Mr Swords, Ms Birks, Mr Butler-Wood, Mr Goodrick and Dr Krzensk, without forgetting Ms Genest, who has done so much to oversee the logistics of the camp.
Berian Williams-Jones Deputy Head of Senior School (Year 7 – 9)
Year 7 interform spelling bee
Written by Year 7 students Quinton Cheung and Nico Pople.
The Year 7 Interform Spelling Bee held last week was a spectacular event, filled with excitement and camaraderie. The atmosphere was electric as students from all forms gathered to showcase their spelling prowess. The competition was fierce, with each participant demonstrating impressive skill and determination.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the final round, where Ethan Luo emerged victorious from our final three spellers. Ethan’s exceptional spelling abilities and calm demeanour under pressure earned him the top spot, making him a well-deserved winner. His triumph was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from his peers and teachers alike.
The Spelling Bee not only celebrated academic excellence but also fostered a sense of community and teamwork. It was wonderful to see the support and encouragement shared among the participants and the crowd, creating a positive and inclusive environment.
Congratulations to Ethan and all participants for making the event a memorable and successful one. We look forward to more engaging and enriching activities in the future.
Year 12 wellbeing curriculum
On Friday, Churchie Old Boy Tony Sarai (1995) presented to the Year 12 cohort on the topic of financial literacy. Tony covered various ways students can begin saving for their first home. Topics included:
allocating savings
types of savings accounts and various interest rates
basic forms of investment, including term deposits and shares
Tony’s presentation was well received, with many students staying behind to ask questions. On behalf of the Year 12 cohort, I thank Tony again for his time on Friday.
Josh Di Bella Deputy Head of Senior School (Years 10 to 12)
SchoolTV: Cyber Safety
Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of everyday life — for learning, socialising and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.
Cyber safety is not just about blocking access. It is about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams and developing healthy digital habits. It is equally important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children and model positive online behaviour.
In today’s digital age, safeguarding a child’s wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your son is navigating and offer practical strategies to help him stay safe, confident and in control online.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your son, please contact his housemaster for further information or seek medical or professional advice.
Here is the link to the Cyber Safety edition of SchoolTV:
Team Velocitas, the 2024 Development Class state champions in the STEM Racing competition, competed in the national finals from Thursday 30 May to Saturday 1 June.
The competition, formerly known as F1 in Schools, is a multifaceted operation requiring students to design, build and race a prototype car; raise sponsorship and manage commercial operations; design and build a trade booth and digital profile; and pitch their ideas to industry panels.
Year 10 students Charlie St Clair, Jayden Ooi, Owen Yu and Charles Chen were debutants at the national finals and performed beyond expectations, achieving the highest-ever finish by a Queensland school. The team placed second overall in the Development Class and has been invited to represent Australia in the world finals in Singapore in September.
Team Velocitas also won awards for Best Reaction Time, Best Managed Enterprise and Best Verbal Presentation. The team acknowledges the generous support of their partner organisations: Morgans Financial, Look Education and King and Queen Chess Club.
Queensland Philosothon
Churchie students participated in this philosophy discussion competition at The University of Queensland. Teams competed in both junior and senior divisions and engaged in community of inquiry dialogues around topics such as ‘We should encourage AI relationships as companions, friends or mentors’ and ‘Can art be immoral?’
The senior team of Alex Ma, Lachlan Angas-Johnson, Finn Pollack and Hao Hiep Nguyen won their division.
Grant Smith Head of Gifted Education (Aquila)
Rod Olsen Head of Senior School
Music
Eric Kim – Headmaster’s Assembly
Last Thursday, Music Captain Eric Kim (Year 12) delivered another splendid solo performance—something we have come to expect as he nears the end of his journey with Churchie Music. After performing solo with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra earlier this year, it is wonderful to see Eric continue to grow as a musician, constantly challenging himself with new repertoire, such as the renowned Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No. 3, performed at Headmaster’s Assembly.
Please follow this link to a recording of Eric’s performance:
Jazz Under the Stars, 1 August 2025
Preparations are progressing well as we look forward to welcoming the magnificent vocalist Emma Pask and her trio to Main Oval. With no GPS fixtures scheduled that weekend, we hope this encourages you to bring friends and extended family along to what promises to be another memorable evening for the Churchie community.
More about Emma:
By request, she performed the bridal waltz for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban at their wedding.
More recently, she supported legendary guitarist and vocalist George Benson on his Australian tour.
Emma is a Mo Award winner for Jazz Vocalist of the Year and has received two ARIA Award nominations for Best Jazz Album in 2014 and 2016.
She has had the honour of performing for VIP audiences including the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and Princess Mary of Denmark.
Queensland Youth Symphony – Alex Smith
On Saturday evening, Queensland Youth Symphony trombonist Alex Smith (Year 11) performed the original Star Wars score at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex. It was an enjoyable night for all who attended, with the ensemble displaying maturity beyond their years in presenting this iconic neo-romantic score—pleasing to the ear and rich with nostalgia.
Well done, Alex!
Luka Roberts (Year 12) Professional Engagement with Sigur Ros
Last week, Luka Roberts experienced the life of a professional musician, performing with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra in two sold-out shows at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex alongside the enigmatic Sigur Rós. Luka was the only high school student on stage—a rare and cherished opportunity in what has been an outstanding musical year for him. Congratulations, Luka!
Choral Concert
A night of Australian choral excellence at Churchie.
What a magnificent evening we shared on Wednesday 28 May at the Churchie Choral Concert. It was a special occasion that showcased the exceptional talent of our boys’ vocal groups and highlighted music by Australian composers and songwriters.
Our Junior Voices charmed the audience with spirited renditions of ‘Row Your Boat,’ the evocative ‘Can You See the Wind,’ and the beautiful ‘Sea Song.’ These young performers continue to impress with their enthusiasm and budding musicality.
Fresh from their Gold Award and second place at QYMA, our Prep Choir sparkled with energetic performances of ‘Storm’ and ‘Giant of the Forest,’ demonstrating why they are already achieving great success.
Viking Vocals: Dynamic acapella jazz
The Viking Vocals series revealed the depth of vocal talent at Churchie:
Viking Vocals 3 performed a powerful ‘Mad World’ and an energetic ‘Dance Monkey’ featuring Jeb Barden.
Viking Vocals 2 delighted with their lively version of the ‘Theme from Spiderman’ and a thoughtful ‘Help’ by Lennon and McCartney.
Viking Vocals 1 challenged musical boundaries with Michelle Nicolle’s intricate ‘Navigating What?’ and a tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis with ‘Seven Steps to Heaven’—showcasing collaborative arrangement and standout solos by Alex Ma, Caspar West, Jacob Staggs and Noah Oxenford.
Senior Voices captivated with Joe Twist’s ‘Rain Dream,’ the gentle beauty of Alice Chance’s ‘So Strong’—featuring accompanist Christian Gante—and had the audience singing along to Neil Finn’s iconic ‘Better Be Home Soon.’
The Vanguard impressed once again, delivering an ethereal ‘Sing Me to Heaven’ and the joyful ‘Da Coconut Nut’ by Ryan Cayabyab.
A special guest and grand finale
We were honoured to welcome the St John’s Cathedral Choristers, who gave a stunning performance of Magnificat by esteemed Churchie Old Boy Dr Robert Boughen. It was a poignant moment celebrating the legacy of one of our own.
The evening culminated in a powerful Massed Combined Choirs performance of Robert T. Gibson’s ‘Dance’—a resounding celebration of unity and talent within our choral programme.
Congratulations to all boys and staff for their commitment, hard work and musical excellence. The future of choral music at Churchie is bright.
Please follow this link to recordings from the concert:
If you have played in two ensembles for two or more years, please see Mr Davison in the Music Department to collect your music badge. These badges are a meaningful representation of your commitment to music and may be worn in accordance with the uniform policy.
Churchie’s Best Solos auditions
Churchie’s Best Solos is the only concert in our calendar that shines the spotlight on solo performers. The competition celebrates outstanding instrumental and vocal soloists from Years 7 to 12, with students competing for the coveted title of Churchie’s Best Solos artist.
Auditions will take place over three days. Students must prepare a solo piece that demonstrates their ability and comfort on their chosen instrument or voice, selected in consultation with their private instructor.
Looking ahead to Term 3, please note the following key music events:
Soirees (all music students in Years 7–12): Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 July 2025
Churchie’s Best Solos (successful auditionees): Thursday 24 July 2025
Jazz Under the Stars (Windpower, Squeak, Gypsy Strings, Twisted Metal, Eagle Guitars, Flute Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Churchie Guitars, Big Band 1–5, Viking Vocals 1–3): Friday 1 August 2025
Gala rehearsal at QUT Gardens Theatre (Concert Band, Jensen Winds, Morris Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings 1 and 2, Churchie Strings, Senior Voices, Churchie Guitars, Eagle Guitars): Wednesday 20 August 2025
Gala Concert at QUT Gardens Theatre (same ensembles as above): Thursday 21 August 2025
Senior Farewell (Morris Wind Symphony, Big Band 1, Chamber Strings 1, Senior Voices): Tuesday 16 September 2025
Bohdan Davison Director of Music
Sport
While the weather dictated terms this weekend, resulting in the cancellation of the entire tennis programme’s games, we are looking forward to a big weekend this Saturday with a home round against Nudgee. We encourage our community to come down and support our footballers and tennis players in what promises to be a tremendous weekend. Football will host its second ever Churchie Old Boys’ match v Nudgee and an inaugural post-match hospitality event.
On a wet day, the Churchie boys made the short trek to Fursden Road to play against Brisbane SHS. Several supplementary fixtures were also played across Brisbane. Against BSHS, Churchie delivered a dominant performance against a school that had previously defeated us across the programme in 2024. This year, Churchie recorded 14 wins, two draws and four losses to BSHS.
Our boys displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the day, continuing to live out our values. Some highlights included:
Integrity – Nico Gazzard (9A): Nico impressed on the field, scoring the first goal of the game and continuing with a positive attitude and strong performance.
Discipline – Miller Harwood (11A): Returning from a long-term injury, Miller maintained intensity and leadership on the field.
Determination – Oliver Searle (8C): Despite playing in an unfamiliar position, Oliver scored the winning goal with 20 seconds remaining.
Year 5 and 6 Players of the match:
Year 5 – Noah Evans (5A): Stepped up as goalkeeper for the 6A team and helped secure a 3–1 victory. A fantastic effort playing up a year level.
Year 6 – Rupert Shand (6C): Demonstrated strong leadership and positivity, contributing to a hard-fought draw for his team.
First XI report
In extremely challenging conditions and missing five key players, the First XI boys had to dig deep to secure a narrow 1–0 win. In a tightly contested match, Zane North continued his fine form, scoring midway through the first half. The BSHS side had several chances, but Josh Tanner, in a player of the match performance, made a series of outstanding saves to maintain the lead. It was another complete team effort, and all players can be proud of their commitment and performance.
On Saturday 7 June we welcome our great rivals, Nudgee. Churchie currently sits in second position on the First XI ladder, one point behind IGS, with Nudgee in fourth, three points behind us. Both schools remain in contention for the premiership, and this game could be decided by the narrowest of margins. Let’s fill all five grandstands with Churchie boys and create a true home advantage.
Alex Rados Director of Football
Tennis
Another frustrating Saturday with all matches cancelled due to rain. I’m sure, like me, you are tired of the wet weather.
Looking ahead, we hope to get back on court this weekend against Nudgee College. Our older year levels will be at home, Years 7 and 8 will play at Nudgee College courts, and our Prep School teams will play at Sandgate Tennis.
A reminder: the Tennis Support Group is seeking contributions to the levy. While not compulsory, it helps cover costs for team functions, breakfasts, pizzas and coach gifts.
Our End of Season Presentation will be held on Saturday 14 June after our Round 8 match against Ipswich Grammar School. We look forward to seeing as many players from Year 7 and above in attendance.
With three rounds remaining, including the final round against BBC on the first day of the holidays, please advise your age group coordinator if you will be unavailable. All teams are expected to play under GPS rules, except the Year 5 and 6 D teams, who will not be required.
Let’s finish the season strongly and hope for fine weather to show our best tennis.
Ian Malpass Director of Tennis
Churchie Rugby Luncheon
Once every 12 years, a very special series of Rugby Test Matches takes place in Australia. The British and Irish Lions are coming, and the 2025 Wallabies will be out to avenge their 2–1 loss in the 2013 Series. Once again, Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the First Test, and on the day before (Friday 18 July), Churchie will be hosting our 13th annual Rugby Luncheon at The Star Brisbane. To date, more than 900 tickets have been sold, with legendary speaker, former British and Irish Lion Jason Leonard leading the entertainment package. He is joined by Irish record breaker Rory Best and former Wallaby Adam Ashley Cooper on a panel conducted by MC Greg Clark.
As always, you can expect a top-quality, three-course luncheon, top-shelf beverages, raffles and auctions, a ball passing competition and great networking, all in support of our great school and charity partner, Endeavour Foundation.
Limited tickets remain, and this luncheon will sell out!
If you are interested in booking a table, organising a table or wanting to join a table, contact Ian Greig on 0412 386 291 or at [email protected].
Churchie Foundation Raffle
Invest in the spirit of boarding
The Churchie Foundation is excited to be giving you the chance to win an incredible prize: a fully loaded Toyota HiLux GR Sport valued at $100,000.
Proceeds from this raffle will be directly invested in Churchie Boarding.
Through the generosity of the Churchie community, the School continues to support and invest in the renewal of the boarding programme. This ensures our environment reflects best practice in education, cocurricular and boarding opportunities for the benefit of Churchie students.
Each house in the Prep and Senior School will have the opportunity to earn points and win a whole-house pizza party based on the funds raised. Earn points for your son’s house by selecting it in the drop-down menu on the ticket page.
Pixevety is Churchie’s photo platform, where photos from across the School will be uploaded weekly. The system recognises students so parents can simply click ‘myVIPs’ and see their son’s photos in one easy location.
Families new to the School may not see ‘myVIPs’ yet, as new student ID photos are still to be processed in the system. However, you can still browse the galleries.
Watch the video below to learn how to use Pixevety.
We welcome mums and dads to volunteer at our tuckshops. Please contact the Tuckshop Volunteers Coordinator for more details if you can spare some time during the term to help in our busy tuckshops.
