Captains' Corner | Tom White, College Captain
For the past two weeks I have been avoiding writing my final Touchstone article, and to be honest, avoiding thinking about finishing school at all. Operating under the pretence that ‘ignorance is bliss’, I have enjoyed the last two weeks like they were any other week at Terrace, pushing any thoughts of graduation to the back of my mind. But before I knew it, a week and a half flew past, and my avoidance strategy began to fail me.
It started with the interviews for next year’s College Captains on Tuesday – the interviews for the fortunate group of boys who will get to replace Finn, Jack, Max, Charlie and me next year. Being on the other side of what is a nerve-wracking interview, that still stands out in my mind from 12 months ago, was an interesting experience. Not only was I blown away by the calibre of boys being interviewed, but I was challenged by the need to pick only five to form next year’s College Leadership Team. I want to congratulate all the boys who made the shortlist for the 2025 group. It is an amazing achievement in and of itself. Not making the final five is in no way a poor reflection of the individual, especially when there was such an outstanding group of boys in the running.
On Thursday of Week 2, my prior disillusionment was fully cleared, as next year’s College Captains were announced to the school. Speaking to the other Captains, it feels like barely yesterday that we were getting announced; nervous, excited, and unsure of what was to come. These announcements made it clear that our time at Terrace was almost ending. In saying this, the feelings were not all bad, and I couldn’t help but feel happy for the boys. The looks of pride on the faces of Cooper, Lachy, Rehan, Rupert and Ollie were well deserved, and I am confident that they will do an exceptional job of leading the College in 2025.
With my early life crisis in full realisation, I guess that it is time to reflect on what has been an amazing year. I am most proud of how boys at Terrace have pushed themselves outside their comfort zones and gotten involved this year. Whether it be the Junior Theatresports team winning the grand finals, Jimmy in Year 5 showing his ticka at XC training, or the rest of the boys in the First VIII giving their all despite a season of many challenges. This year, the buy-in around the school has been incredible. For that, I am nothing but grateful.
I would like to say thank you to everyone I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with throughout 2024. There are too many to name but know – from Michael in Year 11 to Billy in Year 5, the conversations, laughs and shared moments were a significant part of what made this year so special. A big thank you to all the teachers who have shaped my journey at Terrace, and who have taught me so many important lessons beyond those in the classroom. Thank you to my family, for always being in my corner and giving me the support I have needed.
Finally, thank you to the broader Terrace community for helping to make this school a home for me over the last six years. I will miss Terrace, but I am confident that you will be in safe hands in the future.
Thank you for the memories.
GT 2024 – Carry the Crest.