Musgrave

STEVE HAMILTON

Musgrave Housemaster

As these years seem to zoom by quicker than the previous ones, it’s quite timely to reflect on 2015 and the wonderful achievements accomplished by the mighty Musgrave boys. These fine young men displayed an attitude and comradery that was second to none and made my job as Housemaster quite easy. Mateship and sportsmanship were two important aspects that stood out. The captains modelled ethics and attitude of the highest kind. I believe more than ever, all Musgrave boys felt part of a close-knit community where they could compete and give their all, regardless of their ability. Our Captain, Joseph Ryan, and his captains amazed me with their limitless energy and creative drive. It was not uncommon to receive emails of Joseph on weekends and even holidays with exciting ideas to further improve aspects of this wonderful community that is Musgrave. Joseph Ryan, Zac Elvin, Harry Stapleton and Liam O’Connor have lifted the bar extremely high for the future captains of Musgrave, but I’m sure we are in fantastic hands with the fine young leaders coming through in 2016 and beyond. I was very lucky this year to have such a dedicated and enthusiastic staff in Musgrave to help me each week in so many ways. Sandra Gippel, Dirk Benson and Jenni Streten have been such amazing contributors, each offering varied expertise such as debating, music, horticulture and more. Most importantly, they all have been superb role-models and their kind and devoted presence has made a huge difference. I must also acknowledge Mrs Debbie Nicholson who gave so much to Musgrave over her 11 years at TSS and will be sorely missed. The famous Musgrave community spirit really shone throughout the entire year, but in Term Four especially we really did some wonderful things for people who truly needed it. We decided to assist Surfers Paradise Anglicare Crisis Care. This involved boys collecting non-perishable food from all TSS Prep classrooms that will help many people over the festive season who desperately need a helping hand. On top of this, our free-dress day for a gold coin donation resulted in much needed money for Anglicare to provide essential goods. It has been another wonderful year for this truly great House. We have had outstanding success in many events this year, including winning Athletics, Cross Country, Tennis and Soccer, not to mention a much improved placing in House Music. These successes, although impressive, pale into insignificance when compared to the continued development of a terrific team of young men who truly embody the spirit that is the Band of Brothers.

MUSGRAVE CAPTAINS Joseph Ryan – House Captain Enthusiasm, grit, passion and joy, these are only some of the qualities that the great Musgrave House have possessed in 2015. I have thoroughly enjoyed my position as House Captain; whether it be organising the House Meetings during break time, speaking at assemblies and chapel services to represent Musgrave or getting a really red face chanting our War Cry in the schools Sport Carnivals.

I would like to greatly thank Mr Hamilton who has guided me through the year perfectly as House Master, the three other awesome Captains, Harry, Liam and Zac, and the rest of the Year 6 Musgrave cohort, I couldn’t do it without them. Thank you also to the other Musgrave teachers who have supported Musgrave in every way and, of course, each and every Musgrave boy for making Musgrave what it is. Thanks, boys!

Since Year 3, when I was shy, little Musgravian, I have admired and looked up to the leaders of the House. I trust and know that the boys who will lead Musgrave next year and beyond will do a magnificent job in their positions! We have had a great year both in growth and in the competitive grounds and boys, you have made me proud of what we have done through the year. My biggest highlight has been interacting with all of the boys and the teachers every day as Captain.

Zac Elvin – House Vice-captain My days in Musgrave have been so good and I have had so much fun with my Musgravian friends. I started my journey in Musgrave in Year 4, and as I continued my journey into Year 5 I started thinking about leadership. I was very proud to become the first Musgrave Vice-captain for 2015. When the great news came to me I had never been so happy. I guess that what I am trying to say is that Musgrave is the best House and let’s try and keep it that way!

Harry Stapleton – House Vice-captain

Reception – Year 6 has been incredible, but it would definitely be incomplete without being a part of my House and its spirit. Musgrave for me is somewhere where you can hang out with your friends and talk out loud knowing that you will never be laughed at. I was very lucky getting to start my journey at TSS on day one of Prep right through to the last day of Year 6. TSS has leadership positions, almost every sport you can think of and, most importantly, an unforgettable group of friendly boys. I decided to take on the challenge. I did as many sports as I could, I made hundreds of friends, I went for three leadership positions and with determination and hard work was successfully chosen for two. TSS and Musgrave have taught me many things that will come in handy for the future. I look forward to the Senior School and the years to come.

Liam O’Connor – House Vice-captain My journey through Musgrave at the Southport School has been amazing. I’ve met some great kids and made life-long friends. I’ve watched and learnt from the example of various Musgrave Captains and am grateful that when I go to Senior School they will be familiar faces. I’ve gotten to know teachers who I never would have had the chance to meet if it wasn’t for the House system. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in so many House activities ranging from sport to music to speaking at House meetings and in Chapel and at Assembly. It has been an honour to represent the mighty House of Gold and assume a leadership position within it. Musgrave has been a big and important part of my life since I started at the Prep School. I am going to miss the passion, compassion, kindness and care that everybody in Musgrave shows towards each other. I want to thank our Housemaster, Mr Hamilton, and my fellow captains, Joseph Ryan, Harry Stapleton and Zac Elvin, for their support. Senior school… here we come.