Musgrave

MR JOSHUA BEECHER musgrave housemaster

‘Musgrave Kookabruthas brave and bold!’ This line from our war cry is a true reflection of this wonderful group of young gentleman. I have seen and heard of countless stories from teachers, parents and students of selflessness, courage and compassion and this is the reason we are in with a chance of retaining the Howard Smith Cup again

in 2018.

The opportunity to come together each week and be a part of something more than just regular schooling is what sets the pastoral care system at The Southport School apart from everyone else. Weekly House meetings, assemblies and chapels are just some of the many ways for boys from all year levels to come together to make lifelong friendships and bonds.

You only need to attend one assembly to see the achievements and talents that Musgrave House is filled with. From academic endeavours to sporting achievements to musical accomplishments and even community service, these boys can achieve anything they set their minds too. However, it wasn’t their achievements in the class or sporting field or on stage that impressed me the most, it was the way they carried themselves. They were respectful, friendly, diligent and supportive boys who never let the opportunity pass by to lift someone’s spirit. The 2018 leadership group were marvellously lead by House and School Captain Jed Gallie and Vice Captains Aidan Arthur, Callum O’Connor and Ryan Summers. Leading your fellow brothers and the School is no easy feat and these gentleman have done exactly that. Along with their graduating class, the leadership, kindness, compassion and encouragement have left a lasting effect on the boys in Musgrave. Their guidance for the succeeding Year 5 boys has also set the platform for the coming year and I am truly grateful for this.

Musgrave House has been so fortunate to have many great mentors and I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mrs Gippel, Mr Hamilton, Mrs Nixon, Mr Ayres and Mrs Streten who have not only provided the boys with guidance and wisdom, but they helped me immensely. Musgrave House could not have had such an enjoyably successful year without them. As one journey comes to an end, another begins. We wish our graduating Kookabruthas and those leaving us the very best and thank them for their support. Equally, we welcome a new group of enthusiastic Kookabruthas to Musgrave House who will leave their own mark like those before them. It has been an absolute pleasure to lead the best House in the Prep School once again.

MESSAGE FROM THE 2018 MUSGRAVE LEADERS

LEADERSHIP Jed Gallie Musgrave House Captain 2018 It has been a privilege to be a leader of mighty Musgrave this year. My definition of Musgrave is a family of brothers who work together and play together. We are symbolised with the colour gold and the animal of the kookaburra. Leadership is about helping everyone around you be the best they can possibly be. We have tried to develop this growth mindset within the House this year but most importantly, we have tried to have fun along the way.

Being a leader, I have learnt how important it is to be a role model, particularly for the younger students who look up to the Year 6 boys. This is not just in formal events like House meetings, but also in classrooms and playgrounds.

At Prep, we don’t need a badge to be a leader, and I am proud of how many of my fellow Kookabruthas have helped with House meetings and duty weeks. This has also been shown at all our House events, cheering each other on. At the start of the year, I was nervous standing up the front and leading the House, but now I find it inspiring, leading such a great group of fellow students. I am particularly proud leading the war cries which continues to give me chills.

Being Musgrave House Captain has taught me several things. Respect each other, stand up for others, and always try to do your best. Lastly, it involves helping everyone around you to be the best that they possibly can be. We can achieve far more together, than if we worked as individuals. We have shown this in all the successes Musgrave has had this year.

HOUSE EVENTS Aidan Arthur Musgrave House Vice Captain 2018 Wow! What a journey it has been for all of us. From swimming to cross country to athletics, then to House basketball and cricket. This year there were so many highlights and we truly showed what a great House we are. The year started quickly with our first chance to show what we were made of at the swimming carnival. Despite a valiant effort in the final events we narrowly missed out on the title claiming a close second behind Dixon. We followed this up with a record winning margin in cross country and then again at the athletics carnival. We sang our hearts out in House music and finished the year strong claiming victory in House cricket. Thanks Musgrave! See you soon!

CHARITY WORK Ryan Summers Musgrave House Vice Captain 2018

Service learning has been so beneficial for all the students at TSS Prep, including our Kookabruthas because they have learned that to give is much better than receive. This year Musgrave chose the charity, OzHarvest. OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue charity and they collect quality surplus food, distribute it to people in need and divert food waste from landfill. The boys at Prep worked together like a true band of brothers to not only collect non-perishable items for those who are less fortunate but also to educate each other on the importance of not wasting food. I believe the boys have learned so much from this experience and think it is truly a privilege that we attend a school that provides such a great platform to help those in need.

JOURNEY OF A MUSGRAVE BOY Callum O’Connor Musgrave House Vice Captain 2018

My journey at TSS started in Prep. I remember wearing a yellow shirt at the start of the year not knowing the importance of what it meant and the spirit behind the colour. Through my years until Year 3 Musgrave was not as important to me. But being put closer to the older boys I realised how much that stripe on our shirt meant and the courage and bravery that was shown to win events for the team. Cross country was an important day for me. I remember running my race with the loud support of the boys on the sideline. I was also delighted to see other Houses cheer for Musgrave, this day to me was truly special. My Musgrave journey has not been without its challenges but I leave at the end of Year 6 hoping that the boys coming through will carry on the spirit.