Gryphon Times | 06/03/26
principal's message
Downlands has continued to be a very busy place over the last month continuing to offer students and the wider community wonderful opportunities to experience educational opportunities and connection to MSC charism and traditions.
Connecting classroom learning to real life opportunities is critical for students and Downlands staff go above and beyond to provide these opportunities. A few of these opportunities have included the Year 11 Literature and Year 12 Drama Excursion watching The Great Gatsby, Year 12 students attending the University Showcase, Year 12 Geography student’s excursion to Stradbroke Island, Year 12 Legal Studies visiting Queensland Parliament House and the Year 12 Agriculture students visiting a local cotton farm and Mort & Co’s Grassdale Feedlot.
Within the co-curricular space rehearsal for the College Musical, Mamma Mia!, has continued. The Take Note Performing Arts weekend also provided significant time for many of the choirs, ensembles and dance troupes to consolidate performances for the year ahead. The teachers, conductors and support staff are thanked for providing this wonderful opportunity. Sport is also a busy area with weekly competitions in touch, cricket, futsal, volleyball, netball and water polo. Congratulations to students for selection in Darling Downs teams, Queensland state teams and Australian teams. The Cattle Show Team has also had an impressive start to the year with stellar showings at Clifton and Inverell, great results with students achieving success in junior judging, paraders and exhibiting stock in their breed and age classes.
Students have also had the opportunity to participate in camps and pilgrimages: Year 6 attended camp at Lake Moogerah, Year 7 attended camp at CYC Burleigh and the Year 12 Leaders went on the annual pilgrimage to Sydney and Douglas Park.
Some very special events were enjoyed by all students. These included celebrating Father Bob’s 60 years of being a professed MSC, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.
Thank you to all students, staff and parents who assisted with a wonderful open day. Having almost 1000 prospective students and parents visit Downlands was fantastic.
MISSION
The highlights this term have been many and especially the weeks around Open Day. After a successful Open Day morning, the day concluded with Sunday night Boarders’ Mass where Fr Bob Irwin MSC was both celebrant and celebrity! The students offered their hearty congratulations to mark Fr Bob’s 60 years as an MSC with singing and reverie. The celebrations spilled over to the following morning where the whole College gathered in the Sacré Cœur to offer sincere thanks to Fr Bob for those 60 years of service to MSC education in this country and in Vietnam. The students had rehearsed ‘Shout Out My Soul’ the previous week as a gift and a prayer for Fr Bob. During the assembly, staff and students shared memories and special moments of Fr Bob’s ministry that had impacted them directly and as members of an MSC community. At break time, the students and staff celebrated with cupcakes for morning tea and the Junior School students prepared a special card for Fr Bob. We’re sure that he will treasure these messages from the students.
All this occurred while the ten student leaders were away on pilgrimage to MSC heartland in Sydney and Douglas Park. We maintain that while the students were singing to Fr Bob at Downlands, simultaneously the leaders were singing to the elderly MSC brothers and priests gathered for Mass on Monday morning in the Monastery Chapel. There were many highlights of the 2026 Pilgrimage, and this was probably one of those most special moments. Friday evening’s meeting and dining with their Chevalier College counterparts and Assistant Principal: Faith and Mission, Mr Sandy Abbey, was a time of camaraderie, true connection and spontaneous singing. Sunday’s meeting with Fr Roger Purcell in the Mission Office was another highlight as were pre-lunch drinks and Sunday lunch with the gents in the dining room. The rain fell most of the afternoon on Sunday providing a particularly somber backdrop to our visit to the site of the Bondi tragedy. Fr Kimi Vunivesilevu and Br Phil O’Reilly graciously invited Downlanders past and present to Treand House for a gathering that included Dan Fraser’s daughter, Molly (Class of 2021) who, with friends Brooke and Ethan, shared words of wisdom about experiences of leadership during and post school as members of the Armed Forces. The meeting could not have been more poignant as Fr Pierre-Marie Tréand who was so instrumental in establishing the MSC in this country, looked on from above viewing the legacy of his work and that of the early Australian MSC. We think he would have been very pleased.
Upon our return, the College celebrated Shrove Tuesday and once again the Rugby and Netball teams had sleeves rolled up to serve our community. The Ash Wednesday Liturgy provided space for contemplation and peace, and we thank sincerely the Year 12 students for leading our community with care, respect and kindness.
junior school Leaders
This year, we were thrilled to see over 40 students apply for a Junior School Ambassador position. The strong level of interest reflects the enthusiasm, pride, and commitment our students have toward serving their school community.
The first stage of the process saw every applicant deliver a leadership speech to the Year 5 and 6 cohorts. Standing in front of peers is no small task, and each student demonstrated courage as they shared their understanding of leadership and the ways they hope to contribute to our school.
From these applicants, a number of students were shortlisted for the next phase: an interview with Mr Wilkie, Mrs Laffin, and our two College Captains. These interviews provided an opportunity for students to share their ideas in more depth, reflect on previous leadership experiences, and speak confidently about the contributions they hope to make. The interview panel noted the maturity, honesty, and thoughtfulness displayed by all students throughout the process. Following careful consideration, the final selections were made.
While only a small number of students can hold an official Ambassador title, every Year 6 student should be immensely proud of the way they conducted themselves throughout this process. Their speeches, teamwork, and personal reflection demonstrated the strong culture of leadership we continue to build in the Junior School.
Importantly, we remind our students that leadership is not defined by a badge. Every Year 6 student, regardless of whether they received a formal role, is recognised as a leader of the Junior School. Through their everyday actions, the way they treat others, and their willingness to be positive role models, they each contribute to shaping a culture of respect, kindness, and responsibility. We are incredibly proud of all our students for embracing it with enthusiasm and heart, and we look forward to seeing their leadership shine throughout the year.
Years 1 and 2 VISIT the farm
During Week 6, our Year 1 and Year 2 students stepped out of the classroom and headed to Downlands Farm for an exciting hands-on learning experience. This special visit helped students bring their Geography lessons to life in a real-world setting.
While exploring the grounds, the children investigated a variety of resources. They learned to identify the differences between natural elements, managed environments, and man-made structures across the property. Seeing these concepts up close gave the students a much clearer understanding of how different resources work together on a working farm.
Beyond identifying resources, the students also discovered what it takes to care for the farm. They learned about the daily practices we use to look after the land, the animals, and the crops, highlighting the importance of responsibility and environmental care.
It was a fantastic day of outdoor education. We love seeing our junior students make meaningful connections between their classroom discussions and the physical world around them.
The 2026 Musical Mamma Mia!
The 2026 Musical Mamma Mia! continues develop with only 10 school weeks of preparation left until opening night on the 29th of May. Whilst all of the on-stage cast have been practicing extremely well, we were given some insights into the Yr 12 Construction Students and staff who have been busily constructing the sets.
The 2026 musical has been a true collaboration combining the efforts and expertise of the Performing Arts, Construction and Visual Arts staff and students. Tickets are available via the
EMPIRE THEATRE for performances on Friday 29th and 30th May. Tickets are selling fast so don’t delay or you might miss out!
Sponsorship Opportunity
Shine in the Spotlight with "Mamma Mia!"
Are you ready to dance your way into the hearts of our vibrant community? Our upcoming production of Mamma Mia! promises a whirlwind of ABBA hits, infectious energy, and unforgettable performances that will have audiences singing along and buzzing about the show for weeks!
As a sponsor, your business will take center stage with prominent logo placement in programs, social media features, and exclusive tickets for your team.
It's not just support—it's a chance to boost your visibility, connect with families, and be part of the magic that brings joy.
Year 7 camp
In Week 5, Year 7 students attended camp at CYC Adventures on the Gold Coast. Despite rainy weather on arrival, students remained enthusiastic and quickly settled in before beginning their activities.
Throughout the camp, students participated in a wide range of experiences designed to build teamwork, confidence, and resilience. Activities included site exploration, initiative games, body boarding at Burleigh, paddle boarding, and archery tag, which proved to be a standout favourite.
Evening activities such as night games and trivia further encouraged collaboration and problem‑solving, with students notably outperforming staff during trivia.
Camp provided valuable opportunities for students to form new friendships and strengthen existing ones through shared challenges and teamwork. Students demonstrated positive attitudes, willingness to help others, and courage in stepping outside their comfort zones. The camp was a highly successful experience, made possible by the dedication and support of the staff who attended.
Downlands DIVAS Unite for International Women’s Day
On Thursday 5 March, Downlands DIVAS gathered on the Front Lawn for a Pilates Mat Workout led by past student Jess Fitzgibbons from Sculpt and Soul. The lawn was alive with energy as women, mothers, and mentors—dressed brightly in pink and purple—came together in support and celebration.
Laughter, encouragement, and a shared purpose filled the air as participants moved through the session, connecting with old friends and making new ones.
The event was more than just a workout; it became a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community unites. Gold coin donations collected went directly to Protea Place, a local organisation making a real difference in the lives of women in need. The generosity and enthusiasm of those who attended showed how small actions, like gathering for a Pilates class, can have a meaningful impact.
Thank you to everyone who joined in, brought a friend, and celebrated the strength, resilience, and support found within the Downlands community!
Sporting Achievements and
Community Spirit Shine at Downlands
It has been another outstanding fortnight of sport at Downlands College, with participation, performance and school spirit on full display.
Our Peak2Park community fun run was a tremendous success, with Downlands registering over 140 runners, the largest group among all organisations involved. The strong turnout highlighted the wonderful community spirit within our College, with students, staff and families enjoying a fantastic morning together.
On the rugby field, our 1st XV recorded an impressive 40–10 victory over St Patrick's College, Shorncliffe, in Brisbane. The squad continues to build strongly as preparations progress, with the team for the upcoming SANIX World Youth Rugby Tournament to be announced shortly.
In QCIS T20 Cricket, both our 1st XI and Under 15 teams remain undefeated and have already secured their Grand Final positions. The 2nd XI face two must-win matches in the coming weeks, with the exciting possibility of an all-Downlands Grand Final.
Meanwhile, Touch Football, Futsal, and Water Polo seasons are rapidly approaching finals, with a large number of Downlands teams strongly positioned for deep runs. It is an exciting time across all programs as we head toward the business end of the season.
Performing Arts
On February 20th at 6:00 AM, 107 students and 14 staff members embarked on an inspiring journey to the 2026 Take Note Performing Arts Camp at the Alex Park campground in Alexandra Headlands. Students from the Dance, Music, and Media Club dedicated themselves to an incredible 83 rehearsals, allowing us to accomplish a month's worth of practice in just one weekend. This remarkable commitment laid a strong foundation for an exciting year of performances ahead.
Amidst the rigorous schedule, we also cherished our traditional activities, including a lively Games Night and Trivia organised by our Performing Arts Captains, Alex and Bridie. The fun continued with a "Hall of Fame" themed bowling night, as well as our beloved morning beach walks and afternoon beach swims. The progress made during rehearsals has significantly advanced our Performing Arts students, and we are excited about the performances that lie ahead.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated staff for their time and expertise, and congratulations to all students for their outstanding commitment to enhancing the Performing Arts department at Downlands.
In other exciting news, our Acro and Pom team showcased their hard work with their first-ever performance during the Spirit Assembly on Wednesday, March 3rd. Under the guidance of Miss Overton, Miss Newman, and Miss Cowlishaw, the students developed energising routines to support this year’s Spirit events. Their dedication truly brought the performance to life—well done!
Additionally, on Thursday, March 5th, our secondary school performers took to the stage for a captivating concert aimed at the Junior Years students in the Prep and Year 1 area. A special mention goes to Performing Arts Captain Alex Phillips for organising this wonderful event, which entertained our younger students while demonstrating that the performing arts can be both dynamic and fun.
Lille Merlow: From Downlands BOARDER to Collegiate Rugby
Hailing from the coastal town of Yeppoon in Queensland, 18-year-old Lille Merlow has always been drawn to the thrill of rugby. As a freshman at Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri, she is now channeling that passion into the NCAA Division I Women's Rugby program while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
Merlow's journey to the U.S. was paved by her formative years as a boarder at Downlands College. Moving from her family home in Yeppoon to Downlands—a distance of over 500 kilometers—meant adapting to independent living. This experience, which included structured routines, shared living with peers, and participation in high-level sports like the Downlands Rugby 7s team, helped to prepare her for the challenges of relocating across the Pacific. As captain of the Downlands Rugby 7's team, she led them to victory in the 2025 Selena Worsley Cup, scoring a try in the thrilling series against rivals The Glennie School.
Since arriving at Lindenwood, Merlow has embraced her new "family" in the Lions rugby team, balancing the excitement of collegiate athletics with the demands of freshman life. "The first few weeks have been exciting, daunting, and rewarding all at the same time. As much as I miss my family at home, I’m grateful to have found a new family in my team here at Lindenwood."
As a utility forward who represented the Toowoomba Bears and shone at the Australian Schools Rugby Championships, Merlow's talent has already positioned her as a key recruit in a program renowned for national championships. Her story highlights the global growth of women's rugby and the role of boarding school experiences in fostering the independence needed for international success. With her drive and background, Merlow is poised for remarkable achievements—watch this space!
KEY DATES | TERM ONE
Please refer to the College Calendar on My Downlands to plan ahead.
Junior School
Twilight on Main (Community Dinner) - Saturday 7 March
Years 3 & 5 NAPLAN - Wednesday 11 to Monday 23 March
Grandparents Day - Friday 20th March (CLICK HERE TO REGISTER)
QCIS Gala Day (Yrs 5 & 6) - Wednesday 25 March
Primary Schools Rugby 7s - Thursday 26 March
Toowoomba Show Holiday - Friday 27 March
Interhouse Cross Country (5-8yrs) - Monday 30 March
Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews - Monday 30 March
Junior School Assembly - 8:50am, Tuesday 31 March (Jules Hall)
Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews - Tuesday 31 March
Term 1 concludes at 3:00pm - Wednesday 1 April
Secondary School
Twilight on Main (Community Dinner) - Saturday 7 March
Year 11 Assessment starts - Tuesday 10 March
Years 7 & 9 NAPLAN - Wednesday 11 to Monday 23 March
Year 10 vaccinations - Friday 13 March
Year 8 Retreat - Tuesday 17 March
Year 10 Retreat - Wednesday 18 March
Grandparents Day - Friday 20th March (CLICK HERE TO REGISTER)
Year 12 P&F Connection event - Sunday 22 March (CLICK HERE TO BOOK)
Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 12 Assessment starts - Monday 23 March
Toowoomba Show Holiday - Friday 27 March
Year 7 Tradition & Spirit Day - Tuesday 31 March
Lenten Liturgy - Wednesday 1 April
Interhouse Cross Country (9–18yrs) - Wednesday 1 April
Term 1 concludes at 3:00pm - Wednesday 1 April
Withdrawal of enrolment notice
Clause Section 7 of the Conditions of Enrolment which states: Changes in Enrolment 7.1 Parents shall give the Principal notice, in writing, should your family status change in relation to the contractual circumstances and financial liability for your child’s enrolment. 7.2 If you wish to change your child’s boarder/day status, you must give the College ten (10) weeks' advance notice prior to the commencement of the next term, in writing and addressed to the Principal. Failure to do so may result in increased fees and charges to complete the transition. 7.3 If you wish to withdraw the enrolment of your child from the College you must give the Principal ten (10) weeks’ advance notice prior to the commencement of the next term, in writing and addressed to the Principal. Failure to meet these conditions renders you liable for the payment of one term’s tuition, levies and/or boarding fees, and other fees and charges prior to the final day.
