St Joseph's Nudgee College

May 11, 2010

St Joseph’s Nudgee College kicked off the GPS winter sports season in style on Saturday with a celebration of the College’s Indigenous program.

In a show of camaraderie between Nudgee College and Round 1 competitors Ipswich Grammar School (IGS), both schools came together before the kick off to the 1st XV match to celebrate Indigenous members of both schools.

“As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition, Nudgee College is committed to putting reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people up front,” Nudgee College Dean of Identity Mr Chris Ryan said.

“Our Indigenous students are renowned for their cheeriness, enjoyment of their friendships and games and great pride in their school at all GPS events.”

Both Nudgee College and IGS have extensive Indigenous programs with almost sixty students of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent attending Nudgee College in 2010 and approximately 50 attending IGS. Most of these young men are boarders.

Saturday’s celebration, in the lead up to National Sorry Day on May 26, saw the College host 30 Indigenous guests for lunch and the game including Aunty Julie Smith who is our elder on the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan committee.

The day also saw the Indigenous Dance Troop perform a welcoming dance for both communities, as well as a didgeridoo performance under the Ross Oval goal posts by Year 9 student Lachie McRae. 

Commemorative jerseys featuring both the Nudgee College and IGS playing strips, as well as Indigenous artwork done by Nudgee College’s Indigenous Liaison Officer Ms Yvonne O’Neill, were exchanged when Indigenous students from both schools met on the halfway line before the match. 

Each home game throughout the year will have a different theme that celebrates various aspects of Nudgee College life. 

“Last Saturday’s special focus on reconciliation and the closing of the education gap was a great way to begin the season. We look forward to continuing to celebrate our community and diversity through the presence of these fine young men and their families who call Nudgee College their school,” Mr Ryan said.

Image Gallery

Click an image to see a full version: