St Joseph's Nudgee College

December 3, 2010

Year 7 St Joseph’s Nudgee College students ‘crossed the road’ last week to officially celebrate the end of their traditional primary school era.

Nudgee College’s inaugural ‘crossing the road’ week consisted of a range of activities including a chapel service, inter-house rowing regatta, an official ceremony and a visit to Wet ‘n’ Wild.

The ceremony was particularly reflective for those in attendance with this group of Year 7 students being the pioneers of Nudgee College’s Year 5-7 classes when they began in 2008.

“This was the first group to begin Year 5 so it is an apt occasion that we look back on their time so far at the College,” said teacher Ms Sian Kennedy. 

Mrs Toni Riordan also reflected on the beginning during her parent’s reflection when she spoke of Orientation Day in 2007.

“I looked around the room at the other parent’s faces and it was a relief to see they were all slightly apprehensive like me about how such a little boy would go in such a big place,” she said.

“I needn’t have worried as Dom (Maher), Liam’s first teacher, instantly created boy heaven. Liam has had lots of opportunities since being at Nudgee College but it’s not what he’s done that I am most thankful for but what he has become.

“Liam has a quiet confidence in who he is. I am proud to see the respect he shows his grandparents and the manners he has with his teachers and adults.”

Year 7 student Ben Rada Martin described his first day of Year 5 as “daunting”.

“I remember how miniscule I felt at my first assembly,” Ben said.

“I was nervous and eager to start my Nudgee College journey but was daunted at how big the other students were.”

Ben’s initial sentiments were echoed, but in reverse, from Mr Matt Thornton who recalled comments from some of the Senior students at around the same time.

“We were originally in the McKennariey Centre while they finished the O’Neill Building and one day some Seniors were lining up outside the classroom for their class. They were saying how small the Year 5-7 students were, how big their bags were compared to them and I even overheard one student ask another if the Years 5-7 student was wearing his blazer as it was so long on him.”

The ceremony gave both the students and parents a chance to reflect on their journey so far and take a trip down memory lane looking at photos and sharing stories. The afternoon concluded with the Year 5 and 6 students forming a tunnel and congratulating the Year 7 students as they made their way to the Year 8 area for afternoon tea.

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