Years 5-7s settle into Nudgee life
April 18, 2008
Nudgee's first Year 5, 6 and 7 students settled into Nudgee life during Term 1 and were busy both in and outside the classroom.
Years 5-7 Coordinator Sian Kennedy said all the students have just been fantastic.
"They are enjoying the curriculum and the use of integrated technology using Mathletics means even Maths is enjoyable," Ms Kennedy said.
Outside the classroom, the students visited a number of on-campus facilities such as the farm and the Boondall wetlands, and also enjoyed a visit by the Qld Arts Council.
For the Year 5 students, a retreat gave them the chance to learn about the college's founder Edmund Rice and his work with those less fortunate.
"The retreat was wonderful for the Year 5s because it taught them so much about the world we live in and Nudgee's foundations. The boys made paper bags like boys their age in India have to do, played games and enjoyed time for reflection and prayer," Ms Kennedy said.
In the sporting arena, the boys competed against other schools in various sports as part of the Bramble Bay Interschool Competition and impressed everyone when almost all students showed the Nudgee Spirit by participating in the interhouse swimming carnival.
The boys have participated in other sports and activities including handball, sports training, rock climbing, tennis, golf and chess.
Nudgee's younger students also showed their talents musically as part of the choir and enjoyed the chance to learn brass instrumentals.
Integrating students in Years 5-7 into a College with older (and taller) students was always going to bring challenges but the co-operation and protectiveness the senior students have displayed as Big Brothers at House Masses and functions and during Assemblies is to be commended.
"The response from the older students towards the Year 5-7s has just been wonderful and the students quickly became an integral part of the Nudgee community," Ms Kennedy said.
Ms Kennedy also praised the maturity and courage of the Year 5-7 students when called upon in whole school situations and activities.
"I am constantly amazed by the mature and capable manner with which our young men approach their various activities at the College. There have been occasions this term when some boys have been asked to speak at large, formal gatherings," Ms Kennedy said.
"These have included whole school assemblies, the Senior Investiture Mass and the St Joseph's Day Mass. On each occasion the boys have taken it all in their stride, speaking with confidence and clarity. The future looks very rosy for our country with this new generation of Nudgee men.""