Principal
The common good is an expression that is resonating with many Australians during this pandemic crisis. Whatever our circumstances we have all been challenged by the changes and restrictions placed on us over recent weeks and months. There is generally a clear and justifiable reason behind the decisions being made for us by Government and health authorities. As a nation we have mostly accepted these changes in good faith and in the belief that it serves the greater good… the common good.
While we still have quite a journey to run in this time of COVID-19, to date, Australians can be very proud of how we have responded and how we have limited the health impact. We have adjusted our social behaviours in individual interactions with others as well as in communal gatherings. We have improved our hygiene practices. We have kept our distance. Limited our travel. Stayed home. In doing so, we have placed the common good and the needs of others ahead of our own immediate and long term needs.
There is an economic cost to be borne. Many are doing that right now and facing financial hardship and unemployment. The rest of us will be called upon to bear the economic load in the months and years ahead.
There is also a social cost being borne which is hard to quantify. Statistics in the area of mental health and wellbeing are already indicating this fact.
One of the collective sacrifices we have made to serve the common good has been in education. School closures have had significant impact and we have had to embrace a different version of schooling. As a community Nudgee College has embraced NC@home and the feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive.
Our families have been provided with the details of the program and at the end of the second week would now be feeling more comfortable with online learning. Despite how well we are going as a school community it is fair to say that learning@home can never fully replace the experience of actually being at school with all the associated social interactions that every boy lives every day.
Behind all the planning and details sits an overall vision for what we are attempting to achieve. The essential principles of the vision for NC@home are that:
- there is a relationship focus
- all students feel cared for by their teacher and the College
- staff should feel supported
- parents, staff and students should all feel connected
- there is a collective learning experience
- we embrace 21st century modes of learning and teaching
- there is leadership that is courageous and authentic.
Our feedback would tell us that we are largely achieving this so far and I will share other aspects of this vision in the updates to come.
Finally, there has been much conjecture in the media (mainstream and social) and between different levels of government about the return to normal schooling. The College will continue to be in alignment with state and Catholic authorities on these decisions. While we miss the boys’ presence amongst us here at Nudgee College and are looking forward to their return, we also know that the common good must take precedence.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal