The word unique comes to my mind as I consider the start to the 2020 school year.

The first days of any school year are always a unique time. New students and new families mixed with those who are returning for another year at Nudgee College. Warm embraces and displays of friendship are mixed with the tentative gestures that come with first encounters. Getting started and finding their way around this big school is always challenging for new students. But this challenge is moderated by staff and fellow students who are looking to welcome, support and encourage. In effect, the important foundations are being laid for what is to come in the months ahead.

So welcome back to many and welcome to new families and students. This year, we will start the school year with approximately 1,680 students and more than 290 boarders. Amongst them, there are over 280 new students commencing this week. The preparation for the year has been extensive and extends back to the end of the 2019 school year. Many support staff have worked tirelessly throughout the holidays, while teachers over recent weeks have dedicatedly prepared for the year ahead.

The past summer has also been unique in another way. The ravages of fire have affected us all and we continue to hold those most affected in our thoughts and prayers. Across large parts of Queensland, and over the border into North-Western NSW, the drought has been relentless. Students in our Boarding Village return from farms and communities that are still suffering. The College continues to support them in a variety of ways and we pray that the rain that began to fall in recent weeks becomes more widespread.

Of course, unique certainly applies to the circumstances unfolding around the Coronavirus. We have communicated on a daily basis with our community and will continue to do so as the situation changes. I include our latest update, which was circulated earlier on Thursday. 

Upon entering the campus it is evident that building projects are underway. There is a building site at the MacKillop Building on Edmund Rice Way that will be transformed into the Early Learning Centre through the course of 2020. At the top of the campus, an extensive building site encompasses the heritage precinct, including Edmund Rice Mall, as well as the Treacy, Duhig and Gallagher buildings. This project in the central part of the school will cause some disruption to daily routines that we will all need to adjust to throughout the remainder of the year. We will update the community on these projects during 2020, as well as the Flats project when it commences at the end of the term.

2020 is also a unique year in Queensland education. Our Year 12 cohort will be a part of the first year level to complete the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) under the new senior assessment and tertiary entry regime. The Year 11s will follow in their footsteps as they commence their senior studies this week. This system of senior assessment will see the QCE represented by the attainment of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) score. This new landscape will challenge everyone – students, parents and teachers included. Last year, we commenced a regular communication process to convey the changes to long standing policies, procedures and practices. This will continue and I commend the work of Dean of Learning and Teaching Mr Jason Sepetauc and the Heads of Faculty and Subject Coordinators in preparing and working with our Year 11 and 12 cohorts. 

Finally, unique is a word that can be applied to Ms Julie Kopittke. As we advised our parent body earlier this week, Julie passed away on Monday following a heart attack late last week. Julie was a much loved House Mum in Hodda Boarding House as well as an assistant in the Advancement department. Her husband, Brendan, her adult daughters and extended family have been in our prayers this week. They were present in the Chapel on Wednesday evening when the Boarding community led a poignant tribute to her. The impact that Julie had on many Hodda boys and fellow staff was clearly evident throughout this occasion. Her sunny presence and caring demeanour will be missed. Her funeral details are still to be advised. 

With every blessing for the school year that is now underway.

Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal

In a College Newsletter late last year (Term 4, Week 7), I wrote about resilience and referred to those ‘teachable moments’ that often present themselves. These moments allow valuable and meaningful lessons to be learned. I made reference to the ongoing discussion amongst many child health experts, sociologists and educational leaders, who offer varied opinions on such matters as the importance of giving praise to students; establishing clear consequences for given behaviours; and the life lessons that can be learned from occasionally failing and working through some hardship. The article also touched on the importance of adolescents learning how to make correct choices. 

While it is vitally important that our boys constantly receive affirmations for their efforts, it is equally important that we do not set up systems that artificially praise all of the time; or in which competition does not occur; or in which hardship and/or failure does not exist; or in which responsibility for personal decision making is not analysed. The key here is the importance of developing resilience and self-responsibility in our boys. Both resilience and self-responsibility can be enhanced by the approach adopted by the significant adults around our boys – essentially their parents, families, teachers and coaches. 

Often important learning opportunities are hidden as problems. Most commonly, they involve change, loss, failure, disappointment, conflict and actually facing up to the consequences of choices we make. When parents and teachers have mindsets for building resilience, they see such situations as teachable moments. While we can enjoy moments of triumph and rightly give out praise, we can equally use those moments of hardship as opportunities to develop young men who are resilient, responsible and positive in their outlook. Making right choices is part of an adolescent’s developmental progress. 

The choices we have to make on a daily basis, both big and small, determine the consequences that follow and will determine our path in the future. The choices that we make as we go through life will ultimately determine how we travel, the destination of our travels and who will be on the journey with us. It is good to reflect on the choices we make, the reasons we make them and to consider those people or those things that may influence our choices. 

As the new year begins and our boys continue to move through school and onto paths beyond, they will realise that no one else can make their choices for them. Their choices are theirs alone and they need to be fully responsible for their own choices. In the long run, the choices they make will shape their life. The choices they make will define their character – and the choices made will establish how others perceive them. 

At our core is a belief that Nudgee College has an accepting culture, a tolerant culture, a culture that allows each boy to thrive and grow into a unique person who is supported and provides support to those around him. Achieving this culture comes down to the important choices each of us makes about how we treat others.  

Welcome back to a new decade – one that will offer us new choices every day.

Mr David Johnston
Deputy Principal

Introducing the New Director of Identity Ms Sian Kennedy

I have been at Nudgee College for more than 12 years and worked in a wide variety of roles, including most recently as the Duggan House Dean. Throughout my time at the College I have always played a very active part in the Identity programs, which included initiating Scrabble and Chat, going on the QCHSS Immersion, as well as planning, leading and taking part in three international Immersions to Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.

We are currently in the process of planning both Immersion and Social Justice activities for the year. Some are up and running, while others are still in the planning phase. If you’re interested in signing up please do so via the NC Solidarity Team App. More activities will be added to the app as they become available.

Ms Sian Kennedy
Director of Identity

Diagnostic Testing

During the first three weeks of this term, students in Years 6 to 9 will complete diagnostic testing that serves to assess and monitor students’ growth over time. Students will complete online tests provided by the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER) called the PAT Reading and PAT Maths tests. These Progressive Achievement Tests provide objective, norm-referenced information to teachers about their students’ skills and understandings in the areas of literacy and numeracy. The PAT Reading test will provide information on students’ reading comprehension skills, while the PAT Maths test assesses students’ skills in the six strands of Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Statistics and Probability. The College conducts this testing on an annual basis in order to track students’ progress in the areas of literacy and numeracy from year to year. As teachers and caregivers, we know that students of the same age and in the same year at school can be at different points of their learning and development. Therefore, this data serves to inform teaching and learning at Nudgee College, with the aim to meet the needs of individual students. Our teachers are increasingly engaged in analysing data in order to investigate student learning, monitor progress over time and adopt teaching practices that enable increased levels of student engagement and improved outcomes. Students are encouraged to do their best on these tests in order to demonstrate what they know. 

ACER Scholarship

Applications for ACER Scholarship for entry into Year 7 to 11 commencing in 2021, are required to complete the ACER Scholarship Cooperative Program Testing along with submitting the application form.

• Examination date: Saturday 22 February 2020, commencing at 9.00am
• Examination location: St Joseph's Nudgee College
• Application deadline: Monday 10 February 2020
• Cost: $120

Register for the ACER Scholarship Test here.

Mr Jason Sepetauc
Dean of Learning and Teaching

Subject Changes

All Years 8 to 12 students who are considering a late subject change must finalise these decisions by Friday of Week 2. Middle years students need to meet with me, and senior students need to meet with Ms Dee Tyrrell or Mr Jason Sepetauc to discuss their QCE. Students who wish to make a subject change should visit the Learning and Teaching Office outside of lesson time to make an appointment. Some subject changes may not be available due to timetable clashes or class sizes. Changes will not be made based on preferred teachers or classroom peers.

Ms Natalie Webber
Director of Learning and Teaching

On Wednesday, we welcomed 287 new students. It is an absolute gift to have so many new young men join our community. Our new arrivals have seen Nudgee College be bigger than it has been in its history; allowing us to offer so many great things. There is also always a challenge in working in the Student Formation area that we make each boy feel he is ‘known’. We work very hard at that.

Some fun facts about our numbers for 2020:  

Our 287 new students are from 15 different countries and speak 17 different languages other than English at home. These include China, England, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Republic of South Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Our boys are blessed as it is the best time ever to be a Nudgee College man.

Last First Day

At the beginning of this week two social media phenomena were happening at the same time. Firstly, many proud mums and dads were posting pictures of their young children heading to prep or just their first day of school. Simultaneously, many 16, 17, and 18 year old students were posting selfies and creating the phenomena of the ‘last first day’ – a celebration of starting their Senior year and acknowledging that their time at high school is coming to an end.

I am sure there are lots of mums and dads who last week had thoughts like:

• How is my baby boy in Year 12?
• Didn't he only just start school?
• Where has that time gone?

The College is looking forward to a wonderful year of Senior events, which we enjoy along with the students and their parents. Boys are very conscious that they will do many things over coming months for the last time, and it is worth being mindful of the significance of those moments – the last GPS Swimming, the last Head of the River, their last game of Cricket or Volleyball, their last Commencement Mass (this time with them as the stars) as well as many more moments.

Add to those moments later in the year things like formals, Saturday cheering, Boarding rituals, Kairos retreat, the Senior Farewell Assembly and Valedictory – there is a lot to look forward to and cherish.

Amongst all of the stress of the many things boys and families have on their plate this year, we encourage all to be mindful of the special moments and recognise how blessed we are here at Nudgee College.

In recognition of the phenomena of the last first day, on Wednesday the College was able to capture a photo of our Senior cohort on that day. There was a definite energy in the group and anticipation of what the Seniors of 2020 can create here at Nudgee College. The boys have been challenged since the end of last year – what legacy will the 2020 Seniors leave?

We trust the Seniors enjoyed their last first day. It was the start of what will be an exciting journey in 2020.

Mr Peter Todd
Dean of Students

It is my absolute pleasure to welcome new and returning families to the Nudgee College Junior School. We had a great first day with our Year 5 students and the new Year 6 students. As I explained to gasps from some students, this is my 33rd ‘first day’ and each year is different and exciting. There was certainly a buzz of excitement amongst our students that they had finally made it to the Junior School. With the return of our current Year 6 students on Thursday the energy level was raised. I look forward to a fabulous year with our staff and students ready to have a great 2020.

Junior School Teaching Staff

Please find listed below our teaching staff for 2020 and their email contacts:

• 5B Mr Corey Braithwaite - cbr@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 5C Mr Chris Dods - cdo@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 5D Mr Monty Du Mont - amo@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 5E Ms Maria Egan - meg@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 5F Mr Michael Ford - mfo@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 5R Ms Susan Reid - sre@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 6C Mr Chris Cawley - cca@nudgee.qld.edu.au and Ms Jaimee Trembearth - jtr@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 6D Ms Jai Dwyer - jdw@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 6H Ms Heather Hume - hhu@nudgee.qld.edu.au (Ms Romily Goggin until 19 February - tm1@nudgee.qld.edu.au)
• 6K Ms Andrea Kewley - akw@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 6S Mr Jorden Smith - jsm@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• 6Z Mr Paul Cazzulino - pcz@nudgee.qld.edu.au and Ms Jaimee Trembearth - jtr@nudgee.qld.edu.au
• Advancement Teacher Mrs Charmaine Greatrex - cgr@nudgee.qld.edu.au

Tuesday 11 February - Year 5 and 6 Information Evening

I look forward to meeting many parents at our upcoming Parent Information Evening on Tuesday 11 February in Tierney Auditorium.  Refreshments shall commence at 6.30pm with the evening formally commencing at 7.00pm. This is a parent only event. An invitation from the College Principal will be sent home next Friday, outlining the details of the evening.

Date Claimers for Weeks 2 and 3

• Wednesday 5 February: Inter-house Swimming, Periods 1 and 2 (from 8.40am, expected finish 10.30am)
• Tuesday 11 February: Parent Information Evening, Tierney Auditorium
• Tuesday 11 February: Gold, silver and bronze medal presentation at Assembly (Semester 2 2019)

First Day of School for Year 5 Students

Mr Chris Cawley
Director of Junior School

With great sadness we lost one of our long serving House Mums Ms Julie Kopittke prior to school returning. On Wednesday evening this week the Boarding community held an evening prayer of remembrance for Julie. Along with all our boarders, Boarding staff, teaching staff and Julie’s family were also present for this special liturgy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Julie’s husband Brendan and her four daughters during this tragic time. Head of Hodda Boarding House Mr Ken Mitchell gave a moving tribute, describing Julie as a source of love and care for the boys she looked after. Julie was always focussed on the boys and their needs. The outpouring of messages from past and present families is testament to the impact Julie had on our Boarding community.  She was a much loved member of our Boarding community and we will remember her fondly. 

Welcome to 2020

On Tuesday we welcomed more than 87 new boarders to the St Joseph’s Nudgee College community. It was a wonderful occasion and we were struck by how smooth the transition was for many. It is clear that the sleepover we did for these boys last year has had a terrific impact on settling their nerves. 

The first week of Boarding is often full of anticipation and nerves (for students, parents and even some staff); however, we have seen a very smooth transition from the boys, who have settled easily into Boarding life. Each new boarder has been assigned a ‘Boarding Buddy’ who is stepping them through their orientation into Boarding life.  

Staffing

I would like to welcome Ms Tonia Scholes as the new PA to the Deans of Students and Boarding. Tonia has worked for many years in the science industry, she studied marine biology at University and is a local Sandgate resident.

I would also like to welcome a number of new Boarding Supervisors to the team:

• Mr John Ireland – Murphy House
• Mr James Kasch – Murphy House
• Mr Ben Bright – Cotter House
• Mr Mitch Perkins – Cotter House
• Mr Chris Dodds – O’Brien House
• Mr Hamish Smith – O’Brien House
• Ms Sue Minor – O’Brien House
• Mr Andrew Hynes – Hodda House

Of course, I also welcome back our existing staff who I hope have enjoyed a restful break, welcoming in 2020 in their individual ways.

Boarders’ Support Group (BSG)

Nudgee College Boarding has a wonderful Support Group that is made up of Boarding parents across various regions, year levels and Boarding Houses.  Please refer to the ‘Documents’ tab in Team App for the BSG contact list.

This committee will communicate with Boarding families via email, but welcome any contact via phone call if you are looking for information and/or support on your Nudgee College journey. This year, the BSG have put together a 2020 Nudgee College Boarding parent calendar and 2020 Year 12 important dates list to assist Boarding families with their planning and travel commitments for the year ahead. These are also available on Team App.

This support group is also responsible for organising two of the main Boarding fundraising functions each year. The first is the Boarding Evening on the Green, which will be held on Friday 15 May on campus, in conjunction with our House Charity Free Dress Day. Next is the Boarders’ Bash’, which will be held after the 1st XV home game against St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace on Saturday 25 July.

If you would like to be involved in the BSG, please email tscholes@nudgee.qld.edu.au.

Term Ahead

Week 1 will be filled with a range of recreational activities, which is another popular part of Boarding life. Various sporting activities commence this Saturday, with Rowing at Wyaralong, final Volleyball trials and Round 1 of GPS Cricket versus The Southport School. On Sunday most of our boarders will travel to the Gold Coast for a day trip to Wet‘N’Wild, which is a great way for the boys to get to know each other and combat the heat. 

This week we have also held a full Boarding meeting for boys to outline the strategic vision and plan for 2020. These meetings are invaluable as they allow the boarders to voice their opinions, concerns and ideas for their year ahead. 

Reach for the Stars

In Week 2 we will commence our Reach for the Stars initiative, an academic enrichment program designed to help each boy reach his potential. We are privileged to have a number of academic staff motivated to help our boarders succeed and we are very appreciative of the time and energy they give to the boys.

Communication

For parents new to Boarding this year, we encourage you to download the Boarding Team App. The introduction of Team App to the College has assisted our communication with Boarding families, enabling them to keep up to date with important news, events and activities involving their son, his Boarding House and the College. Whilst not our only means of communication, this is an additional resource that parents, students and staff find useful.

Mr Christian Oneto
Dean of Boarding

Throughout the summer break, we have had many boys and coaches involved in camps and tours (too many to list them all). Chess, Cricket, Debating, Football, Rowing, Swimming and Volleyball have all been busy preparing for upcoming seasons. I wish all our teams and staff the best of luck for upcoming activities.

Standout moments were:

• Ashley Wong winning gold in the Under 16 200m at the Australian All Schools Championships in December.
• The Nudgee College Intermediate team of Alex Romano, Callum Wallace, Charlie Best, Ethan Petcos, Malachi Tuck, Matthew Johns, Samuel Rogers winning a silver medal at the National Nitro Schools Final.
• Our 1st XI winning the Final of Christian Brothers’ Cricket Week against Gregory Terrace.
• Thomas Raymond winning a silver medal at the Australian Age Open Water Championships in the Under 17 7.5km event, gaining Australian team selection for the World Junior Open Water Championships in August.
• Finally watching the excitement of our youngest students begin their time at Nudgee College with Cricket and Swimming camps.

Junior School Sport at Nudgee

After reviewing our processes in 2019, it was important for us to make some improvements to our sport offerings. Our sport philosophy for Junior School students can be found here.

Mr Anthony Connellan
Director of Sport

Tuckshop Menu

The updated Tuckshop Menu for 2020 can be found here.