What a memorable celebration last Saturday evening was. A crowd of 900 people came together to celebrate in great style, with a palpable sense of joy and a genuine appreciation for the beautiful restoration of the heritage precinct of the College. For those who could not attend as well as those who were there, I share with you my speech delivered on Saturday night as well as some of Brody Grogan’s photos taken throughout the night.

I wish the community well for Term 2 - one that promises to be highly energetic and features a number of significant events.

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Welcome to the celebration of 130 years of St Joseph’s Nudgee College. In honour of this special moment earlier this afternoon, we blessed and rededicated this heritage precinct in the presence of Archbishop Mark Coleridge. Tonight is an opportunity to come together as a community with a great sense of gratitude and appreciation for this magnificent redevelopment. How beautiful is the Treacy building, Mary’s Tower as well as the Edmund Rice mall? How fitting it is to be able to celebrate 130 years in the very original areas of the College that have been so magnificently restored.

How do you capture 130 years of a school such as Nudgee College? The truth is you cannot. It is too big a story. But, where we can capture the essence of our story is in those stories of the individuals who have been a part of this community since 1891.

The stories of one of the 10,000 brothers. Of every boy who has ever worn that uniform; who has sat in those classrooms; who has slept in the dorms; who has bloodied his knees and elbows on the Flats. Local boys from Boondall as well as boys from nearly every corner of Queensland, from every state and territory of this great country and from countless other countries overseas.

The stories of their Mums and their Dads; their sacrifice to send their sons to Nudgee and their generosity to support Nudgee.

The stories of the Christian Brothers and those of every teacher who has followed in their footsteps and lived their vocation as an educator.

The stories of every support staff member. Anonymous men and women. Some who have worked for years in the laundry, the kitchen, the health centre, the finance office or on the grounds.

Their stories are the Nudgee story. Stories of connection, belonging and of being a part of something bigger than themselves. A community. A brotherhood. Connected by a spirit. Something unique to this place - Nudgee Spirit. A spirit that we find hard to put into words but something that we experience both within ourselves and between each other.

If there is a structure that speaks of that spirit, I believe it is Mary’s Tower. Last year, the Nudgee community showed just what it meant to us all when we raised $162,000 from 731 donors in one day. What an amazing show of community spirit. You all deserve a round of applause for that effort. I would also like to recognise the major benefactors in that campaign: The White family, the Power family, the Henry family and the Williams family.

Further to that, the College Foundation, through the College Building Fund, donated $1.6 million to the building project. We could not have completed this project without that support. I thank every family who has so generously donated to that Fund in recent years.

I also express my gratitude to all the staff who worked so hard to make tonight happen. Performing Arts staff and students, the Dev Comm office, the AV crew, the Property & Services team, the Catering and Kitchen staff. What an effort! 

In conclusion, whether you are a new member of the Nudgee community, or someone who has been connected to the College for years, this heritage precinct and the magnificent Treacy building has been handed on to the current generation by those who went before us. So too, a legacy built over 130 years has been passed on to us. Nudgee spirit is integral to that legacy.  It is our responsibility, as the Nudgee community of 2021, to nurture that legacy and that spirit. We do that by continuing to be just, inclusive, courageous, grateful and authentic. It is a legacy that calls each of us to be Signum FIdei - a faith of faith. 

Mr Peter Fullagar 

Principal

Expect the best from our boys

Whilst the end of Semester might seem to be a long way off, this term will no doubt fly past like any other busy term.  We start with a series of short weeks, then move into events like Showcase and Open Day.  These all can be a distraction to core business - academics.  I encourage all families and the boys especially, to work collaboratively with our highly committed staff in preparing for the end of Semester 1 so that each and every boy is given the best opportunity to make the most of his talents. Hopefully very, very few students will be looking at their school report and thinking “If only I’d …”.

A very important element in helping the boys to achieve is what we expect. Expectations exert a tremendous influence on what each boy is able to achieve. Research urges teachers and students to set their sights high – and mean it.  The result will be improved student learning.

Just about every school, teacher and parent says they hold high expectations for their children. However, what is said may not be truly believed - and it is the belief that moves the learner.

Having high expectations is not all that is needed for students to succeed. Teaching and learning are very complex. But high expectations, from the adults in their lives, are the launching pad, the base from which students can aim for the stars and, using their own abilities and efforts, achieve their learning mission.

Hopefully, we will be able to emphasise to our boys the importance of having high expectations of themselves, especially in the ways in which we demonstrate our own expectations of ourselves.

As adults, whatever we want our boys to be, we have to demonstrate it to them and be successful role models for them, so they can see the benefits of what it is we are leading them to be. If we abdicate leadership, we deprive our boys of guidance and create opportunities for perhaps less desirable influences to enter their lives; all the more reason for us to be upfront leaders and role models.

If we are adults who lead, we can create opportunities for our boys to thrive. We should never be apologetic about demanding high standards. Our students need us to set standards and clearly define boundaries where there is freedom for them to make positive choices about their intended achievements and their social responsibilities. We assume leadership in this area, because we are more experienced, knowledgeable and wise. To be successful in this area, we need to be relaxed, warm and accepting whilst still being firm and insistent.

Mr David Johnston

Deputy Principal

Resurexit Sicut Dixit - He has risen just as he said

We gather today around this flame that symbolises the presence of the Risen Christ. Just as the flame dispels the darkness of the night, so the light of Christ shines in our darkness, bringing hope and peace.

Welcome back to Term 2 and the Season of Easter.  I hope the Easter holidays were enjoyable and restorative. Restorative is the key word for this season of Easter.  Jesus is restored to life and the world is restored to proper order in union with God.  Resurrection, rejoicing and reconciliation all in the one act of Easter; a powerful thought. 

The New Testament greek word for resurrection is anastasis (ana meaning the opposite of and stasis a state of inaction or absence of life).  Our life is full of little anastases, periods of seeming nothingness where little happens and we yearn for action, for more, for a sense of the presence of God in our lives;  and then something happens, we meet a friend we haven’t seen for a while, a letter or a greeting, an accomplishment at work or in the life of a loved one, a holiday, a social interaction which brings joy and complementarity.  With each little “resurrection”  or restoration we are touched by the risen Christ and our lives are made fuller, closer to the completeness we all journey towards.  In this season of Easter, I pray for the grace to be joyful and thankful for all these little points of restoration along the journey.

CHRIST YESTERDAY AND TODAY

Christ yesterday and today, the beginning and the end.

Alpha and Omega, all time belongs to Christ and all the ages.

To him be glory and power through every age for ever.

May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds. 

Christ our Light!  Thanks be to God!

Mr Stephen Meara 

Dean of Identity

It was great to see the boys return on Tuesday looking so fantastic in the College formal uniform and I thank parents for their commitment in ensuring their sons returned prepared for the first day of Term 2.

It will be compulsory from the beginning of Week 3 for boys to wear their blazers to and from school, during PC class and at College Assemblies. There will be a focus on wearing our uniform well, and on the little things (black shoes, black belts, ties done up properly, top button of shirt done up, etc.). The boys know one of my absolute pet hates is anyone wearing navy College trousers with white socks, this looks silly and is inappropriate. While “Happy Socks” add a touch of colour to everyone’s day, they are not appropriate with the College formal uniform.

History of our college Blazer

Our College blazer was first worn around 100 years ago, but only by the 1st XI in the true English tradition of cricket. Later our blue and white blazer was only worn by boys who had been awarded some honour, such as being a Dux, College Prefect or those selected in a top team for sport. That is, for most of the College’s history, the blazer we wear every day with the blue and white stripes was officially an ‘honour’ blazer.  Most boys at Nudgee College ‘back in the day’ wore a navy suit during formal occasions. By the mid-90s it was decided that all Nudgee College boys would wear the blue and white striped blazer. This really lifted the look of our overall uniform. Worn properly, we look fantastic, and I have always felt wearing our uniform gives boys great confidence, and connects them deeply to their wonderful school.

Free labelling for College Blazers

At the student office, we receive a large amount of lost property items.  During Term 2 and 3, this unfortunately includes an increasing number of College Blazers.  The College Laundry offers a free labelling service for all College Blazers with a very fast turn-around.  We encourage ALL parents to make use of this wonderful service during the early weeks of Term 2 before the compulsory daily wearing of the College Blazer.

Lost Property Process

Contact:  Karin Van Wirdum

3865 0338 or students@nudgee.qld.edu.au

When we receive items in the student office, we will endeavour to find the owner.

Named items: An email will go out to the student and parents letting them know that we have received their lost item, asking for them to collect during morning tea or lunch.  Students need to check their emails regularly. Items are then placed in the relevant house box for the students to collect. Every Thursday the boxes are sent to house assembly and House Deans will hand out any items that have not been collected.

Unnamed items: Items such as Clothing, hats, bags, shoes and sports gear are placed in several bins in the student office and made accessible to students to look through, during break times only.

Phones, watches, wallets, glasses and other small items are placed in a secure place for a student to collect from administration staff.

All unnamed items will remain at the student office for the period of one term and then be passed onto charity.

We urge parents and students to assist us by doing the following:

• Name all items clearly: All items your son brings to school should be named clearly with full name and house name
• check these names regularly to ensure they are still visible
• Place items in lockers when not in use
• Do not leave items unattended

Students are also required to take responsibility for their lost items by having a good look around the whole school when an item is lost.

Mr Peter Todd

Dean of Students

Parent and Teacher Conferences

Welcome back to Term 2. We began the year with a well-patronised parent and teacher interview day. We successfully ran a hybrid model with Google Meet interviews during the day and face-to-face meetings in the afternoon. We chose this format in response to parent survey data after last year’s online event. We’ll seek your feedback again and continue to improve the process, especially in light of the relaxation of COVID-19 safe protocols. If you were unable to secure an appointment, please email teachers in the first instance via parent lounge. Understand it may take until the next day to receive a response as teachers are often in front of class and not responding to email.

Learning@home

Thank you for your flexibility and support in responding to the shutdown at the end of Term 1. We appreciate the effort in aiding the boys to continue learning when many other schools closed. The experience not only provided your son with a learning opportunity, but also control in an uncertain situation. The experience also primes the College to respond if COVID-19 shutdowns become a feature as we move forward. I pray they don’t.

Examinations 

Several events were disrupted by the changes to the end of last term. The boys have responded well to the rescheduled exams this week. I congratulate them on their efforts to prepare during the holidays. Other deferred events, such as an assignment, may also be adjusted if required. Heads of Faculty will determine any needs. We will minimise any changes and teachers will communicate with boys. I encourage boys to continue as planned under the guidance of their teacher and to remain open to continuous learning.

NAPLAN

Years 5, 7 and 9 students will complete NAPLAN tests commencing Tuesday 11 May. Detailed information about preparations and the administration of the tests will be provided over the next two weeks by Ms Nalatie Webber, who leads the program. NAPLAN is a valuable diagnostic tool we use to inform our learning and teaching.

Senior Unit Changes

As many parents of Year 11 and Year 12 will know the unit structure for subjects doesn’t align with the end of each term. Year 11 students are working towards completing their second formative internal assessment (FIA2) whilst Year 12 is similarly working towards completing their second summative internal assessment (IA2).

There will be significant pieces of assessment due for applied and general subjects over Weeks 3 and 4 of Term 2. Students completing VET courses continue to work towards competencies. Year 11 Unit Two and Year 12 Unit Four will be underway by the end of Week 4.

We will conduct an analysis of results and flag any concerns with families. Anyone in Year 11 wishing to discuss a subject or pathway change at the end of their unit should contact the Learning and Teaching Office: lnt@nudgee.qld.edu.au

Mr Jason Sepetauc

Dean of Learning and Teaching

Year 10 English, Literature and Essential English Incursion (Performance of Romeo & Juliet by Shake & Stir Theatre Company)

Throughout Term 2, many of our Year 10 students are studying a Shakespearean play. In the Year 10 English course, the focal text is Romeo and Juliet and in the Year 10 Literature course, the focal text is The Merchant of Venice. To ease our boys into their studies of a Shakespearean play, we invited the Shake & Stir Theatre Company into the College to perform a modernised version of Romeo & Juliet. Throughout the performance the reactions from our boys were a tell-tale sign that they were engaged and appreciated the opportunity to be entertained by live theatre. Thank you gentlemen for your exceptional behaviour throughout this incursion and we wish you well as you embark on your Term 2 studies of Romeo and Juliet and The Merchant of Venice.

Mr Dayne Tracey

Head of Faculty - English & Languages

This year the current Year 11 and 12 students will be accessing work experience from 7 - 11 June for Year 12's and 6 - 10 September for Year 11. We are asking families and the local community if they can support the Nudgee College students by becoming a host employer and engage a student for either one or two of the weeks listed above. 

Click here to find out more. 

Welcome back and I hope that you enjoyed a Happy Easter.  I hope that all families had a wonderful time as they reunited with their boys upon return from Nudgee Boarding.  It was certainly a disrupted end to the term, however I wish to thank the entire community for supporting one another on that Monday. We had so many parents offering to assist by any means necessary….true community at work. I would publicly like to thank the Heads of Boarding Houses - Casey Brealy, Jeff Campbell, Graham Moore and Alex O’Regan - for their amazing leadership on this day.

This term we have a number of exciting events on the Nudgee College calendar and to assist with your planning, I have detailed some of these below:

Week 1

• Friday 23 April - Anzac Day Ceremony
• Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 April - Compulsory Boarders Weekend-in
• Monday 26 April - Public Holiday (Anzac Day)

Week 2

• Sunday 2 May - Year 12 Mother and Son Luncheon

Week 3

• Monday 3 May - Public Holiday
• Wednesday 5 May - Blessed Edmund Rice Feast Day
• Friday 7 May - Junior School Mother’s Day Gathering
• Sunday 9 May - Mother’s Day

Week 4

• Monday 10 to Friday 14 May - Inter-house Chess Competition
• Friday 14 May - House Charities Free Dress Day

Week 5 “National Boarding Week”

• Thursday 20 May - Year 9 Emmaus Retreat
• Friday 21 May - Boarding Evening on the Green (More information to follow in a flyer)
• Saturday 22 May - Open Day & Boarders Exit Weekend

Week 6

• Monday 24 to Friday 30 May - National Reconciliation Week

Week 7

• Tuesday 1 to Thursday 3 June - Da Vinci Decathlon
• Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 June - College Musical

Week 9

• Friday 18 June - The Walk for Edmund; 
• Term 2 Ends at 2.55pm

A New Beginning

I wanted to publicly thank our wonderful nurse managers Jenny Jordan and Glenda Elliott for their tireless work over the holidays in relocating our Health Centre back to the heart of the school. This facility is brand new and is certainly a leader in providing 24-hour care to our boarders. The new Health Centre is located from the Edmund Rice Mall, near the Learning centre.

ANZAC Day

It was such a shame that Nudgee College boarders were not able to partake in the ANZAC Day dawn service march at Sandgate this year. Due to Covid Restrictions and adjustments to timing, we were unable to be present at the Dawn Service at Sandgate. Despite this, we once again will celebrate a truly moving service on Friday within the Ross Oval precinct. This presents an opportunity for our boys to reflect on the College’s history by honouring the courage and sacrifice of Old Boys who lost their lives in service of their country.

Back into Routine

It was so pleasing to see so many smiling faces back into the Village on Monday afternoon/evening. Young men that were fresh from a well-earned break and keen to reacquaint themselves with the staff and their boarding mates. The realisation hit on Tuesday about the importance of hitting the ground running. Due to the early finish last term, the vast majority of our students are straight into some form of assessment this week. There have been countless studies undertaken in recent years about the importance of structure and routine in the development of young men.

The boarding staff are continuing to provide that layer of support to the boys within study time. We welcome Mr Tom Hughes into a new role of Boarding Academic Manager. Tom has been instrumental in recent times in enhancing the online masterclasses and our Reach for the Stars program. We look forward to pushing the boys to ensure that they get full use of the academic advantage that boarding provides. Mr Fullagar spoke about “Making every lesson count” on Tuesday’s assembly - and this is a foundational mindset that our boys must take into every lesson…...as I am sure that the teachers at Parent Teacher interviews suggested!

Winter Sports

We welcome some normality with a return to crowds for our winter sports. “You play you stay” has been a mantra within the College for many years now. Students need to ensure their standards of dress are of the highest quality.

Nudgee Hoodies or tracksuit on the way to games (if weather expects) along with Nudgee cap. If they are staying to watch the firsts - boys are expected to wear their full formal uniform...so need to be organised.

Best of luck to our Firsts representatives for Tennis and Football. We wish these men all the very best, but also those members of our community that made them better players by continually training hard and pushing them:

Football First XI

• Sam Klein
• Dylan Meinicke
• Aiden Dohnalek
• Flynn Faulkner
• Jhairah Taylor
• George Earwicker

First IV Tennis

• Ben Forbes
• Luke Doig

Mr Sean Toovey

Dean of Boarding

Cross Country

Excited to be running on their home ground, 87 Nudgee Cross Country runners made their way to the start line down at the Flats on before the end of Term 1. With the sun shining brightly, the Flats glowing brilliantly and 7 schools worth of Cross Country runners warming up determinedly, we knew the second GPS XC Lead-up Meet was going to be an incredible one! Incorporating soft grass, a muddy hill, a dirt track and yet another hill, our home course was certainly going to test all of the Cross Country runners. Our 11s, 12s, 13s, 16s and Opens were the first set of races for the afternoon. Flying with incredible speed, Rocco Croucamp (11), Rhys Griffiths (12), Michael Donovan (12), Alex Smith (13), Lachlan Cook (13), Will Morrow (16), Vice Captain Leo Fairley (O) and Captain Malachi Tuck (0) were the first few runners over the finish line for Nudgee. In our second set of events, including 10s, 14s and 15s, Archie Dean (10), Ned Curran (14) and Harry Waldron (15) topped the list of Nudgee runners. Ned Curran was, in fact, the first 14 year old runner over the finish line in his age group with a time of 13:57 on our particularly challenging course! Overall, a fantastic afternoon was had by all and our Nudgee men represented the College magnificently. A very sincere thank you to all of our coaches, teacher helpers and parents who gave up their time to assist with this successful event.

Ms Jaimee Trembearth

Cross Country Director

Banyo Nundah Youth Ministry

The Banyo Nundah Youth Group is inviting all primary and high school aged kids to come along to our sessions to chill, eat food, have fun, meet new people and learn about life! Join us on Sunday 2 May after Youth Mass at Corpus Christi Church (65 Bage St, Nundah) from 10:30-11:30am and on Sunday 16 May at St Pius school hall Apperley St, Banyo.
Follow us on instagram: @thevoicebnyg and on facebook: The Voice Banyo Nundah Youth Group.