Acting Principal
Welcome back to Term 2. Whilst the end of the semester might seem like 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 boy is given the best opportunity to make the most of his talents. Hopefully very few students will be looking at their school report and be 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 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.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Thank you to the record number of parents who attended the parent-teacher conferences on Tuesday. It is imperative that parents and teachers work as a team, setting high expectations as highlighted above, supporting the academic development and progress of all the boys at Nudgee College. These interviews form a vital part of this partnership.
Due to the high number of requests, some parent interviews could not be met. These parents were given the opportunity to be contacted. Teachers are committed to contacting these families within the first two weeks of the term. If you have not been contacted within this time, please email Learning and Teaching and they will do the necessary follow up.
ANZAC DAY
Our students and staff will be involved in a number of ANZAC Day memorials over the next few days. We will have the school ceremony tomorrow (Friday) and Monday there will be several Nudgee College boarders and boarding staff attending the Sandgate ANZAC Day Service, carrying photos of fallen Old Boys.
The Friday service has always been a calendar highlight for me. A memorable service occurred in 2020. The special guest speaker for the ceremony was Lieutenant BJ Glover (NCOB 2004), who during his time at Nudgee College was selected to represent the state in Rowing.
Lieutenant Glover spoke of the particular significance of this ANZAC Day, as in addition to it being the Gallipoli Centenary, it also marked the 10 year anniversary since he joined the Royal Australian Navy.
Here is a snippet of his speech from that day:
“At Gallipoli so many years ago, those young men and women found out what it is to be an Australian. Our vast dry country with its harsh beauty, open skies and tiny population helps shape healthy, confident, competitive and freedom-loving individuals who; with good leadership and high motivation, can more than match the best people in the world in whatever they do.
I believe this is why Australians come together every ANZAC day. We do it to remember the ANZACs and their achievements, and we should remember them not as old soldiers from a forgotten war, but as the young Australians, they were in 1915. We must celebrate their triumph over great adversity.”
FOOTBALL & TENNIS SEASON BEGINS
We will warmly welcome the members of The Southport School community to Nudgee College for the commencement of the 2022 football competition on Saturday. After the disruptions of the previous two seasons, it will be a pleasure to see the return of our supporters and to see such a large number of students engaging in the term’s weekend sport. It promises to be an exciting day of sport, a day that should bring out the very best in both schools.
Great skill, terrific teamwork, wholesome sportsmanship and deeply ingrained school spirit are on show in every game and match play. Through GPS sports and activities, we have been sharing in the Spirit of Fellowship for over 100 years with our fellow GPS schools. The College is grateful for the significant efforts of all parents, coaches, students, match officials, ancillary staff and support groups who together have made this season happen.
Mr David Johnston
Acting Principal